Post Properties 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 16, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	PPS
Entity Registrant Name	POST PROPERTIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	903127
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,593,018
Entity Public Float			$2,841,986,098
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Trading Symbol	PPS-A
Entity Registrant Name	POST APARTMENT HOMES LP
Entity Central Index Key	1012271
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate assets
Land	$317,077	$327,270
Building and improvements	2,323,626	2,408,906
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	304,534	291,027
Construction in progress	86,971	74,064
Land held for future investment	33,197	61,768
Real estate assets, total	3,065,405	3,163,035
Less: accumulated depreciation	-937,310	-913,018
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation of $207 at December 31, 2014	672
For-sale condominiums		1,122
Total real estate assets	2,128,767	2,251,139
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated real estate entities	4,059	4,056
Cash and cash equivalents	140,512	82,110
Restricted cash	3,572	4,712
Deferred financing costs, net	5,117	8,495
Other assets	29,771	31,165
Total assets	2,311,798	2,381,677
Liabilities, redeemable common units and equity
Indebtedness	892,459	1,098,734
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	70,616	73,431
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,624	16,687
Dividends and distributions payable	21,852	17,928
Accrued interest payable	4,229	5,157
Security deposits and prepaid rents	12,972	10,888
Total liabilities	1,018,752	1,222,825
Redeemable common units	7,086	6,121
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 20,000 authorized: 8 1/2% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Shares, liquidation preference $50 per share, 868 shares issued and outstanding	9	9
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 authorized: 54,632 and 54,629 shares issued and 54,509 and 54,191 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	546	546
Additional paid-in-capital	1,114,851	1,111,861
Accumulated earnings	185,001	66,138
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,675	-3,419
Stockholders Equity Subtotal Before Treasury Stock	1,296,732	1,175,135
Less common stock in treasury, at cost, 207 and 519 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	-10,772	-22,188
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,285,960	1,152,947
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		-216
Total equity	1,285,960	1,152,731
Total liabilities and members' equity	2,311,798	2,381,677
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Real estate assets
Land	317,077	327,270
Building and improvements	2,323,626	2,408,906
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	304,534	291,027
Construction in progress	86,971	74,064
Land held for future investment	33,197	61,768
Real estate assets, total	3,065,405	3,163,035
Less: accumulated depreciation	-937,310	-913,018
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation of $207 at December 31, 2014	672
For-sale condominiums		1,122
Total real estate assets	2,128,767	2,251,139
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated real estate entities	4,059	4,056
Cash and cash equivalents	140,512	82,110
Restricted cash	3,572	4,712
Deferred financing costs, net	5,117	8,495
Other assets	29,771	31,165
Total assets	2,311,798	2,381,677
Liabilities, redeemable common units and equity
Indebtedness	892,459	1,098,734
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	70,616	73,431
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,624	16,687
Dividends and distributions payable	21,852	17,928
Accrued interest payable	4,229	5,157
Security deposits and prepaid rents	12,972	10,888
Total liabilities	1,018,752	1,222,825
Redeemable common units	7,086	6,121
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred units	43,392	43,392
General partner	14,057	12,715
Limited partners	1,232,186	1,100,259
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,675	-3,419
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,285,960	1,152,947
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		-216
Total equity	1,285,960	1,152,731
Total liabilities and members' equity	$2,311,798	$2,381,677

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated depreciation, assets held for sale	$937,310	$913,018
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference	$50	$50
Preferred stock, shares issued	868,000	868,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	868,000	868,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,632,000	54,629,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,509,000	54,191,000
Common stock in treasury, shares	207,000	519,000
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Accumulated depreciation, assets held for sale	937,310	913,018
Assets Held-for-Sale [Member]
Accumulated depreciation, assets held for sale	207
Assets Held-for-Sale [Member] | Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Accumulated depreciation, assets held for sale	$207

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Rental	$355,583	$341,902	$311,021
Other property revenues	21,237	19,963	18,463
Other	992	872	850
Total revenues	377,812	362,737	330,334
Expenses
Property operating and maintenance (exclusive of items shown separately below)	162,959	155,261	141,775
Depreciation	84,759	85,608	79,367
General and administrative	17,898	17,245	16,342
Investment and development	2,366	1,755	1,317
Other investment costs	768	1,324	1,401
Severance, impairment and other	2,266	2,417
Total expenses	271,016	263,610	240,202
Operating income	106,796	99,127	90,132
Interest income	135	77	393
Interest expense	-40,286	-44,704	-46,028
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-2,282	-2,573	-2,695
Net gains on condominium sales activities	2,545	27,944	36,273
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net	1,788	2,090	7,995
Other income (expense), net	19	-839	1,034
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	-18,357		-4,318
Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets	50,358	81,122	82,786
Gains on sales of real estate assets	187,825
Income from continuing operations	238,183	81,122	82,786
Discontinued operations
Income from discontinued property operations		1,418	1,505
Gains on sales of real estate assets		28,380
Income from discontinued operations		29,798	1,505
Net income	238,183	110,920	84,291
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-22,554	-107	-135
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	-509	-279	-217
Net income available	215,120	110,534	83,939
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Net income available to common shareholders	211,432	106,846	80,251
Per common share data - Basic
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred distributions)	$3.89	$1.42	$1.46
Income from discontinued operations		$0.55	$0.03
Net income available to common shareholders	$3.89	$1.96	$1.49
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	54,262	54,336	53,821
Per common share data - Diluted
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred distributions)	$3.88	$1.41	$1.45
Income from discontinued operations		$0.54	$0.03
Net income available to common shareholders	$3.88	$1.96	$1.48
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	54,353	54,508	54,131
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Revenues
Rental	355,583	341,902	311,021
Other property revenues	21,237	19,963	18,463
Other	992	872	850
Total revenues	377,812	362,737	330,334
Expenses
Property operating and maintenance (exclusive of items shown separately below)	162,959	155,261	141,775
Depreciation	84,759	85,608	79,367
General and administrative	17,898	17,245	16,342
Investment and development	2,366	1,755	1,317
Other investment costs	768	1,324	1,401
Severance, impairment and other	2,266	2,417
Total expenses	271,016	263,610	240,202
Operating income	106,796	99,127	90,132
Interest income	135	77	393
Interest expense	-40,286	-44,704	-46,028
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-2,282	-2,573	-2,695
Net gains on condominium sales activities	2,545	27,944	36,273
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net	1,788	2,090	7,995
Other income (expense), net	19	-839	1,034
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	-18,357		-4,318
Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets	50,358	81,122	82,786
Gains on sales of real estate assets	187,825
Income from continuing operations	238,183	81,122	82,786
Discontinued operations
Income from discontinued property operations		1,418	1,505
Gains on sales of real estate assets		28,380
Income from discontinued operations		29,798	1,505
Net income	238,183	110,920	84,291
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-22,554	-107	-135
Net income available	215,629	110,813	84,156
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Net income available to common shareholders	$211,941	$107,125	$80,468
Per common share data - Basic
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred distributions)	$3.89	$1.42	$1.46
Income from discontinued operations		$0.55	$0.03
Net income available to common shareholders	$3.89	$1.96	$1.49
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	54,392	54,478	53,968
Per common share data - Diluted
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred distributions)	$3.88	$1.41	$1.45
Income from discontinued operations		$0.54	$0.03
Net income available to common shareholders	$3.88	$1.96	$1.48
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	54,483	54,650	54,278

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$238,183	$110,920	$84,291
Net change in derivative financial instruments	-257	8,282	-9,069
Total comprehensive income	237,926	119,202	75,222
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Consolidated real estate entities	-22,554	-107	-135
Operating Partnership	-508	-301	-194
Total Company comprehensive income	214,864	118,794	74,893
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Net income	238,183	110,920	84,291
Net change in derivative financial instruments	-257	8,282	-9,069
Total comprehensive income	237,926	119,202	75,222
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Consolidated real estate entities	-22,554	-107	-135
Total Operating Partnership comprehensive income	$215,372	$119,095	$75,087

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity and Accumulated Earnings (USD $)	Total	Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total Company Equity [Member]	Total Company Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests - Consolidated Real Estate Entities [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests - Consolidated Real Estate Entities [Member]
In Thousands			General Partner [Member]	Limited Partners [Member]		Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]		Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]				Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]			Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]		Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,047,523	$1,047,523	$11,662	$995,097	$9	$43,392	$530		$1,053,612		($2,633)	($2,633)	($4,000)	$1,047,518	$1,047,518	$5	$5
Beginning Balance, Common shares at Dec. 31, 2011							52,988	53,144
Beginning Balance, Preferred shares at Dec. 31, 2011					868	868
Comprehensive income (loss)	75,028	75,028	804	79,447		3,688				83,939	-9,046	-9,046		74,893	74,893	135	135
Sales of common stock, net	25,457	25,457	255	25,202			6		25,451					25,457	25,457
Sales of common stock, net, shares							550	550
Employee stock purchase, stock option and other plan issuances	25,414	25,414	254	25,160			9		25,339				66	25,414	25,414
Employee stock purchase, stock option and other plan issuances, shares							919	919
Conversion of redeemable common units	591	591		591					438				153	591	591
Conversion of redeemable common units for shares, shares							13
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	-416	-416		-416					-416					-416	-416
Redemption of preferred units		0	0	0		0		0				0			0		0
Redemption of preferred stock, shares		0	0	0		0		0				0			0		0
Stock-based compensation	2,930	2,930	29	2,901					2,930					2,930	2,930
Dividends to preferred shareholders	-3,688	-3,688				-3,688				-3,688				-3,688	-3,688
Dividends to common shareholders ($0.97, 1.24 and 1.56 per share for year 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively)	-52,551	-52,551	-527	-52,024						-52,551				-52,551	-52,551
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-234	-234														-234	-234
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	-434	434		434						-434				-434	434
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,119,620	1,119,620	12,477	1,075,524	9	43,392	545		1,107,354	27,266	-11,679	-11,679	-3,781	1,119,714	1,119,714	-94	-94
Ending Balance, Common shares at Dec. 31, 2012							54,470	54,613
Ending Balance, Preferred shares at Dec. 31, 2012					868	868
Comprehensive income (loss)	118,901	118,901	1,071	105,775		3,688				110,534	8,260	8,260		118,794	118,794	107	107
Employee stock purchase, stock option and other plan issuances	5,549	5,549	55	5,494			1	263	1,061	-1,542			6,029	5,549	5,549
Employee stock purchase, stock option and other plan issuances, shares							263
Conversion of redeemable common units	354	354		354						-10			364	354	354
Conversion of redeemable common units for shares, shares							8
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	-192	-192		-192					-192					-192	-192
Stock-based compensation	3,638	3,638	36	3,602					3,638					3,638	3,638
Acquisition of common units	-24,800	-24,800	-248	-24,552				-550					-24,800	-24,800	-24,800
Treasury stock acquisitions, shares							-550
Dividends to preferred shareholders	-3,688	-3,688				-3,688				-3,688				-3,688	-3,688
Dividends to common shareholders ($0.97, 1.24 and 1.56 per share for year 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively)	-67,433	-67,433	-676	-66,757						-67,433				-67,433	-67,433
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-229	-229														-229	-229
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	1,011	1,011		1,011						1,011				1,011	1,011
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,152,731	1,152,731	12,715	1,100,259	9	43,392	546		1,111,861	66,138	-3,419	-3,419	-22,188	1,152,947	1,152,947	-216	-216
Ending Balance, Common shares at Dec. 31, 2013	54,191						54,191	54,326
Ending Balance, Preferred shares at Dec. 31, 2013	868				868	868
Comprehensive income (loss)	237,418	237,418	2,119	209,313		3,688				215,120	-256	-256		214,864	214,864	22,554	22,554
Employee stock purchase, stock option and other plan issuances	3,394	3,394	34	3,360					-701	-6,663			10,758	3,394	3,394
Employee stock purchase, stock option and other plan issuances, shares							304	304
Conversion of redeemable common units	784	784		784					126				658	784	784
Conversion of redeemable common units for shares, shares							14
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	-425	-425		-425					-425					-425	-425
Stock-based compensation	3,990	3,990	40	3,950					3,990					3,990	3,990
Dividends to preferred shareholders	-3,688	-3,688				-3,688				-3,688				-3,688	-3,688
Dividends to common shareholders ($0.97, 1.24 and 1.56 per share for year 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively)	-84,901	-84,901	-851	-84,050						-84,901				-84,901	-84,901
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-22,338	-22,338														-22,338	-22,338
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	-1,005	1,005		1,005						-1,005				-1,005	1,005
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,285,960	$1,285,960	$14,057	$1,232,186	$9	$43,392	$546		$1,114,851	$185,001	($3,675)	($3,675)	($10,772)	$1,285,960	$1,285,960
Ending Balance, Common shares at Dec. 31, 2014	54,509						54,509	54,630
Ending Balance, Preferred shares at Dec. 31, 2014	868				868	868

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity and Accumulated Earnings (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Dividends to common shareholders, per share	$1.56	$1.24	$0.97
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Dividends to common shareholders, per share	$1.56	$1.24	$0.97

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$238,183	$110,920	$84,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	84,759	86,135	80,145
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,282	2,573	2,695
Net gains on sales of real estate assets	-190,370	-56,324	-36,273
Other, net	256	2,142	585
Impairment charges	450	400
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	-1,788	-2,090	-7,995
Distributions of earnings of unconsolidated entities	2,077	2,865	3,236
Stock-based compensation	4,000	3,647	2,937
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	18,357		4,318
Changes in assets, decrease (increase) in:
Other assets	2,184	-3,524	-812
Changes in liabilities, increase (decrease) in:
Accrued interest payable	-928	-564	536
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	941	2,154	598
Prepaid rents and other	2,936	2,040	-72
Net cash provided by operating activities	163,339	150,374	134,189
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Development and construction of real estate assets	-72,282	-123,422	-133,379
Acquisition of communities		-48,399	-73,963
Proceeds from sales of real estate assets	331,578	116,684	87,673
Capitalized interest	-3,115	-3,962	-5,534
Property capital expenditures	-30,052	-36,236	-28,015
Corporate additions and improvements	-3,914	-1,357	-585
Proceeds from (investments in) unconsolidated entities	-447		7,821
Other investing activities	-366	954	967
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	221,402	-95,738	-145,015
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Lines of credit proceeds	90,463		104,632
Lines of credit repayments	-90,463		-239,632
Proceeds from indebtedness			550,000
Payments on indebtedness	-206,275	-3,730	-282,979
Payments of financing costs and other	-17,338	-302	-11,051
Proceeds from sales of common stock			25,457
Proceeds from employee stock purchase and stock options plans	5,906	4,858	24,666
Acquisition of treasury stock and other	-2,084	-24,800
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - real estate entities	-22,338	-229	-234
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - common unitholders	-196	-166	-139
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Dividends paid to common shareholders	-80,980	-63,167	-50,592
Other financing activites	654
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-326,339	-91,224	116,440
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	58,402	-36,588	105,614
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	82,110	118,698	13,084
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	140,512	82,110	118,698
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	238,183	110,920	84,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	84,759	86,135	80,145
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,282	2,573	2,695
Net gains on sales of real estate assets	-190,370	-56,324	-36,273
Other, net	256	2,142	585
Impairment charges	450	400
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	-1,788	-2,090	-7,995
Distributions of earnings of unconsolidated entities	2,077	2,865	3,236
Stock-based compensation	4,000	3,647	2,937
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	18,357		4,318
Changes in assets, decrease (increase) in:
Other assets	2,184	-3,524	-812
Changes in liabilities, increase (decrease) in:
Accrued interest payable	-928	-564	536
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	941	2,154	598
Prepaid rents and other	2,936	2,040	-72
Net cash provided by operating activities	163,339	150,374	134,189
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Development and construction of real estate assets	-72,282	-123,422	-133,379
Acquisition of communities		-48,399	-73,963
Proceeds from sales of real estate assets	331,578	116,684	87,673
Capitalized interest	-3,115	-3,962	-5,534
Property capital expenditures	-30,052	-36,236	-28,015
Corporate additions and improvements	-3,914	-1,357	-585
Proceeds from (investments in) unconsolidated entities	-447		7,821
Other investing activities	-366	954	967
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	221,402	-95,738	-145,015
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Lines of credit proceeds	90,463		104,632
Lines of credit repayments	-90,463		-239,632
Proceeds from indebtedness			550,000
Payments on indebtedness	-206,275	-3,730	-282,979
Payments of financing costs and other	-17,338	-302	-11,051
Proceeds from employee stock purchase and stock options plans	5,906	4,858	50,123
Acquisition of treasury stock and other	-2,804	-24,800
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - real estate entities	-22,338	-229	-234
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - common unitholders	-196	-166	-139
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Dividends paid to common shareholders	-80,980	-63,167	-50,592
Other financing activites	654
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-326,339	-91,224	116,440
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	58,402	-36,588	105,614
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	82,110	118,698	13,084
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$140,512	$82,110	$118,698

