Mid-America Apartments 10-Q 1 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 28, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'MAA	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MID AMERICA APARTMENT COMMUNITIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000912595	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	75,194,824
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Public Float	$5,492,980,651	'
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MID-AMERICA APARTMENTS, L.P.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001581776	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'

MAA_Condensed_Consolidated_Bal

MAA Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Land	$877,368	$871,316
Buildings and improvements	6,602,860	6,366,701
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	206,877	199,573
Capital improvements in progress	84,502	166,048
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	7,771,607	7,603,638
Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation	-1,258,554	-1,124,207
Real Estate Investment Property, Net	6,513,053	6,479,431
Land Available for Development	59,195	63,850
Commercial properties, net	8,285	7,523
Investments in real estate joint ventures	3,295	5,499
Real estate assets, net	6,583,828	6,556,303
Cash and cash equivalents	26,318	89,333
Restricted cash	64,683	44,361
Deferred financing costs, net	18,262	17,424
Other assets	51,789	91,637
Goodwill	4,106	4,106
Real Estate Held-for-sale	34,135	38,761
Total assets	6,783,121	6,841,925
Liabilities:	'	'
Secured notes payable	1,563,014	1,790,935
Unsecured notes payable	1,912,399	1,681,783
Accounts payable	15,297	15,067
Fair market value of interest rate swaps	17,997	20,015
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	201,997	206,190
Security deposits	9,808	9,270
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	0	78
Total liabilities	3,720,512	3,723,338
Redeemable stock	5,407	5,050
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	751	747
Additional paid-in capital	3,613,221	3,599,549
Accumulated distributions in excess of net income	-717,642	-653,593
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income , Net of Tax	-1,395	108
Total MAA shareholders' equity	2,894,935	2,946,811
Noncontrolling interest	162,267	166,726
Total equity	3,057,202	3,113,537
Total liabilities and equity	$6,783,121	$6,841,925
Redeemable stock, shares issued and outstanding	82,511	83,139

MAALP_Condensed_Consolidated_B

MAALP Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Limited Partner [Member], USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Land	$877,368,000	$871,316,000
Buildings and improvements	6,602,860,000	6,366,701,000
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	206,877,000	199,573,000
Capital improvements in progress	84,502,000	166,048,000
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	7,771,607,000	7,603,638,000
Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation	-1,258,554,000	-1,124,207,000
Real Estate Investment Property, Net	6,513,053,000	6,479,431,000
Land Available for Development	59,195,000	63,850,000
Commercial properties, net	8,285,000	7,523,000
Investments in real estate joint ventures	3,295,000	5,499,000
Real estate assets, net	6,583,828,000	6,556,303,000
Cash and cash equivalents	26,318,000	89,333,000
Restricted cash	64,683,000	44,361,000
Deferred financing costs, net	18,262,000	17,424,000
Other assets	51,789,000	91,637,000
Goodwill	4,106,000	4,106,000
Real Estate Held-for-sale	34,135,000	38,761,000
Total assets	6,783,121,000	6,841,925,000
Liabilities:	'	'
Secured notes payable	1,563,014,000	1,790,935,000
Unsecured notes payable	1,912,399,000	1,681,783,000
Accounts payable	15,297,000	15,067,000
Fair market value of interest rate swaps	17,997,000	20,015,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	201,997,000	206,190,000
Security Deposit Liability	9,808,000	9,270,000
Due to Related Parties, Current	19,000	19,000
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	0	78,000
Total liabilities	3,720,531,000	3,723,357,000
Redeemable stock	5,407,000	5,050,000
Capital [Abstract]	'	'
General Partners' Capital Account	2,896,253,000	2,946,598,000
Limited Partners' Capital Account	162,346,000	166,746,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income , Net of Tax	-1,416,000	174,000
Total Capital	3,057,183,000	3,113,518,000
Total Liabilities and Capital	$6,783,121,000	$6,841,925,000
Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding	82,511	83,139

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Parent Company [Member]	Parent Company [Member]	Limited Partner [Member]	Limited Partner [Member]
Common stock, par value per share	$0.01	$0.01	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000	'	'
Common stock, shares issued	75,194,807	74,830,726	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	75,194,807	74,830,726	'	'
General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	'	'	75,194,807	74,830,726
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	'	'	4,207,126	4,227,384

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental revenues	$222,610	$121,128	$443,598	$238,833
Other property revenues	21,883	10,531	44,285	20,569
Total property revenues	244,493	131,659	487,883	259,402
Management fee income	61	142	158	319
Total operating revenues	244,554	131,801	488,041	259,721
Property operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Personnel	25,183	14,421	50,092	28,402
Building repairs and maintenance	7,184	3,874	13,583	7,003
Real estate taxes and insurance	30,686	15,958	61,817	31,446
Utilities	13,182	6,829	26,660	13,394
Landscaping	5,981	2,835	11,389	5,701
Other operating	15,406	8,904	31,444	17,396
Depreciation and amortization	69,631	32,222	159,644	64,417
Total property operating expenses	167,253	85,043	354,629	167,759
Acquisition expenses	947	489	958	499
Property management expenses	9,579	5,223	16,590	10,331
General and administrative expenses	5,212	3,389	9,554	6,628
Merger related expenses	795	5,737	2,871	5,737
Integration related expenses	3,151	0	6,993	0
Income from continuing operations before non-operating items	57,617	31,920	96,446	68,767
Interest and other non-property income	921	23	1,081	70
Interest expense	-30,163	-15,189	-60,839	-30,734
Loss on debt extinguishment/modification	0	0	0	-169
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-1,174	-803	-2,485	-1,607
Net casualty (loss) gain and other settlement proceeds	-295	439	-305	455
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	26,906	16,390	33,898	36,782
Income Tax Expense	-523	-223	-793	-446
Income from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments	26,383	16,167	33,105	36,336
Gain from real estate joint ventures	2,919	47	2,895	101
Income from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	29,302	16,214	36,000	36,437
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	449	1,697	865	3,479
Net casualty loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	-1	-4	-3	-4
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	43,121	5,481	43,121
Income before Gain or Loss on Sale of Properties, and Extraordinary Items	29,750	61,028	42,343	83,033
Gain on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	3,658	0	6,222	0
(Loss) Gain on Disposition of Other Assets	-22	0	535	0
Consolidated net income	33,386	61,028	49,100	83,033
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,773	1,939	2,621	2,764
Net income available for MAA common shareholders	31,613	59,089	46,479	80,269
Earnings per common share - basic:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders	$0.42	$0.37	$0.54	$0.82
Discontinued property operations	$0	$1.01	$0.08	$1.07
Net income available for common shareholders	$0.42	$1.38	$0.62	$1.89
Earnings per share - diluted:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders	$0.42	$0.36	$0.54	$0.82
Discontinued property operations	$0	$1.01	$0.08	$1.05
Net income available for common shareholders	$0.42	$1.37	$0.62	$1.87
Dividends declared per common share	$0.73	$0.70	$1.46	$1.39
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	'	'	$1.46	$1.39
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental revenues	222,610	121,128	443,598	238,833
Other property revenues	21,883	10,531	44,285	20,569
Total property revenues	244,493	131,659	487,883	259,402
Management fee income	61	142	158	319
Total operating revenues	244,554	131,801	488,041	259,721
Property operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Personnel	25,183	14,421	50,092	28,402
Building repairs and maintenance	7,184	3,874	13,583	7,003
Real estate taxes and insurance	30,686	15,958	61,817	31,446
Utilities	13,182	6,829	26,660	13,394
Landscaping	5,981	2,835	11,389	5,701
Other operating	15,406	8,904	31,444	17,396
Depreciation and amortization	69,631	32,222	159,644	64,417
Total property operating expenses	167,253	85,043	354,629	167,759
Acquisition expenses	947	489	958	499
Property management expenses	9,579	5,223	16,590	10,331
General and administrative expenses	5,212	3,389	9,554	6,628
Merger related expenses	795	5,737	2,871	5,737
Integration related expenses	3,151	0	6,993	0
Income from continuing operations before non-operating items	57,617	31,920	96,446	68,767
Interest and other non-property income	921	23	1,081	70
Interest expense	-30,163	-15,189	-60,839	-30,734
Loss on debt extinguishment/modification	0	0	0	-169
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-1,174	-803	-2,485	-1,607
Net casualty (loss) gain and other settlement proceeds	-295	439	-305	455
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	26,906	16,390	33,898	36,782
Income Tax Expense	-523	-223	-793	-446
Income from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments	26,383	16,167	33,105	36,336
Gain from real estate joint ventures	2,919	47	2,895	101
Income from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	29,302	16,214	36,000	36,437
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	449	1,511	865	3,081
Net casualty loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	-1	-4	-3	-4
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	31,779	5,481	31,779
Income before Gain or Loss on Sale of Properties, and Extraordinary Items	29,750	49,500	42,343	71,293
Gain on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	3,658	0	6,222	0
(Loss) Gain on Disposition of Other Assets	-22	0	535	0
Consolidated net income	33,386	49,500	49,100	71,293
Net Income Available to Common Unitholders, Basic	$33,386	$49,500	$49,100	$71,293
Earnings per common share - basic:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders	$0.42	$0.36	$0.54	$0.82
Discontinued property operations	$0	$0.75	$0.08	$0.79
Net income available for common shareholders	$0.42	$1.11	$0.62	$1.61
Earnings per share - diluted:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders	$0.42	$0.36	$0.54	$0.82
Discontinued property operations	$0	$0.75	$0.08	$0.79
Net income available for common shareholders	$0.42	$1.11	$0.62	$1.61
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	$0.73	$0.70	$1.46	$1.39

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Consolidated net income	$33,386	$61,028	$49,100	$83,033
Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Income Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	-7,403	12,105	-8,400	11,926
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	3,085	3,932	6,810	8,477
Total comprehensive income	29,068	77,065	47,510	103,436
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-1,542	-2,442	-2,534	-3,445
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	27,526	74,623	44,976	99,991
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'	'	'
Consolidated net income	33,386	49,500	49,100	71,293
Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Income Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	-7,403	12,105	-8,400	11,926
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	3,085	3,932	6,810	8,477
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$29,068	$65,537	$47,510	$91,696

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Consolidated net income	$49,100	$83,033
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net	-12	-20
Depreciation and amortization	162,099	68,236
Stock compensation expense	2,045	1,171
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	9,544	0
Redeemable stock issued	507	377
Amortization of debt premium	-14,648	-505
Gain from investments in real estate joint ventures	-2,878	-101
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt, Including Discontinued Operations	0	169
Derivative interest expense	402	484
Gain on Sale of Derivatives	-3,625	0
Gain on Sale of Non-Depreciable Assets	-535	0
Gain on sale of depreciable assets	-6,222	0
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	-5,481	-43,121
Net casualty loss (gain) and other settlement proceeds	308	-451
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	21,318	-279
Other assets	11,134	-3,176
Accounts payable	229	5,527
Accrued expenses and other	594	-2,239
Security deposits	526	277
Net cash provided by operating activities	224,405	109,382
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of real estate and other assets	-166,388	-89,871
Improvements to existing real estate assets	-43,176	-22,494
Construction Capital and Other Improvements	-3,420	-2,137
Renovations to Existing Real Estate Assets	-5,901	-5,112
Development	-29,393	-20,816
Distributions from real estate joint ventures	11,541	8,197
Contributions to real estate joint ventures	0	-183
Proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	125,640	73,089
Funding of escrow for future acquisitions	-41,640	-11,902
Net cash used in investing activities	-152,737	-71,229
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net change in credit lines	-181,183	2,000
Proceeds from Notes Payable	396,180	0
Principal payments on notes payable	-230,952	-2,799
Payment of deferred financing costs	-3,395	-426
Repurchase of common stock	-336	-673
Proceeds from issuances of common shares	575	24,968
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-6,158	-2,391
Dividends paid on common shares	-109,414	-59,115
Net cash used in financing activities	-134,683	-38,436
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-63,015	-283
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	89,333	9,075
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	26,318	8,792
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	75,818	33,610
Income Taxes Paid	803	1,596
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Conversion of units to shares of common stock	799	444
Accrued construction in progress	8,458	7,126
Interest capitalized	850	872
Marked-to-market adjustment on derivative instruments	1,633	19,916
Fair value adjustment on debt assumed	1,651	704
Notes Assumed	31,692	18,293
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Consolidated net income	49,100	71,293
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net	-12	-20
Depreciation and amortization	162,099	68,001
Stock compensation expense	2,045	1,171
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	9,544	0
Redeemable stock issued	507	377
Amortization of debt premium	-14,648	-505
Gain from investments in real estate joint ventures	-2,878	-101
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt, Including Discontinued Operations	0	169
Derivative interest expense	402	465
Gain on Sale of Derivatives	-3,625	0
Gain on Sale of Non-Depreciable Assets	-535	0
Gain on sale of depreciable assets	-6,222	0
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	-5,481	-31,779
Net casualty loss (gain) and other settlement proceeds	308	-451
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	21,318	-278
Other assets	11,134	-2,076
Accounts payable	229	5,552
Accrued expenses and other	594	-4,483
Security deposits	526	296
Net cash provided by operating activities	224,405	107,631
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of real estate and other assets	-166,388	-89,871
Improvements to existing real estate assets	-43,176	-22,383
Construction Capital and Other Improvements	-3,420	-2,137
Renovations to Existing Real Estate Assets	-5,901	-5,112
Development	-29,393	-20,816
Distributions from real estate joint ventures	11,541	8,197
Contributions to real estate joint ventures	0	-183
Proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	125,640	56,386
Funding of escrow for future acquisitions	-41,640	-11,902
Net cash used in investing activities	-152,737	-87,821
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Advances from General Partner	0	18,021
Net change in credit lines	-181,183	2,000
Proceeds from Notes Payable	396,180	0
Principal payments on notes payable	-230,952	-2,799
Payment of deferred financing costs	-3,395	-426
Payments for Repurchase of Common Units	-336	-673
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units	575	24,969
Distributions Paid on Common Units	-115,572	-61,044
Net cash used in financing activities	-134,683	-19,952
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-63,015	-142
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	89,333	8,934
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	26,318	8,792
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	75,818	33,610
Income Taxes Paid	803	1,596
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Accrued construction in progress	8,458	7,126
Interest capitalized	850	872
Marked-to-market adjustment on derivative instruments	1,633	19,916
Fair value adjustment on debt assumed	1,651	704
Notes Assumed	$31,692	$18,293

