| Cover Page | Nov. 18, 2019 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 18, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | MID-AMERICA APARTMENT COMMUNITIES, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000912595 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-12762 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TN |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 62-1543819 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 6815 Poplar Avenue, Suite 500 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Germantown |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 38138 |
| City Area Code | 901 |
| Local Phone Number | 682-6600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol(s) | MAA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 8.50% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol(s) | MAA^I |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Limited Partner [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | MID-AMERICA APARTMENTS, L.P. |
| Entity File Number | 333-190028-01 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TN |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 62-1543816 |