ORGANIZATION_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SI

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICES	1	ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICES
	Organization
	Post Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries develop, own and manage upscale multi-family apartment communities in selected markets in the United States. The Company through its wholly-owned subsidiaries is the sole general partner, a limited partner and owns a majority interest in Post Apartment Homes, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a Georgia limited partnership. The Operating Partnership, through its operating divisions and subsidiaries conducts substantially all of the on-going operations of the Company, a publicly traded corporation which operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). As used herein, the term “Company” includes Post Properties, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Post Apartment Homes, L.P., unless the context indicates otherwise.
	The Company has elected to qualify and operate as a self-administrated and self-managed REIT for federal income tax purposes. A REIT is a legal entity which holds real estate interests and is generally not subject to federal income tax on the income it distributes to its shareholders. The Operating Partnership is governed under the provisions of a limited partnership agreement, as amended. Under the provisions of the limited partnership agreement, as amended, Operating Partnership net profits, net losses and cash flow (after allocations to preferred ownership interests) are allocated to the partners in proportion to their common ownership interests. Cash distributions from the Operating Partnership shall be, at a minimum, sufficient to enable the Company to satisfy its annual dividend requirements to maintain its REIT status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had interests in 22,994 apartment units in 58 communities, including 1,471 apartment units in four communities held in unconsolidated entities and 1,705 apartment units in five communities currently under development or in lease-up. At December 31, 2014, approximately 29.1%, 21.9%, 13.5% and 10.9% (on a unit basis) of the Company’s operating communities were located in the Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, the greater Washington, D.C. and Tampa, Florida metropolitan areas, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding 54,509 shares of common stock and owned the same number of units of common limited partnership interests (“Common Units”) in the Operating Partnership, representing a 99.8% ownership interest in the Operating Partnership. Common Units held by persons other than the Company totaled 121 at December 31, 2014 and represented a 0.2% common noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership. Each Common Unit may be redeemed by the holder thereof for either one share of Company common stock or cash equal to the fair market value thereof at the time of redemption, at the option, but outside the control, of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership presently anticipates that it will cause shares of common stock to be issued in connection with each such redemption rather than paying cash (as has been done in all redemptions to date). With each redemption of outstanding Common Units for Company common stock, the Company’s percentage ownership interest in the Operating Partnership will increase. In addition, whenever the Company issues shares of common stock, the Company will contribute any net proceeds therefrom to the Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership will issue an equivalent number of Common Units to the Company. The Company’s weighted average common ownership interest in the Operating Partnership was 99.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014, and 99.7% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Basis of presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and their wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company also consolidates other entities in which it has a controlling financial interest or entities where it is determined to be the primary beneficiary under ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation.” Under ASC Topic 810, variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate a VIE for financial reporting purposes. The application of ASC Topic 810 requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about the Company’s and its other partners’ rights, obligations and economic interests in such entities. For entities in which the Company has less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s noncontrolling interest of common unitholders (also referred to as “Redeemable Common Units”) in the operations of the Operating Partnership is calculated based on the weighted average unit ownership during the period.
	Revenue recognition
	Residential properties are leased under operating leases with terms of generally one year or less. Rental revenues from residential leases are recognized on the straight-line method over the approximate life of the leases, which is generally one year. The recognition of rental revenues from residential leases when earned has historically not been materially different from rental revenues recognized on a straight-line basis.
	Under the terms of residential leases, the residents of the Company’s residential communities are obligated to reimburse the Company for certain utility usage, water and electricity (at selected properties), where the Company is the primary obligor to the public utility entity. These utility reimbursements from residents are reflected as other property revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets and for-sale condominiums are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sales.” In periods prior to the sale of the Company’s final condominium in the first quarter of 2014, the Company recognized condominium sales under the deposit method based on an evaluation of the factors specified in ASC 360-20. Under ASC Topic 360-20, the Company used the relative sales value method to allocate costs and recognize profits from condominium sales. Under the relative sales value method, estimates of aggregate project revenues and aggregate project costs were used to determine the allocation of project cost of sales and the resulting profit in each accounting period. In subsequent periods, cumulative project cost of sale allocations and the resulting profits were adjusted to reflect changes in the actual and estimated costs and revenues of each project.
	For condominium communities, the operating results and associated gains and losses are reflected on the consolidated statement of operations in the caption titled “Net gains on condominium sales activities.”
	Cost capitalization
	The Company capitalizes those expenditures relating to the acquisition of new assets and the development and construction of new apartment communities. In addition, the Company capitalizes expenditures that enhance the value of existing assets and expenditures that substantially extend the life of existing assets. Annually recurring capital expenditures are expenditures of a type that are expected to be incurred on an annual basis during the life of an apartment community, such as carpet, appliances and flooring. Periodically recurring capital expenditures are expenditures that generally occur less frequently than on an annual basis, such as major exterior projects relating to landscaping and structural improvements. Revenue generating capital expenditures are expenditures for the rehabilitation of communities and other property upgrade costs that enhance the rental value of such communities. All other expenditures necessary to maintain a community in ordinary operating condition are expensed as incurred. Additionally, for new development communities, carpet, vinyl, and blind replacements are expensed as incurred during the first five years (which corresponds to their estimated depreciable life). Thereafter, these replacements are capitalized and depreciated. The Company expenses as incurred interior and exterior painting of its operating communities, unless those communities are under rehabilitation or major remediation.
	For communities under development or construction, the Company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes, and certain internal personnel and associated costs related to the development and construction activity. Interest is capitalized to projects under development or construction based upon the weighted average cumulative project costs for each month multiplied by the Company’s weighted average borrowing costs, expressed as a percentage. Weighted average borrowing costs include the costs of the Company’s fixed rate secured and unsecured borrowings and the variable rate unsecured borrowings under its line of credit facilities. The weighted average borrowing costs, expressed as a percentage, were 4.6%, 4.6% and 5.4% in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Aggregate interest costs capitalized to projects under development or construction were $3,115, $3,962 and $5,534, respectively. Internal development and construction personnel and associated costs are capitalized to projects under development or construction based upon the effort associated with such projects. Aggregate internal development and construction personnel and associated costs capitalized to projects under development or construction were $2,794, $2,900 and $3,755 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company treats each unit in an apartment community separately for cost accumulation, capitalization and expense recognition purposes. Prior to the completion of rental units, interest and other construction costs are capitalized and reflected on the balance sheet as construction in progress. The Company ceases the capitalization of such costs as the residential units in a community become substantially complete and available for occupancy. This results in a proration of costs between amounts that are capitalized and expensed as the residential units in apartment development communities become available for occupancy. In addition, prior to the completion of rental units, the Company expenses as incurred substantially all operating expenses (including pre-opening marketing as well as property management and leasing personnel expenses) of such rental communities.
	For cash flow statement purposes, the Company classified capital expenditures for developed condominium communities in investing activities in the caption titled, “Development and construction of real estate assets.” Likewise, the proceeds from the sales of condominiums are included in investing activities in the caption titled, “Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets.”
	Real estate assets, depreciation and impairment
	Real estate assets are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, if deemed impaired. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties (buildings and components – 40 years; other building and land improvements – 20 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment – 5-10 years).
	The Company continually evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of its real estate assets using the methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment of its existing real estate assets held for investment include significant declines in property operating profits, annually recurring property operating losses and other significant adverse changes in general market conditions that are considered permanent in nature. Under ASC Topic 360, a real estate asset held for investment is not considered impaired if the undiscounted, estimated future cash flows of an asset (both the annual estimated cash flow from future operations and the estimated cash flow from the theoretical sale of the asset) over its estimated holding period are in excess of the asset’s net book value at the balance sheet date. If any real estate asset held for investment is considered impaired, a loss is provided to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value.
	The Company periodically classifies real estate assets as held for sale. An asset is classified as held for sale after the approval of the Company’s board of directors and after an active program to sell the asset has commenced. Upon the classification of a real estate asset as held for sale, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the lower of its net book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell the asset. Subsequent to the classification of assets as held for sale, no further depreciation expense is recorded. Real estate assets held for sale are stated separately on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Upon a decision to no longer market an asset for sale, the asset is classified as an operating asset and depreciation expense is reinstated.
	Fair value measurements
	The Company applies the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets recorded at fair value, if any, to its impairment valuation analysis of real estate assets, to its disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments, principally indebtedness and to its derivative financial instruments. Fair value disclosures required under ASC Topic 820 are summarized in note 14 utilizing the following hierarchy:
		•		Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.
		•		Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
		•		Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the assets or liability.
	Apartment community acquisitions
	The Company accounts for its apartment community acquisitions in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 805, the aggregate purchase price of apartment community acquisitions is allocated to the tangible assets and liabilities (including mortgage indebtedness, if any) as well as the intangible assets acquired in each transaction based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. In determining the acquisition date fair value of the component assets and liabilities, the Company uses independent market data, internal analysis of comparable communities, relevant historical data from the acquired community as well as other market data. The acquired tangible assets, principally land, building and improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are reflected in real estate assets, and such assets, excluding land, are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The acquired intangible assets, principally the value of above/below market leases and the value of in-place leases are reflected in other assets and amortized over the average remaining lease terms of the acquired leases (generally 6 to 12 months for residential leases and 5 to 10 years for retail leases). The legal, professional and other expenses associated with acquisition related activities are expensed as incurred.
	Stock-based compensation
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the fair value method prescribed by ASC Topic 505, “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees,” and ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” This guidance requires the Company to expense the fair value of employee stock options and other forms of stock-based compensation.
	Derivative financial instruments
	The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments at fair value under the provisions of ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company measures its derivative financial instruments subject to master netting agreements on a net basis. The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swap arrangements to manage or hedge its exposure to interest rate changes. Under ASC Topic 815, derivative instruments qualifying as hedges of specific cash flows are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with an offsetting increase or decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income, an equity account, until the hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. Quarterly, the Company evaluates the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges. Any ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized immediately in earnings.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	All investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
	Restricted cash
	Restricted cash is generally comprised of resident security deposits for apartment communities located in Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.
	Deferred financing costs
	Deferred financing costs are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method, over the terms of the related indebtedness.
	Per share and per unit data
	The Company and Operating Partnership report both basic and diluted earnings per share and per unit, respectively, as prescribed by ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” The guidance also requires entities with participating securities that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, like the Company’s unvested share-based payment awards (see note 10), to use the two-class method for computing basic and dilutive earnings per share and unit. Under the two-class method earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and to participating securities according to the dividends paid or declared and the relative participation of such securities to remaining undistributed earnings.
	Basic earnings per common share and earnings per common unit are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders or unitholders by the weighted average number of common shares or units outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common unit are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders or unitholders by the weighted average number of common shares or units and common share or unit equivalents outstanding during the year, which are computed using the treasury stock method for outstanding stock options. Common share and unit equivalents are excluded from the computations in years in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share and basic and diluted earnings per common unit for income from continuing operations is detailed in notes 6 and 7 for the Company and the Operating Partnership, respectively.
	Noncontrolling interests
	The Company accounts for noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation.” ASC Topic 810, in conjunction with other existing GAAP, established criterion used to evaluate the characteristics of noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities to determine whether noncontrolling interests are classified and accounted for as permanent equity or “temporary” equity (presented between liabilities and permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheet). ASC Topic 810 also clarified the treatment of noncontrolling interests with redemption provisions. If a noncontrolling interest has a redemption feature that permits the issuer to settle in either cash or common shares at the option of the issuer but the equity settlement feature is deemed to be outside of the control of the issuer, then those noncontrolling interests are classified as “temporary” equity. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had two types of noncontrolling interests, (1) noncontrolling interests related to the common unitholders of its Operating Partnership (see note 5) and (2) noncontrolling interests related to its consolidated real estate entities (none as of December 31, 2014).
	The Company accounts for the redemption of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership in exchange for shares of company common stock at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 810. These transactions result in a reduction in the noncontrolling interest of common unitholders in the Operating Partnership and a corresponding increase in equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at the date of conversion. In accordance with guidance in ASC Topic 810 the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership is carried at the greater of its redemption value or net book value.
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Recently issued accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” was issued. This new guidance establishes a single comprehensive revenue recognition model under U.S. GAAP and provides for enhanced disclosures. Under this new guidance, the amount of revenue recognized for certain transactions could differ from amounts recognized under existing accounting guidance and could also result in recognition in different reporting periods. Also, the provisions of ASU 2014-09 exclude revenue recognition regarding lease contracts. The new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2017 and is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance may have on its results of operations.
	In April 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Entity” was issued. This guidance amends ASC Topics 360 and 205 and changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity shall be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The new guidance also modifies the disclosure requirements for disposals reported as discontinued operations and for other significant disposals not reported as discontinued operations. Generally, the new guidance will result in fewer asset disposals being reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s financial statements. ASU 2014-08 is to be applied prospectively for periods on or after December 31, 2014 with early adoption permitted, but only for assets held for sale or sold that have not been reported in previously issued financial statements. The Company early adopted ASU 2014-08, effective as of January 1, 2014 (see note 2).
	Supplemental cash flow information
	Supplemental cash flow information for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Interest paid, net of interest capitalized		$	41,214		$	45,557		$	45,883
	Interest paid, including interest capitalized			44,329			49,519			51,417
	Income tax payments, net			1,166			1,192			3
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Dividends and distributions payable			21,852			17,928			13,653
	Conversions of redeemable common units			784			354			591
	Common stock 401k matching contribution			658			670			639
	Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)			(2,821	)		(8,435	)		7,422
	Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units and other, net increase (decrease)			(2,538	)		819			(850	)