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies
	Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "we," "us," "our," or the "Company" refer collectively to Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “MAA” refers only to Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., and not any of its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless the context otherwise requires, the references to the “Operating Partnership” or “MAALP” refer to Mid-America Apartments, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. “Common stock” refers to the common stock of MAA and “shareholders” means the holders of shares of MAA’s common stock. The limited partnership interests of the Operating Partnership are referred to as “OP Units” and the holders of the OP Units are referred to as “unitholders”.
	As of June 30, 2014, MAA owned 75,194,807 units (or approximately 94.7%) of the limited partnership interests of the Operating Partnership. MAA conducts substantially all of its business and holds substantially all of its assets through the Operating Partnership, and by virtue of its ownership of the OP Units and being the Operating Partnership's sole general partner, MAA has the ability to control all of the day-to-day operations of the Operating Partnership.
	We believe combining the notes to the consolidated financial statements results in the following benefits:
	•	enhances a readers' understanding of MAA and the Operating Partnership by enabling the reader to view the business as a whole in the same manner that management views and operates the business;
	•	eliminates duplicative disclosure and provides a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both MAA and the Operating Partnership.
	•	creates time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one combined report instead of two separate reports.
	Management operates MAA and the Operating Partnership as one business. The management of the Company is comprised of individuals who are officers of MAA and employees of the Operating Partnership. We believe it is important to understand the few differences between MAA and the Operating Partnership in the context of how MAA and the Operating Partnership operate as a consolidated company. MAA and the Operating Partnership are structured as an "umbrella partnership REIT," or UPREIT. MAA's interest in the Operating Partnership entitles MAA to share in cash distributions from, and in the profits and losses of, the Operating Partnership in proportion to MAA's percentage interest therein and entitles MAA to vote on substantially all matters requiring a vote of the limited partners. MAA's only material asset is its ownership of limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership; therefore, MAA does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, issuing public equity from time to time and guaranteeing certain debt of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds, directly or indirectly, all of our real estate assets. Except for net proceeds from public equity issuances by MAA, which are contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units, the Operating Partnership generates the capital required by our business through the Operating Partnership's operations, direct or indirect incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of partnership units.
	The presentation of MAA's shareholders' equity and the Operating Partnership's capital are the principal areas of difference between the consolidated financial statements of MAA and those of the Operating Partnership. MAA's shareholders' equity may include shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock, additional paid-in capital, cumulative earnings, cumulative distributions, noncontrolling interest, preferred units, treasury shares, accumulated other comprehensive income and redeemable common units. The Operating Partnership's capital may include common capital and preferred capital of the general partner (MAA), limited partners' preferred capital, limited partners' noncontrolling interest, accumulated other comprehensive income and redeemable common units. Redeemable common units represent the number of outstanding OP Units as of the date of the applicable balance sheet, valued for conversion at the greater of the closing market price of MAA's common stock or the aggregate value of the individual partners' capital balances. Holders of common units in the Operating Partnership (other than MAA and its entity affiliates) may require the Operating Partnership to redeem their common units, in which case the Operating Partnership may, at its option, pay the redemption price either in cash (in an amount per common unit equal, in general, to the average closing price of MAA’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, or “NYSE”, over a specified period of time prior to the redemption date) or by delivering one share of our common stock (subject to adjustment under specified circumstances) for each common unit so redeemed.
	On October 1, 2013, MAA acquired Colonial Properties Trust, or Colonial, when Colonial was merged with and into MAA, with MAA being the surviving entity of the merger, pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, which is referred to as the parent merger or the merger, and Martha Merger Sub, LP, or OP Merger Sub, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of MAALP, merged with and into Colonial Realty Limited Partnership, or Colonial LP, with Colonial LP being the surviving entity of the merger and becoming a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of MAALP, which is referred to as the partnership merger. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each Colonial common share was converted into the right to receive 0.36 of a newly issued share of MAA common stock. In addition, each limited partner interest in Colonial LP designated as a “Class A Unit” and a “Partnership Unit” under the limited partnership agreement of Colonial LP, which we refer to in this filing as Colonial LP units, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effectiveness of the partnership merger was converted into common units in MAALP at the 0.36 conversion rate. The net assets and results of operations of Colonial are included in our consolidated financial statements from the closing date, October 1, 2013 going forward.
	As of June 30, 2014, we owned and operated 269 apartment communities comprising 83,075 apartments located in 14 states principally through the Operating Partnership and we also owned an interest in the following unconsolidated real estate joint ventures:
		Percent Owned	Number of Units/Square Feet
	Multifamily:
	Mid-America Multifamily Fund II, LLC (Fund II)	33.33%	300	(1)
	Belterra	10.00%	288	(2)
	McKinney	25.00%	—	(3)
	Commercial:
	Land Title Building	33.30%	29,971
	(1) This joint venture is comprised of one apartment community.
	(2) This joint venture is not managed by MAA.
	(3) This joint venture consists of undeveloped land.
	As of June 30, 2014, we had two development communities under construction totaling 514 units, with no units completed. Total expected costs for the development projects are $72.0 million, of which $38.3 million has been incurred through June 30, 2014. We expect to complete construction on the two projects by the first quarter of 2015. Four of our multifamily properties include retail components with approximately 100,000 square feet of gross leasable area. We also have three wholly owned commercial properties, which we acquired through our merger with Colonial with approximately 287,000 square feet of gross leasable area, excluding tenant owned anchor stores, and one partially owned commercial property with approximately 30,000 square feet of gross leasable area.
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by our management in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. The consolidated financial statements of MAA presented herein include the accounts of MAA, the Operating Partnership, and all other subsidiaries in which MAA has a controlling financial interest. MAA owns approximately 95% to 100% of all consolidated subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements of MAALP presented herein include the accounts of MAALP and all other subsidiaries in which MAALP has a controlling financial interest. MAALP owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of all consolidated subsidiaries. In our opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included, and all such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We invest in entities which may qualify as variable interest entities, or VIE. A VIE is a legal entity in which the equity investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the power to direct the activities of a legal entity as well as the obligation to absorb its expected losses or the right to receive its expected residual returns. We consolidate all VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary and use the equity method to account for investments that qualify as VIEs but for which we are not the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including but not limited to, those activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and which party controls such activities.
	We use the equity method of accounting for our investments in entities for which we exercise significant influence, but do not have the ability to exercise control. These entities are not variable interest entities. The factors considered in determining that we do not have the ability to exercise control include ownership of voting interests and participatory rights of investors.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Business Combinations
	Merger of MAA and Colonial
	On October 1, 2013, MAA completed its merger with Colonial. As part of the merger, we acquired 115 wholly-owned apartment communities encompassing 34,370 units principally located in the Southeast and Southwest regions of the United States. In addition to the apartment communities, we also acquired four commercial properties totaling approximately 806,000 square feet. The additions have caused us to nearly double in size as a result of the merger. The net assets and results of operations of Colonial are included in our consolidated financial statements from the closing date, October 1, 2013, going forward.
	The total purchase price of approximately $2.2 billion was determined based on the number of Colonial shares and Colonial OP Units outstanding as of October 1, 2013. In all cases in which MAA’s stock price was a determining factor in arriving at final consideration for the merger, the stock price used to determine the purchase price was the opening price of MAA’s common stock on October 1, 2013 ($62.56 per share). The total purchase price includes $7.3 million of other consideration, a majority of which relates to assumed stock compensation plans. As a result of the merger, we issued approximately 31.9 million shares of MAA common stock and approximately 2.6 million OP units.
	The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 805, Business Combinations, which requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their acquisition date fair values.
	For larger, portfolio style acquisitions, like the merger, management engages a third party valuation specialist to assist with the fair value assessment, which includes an allocation of the purchase price. Similar to management's methods, the third party generally uses cash flow analysis as well as an income approach and a market approach to determine the fair value of assets acquired. The third party uses stabilized NOI and a market specific capitalization and discount rates. Management reviews the inputs used by the third party specialist as well as the allocation of the purchase price provided by the third party to ensure reasonableness and that the procedures are performed in accordance with management's policy. The allocation of the purchase price is based on management’s assessment, which may differ as more information becomes available. Subsequent adjustments made to the purchase price allocation, if any, are made within the allocation period, which typically does not exceed one year.
	The allocation of the purchase price described above requires a significant amount of judgment and represents the Company's best estimate of the fair value as of the acquisition date. The following purchase price allocation was based on our valuation as well as estimates and assumptions of the acquisition date fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While the current allocation of the purchase price is substantially complete, the valuation of the real estate properties and certain other assets and liabilities is in the process of being finalized. We do not expect future revisions, if any, to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
	Land	$	469,396
	Buildings and improvements	3,075,642
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	96,377
	Development and capital improvements in progress	113,368
	Undeveloped land	58,400
	Properties held for sale	33,300
	Lease intangible assets	57,946
	Cash and cash equivalents	63,454
	Restricted cash	6,825
	Deferred costs and other assets, excluding lease intangible assets	87,713
	Total assets acquired	4,062,421
	Notes payable	-1,759,550
	Fair market value of interest rate swaps	-14,961
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	-125,034
	Total liabilities assumed, including debt	(1,899,545		)
	Total purchase price	$	2,162,876
	We incurred merger and integration related expenses of $9.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. These amounts were expensed as incurred and are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the items titled Merger related expenses, primarily severance, legal, and professional costs and Integration related expenses, primarily related to temporary systems, staffing, and facilities costs.
	The allocation of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has changed from the allocation reported in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2014. The changes were based on information concerning the subject assets and liabilities that was not yet available at the time of the 10-K filing. These adjustments had no material impact on the results of operations.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_of_M

Earnings Per Common Share of MAA	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share of MAA [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	Earnings per Common Share of MAA
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.  All outstanding unvested restricted share awards contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders and, accordingly, are considered participating securities that are included in the two-class method of computing basic earnings per share. Both the unvested restricted shares and other potentially dilutive common shares, and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis with our diluted earnings per share being the more dilutive of the treasury stock or two-class methods.  Operating Partnership units are included in dilutive earnings per share calculations when they are dilutive to earnings per share. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, MAA's basic earnings per share is computed using the two-class method, and our diluted earnings per share is computed using the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or two-class method:
	(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	Three months ended June 30,								Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Shares Outstanding
	Weighted average common shares - basic	74,948				42,690				74,876				42,523
	Weighted average partnership units outstanding	—			(1)	—			(1)	—			(1)	1,711
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			(1)	—			(1)	162				60
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	74,948				42,690				75,038				44,294
	Calculation of Earnings per Share - basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	29,302			$	16,214			$	36,000			$	36,437
	Gain on sale of depreciable assets excluded from discontinued operations	3,658				—				6,222				—
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable assets	(22		)		—				535				—
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,749		)		(580		)		(2,283		)		(1,341		)
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(64		)		(14		)		—				(32		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	31,125			$	15,620			$	40,474			$	35,064
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	44,814			$	6,343			$	46,596
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(24		)		(1,359		)		(338		)		(1,423		)
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)		(39		)		(12		)		(42		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	423			$	43,416			$	5,993			$	45,131
	Weighted average common shares - basic	74,948				42,690				74,876				42,523
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.42			$	1.38			$	0.62			$	1.89
	Calculation of Earnings per Share - diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	29,302			$	16,214			$	36,000			$	36,437
	Gain on sale of depreciable assets excluded from discontinued operations	3,658				—				6,222				—
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable assets	(22		)		—				535				—
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,749		)	(1)	(623		)	(1)	(2,283		)	(1)	—
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(64		)	(1)	(14		)	(1)	—				—
	Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	31,125			$	15,577			$	40,474			$	36,437
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	44,814			$	6,343			$	46,596
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(24		)	(1)	(1,722		)	(1)	(338		)	(1)	—
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)	(1)	(39		)	(1)	—				—
	Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	423			$	43,053			$	6,005			$	46,596
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	74,948				42,690				75,038				44,294
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.42			$	1.37			$	0.62			$	1.87
	(1) Operating partnership units, other dilutive securities, and the related income with each are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they were not dilutive.

Earnings_Per_OP_Unit_of_MAALP

Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Unit [Text Block]	'
	Earnings per OP Unit of MAALP
	Basic earnings per OP Unit is computed by dividing net income available for common unitholders by the weighted average number of units outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested restricted share awards contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and participate in undistributed earnings with common unitholders and, accordingly, are considered participating securities that are included in the two-class method of computing basic earnings per OP unit. 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.
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per unit computations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is presented below:
	(dollars and units in thousands, except per unit amounts)	Three months ended June 30,								Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Units Outstanding
	Weighted average common units - basic	79,156				44,398				79,090			44,234
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			(1)	—			(1)	162			60
	Weighted average common units - diluted	79,156				44,398				79,252			44,294
	Calculation of Earnings per Unit - basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	29,302			$	16,214			$	36,000		$	36,437
	Gain on sale of depreciable assets excluded from discontinued operations	3,658				—				6,222			—
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable assets	(22		)		—				535			—
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(63		)		(14		)		(79		)	(32		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	32,875			$	16,200			$	42,678		$	36,405
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	33,286			$	6,343		$	34,856
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)		(29		)		—			—
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	447			$	33,257			$	6,343		$	34,856
	Weighted average common units - basic	79,156				44,398				79,090			44,234
	Earnings per unit - basic:	$	0.42			$	1.11			$	0.62		$	1.61
	Calculation of Earnings per Unit - diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	29,302			$	16,214			$	36,000		$	36,437
	Gain on sale of depreciable assets	3,658				—				6,222			—
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable assets	(22		)		—				535			—
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(63		)	(1)	(14		)	(1)	—			—
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	32,875			$	16,200			$	42,757		$	36,437
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	33,286			$	6,343		$	34,856
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)	(1)	(29		)	(1)	—			—
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	447			$	33,257			$	6,343		$	34,856
	Weighted average common units - diluted	79,156				44,398				79,252			44,294
	Earnings per unit - diluted:	$	0.42			$	1.11			$	0.62		$	1.61
	(1) Dilutive securities and the related income are not included in the diluted earnings per unit calculations as they were not dilutive.