REAL_ESTATE_ACTIVITIES

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES	2	REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES
	Acquisitions
	In May 2013, the Company acquired a 300-unit apartment community located in Orlando, Florida for a purchase price of approximately $48,500. The purchase price of this community was allocated to land ($4,377), building improvements and equipment ($43,724) and identified lease related intangible assets ($399) based on their estimated fair values.
	Dispositions
	Assets held for sale/sold subsequent to January 1, 2014
	The Company classifies real estate assets as held for sale after the approval of its board of directors and after the Company had commenced an active program to sell the assets. In 2014, the Company classified three apartment communities, containing 645 units, as held for sale. In May 2014, one of these apartment communities located in Houston, Texas, containing 308 units, was sold for gross proceeds of approximately $71,750. The Company recognized a gain of $36,092 on the sale of this community. In September 2014, two additional communities, located in New York, New York, containing 337 units, were sold for gross proceeds of approximately $270,000. One of these communities was held in a consolidated entity, 68% owned by the Company. The Company recognized gains of $151,733 ($127,659 net of noncontrolling interests) on the sale of these communities. This disposition activity is part of the Company’s on-going investment strategy of recycling investment capital to fund investment and development of apartment communities. There were no apartment communities classified as held for sale at December 31, 2014.
	Under ASU 2014-08 (see note 1), the Company determined that the three apartment communities discussed above did not meet the criteria requiring separate reporting as discontinued operations. As a result, the operations of these communities and the resulting gains on sales of the three apartment communities are reported in continuing operations for all periods presented. Total revenues and property net operating income of these assets is included in the segment information (see note 15) under the segment caption titled, “Held for sale and sold communities.” The net income and net income attributable to the Company, including gains on sales of real estate assets and debt extinguishment losses related to these communities for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Net income		$	176,041		$	2,717		$	2,916
	Net income, net of noncontrolling interest		$	153,456		$	2,610		$	2,781
	Assets held for sale/sold prior to January 1, 2014
	Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-08 and under ASC Topic 360, the operating results of real estate assets designated as held for sale and sold were included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for all periods presented. Additionally, gains and losses on the sale of these assets were included in discontinued operations.
	In 2013, the Company recognized net gains in discontinued operations of $28,380 from the sale of one apartment community, containing 342 units. This sale generated aggregate gross proceeds of $47,500. Income from discontinued operations included the results of operations of the apartment community through its sale date in October 2013. The revenues and expenses for this community in 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Rental		$	3,557		$	4,155
	Other property revenues			356			422
	Total revenues			3,913			4,577
	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance			1,679			1,903
	Depreciation			527			778
	Interest			289			391
	Total expenses			2,495			3,072
	Income from discontinued property operations		$	1,418		$	1,505
	Condominium activities
	In prior years and through the first quarter of 2014, the Company sold condominium homes at two wholly owned condominium communities, one in Atlanta, Georgia (the “Atlanta Condominium Project”) and one in Austin, Texas (the “Austin Condominium Project”). The Austin Condominium Project completed its sell-out in the second quarter of 2013, and the Atlanta Condominium Project completed the sale of its final unit in March 2014.
	The revenues, costs and expenses associated with consolidated condominium activities included in continuing operations in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Condominium revenues		$	2,442		$	68,168		$	89,698
	Condominium costs and expenses			(178	)		(40,224	)		(54,037	)
	Net gains on sales of residential condominiums			2,264			27,944			35,661
	Net gain on sale of retail condominium			281			—			—
	Income tax benefit			—			—			612
	Net gains on sales of condominiums		$	2,545		$	27,944		$	36,273
	The Company closed one, 62 and 96 condominium homes in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, at these condominium communities. In 2014, the Company recognized a reduction to condominium warranty and related obligations of $1,454 associated with the anticipated resolution and final settlement of certain obligations during the year. Additionally in 2014, the Company sold a retail condominium, representing a portion of the available retail space at the Austin Condominium Project and recognized a net gain of $281. At December 31, 2014, the Company had the remaining retail condominiums at the Austin Condominium Project, with a net carrying value of $672, classified as held for sale. In February 2015, the retail condominiums were sold for gross proceeds of approximately $2,500, and the Company recognized a net gain of approximately $1,750. In 2012, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $612 related to the recovery of income taxes paid in prior years by the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries.

INVESTMENTS_IN_UNCONSOLIDATED_

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES	3	INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES
	At December 31, 2014, the Company held investments in two individual limited liability companies (the “Apartment LLCs”) with institutional investors that own four apartment communities, including three communities located in Atlanta, Georgia and one community located in Washington, D.C. The Company has a 25% and 35% equity interest in these Apartment LLCs.
	The Company accounts for its investments in the Apartment LLCs using the equity method of accounting. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s investment in the 35% owned Apartment LLC totaled $4,059 and $4,056, respectively, excluding the credit investments discussed below. The excess of the Company’s investment over its equity in the underlying net assets of this Apartment LLC was approximately $2,646 at December 31, 2014. The excess investment related to these Apartment LLCs is being amortized as a reduction to earnings on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related assets. The Company’s investment in the 25% owned Apartment LLC at December 31, 2014 and 2013 reflects a credit investment of $16,624 and $16,687, respectively. These credit balances resulted from distribution of financing proceeds in excess of the Company’s historical cost upon the formation of the Apartment LLC and are reflected in consolidated liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The operating results of the Company include its allocable share of net income from the investments in the Apartment LLCs. The Company provides property and asset management services to the Apartment LLCs for which it earns fees.
	A summary of financial information for the Apartment LLCs in the aggregate is as follows:
			December 31,
	Apartment LLCs - Balance Sheet Data		2014			2013
	Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $49,153 and		$	208,493		$	209,132
	$43,649 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively
	Cash and other			5,490			4,978
	Total assets		$	213,983		$	214,110
	Mortgage notes payable		$	177,723		$	177,723
	Other liabilities			3,445			2,673
	Total liabilities			181,168			180,396
	Members’ equity			32,815			33,714
	Total liabilities and members’ equity		$	213,983		$	214,110
	Company’s equity investment in Apartment LLCs (1)		$	(12,565	)	$	(12,631	)
	-1	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s equity investment includes its credit investments of $16,624 and $16,687, respectively, discussed above.
			Year ended December 31,
	Apartment LLCs - Income Statement Data		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Rental		$	26,502		$	25,692		$	24,659
	Other property revenues			1,857			1,881			1,844
	Total revenues			28,359			27,573			26,503
	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance			11,939			10,955			10,541
	Depreciation and amortization			5,608			5,421			5,768
	Interest			9,052			9,052			9,181
	Total expenses			26,599			25,428			25,490
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations			1,760			2,145			1,013
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			-			-			21,667
	Net income		$	1,760		$	2,145		$	22,680
	Company’s share of net income in Apartment LLCs		$	1,788		$	2,090		$	7,995
	At December 31, 2014, mortgage notes payable included four mortgage notes. The first $51,000 mortgage note bears interest at 3.50%, requires monthly interest only payments and matures in 2019. The second and third mortgage notes collectively total $85,723, bear interest at 5.63%, require interest only payments and mature in 2017. The fourth mortgage note totals $41,000, bears interest at 5.71%, requires interest only payments, and matures in January 2018 with a one-year automatic extension at a variable interest rate.
	In February 2012, a 35% owned Apartment LLC sold an apartment community located in Atlanta, Georgia. The net cash proceeds from the sale of approximately $50,500 were used to retire the Apartment LLC’s outstanding mortgage note payable of $29,273 and to make distributions to its members. The results of operations and the gain on sale of the apartment community from this Apartment LLC are included in discontinued operations in the table above in 2012. The Company’s equity in income of unconsolidated entities for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes a net gain of $6,055 resulting from this transaction.

INDEBTEDNESS

INDEBTEDNESS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
INDEBTEDNESS	4	INDEBTEDNESS
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s indebtedness consisted of the following:
			Payment				Maturity			December 31,
	Description		Terms		Interest Rate		Date			2014		2013
	Senior Unsecured Notes		Int.			3.375% - 4.75%		2017 - 2022	(1)	$	400,000	$	400,000
	Unsecured Bank Term Loan		Int.			LIBOR + 1.70% (2)		2018			300,000		300,000
	Secured Mortgage Notes		Prin. and Int.			5.99%		2019			192,459		398,734
	Total									$	892,459	$	1,098,734
	-1	The outstanding unsecured notes mature in 2017 and 2022.
	-2	Represents stated rate at December 31, 2014. As discussed below, the Company has entered into interest rate swap arrangements that effectively fix the interest rate under this facility. At December 31, 2014, the effective blended interest rate under the Term Loan was 3.24%. As discussed below, the Company refinanced this facility in January 2015.
	Debt	maturities
	The aggregate maturities of the Company’s indebtedness are as follows:
	2015		$	2,922
	2016			3,071
	2017			153,296
	2018			303,502
	2019			179,668
	Thereafter			250,000
			$	892,459
	Unsecured lines of credit
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had a $300,000 syndicated unsecured revolving line of credit (the “Syndicated Line”). The Syndicated Line had a stated interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.225% and matured in 2016, was provided by a syndicate of eleven financial institutions and required the payment of annual facility fees of 0.225% of the aggregate loan commitments. In January 2015, the Company amended the $300,000 unsecured line of credit (the “Amended Syndicated Line”). The Amended Syndicated Line has a current stated interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.05% and is provided by a syndicate of nine financial institutions. The Amended Syndicated Line currently requires the payment of annual facility fees of 0.20% of the aggregate loan commitments. The Amended Syndicated Line matures in 2019 and may be extended for an additional year at the Company’s option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Amended Syndicated Line provides for the interest rate and facility fee rate to be adjusted up or down based on changes in the credit ratings on the Company’s senior unsecured debt. The component of the interest rate and the facility fee rate that are based on the Company’s credit ratings range from 0.875% to 1.55% and from 0.125% to 0.30%, respectively. The Amended Syndicated Line also includes a competitive bid option for borrowings up to 50% of the loan commitments, which may result in interest rates for such borrowings below the stated interest rates for the Amended Syndicated Line, depending on market conditions. The credit agreement for the Amended Syndicated Line contains customary restrictions, representations, covenants and events of default, including minimum fixed charge coverage, minimum unsecured interest coverage, and maximum leverage ratios. The Amended Syndicated Line also restricts the amount of capital the Company can invest in specific categories of assets, such as improved land, properties under construction, non-multifamily properties, debt or equity securities, notes receivable and unconsolidated affiliates. At December 31, 2014, letters of credit to third parties totaling $122 had been issued for the account of the Company under this facility.
	Additionally, at December 31, 2014, the Company had a $30,000 unsecured line of credit that carried an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.225% and matured in 2016. In January 2015, the Company amended the $30,000 unsecured line of credit (the “Amended Cash Management Line”). The Amended Cash Management Line matures in 2019, includes a one-year extension option, and carries pricing and terms, including financial covenants, substantially consistent with the Amended Syndicated Line discussed above.
	In connection with the refinancing of the Amended Syndicated Line, the Amended Cash Management Line and the Term Loan (discussed below) in January 2015, the Company incurred fees and expenses of approximately $4,002. In connection with the refinancing of the Syndicated Line and Term Loan facilities in January 2015, the Company recognized an extinguishment loss of approximately $200 related to the write-off of a portion of amortized deferred loan costs.
	Unsecured term loan
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding a $300,000 unsecured bank term loan facility provided by a syndicate of eight financial institutions (the “Term Loan”). The Term Loan carried a stated interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.70% and matured in 2018. In January 2015, the Company amended the $300,000 unsecured bank term loan (the “Amended Term Loan”). The Amended Term Loan has a current stated interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.15% and is provided by a syndicate of eight financial institutions. The Amended Term Loan matures in January 2020. The Amended Term Loan provides for the stated interest rate to be adjusted up or down based on changes in the credit ratings on the Company’s senior unsecured debt. The component of the interest rate based on the Company’s credit ratings ranges from 0.90% to 1.85%. The Amended Term Loan carries other terms, including financial covenants, substantially consistent with the Amended Syndicated Line discussed above. As discussed in note 14, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements to serve as cash flow hedges of amounts outstanding under the Term Loan. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively fix the LIBOR component of the interest rate paid under the Term Loan at a blended rate of approximately 1.54%. As a result, the effective blended interest rate on the Term Loan was 3.24% as of December 31, 2014. The effective blended interest rate on the Amended Term Loan will be 2.69% (subject to adjustment based on subsequent changes in the Company’s credit ratings) through January 2018, the termination date of the interest rate swaps.
	Debt issuances, retirements and modifications
	2014
	In September 2014, the Company prepaid $82,627 of secured mortgage indebtedness using the net proceeds from the sale of two apartment communities (see note 2). The prepaid mortgage indebtedness consisted of two mortgages, each encumbering the apartment communities sold. The indebtedness was scheduled to initially mature in 2018 and 2019 and the stated interest rates on the indebtedness were 5.84% and 5.61%, respectively. In conjunction with these prepayments, the Company recognized extinguishment losses of $14,070 ($12,333, net of noncontrolling interest) in 2014 related to prepayment premiums and the write-off of unamortized deferred loan costs.
	In May 2014, the Company prepaid $120,000 of secured mortgage indebtedness using available cash and line of credit borrowings, which were largely repaid from the net proceeds of an apartment community sale (see note 2). The indebtedness was scheduled to initially mature in February 2015, and the stated interest rate on the indebtedness was 4.88%. In conjunction with the prepayment, the Company recognized an extinguishment loss of $4,287 in 2014 related to prepayment premiums and the write-off of unamortized deferred loan costs.
	2013
	There were no issuances or retirements of indebtedness in 2013.
	Debt compliance and other
	The Company’s Amended Syndicated Line, Amended Cash Management Line, Amended Term Loan and senior unsecured notes contain customary restrictions, representations, covenants and events of default and require the Company to meet certain financial covenants. Debt service and fixed charge coverage covenants require the Company to maintain coverages of a minimum of 1.5 to 1.0, as defined in applicable debt arrangements. Additionally, the Company’s ratio of unencumbered adjusted property-level net operating income to unsecured interest expense may not be less than 2.0 to 1.0, as defined in the applicable debt arrangements. Leverage covenants generally require the Company to maintain calculated covenants above/below minimum/maximum thresholds. The primary leverage ratios under these arrangements include total debt to total asset value (maximum of 60%), total secured debt to total asset value (maximum of 40%) and unencumbered assets to unsecured debt (minimum of 1.5 to 1.0), as defined in the applicable debt arrangements. The Company believes it met these financial covenants at December 31, 2014.
	The aggregate net book value at December 31, 2014 of property pledged as collateral for indebtedness amounted to approximately $121,144.

EQUITY_AND_NONCONTROLLING_INTE

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	5	EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	Common stock
	The Company has an at-the-market (“ATM”) common equity sales program for the sale of up to 4,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 2014, the Company had not used this program and had 4,000 shares remaining for issuance. Sales of common stock under a previous ATM program totaled 550 shares for gross process of $26,153 in 2012. The average gross sales price per share was $47.55 in 2012. The Company’s net proceeds of $25,457 in 2012 were contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for a like number of common units. The Company and the Operating Partnership used the proceeds from this program for general corporate purposes.
	In December 2014, the Company’s board of directors adopted a stock and unsecured note repurchase program under which the Company and the Operating Partnership may repurchase up to $200,000 of common and preferred stock and unsecured notes through December 2017. Under a previous program, the Company repurchased 550 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $24,800 and at an average gross price per share of $45.08 in 2013. There were no shares of common stock repurchased in 2014 or 2012 under this program or a previous stock repurchase program.
	Preferred stock
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had one outstanding series of cumulative redeemable preferred stock with the following characteristics:
	Description		Outstanding			Liquidation			Optional		Redemption		Stated			Approximate
			Shares			Preference			Redemption		Price(1)		Dividend			Dividend
									Date (1)				Yield			Rate
						(per share)					(per share)					(per share)
	Series A			868		$	50		10/1/26		$	50		8.5	%	$	4.25
	-1	The redemption price is the price at which the preferred stock is redeemable, at the Company’s option, for cash.
	Noncontrolling interests
	In accordance with ASC Topic 810, the Company and the Operating Partnership determined that the noncontrolling interests related to the common units of the Operating Partnership, held by persons other than the Company, met the criterion to be classified and accounted for as “temporary” equity (reflected outside of total equity as “Redeemable Common Units”). At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate redemption value of the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership was $7,086 and $6,121, respectively, representing their fair value at the respective dates. In prior periods, the Company had noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate entities that met the criterion to be classified and accounted for as a component of permanent equity.
	A roll-forward of activity relating to the Company’s redeemable common units for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Redeemable common units, beginning of period		$	6,121		$	7,159		$	6,840
	Comprehensive income			508			301			194
	Conversion of redeemable common units for shares			(784	)		(354	)		(591	)
	Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units			425			192			416
	Stock-based compensation			10			9			7
	Distributions to common unitholders			(199	)		(175	)		(141	)
	Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units			1,005			(1,011	)		434
	Redeemable common units, end of period		$	7,086		$	6,121		$	7,159

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE	6	COMPANY EARNINGS PER SHARE
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income from continuing operations available to common shareholders of the Company was as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations		$	238,183		$	81,122		$	82,786
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities			(22,554	)		(107	)		(135	)
	Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership			(509	)		(202	)		(213	)
	Preferred stock dividends			(3,688	)		(3,688	)		(3,688	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)			(481	)		(170	)		(183	)
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders		$	210,951		$	76,955		$	78,567
	Common shares (denominator):
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic			54,262			54,336			53,821
	Dilutive shares from stock options			91			172			310
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted			54,353			54,508			54,131
	Per-share amount:
	Basic		$	3.89		$	1.42		$	1.46
	Diluted		$	3.88		$	1.41		$	1.45
	Stock options to purchase 60, 186 and 158 shares of common stock in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share as these stock options were antidilutive.
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	7	OPERATING PARTNERSHIP EARNINGS PER UNIT
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income from continuing operations available to common unitholders of the Operating Partnership was as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations		$	238,183		$	81,122		$	82,786
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities			(22,554	)		(107	)		(135	)
	Preferred unit distributions			(3,688	)		(3,688	)		(3,688	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)			(481	)		(170	)		(183	)
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders		$	211,460		$	77,157		$	78,780
	Common units (denominator):
	Weighted average units outstanding - basic			54,392			54,478			53,968
	Dilutive units from stock options			91			172			310
	Weighted average units outstanding - diluted			54,483			54,650			54,278
	Per-unit amount:
	Basic		$	3.89		$	1.42		$	1.46
	Diluted		$	3.88		$	1.41		$	1.45
	Stock options to purchase 60, 186 and 158 shares of common stock in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common unit as these stock options were antidilutive.

SEVERENCE_IMPAIRMENT_AND_OTHER

SEVERENCE, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
SEVERENCE, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER	8	SEVERENCE, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER
	Severance, impairment and other in 2014 included a non-cash asset impairment charge of $450 to write-down to fair value a commercial property (see note 14) and $1,066 related to the conclusion of the Company’s strategic initiative to upgrade the Company’s operating and financial software systems. The Company also recognized casualty losses of $750 primarily related to extreme winter conditions in many of the Company’s markets as well as fire damage at one community.
	Severance, impairment and other in 2013 included severance charges of $1,189 related to the departure of an executive officer and other personnel and a non-cash asset impairment charge of $400 to write-down to fair value a parcel of land held for future investment (see note 14). The Company also recognized expenses of approximately $592 related to the upgrade of the Company’s software systems discussed above and estimated casualty losses of $236 related to fire damage sustained at one community.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	9	INCOME TAXES
	The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as a REIT, the Company must distribute annually at least 90% of its adjusted taxable income, as defined in the Code, to its shareholders and satisfy certain other organizational and operating requirements. It is management’s current intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain the Company’s REIT status. As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level on the taxable income it distributes to its shareholders. Should the Company fail to qualify as a REIT in any tax year, it may be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. The Company may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property, and to federal income taxes and excise taxes on its undistributed taxable income.
	The Operating Partnership files tax returns as a limited partnership under the Code. As a partnership, the income and losses of the Operating Partnership are allocated to its partners, including the Company, for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. Accordingly, no provision or benefit for income taxes has been included in the accompanying Operating Partnership financial statements. The Operating Partnership intends to make sufficient cash distributions to the Company to enable it to meet its annual REIT distribution requirements.
	In the preparation of income tax returns in federal and state jurisdictions, the Company, the Operating Partnership and its taxable REIT subsidiaries assert certain tax positions based on their understanding and interpretation of the income tax law. The taxing authorities may challenge such positions and the resolution of such matters could result in the payment and recognition of additional income tax expense. Management believes it has used reasonable judgments and conclusions in the preparation of its income tax returns. The Company and its subsidiaries, including the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”), income tax returns are subject to examination by federal and state tax jurisdictions for years 2011 through 2013. Net income tax loss carryforwards and other tax attributes generated in years prior to 2011 are also subject to challenge in any examination of the 2011 to 2013 tax years.
	Reconciliation of net income available to the Company to taxable income
	As discussed in note 1, the Company conducts substantially all of its operations through its majority-owned subsidiary, the Operating Partnership. For income tax reporting purposes, the Company receives an allocable share of the Operating Partnership’s ordinary income and capital gains based on its weighted average ownership, adjusted for certain specially allocated items. All adjustments to net income in the table below are net of amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests and taxable REIT subsidiaries. A reconciliation of net income available to the Company to estimated taxable income for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is detailed below:
			2014			2013			2012
	Net income available to the Company		$	215,120		$	110,534		$	83,939
	Add (subtract) net loss (income) of taxable REIT subsidiaries			(4,088	)		(26,842	)		(33,956	)
	Adjusted net income available to the Company			211,032			83,692			49,983
	Book/tax depreciation difference			(5,104	)		(3,770	)		(2,611	)
	Book/tax difference in gain/loss transactions			(44,839	)		(28,306	)		1,804
	Book/tax difference on stock-based compensation			(8,657	)		(1,810	)		(15,706	)
	Book/tax difference relating to change in tax regulations			(49,808	)		-			-
	Other book/tax differences, net			2,910			6,068			(1,267	)
	Taxable income of the Company before allocation of taxable capital gains			105,534			55,874			32,203
	Income taxable as capital gains			(117,551	)		-			(7,843	)
	Taxable ordinary income (loss) of the Company		$	(12,017	)	$	55,874		$	24,360
	Income tax characterization of dividends
	For income tax purposes, dividends to common shareholders are characterized as ordinary income, capital gains or as a return of a shareholder’s invested capital. A summary of the income tax characterization of the Company’s dividends paid per common share is as follows for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			2014						2013						2012
			Amount (1)			% (1)			Amount (1)			% (1)			Amount (1)		% (1)
	Ordinary income		$	-			-	%	$	1.15			99.4	%	$	0.53		56.6	%
	Capital gains			0.83			55.8			0.01			0.6			0.07		7
	Unrecaptured Section 1250 gains			0.66			44.2			-			-			0.06		6.9
	Return of capital			-			-			-			-			0.28		29.5
	Total		$	1.49			100	%	$	1.16			100	%	$	0.94		100	%
	-1	The amounts and percentages detailed in the table above represent average amounts for the years presented. Actual quarterly amounts may differ.
	The income tax characterization of dividends to common shareholders is based on the calculation of Taxable Earnings and Profits, as defined in the Code. Taxable Earnings and Profits differ from regular taxable income due primarily to differences in the estimated useful lives and methods used to compute depreciation and in the recognition of gains and losses on the sale of real estate assets.
	As of December 31, 2014, the net basis for federal income tax purposes, taking into account the special allocation of gain to the partners contributing property to the Operating Partnership and including noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership, was lower than the net assets as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements by approximately $150,000.
	Taxable REIT subsidiaries
	The Company utilizes TRSs principally to perform such non-REIT activities as asset and property management and other services. These TRSs are subject to federal and state income taxes. No income tax provision (benefit) was recognized in 2014, 2013 and 2012 other than discussed below. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s TRS had an unrecognized tax benefit of approximately $797 which primarily related to uncertainty regarding the sustainability of certain deductions taken on prior years TRS income tax returns. In 2014, the uncertainty surrounding this tax benefit was resolved and the benefit was recognized. The recognition of this income tax benefit is associated, in part, with the TRS simplification discussed below. In 2012, the TRSs recognized an income tax benefit of $612 related to the recovery of income taxes paid in prior years.
	In 2014, the Company simplified its TRS structure. The income tax attributes associated with the former and remaining TRS structures are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	10	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	As the primary operating subsidiary of the Company, the Operating Partnership participates in and bears the compensation expenses associated with the Company’s stock-based compensation plans. The information discussed below relating to the Company’s stock-based compensation plans is also applicable for the Operating Partnership.
	Incentive stock plans
	Incentive stock awards are granted under the Company’s 2003 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated in October 2008 (the “2003 Stock Plan”). Under the 2003 Stock Plan, an aggregate of 3,469 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. Of this amount, stock grants count against the total shares available under the 2003 Stock Plan as 2.7 shares for every one share issued, while options (and stock appreciation rights (“SAR”) settled in shares) count against the total shares available as one share for every one share issued on the exercise of an option (or SAR). The exercise price of each option granted under the 2003 Stock Plan may not be less than the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the option grant and all options may have a maximum life of ten years. Participants receiving restricted stock grants are generally eligible to vote such shares and receive dividends on such shares. Substantially all stock option and restricted stock grants are subject to annual vesting provisions (generally three to five years) as determined by the compensation committee overseeing the 2003 Stock Plan.
	Compensation costs for stock options have been estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing method. The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013		2012
	Dividend yield			2.80%			2.00%		2	%
	Expected volatility			43.00%			43.10%		43.3	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.80%			1.10%		1.1	%
	Expected option term (years)			6.0 years			6.0 years		6.0 years
	The Company’s assumptions were derived from the methodologies discussed herein. The expected dividend yield reflects the Company’s current historical yield, which was expected to approximate the future yield. Expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate for the expected life of the options was based on the implied yields on the U.S. Treasury yield curve. The weighted average expected option term was based on the Company’s historical data for prior period stock option exercise and forfeiture activity.
	Restricted stock
	Compensation cost for restricted stock is amortized ratably into compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. Total compensation expense related to restricted stock was $3,165, $3,020 and $2,334 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014, there was $3,093 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. The total intrinsic value of restricted shares vested in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3,670, $2,933 and $3,892, respectively.
	A summary of the activity related to the Company’s restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014					2013					2012
			Shares			Weighted-Avg.		Shares			Weighted-Avg.		Shares			Weighted-Avg.
						Grant-Date					Grant-Date					Grant-Date
						Fair Value					Fair Value					Fair Value
	Unvested shares, beginning of period			75		$	48		65		$	42		84		$	29
	Granted (1)			63			48		75			50		59			45
	Vested			(62	)		47		(64	)		44		(78	)		30
	Forfeited			-			-		(1	)		50		-			-
	Unvested shares, end of period			76			49		75			48		65			42
	-1	The total value of the restricted share grants in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3,038, $3,743 and $2,657, respectively.
	Stock options
	Compensation cost for stock options is amortized ratably into compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded compensation expense related to stock options of $507, $463 and $380, respectively, recognized under the fair value method. At December 31, 2014, there was $465 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
	A summary of stock option activity under all plans in 2014, 2013 and 2012, is presented below:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014					2013					2011
			Shares			Exercise Price		Shares			Exercise Price		Shares			Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of period			539		$	36		685		$	34		1,501		$	31
	Granted			35			47		29			50		29			44
	Exercised			(426	)		33		(174	)		29		(845	)		30
	Forfeited			-			-		(1	)		50		-			-
	Options outstanding, end of period (1)			148			46		539			36		685			34
	Options exercisable, end of period (1)			86			46		486			35		617			34
	Options vested and expected to vest, end of period (1)			145			46		536			36		682			34
	Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period		$	15.21				$	17.26				$	15.18
	-1	At December 31, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was $1,827, $1,127 and $1,795, respectively. At that same date, the weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was 5.6 years, 3.6 years and 5.6 years, respectively.
	Upon the exercise of stock options, the Company issues shares of common stock from treasury shares or, to the extent treasury shares are not available, from authorized common shares. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised in 2014, 2013 and 2012 and was $8,677, $2,808 and $15,808, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company segregated its outstanding options into two ranges, based on exercise prices, as follows:
	Option Ranges		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
			Shares			Weighted Avg.		Weighted Avg. Life			Shares		Weighted Avg.
						Exercise Price		(Years)					Exercise Price
	$37.04 - $46.93			80		$	44		6.8			35	$	42
	$48.00 - $50.30			68			49		4.3			51		48
	Total			148			46		5.6			86		46
	Employee stock purchase plan
	The Company maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) approved by Company shareholders. The purchase price of shares of common stock under the ESPP is equal to 85% of the lesser of the closing price per share of common stock on the first or last day of the trading period, as defined. The Company records the aggregate cost of the ESPP (generally the 15% discount on the share purchases) as a period expense. Total compensation expense relating to the ESPP was $328, $164 and $223 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLAN

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	11	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
	The Company maintains a defined contribution plan pursuant to Section 401 of the Code (the “401K Plan”) that allows eligible employees to contribute a percentage of their compensation to the 401K Plan. The Company matches 50% of the employee’s pre-tax contribution up to a maximum employee contribution of 6% of salary in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Company contributions of $652, $658 and $670 were made to the 401K Plan in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Contributions for 2014 were made in cash. Contributions for 2013 and 2012 were made in the Company’s common stock.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Land and equipment leases
	The Company is party to two ground leases expiring in 2038 and 2074 for two separate operating communities as well as to other facility, office, equipment and other operating leases with terms expiring through 2057. One of the ground leases contains stated rent increases that generally compensate for the impact of inflation. The other ground lease does not contain any escalating payments. Future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable land, equipment and other leases at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
	2015		$	625
	2016			627
	2017			637
	2018			637
	2019			651
	2020 and thereafter			63,690
	The Company incurred $3,639, $3,542 and $3,738 of rent expense, including rent expense under short-term rental and lease arrangements, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Legal proceedings
	In September 2010, the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The suit alleges various violations of the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) at properties designed, constructed or operated by the Company in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina and Texas. The plaintiff seeks statutory damages and a civil penalty in unspecified amounts, as well as injunctive relief that includes retrofitting apartments and public use areas to comply with the FHA and the ADA and prohibiting construction or sale of noncompliant units or complexes. The Company filed a motion to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, where a previous civil case involving alleged violations of the FHA and ADA by the Company was filed and ultimately dismissed. On October 29, 2010, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia issued an opinion finding that the complaint shows that the DOJ’s claims are essentially the same as the previous civil case, and, therefore, granted the Company’s motion and transferred the DOJ’s case to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Discovery has closed, and the Court has denied motions filed by the parties relating to additional discovery and expert witnesses. Each party filed Motions for Summary Judgment, which were briefed in April 2014, and are now pending before the Court. Until such time as the court issues rulings on the application of the law to the facts of this case, it is not possible to predict or determine the outcome of the legal proceeding, nor is it possible to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that would be associated with an adverse decision.
	The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to their business from time to time, some of which are expected to be covered by liability or other insurance. Management of the Company believes that any resolution of pending proceedings or liability to the Company which may arise as a result of these various other legal proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	13	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company held investments in Apartment LLCs accounted for under the equity method of accounting (see note 3). In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded, before elimination of the Company’s equity interests, project management fees, property and asset management fees and expense reimbursements (primarily personnel costs) of approximately $3,581, $3,481 and $3,488, respectively, from these related companies. The Company’s portion of all significant intercompany transactions was eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASURES_AND_FINANC