MAA_Equity

MAA Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
MAA Equity [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Statements of Equity [Text Block]	'
	MAA Equity
	Total equity and its components for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share and per unit data):
		Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. Shareholders
		Common		Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stock		Paid-In			Distributions			Other			Interest			Equity
		Amount		Capital			in Excess of			Comprehensive
							Net Income			Income (Loss)
	EQUITY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013	$	747	$	3,599,549		$	(653,593	)	$	108		$	166,726		$	3,113,537
	Net income						46,479						2,621			49,100
	Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)									(1,503		)	(87		)	(1,590		)
	Issuance and registration of common shares	2		573												575
	Shares repurchased and retired	—		(336		)										(336		)
	Exercise of stock options	2		9,542												9,544
	Shares issued in exchange for units	—		799									(799		)	—
	Shares issued in exchange from redeemable stock			998												998
	Redeemable stock fair market value						(848		)							(848		)
	Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership			51									(51		)	—
	Amortization of unearned compensation			2,045												2,045
	Dividends on common stock ($1.46 per share)						(109,680		)				—			(109,680		)
	Dividends on noncontrolling interest units ($1.46 per unit)												(6,143		)	(6,143		)
	EQUITY BALANCE JUNE 30, 2014	$	751	$	3,613,221		$	(717,642	)	$	(1,395	)	$	162,267		$	3,057,202
		Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. Shareholders
		Common		Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stock		Paid-In			Distributions			Other			Interest			Equity
		Amount		Capital			in Excess of			Comprehensive
							Net Income			Income (Loss)
	EQUITY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2012	$	422	$	1,542,999		$	(603,315	)	$	(26,054	)	$	31,058		$	945,110
	Net income						80,269						2,764			83,033
	Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)									19,718			681			20,399
	Issuance and registration of common shares	4		24,965												24,969
	Shares repurchased and retired	—		(673		)										(673		)
	Shares issued in exchange for units	1		442									(443		)	—
	Redeemable stock fair market value						(431		)							(431		)
	Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership			186									(186		)	—
	Amortization of unearned compensation			1,171												1,171
	Dividends on common stock ($1.39 per share)						(59,407		)				—			(59,407		)
	Dividends on noncontrolling interest units ($1.39 per unit)												(2,374		)	(2,374		)
	EQUITY BALANCE JUNE 30, 2013	$	427	$	1,569,090		$	(582,884	)	$	(6,336	)	$	31,500		$	1,011,797

MAALP_Capital

MAALP Capital	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
MAALP Capital [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital [Text Block]	'
	MAALP Capital
	Total capital and its components for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands, except per unit data):
		Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unitholders
		Limited Partner			General Partner			Accumulated			Total Partnership Capital
								Other
								Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	CAPITAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013	$	166,746		$	2,946,598		$	174		$	3,113,518
	Net income	2,621			46,479						49,100
	Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)							(1,590		)	(1,590		)
	Issuance of units	—			575						575
	Units repurchased and retired				(336		)				(336		)
	Exercise of unit options				9,544						9,544
	General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	(799		)	799						—
	Units issued in exchange from redeemable units				998						998
	Redeemable units fair market value adjustment				(848		)				(848		)
	Adjustment for limited partners' capital at redemption value	(79		)	79						—
	Amortization of unearned compensation				2,045						2,045
	Distributions ($1.46 per unit)	(6,143		)	(109,680		)				(115,823		)
	CAPITAL BALANCE JUNE 30, 2014	$	162,346		$	2,896,253		$	(1,416	)	$	3,057,183
		Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unitholders
		Limited Partner			General Partner			Accumulated			Total Partnership Capital
								Other
								Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	CAPITAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2012	$	38,154		$	927,734		$	(26,881	)	$	939,007
	Net income	2,758			68,535						71,293
	Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)							20,381			20,381
	Issuance of units				24,969						24,969
	Units repurchased and retired				(673		)				(673		)
	General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	(443		)	443						—
	Redeemable units fair market value adjustment				(431		)				(431		)
	Adjustment for limited partners capital at redemption value	557			17,259						17,816
	Amortization of unearned compensation				1,171						1,171
	Distributions ($1.39 per unit)	(2,374		)	(59,407		)				(61,781		)
	CAPITAL BALANCE JUNE 30, 2013	$	38,652		$	979,600		$	(6,500	)	$	1,011,752

Borrowings

Borrowings	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	Borrowings
	On June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had total indebtedness of approximately $3.48 billion and $3.47 billion, respectively. Our indebtedness as of June 30, 2014 consisted of both conventional and tax exempt debt. Borrowings were made through individual property mortgages as well as company-wide credit facilities. We utilize both secured and unsecured debt.
	On August 7, 2013, our Operating Partnership entered into a $500 million unsecured revolving credit facility agreement with KeyBank National Association and thirteen other banks. This agreement amends our Operating Partnership's previous unsecured credit facility with KeyBank. Interest is paid using an investment grade pricing grid using LIBOR plus a spread of 0.90% to 1.70%, currently bearing interest at 1.10%. As of June 30, 2014, we had $35 million borrowed under this facility.
	On October 16, 2013, MAALP issued $350 million in aggregate principal amount of notes, maturing on October 15, 2023 with an interest rate of 4.3% per annum (the "2023 Notes"). The purchase price paid by the initial purchasers was 99.047% of the principal amount. The 2023 Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of MAALP and rank equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of MAALP. Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on April 15, 2014. The net proceeds from the offering after deducting the original issue discount of approximately $3.3 million and underwriting commissions and expenses of approximately $2.3 million was approximately $344.4 million. The 2023 Notes have been reflected net of discount in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company also entered into three forward swaps related to the bond financing totaling $150 million, which resulted in a total effective interest rate of 4.15%.
	On December 13, 2013, MAALP completed a series of exchange offers (the “Exchange Offers”) pursuant to which it exchanged $154.2 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Senior Notes due 2014, $169.2 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior Notes due 2015 and $68.1 million aggregate principal amount of 6.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (collectively, the “Existing Notes”) issued by Colonial Realty Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership and wholly owned subsidiary of MAALP, for $154.2 million aggregate principal amount of MAALP’s new 6.25% Senior Notes due 2014 (the “2014 Notes”), $169.1 million aggregate principal amount of MAALP’s new 5.50% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) and $68.1 million aggregate principal amount of MAALP’s new 6.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “2016 Notes” and together with the 2014 Notes and the 2015 Notes, the “Exchange Notes”), plus approximately $975,000 in cash.
	The Exchange Notes are senior unsecured obligations of MAALP and will rank equally in right of payment with all of MAALP’s other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. Interest on the 2014 Notes will accrue from, and including, December 15, 2013 and was payable on June 15, 2014, which was the maturity date for the 2014 Notes. Interest on the 2015 Notes will accrue from, and including, October 1, 2013 and will be payable semiannually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2014. Interest on the 2016 Notes accrued from, and including, September 1, 2013 and was paid on March 1, 2014. Interest payments will be payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on March 1, 2014. In certain circumstances described below MAALP may be required to pay additional interest on the Exchange Notes.
	All of the Existing Notes tendered into the Exchange Offers were cancelled in connection with the settlement of the Exchange Offers. In connection with the issuance and sale of the Exchange Notes, MAALP also entered into three separate registration rights agreements, each dated as of December 13, 2013, and each with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, the dealer manager in the Exchange Offers (the “Registration Rights Agreements”). Under the Registration Rights Agreements, MAALP agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to complete exchange offers registered under the Securities Act pursuant to which MAALP will offer to issue new exchange notes containing terms substantially similar in all material respects to the Exchange Notes (except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions or any increase in annual interest rate) in exchange for the Exchange Notes. MAALP also agreed, if it determines that a registered exchange offer is not available or specified other circumstances occur, to use commercially reasonable efforts to file and have become effective a shelf registration statement relating to resales of the Exchange Notes. MAALP would be obligated to pay additional interest of up to 0.50% per annum on the Exchange Notes if it had not completed the exchange offers within 270 days after the issue date of the Exchange Notes and in other specified circumstances. We completed the exchange within the 270 day window and did not incur the additional interest.
	On June 10, 2014, MAALP issued $400 million in aggregate principal amount of notes, maturing on June 15, 2024 with an interest rate of 3.75% per annum (the "2024 Notes"). The purchase price paid by the initial purchasers was 98.873% of the principal amount. The 2024 Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of MAALP and rank equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of MAALP. Interest on the 2024 Notes is payable on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2014. The net proceeds from the offering after deducting the original issue discount of approximately $4.5 million and underwriting commissions and expenses of approximately $2.6 million was approximately $392.9 million. The 2024 Notes have been reflected net of discount in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company also entered into five forward swaps related to the bond financing totaling $250 million, which resulted in a total effective interest rate of 3.98%.
	The Indenture under which the 2023 and 2024 notes were issued contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of MAALP and its subsidiaries to incur secured and unsecured indebtedness if not in pro forma compliance with the following negative covenants: (1) total leverage not to exceed 60% of adjusted total assets, (2) secured leverage not to exceed 40% of adjusted total assets and (3) a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50 to 1. In addition, MAALP is required to maintain at all times unencumbered consolidated total assets of not less than 150% of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding unsecured debt. At June 30, 2014, MAALP was in compliance with each of these financial covenants.
	We utilize interest rate swaps and interest rate caps to help manage our current and future interest rate risk and entered into 11 interest rate swaps and 6 interest rate caps as of June 30, 2014, representing notional amounts totaling $675.0 million and $165.0 million, respectively. We also held 14 non-designated interest rate caps with notional amounts totaling $90.3 million as of June 30, 2014.
	The following table summarizes our outstanding debt structure as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Borrowed		Effective		Contract
		Balance		Rate		Maturity
	Fixed Rate Secured Debt
	Individual property mortgages	$	1,101,194	4	%	5/13/19
	FNMA conventional credit facilities	50,000		4.7	%	3/31/17
	Credit facility balances with:
	LIBOR-based interest rate swaps	125,000		5.3	%	12/24/14
	Total fixed rate secured debt	$	1,276,194	4.2	%	11/6/18
	Variable Rate Secured Debt (1)
	FNMA conventional credit facilities	$	171,785	0.7	%	1/31/17
	FNMA tax-free credit facilities	87,858		0.9	%	7/22/31
	Freddie Mac mortgages	27,177		3.4	%	10/31/15
	Total variable rate secured debt	$	286,820	1	%	5/26/21
	Total Secured Debt	$	1,563,014	3.6	%	4/26/19
	Unsecured Debt
	Variable rate credit facility	$	35,000	1.3	%	8/7/17
	Term loans fixed with swaps	550,000		3.1	%	11/10/17
	Fixed rate senior bonds	1,327,399		4.5	%	12/3/21
	Total Unsecured Debt	$	1,912,399	4	%	9/3/20
	Total Outstanding Debt	$	3,475,413	3.8	%	9/29/19
	(1) Includes capped balances.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivatives and Hedging Activities
	Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
	We are exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of our debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, we enter into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future contractual and forecasted cash amounts, principally related to our borrowings, the value of which are determined by changing interest rates, related cash flows and other factors.
	Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
	Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we use interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up front premium.
	The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt and forecasted issuances of fixed-rate debt.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, we recorded ineffectiveness of $59,000 (increase to interest expense) and $22,000 (decrease to interest expense), respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, we recorded ineffectiveness of $63,000 (increase to interest expense) and $26,000 (decrease to interest expense), respectively, mainly attributable to a mismatch in the underlying indices of the derivatives and the hedged interest payments made on our variable-rate debt.
	Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives designated as qualifying cash flow hedges will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate or fixed-rate debt. During the next 12 months, we estimate that an additional $8.8 million will be reclassified to earnings as an increase to interest expense, which primarily represents the difference between our fixed interest rate swap payments and the projected variable interest rate swap payments.
	As of June 30, 2014, we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:
	Interest Rate Derivative		Number of Instruments		Notional
	Interest Rate Caps		6		$	165,000,000
	Interest Rate Swaps		11		$	675,000,000
	Non-Designated Hedges
	Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company's exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings and resulted in a loss of $59,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and a loss of $128,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014. We recorded a gain of $10,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and a loss of $3,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2013.
	As of June 30, 2014, we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were not designated as hedges:
	Interest Rate Derivative		Number of Instruments		Notional
	Interest rate caps		14		$	90,326,031
	Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet
	The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 and
	December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands)
			Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
					June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013					June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value			Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value
	Interest rate contracts		Other assets		$	132			$	396		Fair market value of interest rate swaps		$	17,997			$	20,015
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	132			$	396				$	17,997			$	20,015
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest rate contracts		Other assets		$	24			$	49				$	—			$	—
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments				$	24			$	49				$	—			$	—
	Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations
	The table below presents the effect of our derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
	Three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of								Location of Gain or	Amount of								Location of Gain or		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on
	Hedging Relationships		Gain or (Loss)								(Loss) Reclassified	Gain or (Loss)								(Loss) Recognized in		Derivative (Ineffective
			Recognized in								from Accumulated	Reclassified from								Income on Derivative		Portion and Amount
			OCI on Derivative								OCI into Income	Accumulated								(Ineffective Portion and		Excluded from
			(Effective Portion)								(Effective Portion)	OCI into Income								Amount Excluded from		Effectiveness Testing)
												(Effective Portion)								Effectiveness Testing)
	Three months ended June 30,		2014				2013					2014				2013						2014			2013
	Interest rate contracts		$	(7,403	)		$	12,105			Interest expense	$	(3,085	)		$	(3,932	)		Interest expense		$	(59	)	$	22
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships		$	(7,403	)		$	12,105				$	(3,085	)		$	(3,932	)				$	(59	)	$	22
	Six months ended June 30,
	Interest rate contracts		$	(8,400	)		$	11,926			Interest expense	$	(6,810	)		$	(8,477	)		Interest expense		$	(63	)	$	26
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships		$	(8,400	)		$	11,926				$	(6,810	)		$	(8,477	)				$	(63	)	$	26
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Three months ended June 30,																			Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income		2014			2013
	Interest rate contracts																			Interest expense		$	(59	)	$	10
	Total																					$	(59	)	$	10
	Six months ended June 30,
	Interest rate contracts																			Interest expense		$	(128	)	$	(3	)
	Total																					$	(128	)	$	(3	)
	Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
	As of June 30, 2014, derivatives that were in a net liability position and subject to credit-risk-related contingent features had a termination value of $19.6 million, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk. These derivatives had a fair value, gross of asset positions, of $18.0 million at June 30, 2014.
	Certain of our derivative contracts contain a provision where if we default on any of our indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative obligations. As of June 30, 2014, we had not breached the provisions of these agreements.  If we had breached these provisions, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $2.1 million.
	Certain of our derivative contracts contain a provision where we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to our default on the indebtedness. As of June 30, 2014, we had not breached the provisions of these agreements. If we had breached theses provisions, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at the termination value of $16.6 million.
	Certain of our derivative contracts are credit enhanced by either FNMA or Freddie Mac.  These derivative contracts require that our credit enhancing party maintain credit ratings above a certain level.  If our credit support providers were downgraded below Baa1 by Moody’s or BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s, or S&P, we may be required to either post 100 percent collateral or settle the obligations at their termination value of $3.1 million as of June 30, 2014.  Both FNMA and Freddie Mac are currently rated Aaa by Moody’s and AA+ by S&P, and therefore, the provisions of this agreement have not been breached, and no collateral has been posted related to these agreements as of June 30, 2014.
	Although our derivative contracts are subject to master netting arrangements, which serve as credit mitigants to both us and our counterparties under certain situations, we do not net our derivative fair values or any existing rights or obligations to cash collateral on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of our derivatives as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments above, which also provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (dollars in thousands):
	Offsetting of Derivative Assets
	As of June 30, 2014
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	156			$	—			$	156		$	—			$	—			$	156
Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
As of June 30, 2014
												Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Posted				Net Amount
Derivatives	$	17,997			$	—			$	17,997		$	—			$	—			$	17,997
Offsetting of Derivative Assets
As of December 31, 2013
												Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
Derivatives	$	444			$	—			$	444		$	—			$	—			$	444
Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
As of December 31, 2013
												Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Posted				Net Amount
Derivatives	$	20,015			$	—			$	20,015		$	—			$	—			$	20,015
Other Comprehensive Income
Our other comprehensive income consists entirely of gains and losses attributable to the effective portion of our cash flow hedges. The chart below shows the change in the balance for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
		Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements Of Operations		Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
				for the six months ended June 30,
				2014				2013
Beginning balance				$	108			$	(26,054	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications				(8,400		)		11,922
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (interest rate contracts)		Interest (income)/expense		6,810				8,477
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest				87				(681		)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to MAA				(1,503		)		19,718
Ending balance				$	(1,395	)		$	(6,336	)
See also discussions in Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 9.