FAIR VALUE MEASURES AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASURES AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	14	FAIR VALUE MEASURES AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	From time to time, the Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Real estate assets may be stated at fair value if they become impaired in a given period and may be stated at fair value if they are held for sale and the fair value of such assets is below historical cost. Additionally, the Company records derivative financial instruments at fair value. The Company also uses fair value metrics to evaluate the carrying values of its real estate assets and for the disclosure of certain financial instruments. Fair value measurements were determined by management using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies available to management at December 31, 2014. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and estimate fair value. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the estimates discussed herein, using Level 2 and 3 inputs, are indicative of the amounts the Company could realize on disposition of the real estate assets or other financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
	Real estate assets
	The Company periodically reviews its real estate assets, including operating assets, construction in progress and land held for future investment, for impairment purposes using Level 3 inputs, primarily comparable sales and market data, independent valuations and discounted cash flow models.
	In 2014, the Company recognized impairment charges of $450 to write-down a commercial property to its estimated fair value. In 2013, the Company recognized impairment charges of $400 to write-down a parcel of land held for future investment to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair values of the commercial property and land were determined using Level 3 inputs, consisting primarily of comparable market sales data. In 2012, the Company did not recognize any impairment charges related to its real estate assets.
	Derivatives
	The Company manages its exposure to interest rate changes through the use of derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swap arrangements. At December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding three interest rate swap arrangements with substantially similar terms and conditions. These arrangements have an aggregate notional amount of $230,000 and require the Company to pay a blended fixed rate of approximately 1.55% (with the counterparties paying the Company the floating one-month LIBOR rate). Additionally, the Company had outstanding a fourth interest rate swap arrangement with a notional amount of $70,000 and it requires the Company to pay a fixed rate of approximately 1.50% (with the counterparty paying the Company the floating one-month LIBOR rate) (together, the “Interest Rate Swaps”). The Interest Rate Swaps serve as cash flow hedges of amounts outstanding under the Company’s variable rate Term Loan (see note 4) entered into in 2012 and provide for an effective blended fixed rate for the corresponding amount of Term Loan borrowings, of approximately 3.24% at December 31, 2014. The Interest Rate Swaps terminate in January 2018. In January 2015, the Company refinanced the Term Loan. The Interest Rate Swaps will continue to serve as cash flow hedges of borrowings outstanding on the Amended Term Loan and provide for an effective blended fixed rate for the corresponding amount of Amended Term Loan borrowings of approximately 2.69% (subject to an adjustment based on subsequent changes in the Company’s credit ratings) through January 2018, the termination date of the interest rate swap arrangements.
	The Interest Rate Swaps are measured and accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. The Interest Rate Swaps outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were valued as net liabilities of $3,685 and $3,428, respectively, primarily using level 2 inputs, as substantially all of the fair value was determined using widely accepted discounted cash flow valuation techniques along with observable market-based inputs for similar types of arrangements. The Company reflects both the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risks and its own nonperformance risks in its fair value measurements using unobservable inputs. However, the impact of such risks was not considered material to the overall fair value measurements of the derivatives. These liabilities are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Under ASC Topic 815, a corresponding amount is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), an equity account, until the hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. The following table summarizes the effect of these Interest Rate Swaps (designated as cash flow hedges) on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for 2014 and 2013:
			Year ended December 31,
	Interest Rate Swap / Cash Flow Hedging Instruments		2014			2013			2012
	Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income		$	(4,449	)	$	4,191		$	(11,804	)
	Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense		$	(4,192	)	$	(4,091	)	$	(2,735	)
	The amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2014 will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made under the hedged indebtedness. Over the next year, the Company estimates that $3,658 will be reclassified from accumulated comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense.
	As part of the Company’s on-going procedures, the Company monitors the credit worthiness of its financial institution counterparties and its exposure to any single entity, which it believes minimizes credit risk concentration. The Company believes the likelihood of realized losses from counterparty non-performance is remote. The Interest Rate Swaps are cross defaulted with the Company’s Term Loan and Syndicated Line (see note 4) and contain certain provisions consistent with these types of arrangements. If the Company was required to terminate the Interest Rate Swaps and settle the obligations thereunder as of December 31, 2014, the termination payment by the Company would have been approximately $3,686.
	Other financial instruments
	Cash equivalents, rents and accounts receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities are carried at amounts which reasonably approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. December 31, 2014, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $620,641 (carrying value of $592,459) and the fair value of variable rate debt, including the Company’s lines of credit, was approximately $304,983 (carrying value of $300,000). At December 31, 2013, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $816,582 (carrying value of $798,734) and the fair value of variable rate debt, including the Company’s lines of credit, was approximately $305,653 (carrying value of $300,000). Long-term indebtedness was valued using Level 2 inputs, primarily market prices of comparable debt instruments.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	15	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Segment description
	In accordance with ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” the Company presents segment information based on the way that management organizes the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The segment information is prepared on the same basis as the internally reported information used by the Company’s chief operating decision makers to manage the business.
	The Company’s chief operating decision makers focus on the Company’s primary sources of income from apartment community rental operations. Apartment community rental operations are generally broken down into segments based on the various stages in the apartment community ownership lifecycle. These segments are described below. All commercial properties and other ancillary service and support operations are combined in the line item “other property segments” in the accompanying segment information. The segment information presented below reflects the segment categories based on the lifecycle status of each community as of January 1, 2013. The segment information for 2014, 2013 and 2012 has been adjusted to reflect the impact of reclassifying, from the fully stabilized community segment to the held for sale and sold community segment, the operating results of three apartment communities designated as held for sale and sold in 2014 as described below.
		•		Fully stabilized communities – those apartment communities which have been stabilized (the earlier of the point at which a property reaches 95% occupancy or one year after completion of construction) for both 2014 and 2013.
		•		Newly stabilized communities – those apartment communities which reached stabilized occupancy in 2013.
		•		Lease-up communities – those apartment communities that were under development and lease-up but were not stabilized by the beginning of 2014, including communities that stabilized in 2014.
		•		Acquired communities – those communities acquired in 2014 or in 2013.
		•		Held for sale and sold communities – those apartment and mixed-use communities classified as held for sale and sold in 2014 (see note 2).
	Segment performance measure
	Management uses contribution to consolidated property net operating income (“NOI”) as the performance measure for its operating segments. The Company uses NOI, including NOI of stabilized communities, as an operating measure. NOI is defined as rental and other property revenue from real estate operations less total property and maintenance expenses from real estate operations (excluding depreciation and amortization). The Company believes that NOI is an important supplemental measure of operating performance for a REIT’s operating real estate because it provides a measure of the core operations, rather than factoring in depreciation and amortization, financing costs and general and administrative expenses generally incurred at the corporate level. This measure is particularly useful, in the opinion of the Company, in evaluating the performance of operating segment groupings and individual properties. Additionally, the Company believes that NOI, as defined, is a widely accepted measure of comparative operating performance in the real estate investment community. The Company believes that the line on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations entitled “net income” is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to NOI.
	Segment information
	The following table reflects each segment’s contribution to consolidated revenues and NOI together with a reconciliation of segment contribution to property NOI to consolidated net income in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Additionally, substantially all of the Company’s assets relate to the Company’s property rental operations. Asset cost, depreciation and amortization by segment are not presented because such information at the segment level is not reported internally.
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Fully stabilized communities		$	306,657		$	298,578		$	284,528
	Newly stabilized communities			17,401			14,178			1,779
	Lease-up communities			13,012			2,587			-
	Acquired communities			4,978			2,762			-
	Held for sale or sold communities			14,168			23,025			22,281
	Other property segments			20,604			20,735			20,896
	Other			992			872			850
	Consolidated revenues		$	377,812		$	362,737		$	330,334
	Contribution to Property Net Operating Income
	Fully stabilized communities		$	188,064		$	184,712		$	176,239
	Newly stabilized communities			10,809			8,029			(6	)
	Lease-up communities			6,653			609			-
	Acquired communities			3,089			1,747			-
	Held for sale or sold communities			7,157			12,725			12,880
	Other property segments, including corporate management expenses			(1,911	)		(1,218	)		(1,404	)
	Consolidated property net operating income			213,861			206,604			187,709
	Interest income			135			77			393
	Other revenues			992			872			850
	Depreciation			(84,759	)		(85,608	)		(79,367	)
	Interest expense			(40,286	)		(44,704	)		(46,028	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs			(2,282	)		(2,573	)		(2,695	)
	General and administrative			(17,898	)		(17,245	)		(16,342	)
	Investment and development			(2,366	)		(1,755	)		(1,317	)
	Other investment costs			(768	)		(1,324	)		(1,401	)
	Severance, impairment and other			(2,266	)		(2,417	)		-
	Gains on condominium sales activities, net			2,545			27,944			36,273
	Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net			1,788			2,090			7,995
	Other income (expense), net			19			(839	)		1,034
	Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness			(18,357	)		-			(4,318	)
	Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets			50,358			81,122			82,786
	Gains on sales of real estate assets			187,825			-			-
	Income from discontinued operations			-			29,798			1,505
	Net income		$	238,183		$	110,920		$	84,291

OTHER_INCOME_EXPENSE

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	16	OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, other expense included state franchise taxes of $778, $839 and $625, respectively. Franchise taxes are associated with the income-based taxes in Texas that became effective in 2007. In 2014, other income (expense) included an income tax benefit of $797 related to the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries (see note 9). In addition, for 2012, other income (expense) included income of $1,554 related to the settlement of construction litigation at one of the Company’s apartment communities, income of $62 from the sale of a technology investment and income of $43 related to receivable recoveries.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	17	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	The Company evaluated the accounting and disclosure requirements for subsequent events reporting through the issuance date of the financial statements. In January 2015, the Company entered into amended syndicated line of credit, amended cash management line of credit and amended unsecured term loan facility arrangements, as more fully described in note 4. Also, in February 2015, the Company completed the sale of its held for sale retail condominiums, as more fully described in note 2.

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	18	COMPANY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
	Quarterly financial information in 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			Year ended December 31, 2014
			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues		$	93,512		$	95,026		$	96,461		$	92,813
	Income from continuing operations			14,253			47,991			156,435			19,504
	Income from discontinued operations			-			-			-			-
	Net income			14,253			47,991			156,435			19,504
	Noncontrolling interests			(17	)		(272	)		(22,729	)		(45	)
	Dividends to preferred shareholders			(922	)		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)
	Net income available to common shareholders		$	13,314		$	46,797		$	132,784		$	18,537
	Earnings per common share:
	Net income available to common shareholders – basic		$	0.25		$	0.86		$	2.44		$	0.34
	Net income available to common shareholders – diluted		$	0.24		$	0.86		$	2.44		$	0.34
			Year ended December 31, 2013
			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues		$	86,358		$	89,280		$	93,394		$	93,705
	Income from continuing operations			19,957			27,171			18,632			15,362
	Income from discontinued operations			433			443			421			28,501
	Net income			20,390			27,614			19,053			43,863
	Noncontrolling interests			(48	)		(126	)		(80	)		(132	)
	Dividends to preferred shareholders			(922	)		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)
	Net income available to common shareholders		$	19,420		$	26,566		$	18,051		$	42,809
	Earnings per common share:
	Net income available to common shareholders – basic		$	0.36		$	0.49		$	0.33		$	0.79
	Net income available to common shareholders – diluted		$	0.35		$	0.48		$	0.33		$	0.79
	In the second quarter of 2014, the increase in net income available to common shareholders primarily reflects gains on the sale of an apartment community, offset by a loss on the early extinguishment of a indebtedness. In the third quarter of 2014, the increase in net income available to common shareholders is the result on gains on the sales of two apartment communities, net of noncontrolling interests, and partially offset by losses on early extinguishment of indebtedness.
	In the second quarter of 2013, the increase in net income available to common shareholders primarily reflects the timing of condominium sales and gains between periods. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company recognized a gain in discontinued operations on the sale of an apartment community.
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	19	OPERATING PARTNERSHIP QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
	Quarterly financial information in 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			Year ended December 31, 2014
			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues		$	93,512		$	95,026		$	96,461		$	92,813
	Income from continuing operations			14,253			47,991			156,435			19,504
	Income from discontinued operations			-			-			-			-
	Net income			14,253			47,991			156,435			19,504
	Noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities			16			(154	)		(22,416	)		-
	Distributions to preferred unitholders			(922	)		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)
	Net income available to common unitholders		$	13,347		$	46,915		$	133,097		$	18,582
	Earnings per common unit:
	Net income available to common unitholders – basic		$	0.25		$	0.86		$	2.44		$	0.34
	Net income available to common unitholders – diluted		$	0.24		$	0.86		$	2.44		$	0.34
			Year ended December 31, 2013
			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues		$	86,358		$	89,280		$	93,394		$	93,705
	Income from continuing operations			19,957			27,171			18,632			15,362
	Income from discontinued operations			433			443			421			28,501
	Net income			20,390			27,614			19,053			43,863
	Noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities			3			(58	)		(32	)		(20	)
	Distributions to preferred unitholders			(922	)		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)
	Net income available to common unitholders		$	19,471		$	26,634		$	18,099		$	42,921
	Earnings per common unit:
	Net income available to common unitholders – basic		$	0.36		$	0.49		$	0.33		$	0.79
	Net income available to common unitholders – diluted		$	0.35		$	0.48		$	0.33		$	0.79
	In the second quarter of 2014, the increase in net income available to common unitholders primarily reflects gains on the sale of an apartment community, offset by a loss on the early extinguishment of a indebtedness. In the third quarter of 2014, the increase in net income available to common unitholders is the result on gains on the sales of two apartment communities, net of noncontrolling interest, and partially offset by losses on early extinguishment of indebtedness.
	In the second quarter of 2013, the increase in net income available to common unitholders primarily reflects the timing of condominium sales and gains between periods. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Operating Partnership recognized a gain in discontinued operations on the sale of an apartment community.

Schedule_III_REAL_ESTATE_INVES

Schedule III - REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule III - REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION	Schedule III
	POST PROPERTIES, INC.
	POST APARTMENT HOMES, L.P.
	REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
	December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
									Initial Costs					Costs		Gross Amount at Which
														Capitalized		Carried at Close of Period
														Subsequent
														To
			Description			Related			Land			Building and		Acquisition		Land		Building and			Total (1)			Accumulated		Date of	Date
						Encumbrances						Improvements						Improvements						Depreciation (2)		Construction	Acquired
	Georgia
	Post Alexander™			Apartments		$	-		$	7,392		$	-	$	49,921	$	7,395	$	49,918		$	57,313		$	14,144	6-Apr	N/A
	Post Briarcliff™			Apartments			57,144			13,344			-		52,900		13,344		52,900			66,244			27,029	Dec-96	Sep-96
	Post Brookhaven®			Apartments			-			7,921			-		40,235		7,921		40,235			48,156			27,114	07/89 - 12/92	Mar-89
	Post Chastain®			Apartments			-			6,352			-		62,717		6,779		62,290			69,069			35,511	06/88 - 10/90	Jun-88
	Post Crossing®			Apartments			25,656			3,951			-		24,368		3,951		24,368			28,319			13,514	04/94- 08/95	Nov-93
	Post Gardens®			Apartments			-			5,859			-		37,472		5,931		37,400			43,331			20,778	Jul-96	May-96
	Post Glen®			Apartments			26,656			5,591			-		25,322		5,784		25,129			30,913			13,591	Jul-96	May-96
	Post Parkside™			Mixed Use			-			3,402			-		22,290		3,465		22,227			25,692			10,152	Feb-99	Dec-97
	Post Peachtree Hills®			Apartments			-			4,215			-		27,224		4,857		26,582			31,439			12,193	02/92 - 09/94	02/92 & 9/92
	Post Riverside®			Mixed Use			-			11,130			-		125,083		12,457		123,756			136,213			63,418	Jul-96	Jan-96
	Post Spring™			Apartments			-			2,105			-		42,066		2,105		42,066			44,171			19,699	Sep-99	Sep-99
	Post Stratford™ (3)			Apartments			-			328			-		29,704		620		29,412			30,032			13,665	Apr-99	Jan-99
	Virginia
	Post Carlyle Square™			Mixed Use			-			5,920			-		136,720		8,474		134,166			142,640			20,063	12/04 - 08/10	N/A
	Post Corners®			Apartments			38,820			4,404			-		27,971		4,493		27,882			32,375			14,964	Jun-94	Jun-94
	Post Pentagon Row™			Mixed Use			-			2,359			7,659		90,738		3,470		97,286			100,756			35,668	Jun-99	Feb-99
	Post Tysons Corner™			Apartments			-			20,000			65,478		11,894		20,000		77,372			97,372			22,992	N/A	4-Jun
	Maryland
	Post Fallsgrove			Apartments			-			14,801			69,179		6,876		14,801		76,055			90,856			17,979	N/A	6-Jul
	Post Park®			Mixed Use			-			8,555			-		75,760		8,555		75,760			84,315			17,796	7-Dec	N/A
									Initial Costs					Costs		Gross Amount at Which
														Capitalized		Carried at Close of Period
														Subsequent
														To
			Description			Related			Land			Building and		Acquisition		Land		Building and			Total (1)			Accumulated		Date of	Date
						Encumbrances						Improvements						Improvements						Depreciation (2)		Construction	Acquired
	Texas
	Post Abbey™			Apartments		$	-		$	575		$	6,276	$	3,136	$	575	$	9,412		$	9,987		$	3,888	N/A	Oct-97
	Post Addison Circle™			Mixed Use			-			2,885			41,482		140,508		8,382		176,493			184,875			85,244	Oct-97	Oct-97
	Post Barton Creek™			Apartments			-			1,920			24,482		5,419		1,920		29,901			31,821			7,332	N/A	6-Mar
	Post Cole’s Corner™			Mixed Use			-			1,886			18,006		4,822		2,086		22,628			24,714			11,588	N/A	Oct-97
	Post Eastside™			Mixed Use			-			5,735			-		54,798		5,735		54,798			60,533			14,225	6-Oct	N/A
	Post 510™			Apartments						4,420			-		29,997		4,420		29,997			34,417			1,028	12-May	N/A
	Post Heights™/Gallery			Mixed Use			-			5,455			15,559		44,768		5,812		59,970			65,782			26,783	Oct-97	Oct-97
	Post Katy Trail™			Mixed Use			-			7,324			40,355		409		7,324		40,764			48,088			3,754	N/A	11-Dec
	Post Legacy			Mixed Use			-			684			-		38,662		811		38,535			39,346			15,984	Mar-99	Mar-99
	Post Meridian™			Apartments			-			1,535			11,605		3,635		1,535		15,240			16,775			7,477	N/A	Oct-97
	Post Midtown Square®			Mixed Use			-			6,370			1,412		78,337		5,399		80,720			86,119			27,528	10/97 -05/11	Oct-97
	Post Park Mesa™			Apartments			-			1,480			17,861		2,886		1,480		20,747			22,227			5,292	N/A	6-Mar
	Post Sierra at Frisco Bridges™			Mixed Use			-			3,581			-		39,435		3,581		39,435			43,016			9,527	7-Oct	N/A
	Post South Lamar™			Mixed Use			-			4,942			-		35,185		4,942		35,185			40,127			3,727	11-Feb	N/A
	Post Square™			Mixed Use			-			4,565			24,595		5,865		4,565		30,460			35,025			12,892	N/A	Oct-97
	Post Uptown Village™			Apartments			-			3,955			22,120		22,452		6,195		42,332			48,527			19,105	N/A	Oct-97
	Post Vineyard™			Apartments			-			1,133			8,560		1,900		1,133		10,460			11,593			4,494	N/A	Oct-97
	Post Vintage™			Apartments			-			2,614			12,188		2,649		2,614		14,837			17,451			7,083	N/A	Oct-97
	Post West Austin™			Apartments			-			10,865			-		40,539		10,865		40,539			51,404			11,067	8-Feb	N/A
	Post Worthington™			Mixed Use			-			3,744			34,700		19,919		3,744		54,619			58,363			22,873	N/A	Oct-97
	Florida
	Post Bay at Rocky Point™			Apartments			-			528			5,081		22,030		2,400		25,239			27,639			5,902	N/A	6-Oct
	Post Harbour Place™			Mixed Use			-			3,854			-		72,956		8,312		68,498			76,810			32,543	Mar-97	Jan-97
	Post Hyde Park®			Apartments			44,183			3,498			-		47,296		9,680		41,114			50,794			18,403	09/94 -10/06	Jul-94
Post Lake at Baldwin Park®			Apartments			-			27,341			56,702		48,096		27,341		104,798			132,139			15,817	11-Jun	7-Jul
Post Lakeside™			Apartments			-			4,377			43,724		255		4,377		43,979			48,356			2,183	N/A	13-May
Post Parkside™			Mixed Use			-			2,493			-		39,691		2,493		39,691			42,184			16,663	Mar-99	Mar-99
Post Rocky Point®			Apartments			-			10,510			-		78,358		10,567		78,301			88,868			38,098	04/94 - 11/96	02/94 & 09/96
Post Soho			Mixed Use						5,168			-		32,957		5,168		32,957			38,125			440	12-Oct	N/A
								Initial Costs					Costs		Gross Amount at Which
													Capitalized		Carried at Close of Period
													Subsequent
													To
		Description			Related			Land			Building and		Acquisition		Land		Building and			Total (1)			Accumulated		Date of	Date
					Encumbrances						Improvements						Improvements						Depreciation (2)		Construction	Acquired
North Carolina
Post Ballantyne			Apartments			-			6,400			30,850		3,922		6,400		34,772			41,172			10,781	4-Nov	5-May
Post Gateway Place™			Mixed Use			-			2,424			-		64,728		3,481		63,671			67,152			26,113	Nov-00	Aug-99
Post Park at Phillips Place®			Mixed Use			-			4,305			-		42,357		4,307		42,355			46,662			22,310	Jan-96	Nov-95
Post Parkside™ at Wade			Mixed Use			-			3,970			-		48,198		3,970		48,198			52,168			3,222	11-Jun	N/A
Post South End™			Mixed Use			-			7,732			65,803		1,460		7,732		67,263			74,995			4,955	N/A	12-Jul
Post Uptown Place™			Mixed Use			-			2,336			-		30,769		2,363		30,742			33,105			12,912	Sep-98	Sep-98
Miscellaneous Investments (4)						-			66,813			1,304		87,723		68,263		87,577			155,840			25,807
Total					$	192,459		$	355,046		$	624,981	$	2,085,378	$	384,374	$	2,681,031	(5)	$	3,065,405	(5)	$	937,310
-1	The aggregate cost for Federal Income Tax purposes to the Company was approximately $2,816,490 at December 31, 2014, taking into account the special allocation of gain to the partners contributing property to the Operating Partnership.
-2	Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties: buildings – 40 years, other building and land improvements – 20 years, and furniture, fixtures and equipment 5-10 years.
-3	The Company has a leasehold interest in the land underlying this community.
-4	Miscellaneous investments include construction in progress, land held for investment and certain other corporate assets.
-5	This total excludes assets held for sale of $879 at December 31, 2014.
A summary of activity for real estate investments and accumulated depreciation is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
Real estate investments
Balance at beginning of year		$	3,163,035		$	3,011,352		$	2,787,689
Improvements			105,508			136,935			152,696
Acquisitions of communities			-			48,101			73,535
Asset impairment charges (a)			(450	)		(400	)		-
Disposition of property (b)			(202,688	)		(32,953	)		(2,568	)
Balance at end of year		$	3,065,405		$	3,163,035		$	3,011,352
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at beginning of year		$	913,018		$	842,925		$	767,017
Depreciation (c)			84,110			84,617			78,476
Accumulated depreciation on disposed property			(59,818	)		(14,524	)		(2,568	)
Balance at end of year		$	937,310		$	913,018		$	842,925
(a)	Represents reductions in total real estate assets due to non-cash impairment charges recorded in 2014 and 2013.
(b)	Represents reductions for real estate assets held for sale, sold and other asset retirements.
(c)	Represents depreciation expense of real estate assets. Amounts exclude depreciation and amortization of lease intangible assets, commercial leasing costs and excess joint venture investments.

ORGANIZATION_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SI1

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization	Organization
	Post Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries develop, own and manage upscale multi-family apartment communities in selected markets in the United States. The Company through its wholly-owned subsidiaries is the sole general partner, a limited partner and owns a majority interest in Post Apartment Homes, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a Georgia limited partnership. The Operating Partnership, through its operating divisions and subsidiaries conducts substantially all of the on-going operations of the Company, a publicly traded corporation which operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). As used herein, the term “Company” includes Post Properties, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Post Apartment Homes, L.P., unless the context indicates otherwise.
	The Company has elected to qualify and operate as a self-administrated and self-managed REIT for federal income tax purposes. A REIT is a legal entity which holds real estate interests and is generally not subject to federal income tax on the income it distributes to its shareholders. The Operating Partnership is governed under the provisions of a limited partnership agreement, as amended. Under the provisions of the limited partnership agreement, as amended, Operating Partnership net profits, net losses and cash flow (after allocations to preferred ownership interests) are allocated to the partners in proportion to their common ownership interests. Cash distributions from the Operating Partnership shall be, at a minimum, sufficient to enable the Company to satisfy its annual dividend requirements to maintain its REIT status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had interests in 22,994 apartment units in 58 communities, including 1,471 apartment units in four communities held in unconsolidated entities and 1,705 apartment units in five communities currently under development or in lease-up. At December 31, 2014, approximately 29.1%, 21.9%, 13.5% and 10.9% (on a unit basis) of the Company’s operating communities were located in the Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, the greater Washington, D.C. and Tampa, Florida metropolitan areas, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding 54,509 shares of common stock and owned the same number of units of common limited partnership interests (“Common Units”) in the Operating Partnership, representing a 99.8% ownership interest in the Operating Partnership. Common Units held by persons other than the Company totaled 121 at December 31, 2014 and represented a 0.2% common noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership. Each Common Unit may be redeemed by the holder thereof for either one share of Company common stock or cash equal to the fair market value thereof at the time of redemption, at the option, but outside the control, of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership presently anticipates that it will cause shares of common stock to be issued in connection with each such redemption rather than paying cash (as has been done in all redemptions to date). With each redemption of outstanding Common Units for Company common stock, the Company’s percentage ownership interest in the Operating Partnership will increase. In addition, whenever the Company issues shares of common stock, the Company will contribute any net proceeds therefrom to the Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership will issue an equivalent number of Common Units to the Company. The Company’s weighted average common ownership interest in the Operating Partnership was 99.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014, and 99.7% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and their wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company also consolidates other entities in which it has a controlling financial interest or entities where it is determined to be the primary beneficiary under ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation.” Under ASC Topic 810, variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate a VIE for financial reporting purposes. The application of ASC Topic 810 requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about the Company’s and its other partners’ rights, obligations and economic interests in such entities. For entities in which the Company has less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s noncontrolling interest of common unitholders (also referred to as “Redeemable Common Units”) in the operations of the Operating Partnership is calculated based on the weighted average unit ownership during the period.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition
	Residential properties are leased under operating leases with terms of generally one year or less. Rental revenues from residential leases are recognized on the straight-line method over the approximate life of the leases, which is generally one year. The recognition of rental revenues from residential leases when earned has historically not been materially different from rental revenues recognized on a straight-line basis.
	Under the terms of residential leases, the residents of the Company’s residential communities are obligated to reimburse the Company for certain utility usage, water and electricity (at selected properties), where the Company is the primary obligor to the public utility entity. These utility reimbursements from residents are reflected as other property revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets and for-sale condominiums are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sales.” In periods prior to the sale of the Company’s final condominium in the first quarter of 2014, the Company recognized condominium sales under the deposit method based on an evaluation of the factors specified in ASC 360-20. Under ASC Topic 360-20, the Company used the relative sales value method to allocate costs and recognize profits from condominium sales. Under the relative sales value method, estimates of aggregate project revenues and aggregate project costs were used to determine the allocation of project cost of sales and the resulting profit in each accounting period. In subsequent periods, cumulative project cost of sale allocations and the resulting profits were adjusted to reflect changes in the actual and estimated costs and revenues of each project.
	For condominium communities, the operating results and associated gains and losses are reflected on the consolidated statement of operations in the caption titled “Net gains on condominium sales activities.”
Cost capitalization	Cost capitalization
	The Company capitalizes those expenditures relating to the acquisition of new assets and the development and construction of new apartment communities. In addition, the Company capitalizes expenditures that enhance the value of existing assets and expenditures that substantially extend the life of existing assets. Annually recurring capital expenditures are expenditures of a type that are expected to be incurred on an annual basis during the life of an apartment community, such as carpet, appliances and flooring. Periodically recurring capital expenditures are expenditures that generally occur less frequently than on an annual basis, such as major exterior projects relating to landscaping and structural improvements. Revenue generating capital expenditures are expenditures for the rehabilitation of communities and other property upgrade costs that enhance the rental value of such communities. All other expenditures necessary to maintain a community in ordinary operating condition are expensed as incurred. Additionally, for new development communities, carpet, vinyl, and blind replacements are expensed as incurred during the first five years (which corresponds to their estimated depreciable life). Thereafter, these replacements are capitalized and depreciated. The Company expenses as incurred interior and exterior painting of its operating communities, unless those communities are under rehabilitation or major remediation.
	For communities under development or construction, the Company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes, and certain internal personnel and associated costs related to the development and construction activity. Interest is capitalized to projects under development or construction based upon the weighted average cumulative project costs for each month multiplied by the Company’s weighted average borrowing costs, expressed as a percentage. Weighted average borrowing costs include the costs of the Company’s fixed rate secured and unsecured borrowings and the variable rate unsecured borrowings under its line of credit facilities. The weighted average borrowing costs, expressed as a percentage, were 4.6%, 4.6% and 5.4% in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Aggregate interest costs capitalized to projects under development or construction were $3,115, $3,962 and $5,534, respectively. Internal development and construction personnel and associated costs are capitalized to projects under development or construction based upon the effort associated with such projects. Aggregate internal development and construction personnel and associated costs capitalized to projects under development or construction were $2,794, $2,900 and $3,755 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company treats each unit in an apartment community separately for cost accumulation, capitalization and expense recognition purposes. Prior to the completion of rental units, interest and other construction costs are capitalized and reflected on the balance sheet as construction in progress. The Company ceases the capitalization of such costs as the residential units in a community become substantially complete and available for occupancy. This results in a proration of costs between amounts that are capitalized and expensed as the residential units in apartment development communities become available for occupancy. In addition, prior to the completion of rental units, the Company expenses as incurred substantially all operating expenses (including pre-opening marketing as well as property management and leasing personnel expenses) of such rental communities.
	For cash flow statement purposes, the Company classified capital expenditures for developed condominium communities in investing activities in the caption titled, “Development and construction of real estate assets.” Likewise, the proceeds from the sales of condominiums are included in investing activities in the caption titled, “Proceeds from the sale of real estate assets.”
Real estate assets, depreciation and impairment	Real estate assets, depreciation and impairment
	Real estate assets are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, if deemed impaired. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties (buildings and components – 40 years; other building and land improvements – 20 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment – 5-10 years).
	The Company continually evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of its real estate assets using the methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment of its existing real estate assets held for investment include significant declines in property operating profits, annually recurring property operating losses and other significant adverse changes in general market conditions that are considered permanent in nature. Under ASC Topic 360, a real estate asset held for investment is not considered impaired if the undiscounted, estimated future cash flows of an asset (both the annual estimated cash flow from future operations and the estimated cash flow from the theoretical sale of the asset) over its estimated holding period are in excess of the asset’s net book value at the balance sheet date. If any real estate asset held for investment is considered impaired, a loss is provided to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value.
	The Company periodically classifies real estate assets as held for sale. An asset is classified as held for sale after the approval of the Company’s board of directors and after an active program to sell the asset has commenced. Upon the classification of a real estate asset as held for sale, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the lower of its net book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell the asset. Subsequent to the classification of assets as held for sale, no further depreciation expense is recorded. Real estate assets held for sale are stated separately on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Upon a decision to no longer market an asset for sale, the asset is classified as an operating asset and depreciation expense is reinstated.
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements
	The Company applies the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets recorded at fair value, if any, to its impairment valuation analysis of real estate assets, to its disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments, principally indebtedness and to its derivative financial instruments. Fair value disclosures required under ASC Topic 820 are summarized in note 14 utilizing the following hierarchy:
		•	Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.
		•	Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
		•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the assets or liability.
Apartment community acquisitions	Apartment community acquisitions
	The Company accounts for its apartment community acquisitions in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 805, the aggregate purchase price of apartment community acquisitions is allocated to the tangible assets and liabilities (including mortgage indebtedness, if any) as well as the intangible assets acquired in each transaction based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. In determining the acquisition date fair value of the component assets and liabilities, the Company uses independent market data, internal analysis of comparable communities, relevant historical data from the acquired community as well as other market data. The acquired tangible assets, principally land, building and improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are reflected in real estate assets, and such assets, excluding land, are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The acquired intangible assets, principally the value of above/below market leases and the value of in-place leases are reflected in other assets and amortized over the average remaining lease terms of the acquired leases (generally 6 to 12 months for residential leases and 5 to 10 years for retail leases). The legal, professional and other expenses associated with acquisition related activities are expensed as incurred.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the fair value method prescribed by ASC Topic 505, “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees,” and ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” This guidance requires the Company to expense the fair value of employee stock options and other forms of stock-based compensation.
Derivative financial instruments	Derivative financial instruments
	The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments at fair value under the provisions of ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company measures its derivative financial instruments subject to master netting agreements on a net basis. The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swap arrangements to manage or hedge its exposure to interest rate changes. Under ASC Topic 815, derivative instruments qualifying as hedges of specific cash flows are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with an offsetting increase or decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income, an equity account, until the hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. Quarterly, the Company evaluates the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges. Any ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized immediately in earnings.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents
	All investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
Restricted cash	Restricted cash
	Restricted cash is generally comprised of resident security deposits for apartment communities located in Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.
Deferred financing costs	Deferred financing costs
	Deferred financing costs are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method, over the terms of the related indebtedness.
Per share and per unit data	Per share and per unit data
	The Company and Operating Partnership report both basic and diluted earnings per share and per unit, respectively, as prescribed by ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” The guidance also requires entities with participating securities that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, like the Company’s unvested share-based payment awards (see note 10), to use the two-class method for computing basic and dilutive earnings per share and unit. Under the two-class method earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and to participating securities according to the dividends paid or declared and the relative participation of such securities to remaining undistributed earnings.
	Basic earnings per common share and earnings per common unit are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders or unitholders by the weighted average number of common shares or units outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common unit are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders or unitholders by the weighted average number of common shares or units and common share or unit equivalents outstanding during the year, which are computed using the treasury stock method for outstanding stock options. Common share and unit equivalents are excluded from the computations in years in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share and basic and diluted earnings per common unit for income from continuing operations is detailed in notes 6 and 7 for the Company and the Operating Partnership, respectively.
Noncontrolling interests	Noncontrolling interests
	The Company accounts for noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation.” ASC Topic 810, in conjunction with other existing GAAP, established criterion used to evaluate the characteristics of noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities to determine whether noncontrolling interests are classified and accounted for as permanent equity or “temporary” equity (presented between liabilities and permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheet). ASC Topic 810 also clarified the treatment of noncontrolling interests with redemption provisions. If a noncontrolling interest has a redemption feature that permits the issuer to settle in either cash or common shares at the option of the issuer but the equity settlement feature is deemed to be outside of the control of the issuer, then those noncontrolling interests are classified as “temporary” equity. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had two types of noncontrolling interests, (1) noncontrolling interests related to the common unitholders of its Operating Partnership (see note 5) and (2) noncontrolling interests related to its consolidated real estate entities (none as of December 31, 2014).
	The Company accounts for the redemption of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership in exchange for shares of company common stock at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 810. These transactions result in a reduction in the noncontrolling interest of common unitholders in the Operating Partnership and a corresponding increase in equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at the date of conversion. In accordance with guidance in ASC Topic 810 the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership is carried at the greater of its redemption value or net book value.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements	Recently issued accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” was issued. This new guidance establishes a single comprehensive revenue recognition model under U.S. GAAP and provides for enhanced disclosures. Under this new guidance, the amount of revenue recognized for certain transactions could differ from amounts recognized under existing accounting guidance and could also result in recognition in different reporting periods. Also, the provisions of ASU 2014-09 exclude revenue recognition regarding lease contracts. The new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2017 and is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance may have on its results of operations.
	In April 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Entity” was issued. This guidance amends ASC Topics 360 and 205 and changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity shall be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The new guidance also modifies the disclosure requirements for disposals reported as discontinued operations and for other significant disposals not reported as discontinued operations. Generally, the new guidance will result in fewer asset disposals being reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s financial statements. ASU 2014-08 is to be applied prospectively for periods on or after December 31, 2014 with early adoption permitted, but only for assets held for sale or sold that have not been reported in previously issued financial statements. The Company early adopted ASU 2014-08, effective as of January 1, 2014 (see note 2).