Fair_Value_Disclosure_of_Finan

Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments
	Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and security deposits are carried at amounts that reasonably approximate their fair value due to their short term nature.
	We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, or ASC 820. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 applies to reported balances that are required or permitted to be measured at fair value under existing accounting pronouncements; accordingly, the standard does not require any new fair value measurements of reported balances.
	ASC 820 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement.  Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).
	Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our 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.
	Fixed rate notes payable at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, totaled $2.48 billion and $2.29 billion, respectively, and had estimated fair values of $2.51 billion and $2.30 billion (excluding prepayment penalties), respectively, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The carrying value of variable rate notes payable (excluding the effect of interest rate swap and cap agreements) at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, totaled $1.00 billion and $1.18 billion, respectively, and had estimated fair values of $0.91 billion and $1.12 billion (excluding prepayment penalties), respectively, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The valuation of our debt is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each debt instrument. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the debt, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and credit spreads. The fair values of fixed debt are determined by using the present value of future cash outflows discounted with the applicable current market rate plus a credit spread. The fair values of variable debt are determined using the stated variable rate plus the current market credit spread. Our variable rates reset every 30 to 90 days and we conclude that these rates reasonably estimate current market rates. We have determined that inputs used to value our debt fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and therefore our fair market valuation of debt is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	Currently, we use interest rate swaps and interest rate caps (options) to manage our interest rate risk.  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 and implied volatilities. 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 fair values of interest rate options are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the cap are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities.
	To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees. In conjunction with the FASB's fair value measurement guidance, we made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of our derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.
	We have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, and as a result, all of our derivatives held as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The table below presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at June 30, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Balance at
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs (Level 3)
		and Liabilities		Inputs (Level 2)
		(Level 1)						June 30, 2014
	Assets
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	156	$	—	$	156
	Liabilities
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	17,997	$	—	$	17,997
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Balance at
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs (Level 3)
		and Liabilities		Inputs (Level 2)
		(Level 1)						December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	444	$	—	$	444
	Liabilities
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	20,015	$	—	$	20,015
	The fair value estimates presented herein are based on information available to management as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  These estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could ultimately realize.  See also discussions in Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 8.

Shareholders_Equity_of_MAA

Shareholders' Equity of MAA	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Shareholders' Equity of MAA [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Shareholders' Equity of MAA
	On June 30, 2014, 75,194,807 shares of common stock of MAA and 4,207,126 partnership units in the Operating Partnership were issued and outstanding, representing a total of 79,401,933 shares and units. At June 30, 2013, 42,736,134 shares of common stock of MAA and 1,707,660 partnership units in the Operating Partnership were outstanding, representing a total of 44,443,794 shares and units. There were 121,992 outstanding options as of June 30, 2014 compared to zero outstanding options as of June 30, 2013. The primary reason for the increase in shares, units, and options is due to the merger with Colonial. In connection with the merger, on October 1, 2013, we issued 31,916,765 shares and 2,574,631 partnership units.
	On August 26, 2010, we and our Operating Partnership entered into sales agreements with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated to sell up to a combined total of 6,000,000 shares of our common stock, from time to time in at-the-market offerings or negotiated transactions through a controlled equity offering program, or ATM. We terminated this ATM program, and on February 25, 2013, we and our Operating Partnership entered into sales agreements with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and UBS Securities LLC to sell up to 4,500,000 shares of our common stock with materially the same terms as our previous sales agreements.
	During the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, we issued no shares through our ATM programs. During the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, we issued 39,845 and 365,011 shares respectively through our ATM programs for net proceeds of $2.7 million and $24.8 million, respectively. The gross proceeds for these issuances were $2.8 million and $25.1 million, respectively. We have 4,134,989 shares remaining under our ATM program as of June 30, 2014.
	During the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, we issued 300 and 640 shares of common stock through the optional cash purchase feature of our Dividend and Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Program, or DRSPP. The issuances resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $21,000 and $44,000. During the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013, we issued 188 and 329 shares of common stock through the optional cash purchase feature of our DRSPP resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $13,000 and $22,000.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, 7,362 shares of our common stock were acquired from employees to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations that arose upon vesting of restricted stock granted pursuant to approved plans. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, 4,582 shares were acquired for these purposes.

Partners_Capital_of_MidAmerica

Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P.	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P. [Abstract]	'
Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P.
	Interests in MAALP are represented by OP Units. As of June 30, 2014, there were 79,401,933 OP Units outstanding, 75,194,807 or 94.7% of which were owned by MAA, MAALP's general partner. The remaining 4,207,126 OP Units were owned by non-affiliated limited partners ("Class A Limited Partners"). As of June 30, 2013, there were 44,443,794 OP Units outstanding, 42,736,134 or 96.2% of which were owned by MAA and 1,707,660 of which were owned by the Class A Limited Partners. The increase in OP Units was due primarily to the merger with Colonial. In order to complete the merger, on October 1, 2013, we issued 34,491,396 OP Units.
	MAA, as the sole general partner of MAALP, has full, complete and exclusive discretion to manage and control the business of the Operating Partnership subject to the restrictions specifically contained within the Partnership Agreement. Unless otherwise stated in the Partnership Agreement of MAALP, this power includes, but is not limited to, acquiring, leasing, or disposing of any real property; constructing buildings and making other improvements to properties owned; borrowing money, modifying or extinguishing current borrowings, issuing evidence of indebtedness, and securing such indebtedness by mortgage, deed of trust, pledge or other lien on the Operating Partnership's assets; and distribution of Operating Partnership cash or other assets in accordance with the Partnership Agreement. MAA can generally, at its sole discretion, issue and redeem OP Units and determine the consideration to be received or the redemption price to be paid, as applicable. The general partner may delegate these and other powers granted if the general partner remains in supervision of the designee.
	Under the Partnership Agreement, the Operating Partnership may issue Class A OP Units and Class B OP Units. Class A OP Units may only be held by limited partners who are not affiliated with MAA, in its capacity as general partner of the Operating Partnership, while Class B OP Units may only be held by MAA, in its capacity as general partner of the Operating Partnership, and as of June 30, 2014, a total of 4,207,126 Class A OP Units in the Operating Partnership were held by limited partners unaffiliated with MAA, while a total of 75,194,807 Class B OP Units were held by MAA. In general, the limited partners do not have the power to participate in the management or control of the Operating Partnership's business except in limited circumstances including changes in the general partner and protective rights if the general partner acts outside of the provisions provided in the Partnership Agreement. The transferability of Class A OP Units is also limited by the Partnership Agreement.
	Net income is allocated to the general partner and limited partners based on their respective ownership percentages of the Operating Partnership. Issuance or redemption of additional Class A OP Units or Class B OP Units changes the relative ownership percentage of the partners. The issuance of Class B OP Units generally occurs when MAA issues common stock and the proceeds from that issuance are contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for the issuance to MAA of a number of OP Units equal to the number of shares of common stock issued. Likewise, if MAA repurchases or redeems outstanding shares of common stock, the Operating Partnership generally redeems an equal number of Class B OP Units with similar terms held by MAA for a redemption price equal to the net purchase price of those shares of common stock. At each reporting period, the allocation between general partner capital and limited partner capital is adjusted to account for the change in the respective percentage ownership of the underlying capital of the Operating Partnership. Holders of the Class A OP Units may require MAA to redeem their Class A OP Units, in which case MAA may, at its option, pay the redemption price either in cash (in an amount per Class A OP Unit equal, in general, to the average closing price of MAA's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange over a specified period prior to the redemption date) or by delivering one share of MAA common stock (subject to adjustment under specified circumstances) for each Class A OP Unit so redeemed.
	At June 30, 2014, a total of 4,207,126 Class A OP Units were outstanding and redeemable for 4,207,126 shares of MAA common stock or $307,330,554, based on the closing price of MAA’s common stock on June 30, 2014 of $73.05 per share, at MAA’s option. At June 30, 2013, a total of 1,707,660 Class A OP Units were outstanding and redeemable for 1,707,660 shares of MAA common stock or $115,728,118, based on the closing price of MAA’s common stock on June 30, 2013 of $67.77 per share, at MAA’s option.
	The Operating Partnership pays the same per unit distribution in respect to the OP Units as the per share dividend MAA pays in respect to its common stock.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]	'
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]	'
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company (by virtue of its merger with Colonial) and Colonial LP along with multiple other parties, are named defendants in lawsuits arising out of alleged construction deficiencies with respect to condominium units at Regatta at James Island in Charleston, South Carolina. Regatta at James Island property was developed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries and constructed by Colonial Construction Services, LLC. The condominiums were constructed in 2006 and all 212 units were sold. The lawsuits, one filed on behalf of the condominium homeowners association and one filed by three of the unit owners (purportedly on behalf of all unit owners), were filed in South Carolina state court (Charleston County) in August 2012, against various parties involved in the development and construction of the Regatta at James Island property, including the contractors, subcontractors, architect, developer, and product manufacturers. The plaintiffs are seeking damages resulting primarily from alleged construction deficiencies, but the amount plaintiffs seek to recover has not been disclosed. The lawsuits are currently in discovery. The Company is continuing to investigate the matter and evaluate its options and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims. No assurance can be given that the matter will be resolved favorably to the Company. The Company has included in its loss contingency an estimate of probable loss in connection with this matter, but currently cannot reasonably estimate any further possible loss, or any further range of reasonably possible loss, in connection with this matter.
	The Company (by virtue of its merger with Colonial) and Colonial LP along with multiple other parties, were named defendants in a lawsuit arising out of alleged construction deficiencies with respect to condominium units at Plantation Point in Bluffton, South Carolina. Plantation Point was previously owned and operated by Colonial LP as a multi-family rental project by the name of the Ashley Plantation apartments. Colonial LP sold the property in 2005 to a third party, which then converted the property to condominiums and sold all 414 units. The lawsuit was settled in the second quarter of 2014.
	In addition, the Company is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business operations. Matters which arise out of allegations of bodily injury, property damage, and employment practices are generally covered by insurance. While the resolution of these other matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management currently believes the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
	Loss Contingencies
	The outcomes of the claims, disputes and legal proceedings described or referenced above are subject to significant uncertainty. The Company records an accrual for loss contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews these accruals quarterly and makes revisions based on changes in facts and circumstances. When a loss contingency is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not accrue the loss. However, if the unrecorded loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is at least a reasonable possibility and material, then the Company discloses a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of loss, if such reasonable estimate can be made. If the Company cannot make a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of loss, then that is disclosed.
	The assessment of whether a loss is probable or a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or range of loss is reasonably estimable, often involve a series of complex judgments about future events. Among the factors that the Company considers in this assessment, including with respect to the matters disclosed in this Note, are the nature of existing legal proceedings and claims, the asserted or possible damages or loss contingency (if reasonably estimable), the progress of the matter, existing law and precedent, the opinions or views of legal counsel and other advisers, the Company's experience in similar matters, the facts available to the Company at the time of assessment, and how the Company intends to respond, or has responded, to the proceeding or claim. The Company's assessment of these factors may change over time as individual proceedings or claims progress. For matters where the Company is not currently able to reasonably estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, the factors that have contributed to this determination include the following: (i) the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) the proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories or a large or uncertain number of actual or potential cases or parties; and/or (iv) discussions with the parties in matters that are expected ultimately to be resolved through negotiation and settlement have not reached the point where the Company believes a reasonable estimate of loss, or range of loss, can be made. In such instances, the Company believes that there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss or business impact, if any.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. We adopted ASU 2014-08 during the period ending March 31, 2014. Due to the early adoption of ASU 2014-08, we did not classify Brookwood Mall, Ansley Village, Colonial Village at North Arlington, or Colonial Village at Vista Ridge, which were sold during the six months ended June 30, 2014, as discontinued operations.
	Willow Creek, one of the properties that we sold during the six months ended June 30, 2014, as well as the eight properties sold by us during 2013, have been classified as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. One additional property, Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac, that was classified as held for sale during the second quarter of 2014 was classified as a discontinued operation. We expect to complete the sale of Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac during the third quarter of 2014. Willow Creek and Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac are included in discontinued operations because they were shown in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2013, our latest fiscal year, and thus are not subject to ASU 2014-08.
	The following table lists the communities classified as discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
	Community	Units/Sq. Ft.	Date Sold	Location	Operating Segment
	Willow Creek	285	January 15, 2014	Columbus, Georgia	Non-same store and other
	Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac	195,536	Held for Sale	New Orleans, Louisiana	Non-same store and other
	The following is a summary of income from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to MAA and noncontrolling interest for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended June 30,							Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Income from continuing operations:
	Attributable to MAA (1)	$	31,189			$	15,634		$	40,474		$	35,096
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,749				580			2,283			1,341
	Income from continuing operations	$	32,938			$	16,214		$	42,757		$	36,437
	Income from discontinued operations:
	Attributable to MAA	$	424			$	43,455		$	6,005		$	45,173
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	24				1,359			338			1,423
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	44,814		$	6,343		$	46,596
	(1) The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 include $3.6 million and $6.8 million of gains related to the sale of real estate which are not included in continuing operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The following is a summary of earnings from discontinued operations for MAA for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended June 30,							Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Rental revenues	$	757			$	4,528		$	1,589		$	9,535
	Other revenues	—				406			(5		)	845
	Total revenues	757				4,934			1,584			10,380
	Expenses
	Property operating expenses	286				2,108			600			4,364
	Depreciation and amortization	—				974			42			2,211
	Interest expense and other	22				155			77			326
	Total expense	308				3,237			719			6,901
	Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	449				1,697			865			3,479
	Net loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	(1		)		(4		)	(3		)	(4		)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations	—				43,121			5,481			43,121
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	44,814		$	6,343		$	46,596
	The following is a summary of earnings from discontinued operations for MAALP for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended June 30,							Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Rental revenues	$	757			$	4,061		$	1,589		$	8,495
	Other revenues	—				364			(5		)	755
	Total revenues	757				4,425			1,584			9,250
	Expenses:
	Property operating expenses	286				1,880			600			3,868
	Depreciation and amortization	—				879			42			1,975
	Interest expense and other	22				155			77			326
	Total expenses	308				2,914			719			6,169
	Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	449				1,511			865			3,081
	Net loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	(1		)		(4		)	(3		)	(4		)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations	—				31,779			5,481			31,779
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	33,286		$	6,343		$	34,856