ORGANIZATION_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SI2

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	Supplemental cash flow information
	Supplemental cash flow information for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest paid, net of interest capitalized	$	41,214		$	45,557		$	45,883
	Interest paid, including interest capitalized		44,329			49,519			51,417
	Income tax payments, net		1,166			1,192			3
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Dividends and distributions payable		21,852			17,928			13,653
	Conversions of redeemable common units		784			354			591
	Common stock 401k matching contribution		658			670			639
	Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)		(2,821	)		(8,435	)		7,422
	Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units and other, net increase (decrease)		(2,538	)		819			(850	)

REAL_ESTATE_ACTIVITIES_Tables

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	The net income and net income attributable to the Company, including gains on sales of real estate assets and debt extinguishment losses related to these communities for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income	$	176,041		$	2,717		$	2,916
	Net income, net of noncontrolling interest	$	153,456		$	2,610		$	2,781
Summary of Revenues and Expenses of Income from Discontinued Operations	The revenues and expenses for this community in 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Revenues
	Rental	$	3,557		$	4,155
	Other property revenues		356			422
	Total revenues		3,913			4,577
	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance		1,679			1,903
	Depreciation		527			778
	Interest		289			391
	Total expenses		2,495			3,072
	Income from discontinued property operations	$	1,418		$	1,505
Revenues Costs and Expenses Associated with Consolidated Condominium Activities	The revenues, costs and expenses associated with consolidated condominium activities included in continuing operations in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Condominium revenues	$	2,442		$	68,168		$	89,698
	Condominium costs and expenses		(178	)		(40,224	)		(54,037	)
	Net gains on sales of residential condominiums		2,264			27,944			35,661
	Net gain on sale of retail condominium		281			—			—
	Income tax benefit		—			—			612
	Net gains on sales of condominiums	$	2,545		$	27,944		$	36,273

INVESTMENTS_IN_UNCONSOLIDATED_1

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES (Tables) (Unconsolidated Properties [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs	A summary of financial information for the Apartment LLCs in the aggregate is as follows:
			December 31,
	Apartment LLCs - Balance Sheet Data		2014			2013
	Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $49,153 and $43,649 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		$	208,493		$	209,132
	Cash and other			5,490			4,978
	Total assets		$	213,983		$	214,110
	Mortgage notes payable		$	177,723		$	177,723
	Other liabilities			3,445			2,673
	Total liabilities			181,168			180,396
	Members’ equity			32,815			33,714
	Total liabilities and members’ equity		$	213,983		$	214,110
	Company’s equity investment in Apartment LLCs (1)		$	(12,565	)	$	(12,631	)
	-1	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s equity investment includes its credit investments of $16,624 and $16,687, respectively, discussed above.
Schedule of Operation for Apartment LLCs
			Year ended December 31,
	Apartment LLCs - Income Statement Data		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Rental		$	26,502		$	25,692		$	24,659
	Other property revenues			1,857			1,881			1,844
	Total revenues			28,359			27,573			26,503
	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance			11,939			10,955			10,541
	Depreciation and amortization			5,608			5,421			5,768
	Interest			9,052			9,052			9,181
	Total expenses			26,599			25,428			25,490
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations			1,760			2,145			1,013
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			—			—			21,667
	Net income		$	1,760		$	2,145		$	22,680
	Company’s share of net income in Apartment LLCs		$	1,788		$	2,090		$	7,995

INDEBTEDNESS_Tables

INDEBTEDNESS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Indebtedness	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s indebtedness consisted of the following:
	Description		Payment		Interest Rate	Maturity	December 31,
			Terms			Date		2014		2013
	Senior Unsecured Notes		Int.		3.375% - 4.75%	2017 - 2022 (1)	$	400,000	$	400,000
	Unsecured Bank Term Loan		Int.		LIBOR + 1.70% (2)	2018		300,000		300,000
	Secured Mortgage Notes		Prin. and Int.		5.99%	2019		192,459		398,734
	Total						$	892,459	$	1,098,734
	-1	The outstanding unsecured notes mature in 2017 and 2022.
	-2	Represents stated rate at December 31, 2014. As discussed below, the Company has entered into interest rate swap arrangements that effectively fix the interest rate under this facility. At December 31, 2014, the effective blended interest rate under the Term Loan was 3.24%. As discussed below, the Company refinanced this facility in January 2015.
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Indebtedness	The aggregate maturities of the Company’s indebtedness are as follows:
	2015		$	2,922
	2016			3,071
	2017			153,296
	2018			303,502
	2019			179,668
	Thereafter			250,000
			$	892,459

EQUITY_AND_NONCONTROLLING_INTE1

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock	Preferred stock
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had one outstanding series of cumulative redeemable preferred stock with the following characteristics:
	Description		Outstanding			Liquidation			Optional		Redemption		Stated			Approximate
			Shares			Preference			Redemption		Price(1)		Dividend			Dividend
									Date (1)				Yield			Rate
						(per share)					(per share)					(per share)
	Series A			868		$	50		10/1/26		$	50		8.5	%	$	4.25
	-1	The redemption price is the price at which the preferred stock is redeemable, at the Company’s option, for cash.
Schedule of Redeemable Common Units	A roll-forward of activity relating to the Company’s redeemable common units for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Redeemable common units, beginning of period		$	6,121		$	7,159		$	6,840
	Comprehensive income			508			301			194
	Conversion of redeemable common units for shares			(784	)		(354	)		(591	)
	Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units			425			192			416
	Stock-based compensation			10			9			7
	Distributions to common unitholders			(199	)		(175	)		(141	)
	Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units			1,005			(1,011	)		434
	Redeemable common units, end of period		$	7,086		$	6,121		$	7,159

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income from continuing operations available to common shareholders of the Company was as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations	$	238,183		$	81,122		$	82,786
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		(22,554	)		(107	)		(135	)
	Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership		(509	)		(202	)		(213	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(3,688	)		(3,688	)		(3,688	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)		(481	)		(170	)		(183	)
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	210,951		$	76,955		$	78,567
	Common shares (denominator):
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		54,262			54,336			53,821
	Dilutive shares from stock options		91			172			310
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		54,353			54,508			54,131
	Per-share amount:
	Basic	$	3.89		$	1.42		$	1.46
	Diluted	$	3.88		$	1.41		$	1.45
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income from continuing operations available to common unitholders of the Operating Partnership was as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations	$	238,183		$	81,122		$	82,786
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		(22,554	)		(107	)		(135	)
	Preferred unit distributions		(3,688	)		(3,688	)		(3,688	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)		(481	)		(170	)		(183	)
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders	$	211,460		$	77,157		$	78,780
	Common units (denominator):
	Weighted average units outstanding - basic		54,392			54,478			53,968
	Dilutive units from stock options		91			172			310
	Weighted average units outstanding - diluted		54,483			54,650			54,278
	Per-unit amount:
	Basic	$	3.89		$	1.42		$	1.46
	Diluted	$	3.88		$	1.41		$	1.45

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Net Income to Taxable Income	A reconciliation of net income available to the Company to estimated taxable income for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is detailed below:
			2014			2013			2012
	Net income available to the Company		$	215,120		$	110,534		$	83,939
	Add (subtract) net loss (income) of taxable REIT subsidiaries			(4,088	)		(26,842	)		(33,956	)
	Adjusted net income available to the Company			211,032			83,692			49,983
	Book/tax depreciation difference			(5,104	)		(3,770	)		(2,611	)
	Book/tax difference in gain/loss transactions			(44,839	)		(28,306	)		1,804
	Book/tax difference on stock-based compensation			(8,657	)		(1,810	)		(15,706	)
	Book/tax difference relating to change in tax regulations			(49,808	)		-			-
	Other book/tax differences, net			2,910			6,068			(1,267	)
	Taxable income of the Company before allocation of taxable capital gains			105,534			55,874			32,203
	Income taxable as capital gains			(117,551	)		-			(7,843	)
	Taxable ordinary income (loss) of the Company		$	(12,017	)	$	55,874		$	24,360
Income Tax Characterization of Dividends	A summary of the income tax characterization of the Company’s dividends paid per common share is as follows for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			2014						2013						2012
			Amount (1)			% (1)			Amount (1)			% (1)			Amount (1)		% (1)
	Ordinary income		$	-			-	%	$	1.15			99.4	%	$	0.53		56.6	%
	Capital gains			0.83			55.8			0.01			0.6			0.07		7
	Unrecaptured Section 1250 gains			0.66			44.2			-			-			0.06		6.9
	Return of capital			-			-			-			-			0.28		29.5
	Total		$	1.49			100	%	$	1.16			100	%	$	0.94		100	%
	-1	The amounts and percentages detailed in the table above represent average amounts for the years presented. Actual quarterly amounts may differ.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model	The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013		2012
	Dividend yield			2.80%			2.00%		2	%
	Expected volatility			43.00%			43.10%		43.3	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.80%			1.10%		1.1	%
	Expected option term (years)			6.0 years			6.0 years		6.0 years
Summary of Activity Related to Company's Restricted Stock	A summary of the activity related to the Company’s restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014					2013					2012
			Shares			Weighted-Avg.		Shares			Weighted-Avg.		Shares			Weighted-Avg.
						Grant-Date					Grant-Date					Grant-Date
						Fair Value					Fair Value					Fair Value
	Unvested shares, beginning of period			75		$	48		65		$	42		84		$	29
	Granted (1)			63			48		75			50		59			45
	Vested			(62	)		47		(64	)		44		(78	)		30
	Forfeited			-			-		(1	)		50		-			-
	Unvested shares, end of period			76			49		75			48		65			42
	-1	The total value of the restricted share grants in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3,038, $3,743 and $2,657, respectively.
Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans	A summary of stock option activity under all plans in 2014, 2013 and 2012, is presented below:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014					2013					2011
			Shares			Exercise Price		Shares			Exercise Price		Shares			Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of period			539		$	36		685		$	34		1,501		$	31
	Granted			35			47		29			50		29			44
	Exercised			(426	)		33		(174	)		29		(845	)		30
	Forfeited			-			-		(1	)		50		-			-
	Options outstanding, end of period (1)			148			46		539			36		685			34
	Options exercisable, end of period (1)			86			46		486			35		617			34
	Options vested and expected to vest, end of period (1)			145			46		536			36		682			34
	Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period		$	15.21				$	17.26				$	15.18
	-1	At December 31, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was $1,827, $1,127 and $1,795, respectively. At that same date, the weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was 5.6 years, 3.6 years and 5.6 years, respectively.
Schedule of Outstanding Options into Two Ranges, Based on Exercise Prices	At December 31, 2014, the Company segregated its outstanding options into two ranges, based on exercise prices, as follows:
	Option Ranges		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
			Shares			Weighted Avg.		Weighted Avg. Life			Shares		Weighted Avg.
						Exercise Price		(Years)					Exercise Price
	$37.04 - $46.93			80		$	44		6.8			35	$	42
	$48.00 - $50.30			68			49		4.3			51		48
	Total			148			46		5.6			86		46

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments	Future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable land, equipment and other leases at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
	2015	$	625
	2016		627
	2017		637
	2018		637
	2019		651
	2020 and thereafter		63,690