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	As of June 30, 2014, we owned or had an ownership interest in 271 multifamily apartment communities in 14 different states from which we derived all significant sources of earnings and operating cash flows. Senior management evaluates performance and determines resource allocations by reviewing apartment communities individually and in the following reportable operating segments:
	•	Large market same store communities are generally communities:
	◦	in markets with a population of at least 1 million and at least 1% of the total public multifamily REIT units; and
	◦	that we have owned and have been stabilized for at least a full 12 months and have not been classified as held for sale.
	•	Secondary market same store communities are generally communities:
	◦	in markets with populations of more than 1 million but less than 1% of the total public multifamily REIT units or in markets with a population of less than 1 million; and
	◦	that we have owned and have been stabilized for at least a full 12 months and have not been classified as held for sale.
	•	Non same store communities and other includes recent acquisitions, communities in development or lease-up, communities that have been identified for disposition, and communities that have undergone a significant casualty loss. Also included in non same store communities are non multifamily activities, which represent less than 1% of our portfolio.
	On the first day of each calendar year, we determine the composition of our same store operating segments for that year as well as adjusting the previous year, which allows us to evaluate full period-over-period operating comparisons. Properties in development or lease-up will be added to the same store portfolio on the first day of the calendar year after they have been owned and stabilized for at least a full 12 months. Communities are considered stabilized after achieving 90% occupancy for 90 days. Communities that have been identified for disposition are excluded from our same store portfolio. We utilize net operating income, or NOI, a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating the performance of the segments.  Total NOI represents total property revenues less total property operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, for all properties held during the period regardless of their status as held for sale. We believe NOI is a helpful tool in evaluating the operating performance of our segments because it measures the core operations of property performance by excluding corporate level expenses and other items not related to property operating performance.
	A redevelopment community is a community with a specific plan in place to either upgrade at least half of the community's units over a period of time with new finishes, fixtures, and appliances, among other upgrades.  These plans include spending a pre-defined amount of capital per unit to achieve a rent increase as a result of the upgrades.  We separately identify redevelopment communities that would cause a material distortion of normal same store operating results. Routine renovations occur at a property as items need to be replaced as a normal part of operations and which are done with an expectation to maintain the current level of quality at the property. There is no specified plan in place for routine renovations.
	Revenues and NOI for each reportable segment for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended June 30,						Six months ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Large Market Same Store	$	62,351		$	59,936		$	123,695		$	118,878
	Secondary Market Same Store	61,971			61,298			123,502			121,697
	Non-Same Store and Other	120,171			10,425			240,686			18,827
	Total property revenues	244,493			131,659			487,883			259,402
	Management fee income	61			142			158			319
	Total operating revenues	$	244,554		$	131,801		$	488,041		$	259,721
	NOI
	Large Market Same Store	$	37,074		$	35,487		$	73,353		$	70,628
	Secondary Market Same Store	36,466			37,006			74,043			74,080
	Non-Same Store and Other	72,695			9,172			146,465			17,371
	Total NOI	146,235			81,665			293,861			162,079
	Discontinued operations NOI included above	636			(2,827		)	(963		)	(6,019		)
	Management fee income	61			142			158			319
	Depreciation and amortization	(69,631		)	(32,222		)	(159,644		)	(64,417		)
	Acquisition expense	(947		)	(489		)	(958		)	(499		)
	Property management expense	(9,579		)	(5,223		)	(16,590		)	(10,331		)
	General and administrative expense	(5,212		)	(3,389		)	(9,554		)	(6,628		)
	Merger related expenses	(795		)	(5,737		)	(2,871		)	(5,737		)
	Integration costs	(3,151		)	—			(6,993		)	—
	Interest and other non-property income	921			23			1,081			70
	Interest expense	(30,163		)	(15,189		)	(60,839		)	(30,734		)
	Loss on debt extinguishment/modification	—			—			—			(169		)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	(1,174		)	(803		)	(2,485		)	(1,607		)
	Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	3,658			—			6,222			—
	Net casualty (loss) gain after insurance and other settlement proceeds	(295		)	439			(305		)	455
	Income tax expense	(523		)	(223		)	(793		)	(446		)
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	(22		)	—			535			—
	Gain from real estate joint ventures	2,919			47			2,895			101
	Discontinued operations	448			44,814			6,343			46,596
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,773		)	(1,939		)	(2,621		)	(2,764		)
	Net income attributable to MAA	$	31,613		$	59,089		$	46,479		$	80,269
	Assets for each reportable segment as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Large Market Same Store	$	1,232,186		$	1,252,575
	Secondary Market Same Store	782,078			796,697
	Non-Same Store and Other	4,657,067			4,638,892
	Corporate assets	111,790			153,761
	Total assets	$	6,783,121		$	6,841,925

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_and_D

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions	'
	Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions
	On May 29, 2014, Fund II closed on the sale of the 294-unit Ansley Village apartment community located in Macon, Georgia.
	On June 2, 2014, we closed on the purchase of the 251-unit Stonefield Commons apartment community located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
	On June 12, 2014, we closed on the purchase of the 454-unit Cityscape at Market Center apartment community located in Plano (Dallas), Texas.
	On June 27, 2014, we closed on the sale of the 240-unit Colonial Village at North Arlington apartment community located in Fort Worth, Texas. This property was previously part of our non-same store communities and other operating segment.
	On June 27, 2014, we closed on the sale of the 300-unit Colonial Village at Vista Ridge apartment community located in Fort Worth, Texas. This property was previously part of our non-same store communities and other operating segment.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. It is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial condition and results of operations taken as a whole, but does not expect the impact to be material.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations. It also requires additional disclosures for discontinued operations and new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years; however, early adoption is permitted beginning in the first quarter of 2014. We adopted ASU 2014-08 during the period ending March 31, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 required us to not classify certain disposals occurring during 2014 as discontinued operations.
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2013-01 clarifies that the scope of ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, would apply to derivatives accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45 or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. We adopted ASU 2013-01 during the period ended March 31, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-01 has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	Dispositions
	On July 10, 2014, we closed on the sale of the 214-unit Colonial Village at Charleston Place apartment community located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
	On July 10, 2014, we closed on the sale of the 1,037-unit Greenbrook apartment community located in Memphis, Tennessee.
	On July 10, 2014, we closed on the sale of the 586-unit Colonial Village at Inverness apartment community located in Birmingham, Alabama.
	Acquisitions
	On July 23, 2014, we closed on the purchase of the 300-unit Verandas at Southwood apartment community located in Tallahassee, Florida. This property was previously a part of Fund II.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin1

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by our management in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. The consolidated financial statements of MAA presented herein include the accounts of MAA, the Operating Partnership, and all other subsidiaries in which MAA has a controlling financial interest. MAA owns approximately 95% to 100% of all consolidated subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements of MAALP presented herein include the accounts of MAALP and all other subsidiaries in which MAALP has a controlling financial interest. MAALP owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of all consolidated subsidiaries. In our opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included, and all such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We invest in entities which may qualify as variable interest entities, or VIE. A VIE is a legal entity in which the equity investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the power to direct the activities of a legal entity as well as the obligation to absorb its expected losses or the right to receive its expected residual returns. We consolidate all VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary and use the equity method to account for investments that qualify as VIEs but for which we are not the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including but not limited to, those activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and which party controls such activities.
	We use the equity method of accounting for our investments in entities for which we exercise significant influence, but do not have the ability to exercise control. These entities are not variable interest entities. The factors considered in determining that we do not have the ability to exercise control include ownership of voting interests and participatory rights of investors.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi1

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block]	'
	Non-Designated Hedges
	Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company's exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings and resulted in a loss of $59,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and a loss of $128,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014. We recorded a gain of $10,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and a loss of $3,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Consolidation_and_Basis_of_Pre

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block]	'
	As of June 30, 2014, we owned and operated 269 apartment communities comprising 83,075 apartments located in 14 states principally through the Operating Partnership and we also owned an interest in the following unconsolidated real estate joint ventures:
		Percent Owned	Number of Units/Square Feet
	Multifamily:
	Mid-America Multifamily Fund II, LLC (Fund II)	33.33%	300	(1)
	Belterra	10.00%	288	(2)
	McKinney	25.00%	—	(3)
	Commercial:
	Land Title Building	33.30%	29,971
	(1) This joint venture is comprised of one apartment community.
	(2) This joint venture is not managed by MAA.
	(3) This joint venture consists of undeveloped land.

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	The allocation of the purchase price described above requires a significant amount of judgment and represents the Company's best estimate of the fair value as of the acquisition date. The following purchase price allocation was based on our valuation as well as estimates and assumptions of the acquisition date fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While the current allocation of the purchase price is substantially complete, the valuation of the real estate properties and certain other assets and liabilities is in the process of being finalized. We do not expect future revisions, if any, to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
	Land	$	469,396
	Buildings and improvements	3,075,642
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	96,377
	Development and capital improvements in progress	113,368
	Undeveloped land	58,400
	Properties held for sale	33,300
	Lease intangible assets	57,946
	Cash and cash equivalents	63,454
	Restricted cash	6,825
	Deferred costs and other assets, excluding lease intangible assets	87,713
	Total assets acquired	4,062,421
	Notes payable	-1,759,550
	Fair market value of interest rate swaps	-14,961
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	-125,034
	Total liabilities assumed, including debt	(1,899,545		)
	Total purchase price	$	2,162,876

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_of_M1

Earnings Per Common Share of MAA (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share of MAA [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.  All outstanding unvested restricted share awards contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders and, accordingly, are considered participating securities that are included in the two-class method of computing basic earnings per share. Both the unvested restricted shares and other potentially dilutive common shares, and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis with our diluted earnings per share being the more dilutive of the treasury stock or two-class methods.  Operating Partnership units are included in dilutive earnings per share calculations when they are dilutive to earnings per share. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, MAA's basic earnings per share is computed using the two-class method, and our diluted earnings per share is computed using the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or two-class method:
	(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	Three months ended June 30,								Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Shares Outstanding
	Weighted average common shares - basic	74,948				42,690				74,876				42,523
	Weighted average partnership units outstanding	—			(1)	—			(1)	—			(1)	1,711
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			(1)	—			(1)	162				60
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	74,948				42,690				75,038				44,294
	Calculation of Earnings per Share - basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	29,302			$	16,214			$	36,000			$	36,437
	Gain on sale of depreciable assets excluded from discontinued operations	3,658				—				6,222				—
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable assets	(22		)		—				535				—
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,749		)		(580		)		(2,283		)		(1,341		)
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(64		)		(14		)		—				(32		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	31,125			$	15,620			$	40,474			$	35,064
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	44,814			$	6,343			$	46,596
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(24		)		(1,359		)		(338		)		(1,423		)
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)		(39		)		(12		)		(42		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	423			$	43,416			$	5,993			$	45,131
	Weighted average common shares - basic	74,948				42,690				74,876				42,523
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.42			$	1.38			$	0.62			$	1.89
	Calculation of Earnings per Share - diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	29,302			$	16,214			$	36,000			$	36,437
	Gain on sale of depreciable assets excluded from discontinued operations	3,658				—				6,222				—
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable assets	(22		)		—				535				—
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,749		)	(1)	(623		)	(1)	(2,283		)	(1)	—
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(64		)	(1)	(14		)	(1)	—				—
	Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	31,125			$	15,577			$	40,474			$	36,437
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	44,814			$	6,343			$	46,596
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(24		)	(1)	(1,722		)	(1)	(338		)	(1)	—
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)	(1)	(39		)	(1)	—				—
	Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	423			$	43,053			$	6,005			$	46,596
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	74,948				42,690				75,038				44,294
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.42			$	1.37			$	0.62			$	1.87
	(1) Operating partnership units, other dilutive securities, and the related income with each are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they were not dilutive.

Earnings_Per_OP_Unit_of_MAALP_

Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Unit, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	Basic earnings per OP Unit is computed by dividing net income available for common unitholders by the weighted average number of units outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested restricted share awards contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and participate in undistributed earnings with common unitholders and, accordingly, are considered participating securities that are included in the two-class method of computing basic earnings per OP unit. 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.
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per unit computations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is presented below:
	(dollars and units in thousands, except per unit amounts)	Three months ended June 30,								Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Units Outstanding
	Weighted average common units - basic	79,156				44,398				79,090			44,234
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			(1)	—			(1)	162			60
	Weighted average common units - diluted	79,156				44,398				79,252			44,294
	Calculation of Earnings per Unit - basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	29,302			$	16,214			$	36,000		$	36,437
	Gain on sale of depreciable assets excluded from discontinued operations	3,658				—				6,222			—
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable assets	(22		)		—				535			—
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(63		)		(14		)		(79		)	(32		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	32,875			$	16,200			$	42,678		$	36,405
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	33,286			$	6,343		$	34,856
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)		(29		)		—			—
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	447			$	33,257			$	6,343		$	34,856
	Weighted average common units - basic	79,156				44,398				79,090			44,234
	Earnings per unit - basic:	$	0.42			$	1.11			$	0.62		$	1.61
	Calculation of Earnings per Unit - diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	29,302			$	16,214			$	36,000		$	36,437
	Gain on sale of depreciable assets	3,658				—				6,222			—
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable assets	(22		)		—				535			—
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(63		)	(1)	(14		)	(1)	—			—
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	32,875			$	16,200			$	42,757		$	36,437
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	33,286			$	6,343		$	34,856
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)	(1)	(29		)	(1)	—			—
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	447			$	33,257			$	6,343		$	34,856
	Weighted average common units - diluted	79,156				44,398				79,252			44,294
	Earnings per unit - diluted:	$	0.42			$	1.11			$	0.62		$	1.61
	(1) Dilutive securities and the related income are not included in the diluted earnings per unit calculations as they were not dilutive.

MAA_Equity_Tables

MAA Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014																		Jun. 30, 2013
MAA Equity [Abstract]	'																		'
Shareholders' Equity [Table Text Block]	'																		'
	Total equity and its components for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share and per unit data):
																				Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. Shareholders
																				Common		Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated			Noncontrolling			Total
		Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. Shareholders																		Stock		Paid-In			Distributions			Other			Interest			Equity
		Common		Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated			Noncontrolling			Total				Amount		Capital			in Excess of			Comprehensive
		Stock		Paid-In			Distributions			Other			Interest			Equity									Net Income			Income (Loss)
		Amount		Capital			in Excess of			Comprehensive									EQUITY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2012	$	422	$	1,542,999		$	(603,315	)	$	(26,054	)	$	31,058		$	945,110
							Net Income			Income (Loss)
	EQUITY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013	$	747	$	3,599,549		$	(653,593	)	$	108		$	166,726		$	3,113,537		Net income						80,269						2,764			83,033
	Net income						46,479						2,621			49,100			Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)									19,718			681			20,399
	Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)									(1,503		)	(87		)	(1,590		)	Issuance and registration of common shares	4		24,965												24,969
	Issuance and registration of common shares	2		573												575
																			Shares repurchased and retired	—		(673		)										(673		)
	Shares repurchased and retired	—		(336		)										(336		)
																			Shares issued in exchange for units	1		442									(443		)	—
	Exercise of stock options	2		9,542												9,544
																			Redeemable stock fair market value						(431		)							(431		)
	Shares issued in exchange for units	—		799									(799		)	—
																			Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership			186									(186		)	—
	Shares issued in exchange from redeemable stock			998												998
																			Amortization of unearned compensation			1,171												1,171
	Redeemable stock fair market value						(848		)							(848		)
	Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership			51									(51		)	—			Dividends on common stock ($1.39 per share)						(59,407		)				—			(59,407		)
	Amortization of unearned compensation			2,045												2,045			Dividends on noncontrolling interest units ($1.39 per unit)												(2,374		)	(2,374		)
	Dividends on common stock ($1.46 per share)						(109,680		)				—			(109,680		)	EQUITY BALANCE JUNE 30, 2013	$	427	$	1,569,090		$	(582,884	)	$	(6,336	)	$	31,500		$	1,011,797
	Dividends on noncontrolling interest units ($1.46 per unit)												(6,143		)	(6,143		)
	EQUITY BALANCE JUNE 30, 2014	$	751	$	3,613,221		$	(717,642	)	$	(1,395	)	$	162,267		$	3,057,202

MAALP_Capital_Tables

MAALP Capital (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014													Jun. 30, 2013
MAALP Capital [Abstract]	'													'
Partners' Capital [Table Text Block]	'													'
	Total capital and its components for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands, except per unit data):
															Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unitholders
															Limited Partner			General Partner			Accumulated			Total Partnership Capital
		Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unitholders																			Other
		Limited Partner			General Partner			Accumulated			Total Partnership Capital										Comprehensive
								Other													Income (Loss)
								Comprehensive						CAPITAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2012	$	38,154		$	927,734		$	(26,881	)	$	939,007
								Income (Loss)
	CAPITAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013	$	166,746		$	2,946,598		$	174		$	3,113,518		Net income	2,758			68,535						71,293
	Net income	2,621			46,479						49,100			Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)							20,381			20,381
	Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)							(1,590		)	(1,590		)	Issuance of units				24,969						24,969
	Issuance of units	—			575						575
														Units repurchased and retired				(673		)				(673		)
	Units repurchased and retired				(336		)				(336		)	General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	(443		)	443						—
	Exercise of unit options				9,544						9,544
														Redeemable units fair market value adjustment				(431		)				(431		)
	General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	(799		)	799						—			Adjustment for limited partners capital at redemption value	557			17,259						17,816
	Units issued in exchange from redeemable units				998						998			Amortization of unearned compensation				1,171						1,171
	Redeemable units fair market value adjustment				(848		)				(848		)	Distributions ($1.39 per unit)	(2,374		)	(59,407		)				(61,781		)
	Adjustment for limited partners' capital at redemption value	(79		)	79						—			CAPITAL BALANCE JUNE 30, 2013	$	38,652		$	979,600		$	(6,500	)	$	1,011,752
	Amortization of unearned compensation				2,045						2,045
	Distributions ($1.46 per unit)	(6,143		)	(109,680		)				(115,823		)
	CAPITAL BALANCE JUNE 30, 2014	$	162,346		$	2,896,253		$	(1,416	)	$	3,057,183

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Debt Structure [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes our outstanding debt structure as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Borrowed		Effective		Contract
		Balance		Rate		Maturity
	Fixed Rate Secured Debt
	Individual property mortgages	$	1,101,194	4	%	5/13/19
	FNMA conventional credit facilities	50,000		4.7	%	3/31/17
	Credit facility balances with:
	LIBOR-based interest rate swaps	125,000		5.3	%	12/24/14
	Total fixed rate secured debt	$	1,276,194	4.2	%	11/6/18
	Variable Rate Secured Debt (1)
	FNMA conventional credit facilities	$	171,785	0.7	%	1/31/17
	FNMA tax-free credit facilities	87,858		0.9	%	7/22/31
	Freddie Mac mortgages	27,177		3.4	%	10/31/15
	Total variable rate secured debt	$	286,820	1	%	5/26/21
	Total Secured Debt	$	1,563,014	3.6	%	4/26/19
	Unsecured Debt
	Variable rate credit facility	$	35,000	1.3	%	8/7/17
	Term loans fixed with swaps	550,000		3.1	%	11/10/17
	Fixed rate senior bonds	1,327,399		4.5	%	12/3/21
	Total Unsecured Debt	$	1,912,399	4	%	9/3/20
	Total Outstanding Debt	$	3,475,413	3.8	%	9/29/19
	(1) Includes capped balances.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Outstanding Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk	'
	As of June 30, 2014, we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:
	Interest Rate Derivative		Number of Instruments		Notional
	Interest Rate Caps		6		$	165,000,000
	Interest Rate Swaps		11		$	675,000,000
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	'
	As of June 30, 2014, we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were not designated as hedges:
	Interest Rate Derivative		Number of Instruments		Notional
	Interest rate caps		14		$	90,326,031
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	'
	The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 and
	December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands)
			Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
					June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013					June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value			Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value
	Interest rate contracts		Other assets		$	132			$	396		Fair market value of interest rate swaps		$	17,997			$	20,015
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	132			$	396				$	17,997			$	20,015
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest rate contracts		Other assets		$	24			$	49				$	—			$	—
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments				$	24			$	49				$	—			$	—
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations	'
	The table below presents the effect of our derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
	Three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of								Location of Gain or	Amount of								Location of Gain or		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on
	Hedging Relationships		Gain or (Loss)								(Loss) Reclassified	Gain or (Loss)								(Loss) Recognized in		Derivative (Ineffective
			Recognized in								from Accumulated	Reclassified from								Income on Derivative		Portion and Amount
			OCI on Derivative								OCI into Income	Accumulated								(Ineffective Portion and		Excluded from
			(Effective Portion)								(Effective Portion)	OCI into Income								Amount Excluded from		Effectiveness Testing)
												(Effective Portion)								Effectiveness Testing)
	Three months ended June 30,		2014				2013					2014				2013						2014			2013
	Interest rate contracts		$	(7,403	)		$	12,105			Interest expense	$	(3,085	)		$	(3,932	)		Interest expense		$	(59	)	$	22
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships		$	(7,403	)		$	12,105				$	(3,085	)		$	(3,932	)				$	(59	)	$	22
	Six months ended June 30,
	Interest rate contracts		$	(8,400	)		$	11,926			Interest expense	$	(6,810	)		$	(8,477	)		Interest expense		$	(63	)	$	26
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships		$	(8,400	)		$	11,926				$	(6,810	)		$	(8,477	)				$	(63	)	$	26
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Three months ended June 30,																			Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income		2014			2013
	Interest rate contracts																			Interest expense		$	(59	)	$	10
	Total																					$	(59	)	$	10
	Six months ended June 30,
	Interest rate contracts																			Interest expense		$	(128	)	$	(3	)
	Total																					$	(128	)	$	(3	)
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of our derivatives as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments above, which also provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (dollars in thousands):
	Offsetting of Derivative Assets
	As of June 30, 2014
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	156			$	—			$	156		$	—			$	—			$	156
	Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	As of June 30, 2014
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Posted				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	17,997			$	—			$	17,997		$	—			$	—			$	17,997
	Offsetting of Derivative Assets
	As of December 31, 2013
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	444			$	—			$	444		$	—			$	—			$	444
	Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	As of December 31, 2013
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Posted				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	20,015			$	—			$	20,015		$	—			$	—			$	20,015
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The chart below shows the change in the balance for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements Of Operations		Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
					for the six months ended June 30,
					2014				2013
	Beginning balance				$	108			$	(26,054	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications				(8,400		)		11,922
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (interest rate contracts)		Interest (income)/expense		6,810				8,477
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest				87				(681		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to MAA				(1,503		)		19,718
	Ending balance				$	(1,395	)		$	(6,336	)

Fair_Value_Disclosure_of_Finan1

Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

'

'

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

'

'

The table below presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2013

(dollars in thousands)

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at June 30, 2014

(dollars in thousands)

Quoted Prices in

Significant

Significant

Balance at

Active Markets for

Other

Unobservable

Quoted Prices in

Significant

Significant

Balance at

Identical Assets

Observable

Inputs (Level 3)

Active Markets for

Other

Unobservable

and Liabilities

Inputs (Level 2)

Identical Assets

Observable

Inputs (Level 3)

(Level 1)

December 31, 2013

and Liabilities

Inputs (Level 2)

Assets

(Level 1)

June 30, 2014

Assets

Derivative financial instruments

$

—

$

444

$

—

$

444

Derivative financial instruments

$

—

$

156

$

—

$

156

Liabilities

Liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

$

—

$

20,015

$

—

$

20,015

Derivative financial instruments

$

—

$

17,997

$

—

$

17,997

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Discontinued Operation Properties Sold [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table lists the communities classified as discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
	Community	Units/Sq. Ft.	Date Sold	Location	Operating Segment
	Willow Creek	285	January 15, 2014	Columbus, Georgia	Non-same store and other
	Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac	195,536	Held for Sale	New Orleans, Louisiana	Non-same store and other
Schedule of Income from Continuing and Discontinued Operations Attributable to MAA and Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of income from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to MAA and noncontrolling interest for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended June 30,							Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Income from continuing operations:
	Attributable to MAA (1)	$	31,189			$	15,634		$	40,474		$	35,096
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,749				580			2,283			1,341
	Income from continuing operations	$	32,938			$	16,214		$	42,757		$	36,437
	Income from discontinued operations:
	Attributable to MAA	$	424			$	43,455		$	6,005		$	45,173
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	24				1,359			338			1,423
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	44,814		$	6,343		$	46,596
	(1) The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 include $3.6 million and $6.8 million of gains related to the sale of real estate which are not included in continuing operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Parent Company [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Summary of Discontinued Operations	'
	The following is a summary of earnings from discontinued operations for MAA for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended June 30,							Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Rental revenues	$	757			$	4,528		$	1,589		$	9,535
	Other revenues	—				406			(5		)	845
	Total revenues	757				4,934			1,584			10,380
	Expenses
	Property operating expenses	286				2,108			600			4,364
	Depreciation and amortization	—				974			42			2,211
	Interest expense and other	22				155			77			326
	Total expense	308				3,237			719			6,901
	Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	449				1,697			865			3,479
	Net loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	(1		)		(4		)	(3		)	(4		)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations	—				43,121			5,481			43,121
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	44,814		$	6,343		$	46,596
Limited Partner [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Summary of Discontinued Operations	'
	The following is a summary of earnings from discontinued operations for MAALP for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended June 30,							Six months ended June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Rental revenues	$	757			$	4,061		$	1,589		$	8,495
	Other revenues	—				364			(5		)	755
	Total revenues	757				4,425			1,584			9,250
	Expenses:
	Property operating expenses	286				1,880			600			3,868
	Depreciation and amortization	—				879			42			1,975
	Interest expense and other	22				155			77			326
	Total expenses	308				2,914			719			6,169
	Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	449				1,511			865			3,081
	Net loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	(1		)		(4		)	(3		)	(4		)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations	—				31,779			5,481			31,779
	Income from discontinued operations	$	448			$	33,286		$	6,343		$	34,856

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment	'
	Revenues and NOI for each reportable segment for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended June 30,						Six months ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Large Market Same Store	$	62,351		$	59,936		$	123,695		$	118,878
	Secondary Market Same Store	61,971			61,298			123,502			121,697
	Non-Same Store and Other	120,171			10,425			240,686			18,827
	Total property revenues	244,493			131,659			487,883			259,402
	Management fee income	61			142			158			319
	Total operating revenues	$	244,554		$	131,801		$	488,041		$	259,721
	NOI
	Large Market Same Store	$	37,074		$	35,487		$	73,353		$	70,628
	Secondary Market Same Store	36,466			37,006			74,043			74,080
	Non-Same Store and Other	72,695			9,172			146,465			17,371
	Total NOI	146,235			81,665			293,861			162,079
	Discontinued operations NOI included above	636			(2,827		)	(963		)	(6,019		)
	Management fee income	61			142			158			319
	Depreciation and amortization	(69,631		)	(32,222		)	(159,644		)	(64,417		)
	Acquisition expense	(947		)	(489		)	(958		)	(499		)
	Property management expense	(9,579		)	(5,223		)	(16,590		)	(10,331		)
	General and administrative expense	(5,212		)	(3,389		)	(9,554		)	(6,628		)
	Merger related expenses	(795		)	(5,737		)	(2,871		)	(5,737		)
	Integration costs	(3,151		)	—			(6,993		)	—
	Interest and other non-property income	921			23			1,081			70
	Interest expense	(30,163		)	(15,189		)	(60,839		)	(30,734		)
	Loss on debt extinguishment/modification	—			—			—			(169		)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	(1,174		)	(803		)	(2,485		)	(1,607		)
	Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	3,658			—			6,222			—
	Net casualty (loss) gain after insurance and other settlement proceeds	(295		)	439			(305		)	455
	Income tax expense	(523		)	(223		)	(793		)	(446		)
	(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	(22		)	—			535			—
	Gain from real estate joint ventures	2,919			47			2,895			101
	Discontinued operations	448			44,814			6,343			46,596
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,773		)	(1,939		)	(2,621		)	(2,764		)
	Net income attributable to MAA	$	31,613		$	59,089		$	46,479		$	80,269
Assets for Reportable Segment	'
	Assets for each reportable segment as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Large Market Same Store	$	1,232,186		$	1,252,575
	Secondary Market Same Store	782,078			796,697
	Non-Same Store and Other	4,657,067			4,638,892
	Corporate assets	111,790			153,761
	Total assets	$	6,783,121		$	6,841,925

Consolidation_and_Basis_of_Pre1

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
	Property
	Communities
	States
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	75,194,807		42,736,134
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	94.70%		96.20%
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted	0.36		'
Number of Wholly Owned Real Estate Properties	269		'
Number of apartments included in a community	83,075		'
Number of states in which apartment units are located	14		'
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	271		'
Percentage Of Ownership Interests	100.00%		'
Minimum [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage Of Ownership Interests	95.00%		'
Maximum [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage Of Ownership Interests	100.00%		'
Development Properties [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Number of apartments included in a community	0		'
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	2		'
Number of units under development community	514		'
Development Properties [Member] | Expected Costs [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Capital improvements in progress	72,000		'
Development Properties [Member] | Costs Incurred to Date [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Capital improvements in progress	38,300		'
Retail	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	100,000		'
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	4		'
Commercial Real Estate [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	287,000		'
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	3		'
Partially Owned Properties [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	30,000		'
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	1		'
Mid America Multifamily Fund I I L L C [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	33.33%		'
Real Estate Acquired, Number of Units	300	[1]	'
Belterra [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	10.00%		'
Real Estate Acquired, Number of Units	288	[2]	'
Colonial Grand at McKinney [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	25.00%		'
Real Estate Acquired, Number of Units	0	[3]	'
Building Partnership 600 [Member]	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	33.30%		'
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	29,971		'
[1]	(1) This joint venture is comprised of one apartment community.
[2]	(2) This joint venture is not managed by MAA.
[3]	(3) This joint venture consists of undeveloped land.

Business_Combinations_Textual_

Business Combinations (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Combinations, Other Consideration	$7,300,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	31,916,765
Parent Company [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Combination, Merger and Integration Related Expenses	9,900,000
Parent Company [Member] | Colonial [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Real Estate Acquired, Number of Units	34,370
Number of Apartment Communities Acquired in Real Estate Property	115
Number of Commercial Properties Acquired in Real Estate Property	4
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	$2,162,876,000
Share Price	$62.56
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	31,900,000
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	2,574,631
Commercial [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	806,000

Business_Combinations_Purchase

Business Combinations Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (Parent Company [Member], Colonial [Member], USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	$4,062,421
Business Acquisition, PPA, Liabilities Assumed	1,899,545
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	2,162,876
Land [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	469,396
Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	3,075,642
Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	96,377
Construction in Progress [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	113,368
Unimproved Land [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	58,400
Assets Held-for-sale [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	33,300
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	57,946
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	63,454
Restricted Cash [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	6,825
Other assets	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Assets Acquired	87,713
Debt [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Liabilities Assumed	1,759,550
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value [Domain]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Liabilities Assumed	14,961
Other Liabilities [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, PPA, Liabilities Assumed	$125,034

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_of_M2

Earnings Per Common Share of MAA (Details) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	74,948		42,690		74,876		42,523
Weighted average partnership units outstanding	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	1,711
Effect of dilutive securities	0	[1]	0	[1]	162		60
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	74,948		42,690		75,038		44,294
Calculation of Basic Earnings per Share [Member]	'		'		'		'
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Income from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	29,302		16,214		36,000		36,437
Gain on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	3,658		0		6,222		0
(Loss) Gain on Disposition of Other Assets	-22		0		535		0
Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-1,749		-580		-2,283		-1,341
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-64		-14		0		-32
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations Available for Common Shareholders, Basic	31,125		15,620		40,474		35,064
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	448		44,814		6,343		46,596
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-24		-1,359		-338		-1,423
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-1		-39		-12		-42
Adjusted Income from Discontinued Operations Available for Common Shareholders, Basic	423		43,416		5,993		45,131
Basic Earnings Per Share	0.42		1.38		0.62		1.89
Calculation of Diluted Earnings per Share [Member]	'		'		'		'
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Income from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	29,302		16,214		36,000		36,437
Gain on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	3,658		0		6,222		0
(Loss) Gain on Disposition of Other Assets	-22		0		535		0
Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-1,749	[1]	-623	[1]	-2,283	[1]	0
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-64	[1]	-14	[1]	0		0
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations Available for Common Shareholders, Diluted	31,125		15,577		40,474		36,437
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	448		44,814		6,343		46,596
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-24	[1]	-1,722	[1]	-338	[1]	0
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-1	[1]	-39	[1]	0		0
Adjusted Income from Discontinued Operations Available for Common Shareholders, Diluted	423		43,053		6,005		46,596
Diluted Earnings Per Share	0.42		1.37		0.62		1.87
[1]	(1) Operating partnership units, other dilutive securities, and the related income with each are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they were not dilutive.

Earnings_Per_OP_Unit_of_MAALP_1

Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP Statement (details) (Limited Partner [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Weighted Average Number of Limited Partnership and General Partnership Unit Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	79,156		44,398		79,090	44,234
Effect of dilutive securities	0	[1]	0	[1]	162	60
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	79,156		44,398		79,252	44,294
Calculation of Basic Earnings Per Unit [Member]	'		'		'	'
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Income from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	29,302		16,214		36,000	36,437
Gain on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	3,658		0		6,222	0
(Loss) Gain on Disposition of Other Assets	-22		0		535	0
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-63		-14		-79	-32
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations Available for Common Unitholders	32,875		16,200		42,678	36,405
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	448		33,286		6,343	34,856
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-1		-29		0	0
Adjusted Income from Discontinued Operations Available for Common Unitholders	447		33,257		6,343	34,856
Basic Earnings Per Unit	0.42		1.11		0.62	1.61
Calculation of Diluted Earnings Per Unit [Member]	'		'		'	'
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Income from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	29,302		16,214		36,000	36,437
Gain on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	3,658		0		6,222	0
(Loss) Gain on Disposition of Other Assets	-22		0		535	0
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-63	[1]	-14	[1]	0	0
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations Available for Common Unitholders	32,875		16,200		42,757	36,437
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	448		33,286		6,343	34,856
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-1	[1]	-29	[1]	0	0
Adjusted Income from Discontinued Operations Available for Common Unitholders	447		33,257		6,343	34,856
Diluted Earnings Per Unit	0.42		1.11		0.62	1.61
[1]	(1) Dilutive securities and the related income are not included in the diluted earnings per unit calculations as they were not dilutive.

MAA_Equity_Details

MAA Equity (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Common Stock [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]

Prior Period Rollforward [Member]

Prior Period Rollforward [Member]

Prior Period Rollforward [Member]

Prior Period Rollforward [Member]

Prior Period Rollforward [Member]

Prior Period Rollforward [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]

Equity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

$747,000

$3,599,549,000

($653,593,000)

$108,000

$166,726,000

$3,113,537,000

$422,000

$1,542,999,000

($603,315,000)

($26,054,000)

$31,058,000

$945,110,000

Net income attributable to MAA

'

'

46,479,000

'

'

'

'

'

80,269,000

'

'

'

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

2,621,000

'

'

'

'

'

2,764,000

'

Net Income Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

49,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

83,033,000

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax

'

'

'

-1,503,000

-87,000

-1,590,000

'

'

'

19,718,000

681,000

20,399,000

Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues

2,000

573,000

'

'

'

575,000

4,000

24,965,000

'

'

'

24,969,000

Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value

0

-336,000

'

'

'

-336,000

0

-673,000

'

'

'

-673,000

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised

2,000

9,542,000

'

'

'

9,544,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Units

0

799,000

'

'

-799,000

0

1,000

442,000

'

'

-443,000

0

Stock Issued in Exchange for Redeemable Stock

'

998,000

'

'

'

998,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect On Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Due To Fair Value Option And Measurement

'

'

-848,000

'

'

-848,000

'

'

-431,000

'

'

-431,000

Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)

'

51,000

'

'

-51,000

0

'

186,000

'

'

-186,000

0

Amortization Unearned Compensation

'

2,045,000

'

'

'

2,045,000

'

1,171,000

'

'

'

1,171,000

Dividends, Common Stock

'

'

-109,680,000

'

0

-109,680,000

'

'

-59,407,000

'

0

-59,407,000

Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders

'

'

'

'

-6,143,000

-6,143,000

'

'

'

'

-2,374,000

-2,374,000

Ending Balance

$751,000

$3,613,221,000

($717,642,000)

($1,395,000)

$162,267,000

$3,057,202,000

$427,000

$1,569,090,000

($582,884,000)

($6,336,000)

$31,500,000

$1,011,797,000

MAA_Equity_Parenthetical_Detai

MAA Equity Parenthetical (Details) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Equity Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.73	$0.70	$1.46	$1.39
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	'	'	$1.46	$1.39

MAALP_Capital_Details

MAALP Capital (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
	Limited Partners' Capital Account [Member]	General Partners' Capital Account [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Partnership Capital [Member]	Prior Period Rollforward [Member]	Prior Period Rollforward [Member]	Prior Period Rollforward [Member]	Prior Period Rollforward [Member]
					Limited Partners' Capital Account [Member]	General Partners' Capital Account [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Partnership Capital [Member]
Capital Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$166,746	$2,946,598	$174	$3,113,518	$38,154	$927,734	($26,881)	$939,007
Net Income Allocated to Limited Partners	2,621	'	'	'	2,758	'	'	'
Net Income Allocated to General Partners	'	46,479	'	'	'	68,535	'	'
Net Income Available for Common Unitholders	'	'	'	49,100	'	'	'	71,293
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	'	'	-1,590	-1,590	'	'	20,381	20,381
Units Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	0	575	'	575	'	24,969	'	24,969
Units Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	-336	'	-336	'	-673	'	-673
Units Issued During Period, Value, Unit Options Exercised	'	9,544	'	9,544	'	'	'	'
General Partnership Units Issued in Exchange for Limited Partnership Units	-799	799	'	0	-443	443	'	0
Partnership units issued in exchange for redeemable units	'	998	'	998	'	'	'	'
Effect On Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Due To Fair Value Option And Measurement	'	-848	'	-848	'	-431	'	-431
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	-79	79	'	0	557	17,259	'	17,816
Amortization Unearned Compensation	'	2,045	'	2,045	'	1,171	'	1,171
Distributions	-6,143	-109,680	'	-115,823	-2,374	-59,407	'	-61,781
Ending Balance	$162,346	$2,896,253	($1,416)	$3,057,183	$38,652	$979,600	($6,500)	$1,011,752

MAALP_Capital_Parenthetical_De

MAALP Capital Parenthetical (Details) (Limited Partner [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	$0.73	$0.70	$1.46	$1.39

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Oct. 16, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 10, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Oct. 16, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 10, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Aug. 07, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Interest Rate Forward Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Forward Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Forward Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Forward Swap [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Colonial [Member]

Colonial [Member]

Colonial [Member]

Limited Partner [Member]

Limited Partner [Member]

Limited Partner [Member]

Limited Partner [Member]

Limited Partner [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

2023 Notes [Member]

2023 Notes [Member]

2024 Notes [Member]

2024 Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

$500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member]

$500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Caps

Interest Rate Caps

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Contract

Contract

2023 Notes [Member]

2023 Notes [Member]

2024 Notes [Member]

2024 Notes [Member]

6.25% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

5.5% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

6.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Exchange Notes [Member]

6.25% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

5.5% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

6.05% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Contract

Contract

Contract

Senior Notes [Member]

$500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

$500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes Payable

$3,475,413,000

$3,470,000,000

'

'

'

'

$1,912,399,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

'

400,000,000

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.90%

'

1.70%

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.30%

'

3.75%

'

'

6.25%

5.50%

6.05%

'

'

6.25%

5.50%

6.05%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Issue Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.99047

'

0.98873

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,300,000

'

4,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

2,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Notes Payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

344,400,000

'

392,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held

'

'

3

'

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Notional Amount

'

'

150,000,000

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

675,000,000

165,000,000

90,326,031

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

3.80%

'

'

4.15%

'

3.98%

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Exchanged

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

154,200,000

169,200,000

68,100,000

'

'

154,200,000

169,100,000

68,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Received from Notes Exchange

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$975,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Additional Interest, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exchange Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'270 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant Obligation, Debt to Total Asset Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant Obligation, Secured Debt to Total Asset Value Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant Obligation, Fixed Charge Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150.00%

'

100.00%

'

Covenant Obligation, Unencumbered Leverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Number of Instruments Held

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11

6

14

'

'

'

'

Debt_Structure_Detail

Debt Structure (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	$3,475,413	$3,470,000
Effective Rate	3.80%	'
Contract Maturity	29-Sep-19	'
Secured Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	1,563,014	'
Effective Rate	3.60%	'
Contract Maturity	26-Apr-19	'
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	1,276,194	'
Effective Rate	4.20%	'
Contract Maturity	6-Nov-18	'
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt | Individual Property Mortgages [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	1,101,194	'
Effective Rate	4.00%	'
Contract Maturity	13-May-19	'
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt | Conventional Credit Facility [Member] | FNMA	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	50,000	'
Effective Rate	4.70%	'
Contract Maturity	31-Mar-17	'
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt | L I B O R [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	125,000	'
Effective Rate	5.30%	'
Contract Maturity	24-Dec-14	'
Secured Debt [Member] | Variable Rate Debt	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	286,820	'
Effective Rate	1.00%	'
Contract Maturity	26-May-21	'
Secured Debt [Member] | Variable Rate Debt | Conventional Credit Facility [Member] | FNMA	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	171,785	'
Effective Rate	0.70%	'
Contract Maturity	31-Jan-17	'
Secured Debt [Member] | Variable Rate Debt | Tax Free Credit Facility [Member] | FNMA	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	87,858	'
Effective Rate	0.90%	'
Contract Maturity	22-Jul-31	'
Secured Debt [Member] | Variable Rate Debt | Mortgages [Member] | Freddie Mac	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	27,177	'
Effective Rate	3.40%	'
Contract Maturity	31-Oct-15	'
Unsecured Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	1,912,399	'
Effective Rate	4.00%	'
Contract Maturity	3-Sep-20	'
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt | Term Fixed Loan With Swaps [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	550,000	'
Effective Rate	3.10%	'
Contract Maturity	10-Nov-17	'
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt | Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	1,327,399	'
Effective Rate	4.50%	'
Contract Maturity	3-Dec-21	'
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Variable Rate Debt | Variable Rate Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Outstanding Debt	$35,000	'
Effective Rate	1.30%	'
Contract Maturity	7-Aug-17	'

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features Termination Value	$3,100,000	'	$3,100,000	'
Derivative Collateral	100.00%	'	100.00%	'
Derivative Collateral Posted	0	'	0	'
Other Credit Enhancements	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features Termination Value	2,100,000	'	2,100,000	'
Credit Default Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features Termination Value	16,600,000	'	16,600,000	'
Termination	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value of Credit Risk Derivatives	18,000,000	'	18,000,000	'
Net Liability Position [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features Termination Value	19,600,000	'	19,600,000	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Caps	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	6	'	6	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	165,000,000	'	165,000,000	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	11	'	11	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	675,000,000	'	675,000,000	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness	-59,000	'	-63,000	'
Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness	'	22,000	'	26,000
Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives included in AOCI and expected to be reclassified in the next 12 months	'	'	8,800,000	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Caps	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	14	'	14	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	90,326,031	'	90,326,031	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Loss on Derivative	-59,000	'	-128,000	-3,000
Derivative, Gain on Derivative	'	$10,000	'	'

Fair_Values_of_Derivative_Inst

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$132	$396
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	24	49
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative financial instruments, Liability	17,997	20,015
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	0	0
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	132	396
Derivative financial instruments, Liability	17,997	20,015
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	24	49
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	$0	$0

Effect_of_Derivative_Instrumen

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of (Loss) or Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	($7,403)	$12,105	($8,400)	$11,926
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-3,085	-3,932	-6,810	-8,477
(Loss) Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	-59	22	-63	26
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-3,085	-3,932	-6,810	-8,477
(Loss) Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	-59	22	-63	26
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate contracts	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of (Loss) or Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-7,403	12,105	-8,400	11,926
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Gain Recognized in Income, Net	-59	10	-128	-3
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Gain Recognized in Income, Net	($59)	$10	($128)	($3)

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Gross Presentation, Effects of Offsetting, and Net Presentation of Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value	$156	$444
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	17,997	20,015
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	156	444
Derivative Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	17,997	20,015
Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	156	444
Liability [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	$17,997	$20,015

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$108	($26,054)
Amount of (Loss) or Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-8,400	11,922
Other Comprehensive Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	6,810	8,477
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	87	-681
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income , Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-1,503	19,718
Ending Balance	($1,395)	($6,336)

Fair_Value_Disclosure_of_Finan2

Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Fixed Rate Debt	Fixed Rate Debt	Variable Rate Debt	Variable Rate Debt	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
					Secured Debt [Member]	Secured Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notes Payable, fair value	$2.51	$2.30	$0.91	$1.12	'	'
Notes Payable Excluding Interest Rate Swaps and Cap Agreements	$2.48	$2.29	$1	$1.18	'	'
Debt Renewal Period	'	'	'	'	'30 days	'90 days

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$156	$444
Derivative financial instruments, Liability	17,997	20,015
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	0	0
Derivative financial instruments, Liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	156	444
Derivative financial instruments, Liability	17,997	20,015
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	0	0
Derivative financial instruments, Liability	$0	$0

Shareholders_Equity_of_MAA_Add

Shareholders' Equity of MAA - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Feb. 25, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Aug. 26, 2010	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
						At The Market ATM Programs [Member]	At The Market ATM Programs [Member]	At The Market ATM Programs [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	75,194,807	42,736,134	75,194,807	42,736,134	'	4,134,989	4,134,989	'	'	'	'
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,207,126	1,707,660
Total common shares and operating partnership units outstanding	79,401,933	44,443,794	79,401,933	44,443,794	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock shares, outstanding option	121,992	0	121,992	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	'	'	31,916,765	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,574,631	'
Agreement to sell common stock with financial service companies, shares	'	'	'	'	4,500,000	'	'	'	6,000,000	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	'	'	'	'	'	39,845	0	365,011	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of applicable fees	'	'	'	'	'	$2,700,000	'	$24,800,000	'	'	'
Proceeds from Issuance of common stock	'	'	'	'	'	2,800,000	'	25,100,000	'	'	'
Common stock issued, Dividend and Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Program	300	188	640	329	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Issuance of common stock, Dividend and Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Program	$21,000	$13,000	$44,000	$22,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	'	'	7,362	4,582	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Partners_Capital_of_MidAmerica1

Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P. (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]	'	'
Operating partnership units outstanding	79,401,933	44,443,794
General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	75,194,807	42,736,134
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	94.70%	96.20%
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	4,207,126	1,707,660
Units Issued During Period, Acquisitions	34,491,396	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]	'	'
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	4,207,126	1,707,660
Limited Partners' Capital Account	307,330,554	115,728,118
Redeemable Capital Shares Par Or Stated Value Per Share	73.05	67.77

Legal_Proceedings_Details

Legal Proceedings (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Regatta at James Island Litigation [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
For-Sale Residential Unit Dispositions	212
Plantation Point Litigation Member [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
For-Sale Residential Unit Dispositions	414

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Communities	Communities
	Property
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Number Of Properties Sold	1	8
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	271	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	83,075	'
Willow Creek [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	285	'
Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	195,536	'
Held For Sale [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	1	'

MAA_Summary_of_Discontinued_Op

MAA Summary of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Gains on Sales of Investment Real Estate	$3,600,000		'	$6,800,000		'
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'		'	'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Rental Revenues	757,000		4,528,000	1,589,000		9,535,000
Other Revenue (Expense) from Real Estate Operations	0		406,000	-5,000		845,000
Total Revenues	757,000		4,934,000	1,584,000		10,380,000
Property Operating Expenses	286,000		2,108,000	600,000		4,364,000
Depreciation	0		974,000	42,000		2,211,000
Interest Expense and Other	22,000		155,000	77,000		326,000
Total expense	308,000		3,237,000	719,000		6,901,000
Discontinued Operation, Income from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax	449,000		1,697,000	865,000		3,479,000
Discontinued Operation, Amount of Other Loss from Disposition of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	-1,000		-4,000	-3,000		-4,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	0		43,121,000	5,481,000		43,121,000
Income from Discontinued Operations Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	448,000		44,814,000	6,343,000		46,596,000
Continuing Operations [Member]	'		'	'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	31,189,000	[1]	15,634,000	40,474,000	[1]	35,096,000
Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,749,000		580,000	2,283,000		1,341,000
Income from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	32,938,000		16,214,000	42,757,000		36,437,000
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'		'	'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	424,000		43,455,000	6,005,000		45,173,000
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	24,000		1,359,000	338,000		1,423,000
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$448,000		$44,814,000	$6,343,000		$46,596,000
[1]	(1) The three and six month periods ended JuneB 30, 2014 include $3.6 million and $6.8 million of gains related to the sale of real estate which are not included in continuing operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Discontinued_Operations_MAALP_

Discontinued Operations MAALP Summary of Discontinued Operations (Details) (Limited Partner [Member], Discontinued Operations [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Limited Partner [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Rental Revenues	$757	$4,061	$1,589	$8,495
Other Revenue (Expense) from Real Estate Operations	0	364	-5	755
Total Revenues	757	4,425	1,584	9,250
Property Operating Expenses	286	1,880	600	3,868
Depreciation	0	879	42	1,975
Interest Expense and Other	22	155	77	326
Operating Expenses	308	2,914	719	6,169
Discontinued Operation, Income from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax	449	1,511	865	3,081
Discontinued Operation, Amount of Other Loss from Disposition of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	-1	-4	-3	-4
Discontinued Operation, Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	0	31,779	5,481	31,779
Income from Discontinued Operations Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$448	$33,286	$6,343	$34,856

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	States
	Property
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	271
Number of states in which apartment units are located	14
Period properties owned and stabilized	'12 months
Occupancy Level for Stabilized Communities	90.00%
Period Properties Stabilized	'90 days
Large Market Same Store [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Apartment Community Population	1,000,000
Percentage of Total Public Multifamily REIT Units	1.00%
Period properties owned and stabilized	'12 months
Secondary Market Same Store [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Apartment Community Population	1,000,000
Percentage of Total Public Multifamily REIT Units	1.00%
Period properties owned and stabilized	'12 months
Non Same Store And Other [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Percentage of Total Public Multifamily REIT Units	1.00%

Revenues_and_NOI_for_Reportabl

Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment (Detail) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Total property revenues	$244,493	$131,659	$487,883	$259,402
Management fee income	61	142	158	319
Total operating revenues	244,554	131,801	488,041	259,721
Net Operating Income	146,235	81,665	293,861	162,079
Discontinued operations NOI included above	636	-2,827	-963	-6,019
Depreciation and amortization	-69,631	-32,222	-159,644	-64,417
Acquisition expense	-947	-489	-958	-499
Property management expense	-9,579	-5,223	-16,590	-10,331
General and administrative expense	-5,212	-3,389	-9,554	-6,628
Merger Related Expenses	-795	-5,737	-2,871	-5,737
Business Combination, Integration Related Costs	-3,151	0	-6,993	0
Interest and other non-property income	921	23	1,081	70
Interest expense	-30,163	-15,189	-60,839	-30,734
Loss on debt extinguishment/modification	0	0	0	-169
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-1,174	-803	-2,485	-1,607
Gain on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	3,658	0	6,222	0
Net casualty (loss) gain and other settlement proceeds	-295	439	-305	455
Income Tax Expense	-523	-223	-793	-446
(Loss) Gain on Disposition of Other Assets	-22	0	535	0
Gain from real estate joint ventures	2,919	47	2,895	101
Discontinued operations	448	44,814	6,343	46,596
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-1,773	-1,939	-2,621	-2,764
Net income attributable to MAA	31,613	59,089	46,479	80,269
Large Market Same Store	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Total property revenues	62,351	59,936	123,695	118,878
Net Operating Income	37,074	35,487	73,353	70,628
Secondary Market Same Store	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Total property revenues	61,971	61,298	123,502	121,697
Net Operating Income	36,466	37,006	74,043	74,080
Non-Same Store and Other	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Total property revenues	120,171	10,425	240,686	18,827
Net Operating Income	$72,695	$9,172	$146,465	$17,371

Assets_for_Reportable_Segment_

Assets for Reportable Segment (Detail) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$6,783,121	$6,841,925
Large Market Same Store	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	1,232,186	1,252,575
Secondary Market Same Store	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	782,078	796,697
Non-Same Store and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	4,657,067	4,638,892
Corporate assets	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$111,790	$153,761

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_and_D1

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	83,075
Ansley Village [Member]	'
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	294
Stonefield Commons [Member]	'
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	251
Cityscape at Market Center [Member]	'
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	454
Colonial Village at North Arlington [Member]	'
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	240
Colonial Village at Vista Ridge [Member]	'
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	300

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	83,075
Colonial Village at Charleston Place [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	214
Greenbrook [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	1,037
Colonial Village at Inverness [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	586
Verandas at Southwood [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	300