FAIR_VALUE_MEASURES_AND_FINANC1

FAIR VALUE MEASURES AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Effect of Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	The following table summarizes the effect of these Interest Rate Swaps (designated as cash flow hedges) on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for 2014 and 2013:
		Year ended December 31,
	Interest Rate Swap / Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	2014			2013			2012
	Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$	(4,449	)	$	4,191		$	(11,804	)
	Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense	$	(4,192	)	$	(4,091	)	$	(2,735	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment's Contribution to Consolidated Revenues and Net Operating Income	Asset cost, depreciation and amortization by segment are not presented because such information at the segment level is not reported internally.
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Fully stabilized communities	$	306,657		$	298,578		$	284,528
	Newly stabilized communities		17,401			14,178			1,779
	Lease-up communities		13,012			2,587			-
	Acquired communities		4,978			2,762			-
	Held for sale or sold communities		14,168			23,025			22,281
	Other property segments		20,604			20,735			20,896
	Other		992			872			850
	Consolidated revenues	$	377,812		$	362,737		$	330,334
	Contribution to Property Net Operating Income
	Fully stabilized communities	$	188,064		$	184,712		$	176,239
	Newly stabilized communities		10,809			8,029			(6	)
	Lease-up communities		6,653			609			-
	Acquired communities		3,089			1,747			-
	Held for sale or sold communities		7,157			12,725			12,880
	Other property segments, including corporate management expenses		(1,911	)		(1,218	)		(1,404	)
	Consolidated property net operating income		213,861			206,604			187,709
	Interest income		135			77			393
	Other revenues		992			872			850
	Depreciation		(84,759	)		(85,608	)		(79,367	)
	Interest expense		(40,286	)		(44,704	)		(46,028	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		(2,282	)		(2,573	)		(2,695	)
	General and administrative		(17,898	)		(17,245	)		(16,342	)
	Investment and development		(2,366	)		(1,755	)		(1,317	)
	Other investment costs		(768	)		(1,324	)		(1,401	)
	Severance, impairment and other		(2,266	)		(2,417	)		-
	Gains on condominium sales activities, net		2,545			27,944			36,273
	Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net		1,788			2,090			7,995
	Other income (expense), net		19			(839	)		1,034
	Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness		(18,357	)		-			(4,318	)
	Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets		50,358			81,122			82,786
	Gains on sales of real estate assets		187,825			-			-
	Income from discontinued operations		-			29,798			1,505
	Net income	$	238,183		$	110,920		$	84,291

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO1

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly financial information in 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2014
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues	$	93,512		$	95,026		$	96,461		$	92,813
	Income from continuing operations		14,253			47,991			156,435			19,504
	Income from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-
	Net income		14,253			47,991			156,435			19,504
	Noncontrolling interests		(17	)		(272	)		(22,729	)		(45	)
	Dividends to preferred shareholders		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	13,314		$	46,797		$	132,784		$	18,537
	Earnings per common share:
	Net income available to common shareholders – basic	$	0.25		$	0.86		$	2.44		$	0.34
	Net income available to common shareholders – diluted	$	0.24		$	0.86		$	2.44		$	0.34
		Year ended December 31, 2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues	$	86,358		$	89,280		$	93,394		$	93,705
	Income from continuing operations		19,957			27,171			18,632			15,362
	Income from discontinued operations		433			443			421			28,501
	Net income		20,390			27,614			19,053			43,863
	Noncontrolling interests		(48	)		(126	)		(80	)		(132	)
	Dividends to preferred shareholders		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	19,420		$	26,566		$	18,051		$	42,809
	Earnings per common share:
	Net income available to common shareholders – basic	$	0.36		$	0.49		$	0.33		$	0.79
	Net income available to common shareholders – diluted	$	0.35		$	0.48		$	0.33		$	0.79
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly financial information in 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2014
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues	$	93,512		$	95,026		$	96,461		$	92,813
	Income from continuing operations		14,253			47,991			156,435			19,504
	Income from discontinued operations		-			-			-			-
	Net income		14,253			47,991			156,435			19,504
	Noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities		16			(154	)		(22,416	)		-
	Distributions to preferred unitholders		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)
	Net income available to common unitholders	$	13,347		$	46,915		$	133,097		$	18,582
	Earnings per common unit:
	Net income available to common unitholders – basic	$	0.25		$	0.86		$	2.44		$	0.34
	Net income available to common unitholders – diluted	$	0.24		$	0.86		$	2.44		$	0.34
		Year ended December 31, 2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues	$	86,358		$	89,280		$	93,394		$	93,705
	Income from continuing operations		19,957			27,171			18,632			15,362
	Income from discontinued operations		433			443			421			28,501
	Net income		20,390			27,614			19,053			43,863
	Noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities		3			(58	)		(32	)		(20	)
	Distributions to preferred unitholders		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)		(922	)
	Net income available to common unitholders	$	19,471		$	26,634		$	18,099		$	42,921
	Earnings per common unit:
	Net income available to common unitholders – basic	$	0.36		$	0.49		$	0.33		$	0.79
	Net income available to common unitholders – diluted	$	0.35		$	0.48		$	0.33		$	0.79

Recovered_Sheet1

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Property
	Apartment
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property	22,994
Number of real estate properties	58
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,509,000	54,191,000
Common units, shares outstanding	54,509,000
Ownership interest percentage in Operating Partnership	99.80%	99.70%	99.70%
Common units held by persons other than the Company	121,000
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	0.20%
Number of shares for redemption of each common unit	1
Operating leases term (in years)	1 year
Revenue recognized lease (in years)	1 year
Aggregate interest costs capitalized to projects under development or construction	$3,115	$3,962	$5,534
Development or construction costs	$2,794	$2,900	$3,755
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property	1,471
Number of real estate properties	4
Unconsolidated Properties [Member] | Atlanta, Georgia [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	3
Unconsolidated Properties [Member] | Washington, D.C. [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	1
Under Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property	1,705
Number of real estate properties	5
Cost Capitalization [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Weighted average borrowing costs, percentage	4.60%	4.60%	5.40%
Operating Communities [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Atlanta, Georgia [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	29.10%
Operating Communities [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Dallas, Texas [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	21.90%
Operating Communities [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Washington, D.C. [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	13.50%
Operating Communities [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Tampa, Florida [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	10.90%
Minimum [Member] | Residential Leases [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Average remaining lease term	6 months
Minimum [Member] | Retail Leases [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Average remaining lease term	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Residential Leases [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Average remaining lease term	12 months
Maximum [Member] | Retail Leases [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Average remaining lease term	10 years
Buildings and Components [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years)	40 years
Other Building and Land Improvements [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years)	20 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years)	5 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years)	10 years

Recovered_Sheet2

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interest paid, net of capitalized	$41,214	$45,557	$45,883
Interest paid, including interest capitalized	44,329	49,519	51,417
Income tax payments, net	1,166	1,192	3
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Dividends and distributions payable	21,852	17,928	13,653
Conversions of redeemable common units	784	354	591
Common stock 401k matching contribution	658	670	639
Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)	-2,821	-8,435	7,422
Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units and other, net increase (decrease)	($2,538)	$819	($850)

Real_Estate_Activities_Acquisi

Real Estate Activities (Acquisitions) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014
	Apartment	Apartment
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property		22,994
Post Lakeside [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property	300
Purchase price	$48,500
Purchase price allocation, land	-4,377
Purchase price allocation, building, improvements and equipment	-43,724
Purchase price allocation, identified lease related intangible assets	($399)

Real_Estate_Activities_Disposi

Real Estate Activities (Dispositions) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	31-May-14
	Property		Apartment	Apartment
	Apartment			Community
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	58
Number of units in real estate property	22,994
Net gain on sale of apartment community	$187,825
Gains on sales of real estate assets		28,380
Assets Held-for-Sale [Member] | Apartment Communities Sold [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	3
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property		342
Gains on sales of real estate assets		28,380
Net proceeds from sale of building		47,500
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Held for Sale [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	0
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Apartment Communities Sold [Member] | New York [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties			2
Number of units in real estate property			337
Apartment community sold approximately for gross proceeds			270,000
Net gain on sale of apartment community	151,733
One of these communities was held in a consolidated joint venture with Company ownership			68.00%
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Apartment Communities Sold [Member] | New York [Member] | Total Company Equity [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Net gain on sale of apartment community	127,659
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Apartment Communities Sold [Member] | Houston, Texas [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties				1
Number of units in real estate property				308
Apartment community sold approximately for gross proceeds				71,750
Net gain on sale of apartment community				$36,092
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Assets Held-for-Sale [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property	645
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Assets Held-for-Sale [Member] | Apartment Communities Sold [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	3

Real_Estate_Activities_Net_Inc

Real Estate Activities - Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Loss From Operations Net Of Non Controlling Interest [Line Items]
Net income	$19,504	$156,435	$47,991	$14,253	$43,863	$19,053	$27,614	$20,390	$238,183	$110,920	$84,291
Net income, net of noncontrolling interest									215,120	110,534	83,939
Apartment Communities Sold [Member] | Assets Held-for-Sale [Member]
Income Loss From Operations Net Of Non Controlling Interest [Line Items]
Net income									176,041	2,717	2,916
Net income, net of noncontrolling interest									$153,456	$2,610	$2,781

Real_Estate_Activities_Summary

Real Estate Activities - Summary of Revenues and Expenses of Income from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Rental	$3,557	$4,155
Other property revenues	356	422
Total revenues	3,913	4,577
Expenses
Property operating and maintenance	1,679	1,903
Depreciation	527	778
Interest	289	391
Total expenses	2,495	3,072
Income from discontinued property operations	$1,418	$1,505

Real_Estate_Activities_Condomi

Real Estate Activities (Condominium activities) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2015
	Home	Home	Home
	Property
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	58
Condominium homes sold	1	62	96
Reduction to condominium warranty and related obligation	($1,454)
Net gains on condominium sales activities	281
Net gains on condominium sales activities	2,545	27,944	36,273
Net carrying value of condominium units		1,122
Income tax benefit			612
Subsequent Event [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Net gains on condominium sales activities				1,750
Gross proceeds of Condominium				2,500
For-Sale Condominium Homes [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	2
Assets Held-for-Sale [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Net carrying value of condominium units	$672
Austin Condominium Project [Member] | For-Sale Condominium Homes [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	1
Atlanta Condominium Project [Member] | For-Sale Condominium Homes [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	1

Real_Estate_Activities_Revenue

Real Estate Activities - Revenues Costs and Expenses Associated with Consolidated Condominium Activities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate [Abstract]
Condominium revenues	$2,442	$68,168	$89,698
Condominium costs and expenses	-178	-40,224	-54,037
Net gains on sales of residential condominiums	2,264	27,944	35,661
Net gain on sale of retail condominium	281
Income tax benefit			612
Net gains on sales of condominiums	$2,545	$27,944	$36,273

Recovered_Sheet3

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of real estate properties			58
Investment in owned subsidiaries			$4,059	$4,056
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities			16,624	16,687
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	35.00%
Number of real estate properties			4
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities			16,624	16,687
Investment over equity underlying net assets			2,646
Net proceeds from sale of entire community	50,500
Mortgage note payable	29,273		177,723	177,723
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net		6,055
3.50% Mortgage Note Payable [Member]
Mortgage note payable			51,000
Mortgage notes payable bearing interest rate			3.50%
Mortgage note payable maturity date			2019
5.63% Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]
Mortgage note payable			85,724
Mortgage notes payable bearing interest rate			5.63%
Mortgage note payable maturity date			2017
5.71% Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]
Mortgage note payable			$41,000
Mortgage notes payable bearing interest rate			5.71%
Automatic extension period (in years)			1 year
Mortgage note payable maturity date			Jan-18
Washington, D.C. [Member] | Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Number of real estate properties			1
Atlanta, Georgia [Member] | Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Number of real estate properties			3
Minimum [Member] | Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage			25.00%
Maximum [Member] | Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage			35.00%

Recovered_Sheet4

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $49,153 and $43,649 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	$2,128,767	$2,251,139
Total assets	2,311,798	2,381,677
Total liabilities	1,018,752	1,222,825
Members' equity	1,285,960	1,152,731	1,119,620	1,047,523
Total liabilities and members' equity	2,311,798	2,381,677
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $49,153 and $43,649 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	208,493	209,132
Cash and other	5,490	4,978
Total assets	213,983	214,110
Mortgage notes payable	177,723	177,723			29,273
Other liabilities	3,445	2,673
Total liabilities	181,168	180,396
Members' equity	32,815	33,714
Total liabilities and members' equity	213,983	214,110
Company's equity investment in Apartment LLCs	($12,565)	($12,631)

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate assets, accumulated depreciation	$937,310	$913,018
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,624	16,687
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate assets, accumulated depreciation	49,153	43,649
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	$16,624	$16,687

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Schedule of Operation for Apartment LLCs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Rental									$355,583	$341,902	$311,021
Other property revenues									21,237	19,963	18,463
Total revenues	92,813	96,461	95,026	93,512	93,705	93,394	89,280	86,358	377,812	362,737	330,334
Expenses
Property operating and maintenance									162,959	155,261	141,775
Interest									40,286	44,704	46,028
Total expenses									271,016	263,610	240,202
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									210,951	76,955	78,567
Net income available									215,120	110,534	83,939
Company's share of net income in Apartment LLCs									1,788	2,090	7,995
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Revenues
Rental									26,502	25,692	24,659
Other property revenues									1,857	1,881	1,844
Total revenues									28,359	27,573	26,503
Expenses
Property operating and maintenance									11,939	10,955	10,541
Depreciation and amortization									5,608	5,421	5,768
Interest									9,052	9,052	9,181
Total expenses									26,599	25,428	25,490
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									1,760	2,145	1,013
Income (loss) from discontinued operations											21,667
Net income available									1,760	2,145	22,680
Company's share of net income in Apartment LLCs									$1,788	$2,090	$7,995

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Indeb

Indebtedness - Schedule of Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total		$892,459	$1,098,734
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payment Terms		Int.
Interest Rate, minimum		3.38%
Interest Rate, maximum		4.75%
Unsecured debt		400,000	400,000
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payment Terms		Int.
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.15%	1.70%
Debt instrument, Maturity		2018
Unsecured debt		300,000	300,000
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payment Terms		Prin. and Int.
Interest Rate		5.99%
Debt instrument, Maturity		2019
Secured debt		$192,459	$398,734
Minimum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, Maturity		2017
Maximum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, Maturity		2022

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Indeb1

Indebtedness - Schedule of Indebtedness (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, Maturity	2018
Effective blended interest rate	3.24%
Minimum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, Maturity	2017
Maximum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, Maturity	2022

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Aggre

Indebtedness - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,922
2016	3,071
2017	153,296
2018	303,502
2019	179,668
Thereafter	250,000
Total	$892,459	$1,098,734

Indebtedness_Unsecured_lines_o

Indebtedness (Unsecured lines of credit) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit issued	$122
Net gain (loss) on extinguishment of indebtedness	-18,357	-4,318
Cash Management Line [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	30,000
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.23%
Line of credit facility, expiration year	Jan-16
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Incurred fees and expenses			4,002
Net gain (loss) on extinguishment of indebtedness			-200
Subsequent Event [Member] | Amended Cash Management Line [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity			30,000
Line of credit facility, expiration year			2019
Number of extension options			1
Time period extension option			1 year
Lines of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	300,000
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.23%
Line of credit facility annual facility fees percentage	0.23%
Lines of Credit [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity			$300,000
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR			1.05%
Line of credit facility annual facility fees percentage			0.20%
Line of credit facility, expiration year			2019
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, minimum			0.88%
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, maximum			1.55%
Facility fee rate based on credit ratings range, minimum			0.13%
Facility fee rate based on credit ratings range, maximum			0.30%
Line of credit facility, competitive bid option for short-term funds, percentage			50.00%

Indebtedness_Unsecured_term_lo

Indebtedness (Unsecured term loan) - Additional Information (Detail) (Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, borrowing capacity	$300,000	$300,000
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.15%	1.70%
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, minimum	0.90%
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, maximum	1.85%
Line of credit facility, expiration year		Jan-20
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate paid under the Term Loan		1.54%
Effective blended interest rate on the Term Loan		3.24%

Indebtedness_Debt_issuances_re

Indebtedness (Debt issuances, retirements and modifications) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	31-May-14
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) on extinguishment of indebtedness	($18,357)	($4,318)
New York [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepaid secured mortgage indebtedness			82,627
Net gain (loss) on extinguishment of indebtedness	-14,070
New York [Member] | Total Company Equity [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) on extinguishment of indebtedness	-12,333
First Mortgage Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated rate on the indebtedness			5.84%
Indebtedness maturity date			2018
Second Mortgage Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated rate on the indebtedness			5.61%
Indebtedness maturity date			2019
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated rate on the indebtedness	5.99%
Indebtedness maturity date	2019
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member] | Dallas, Texas [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepaid secured mortgage indebtedness				120,000
Stated rate on the indebtedness	4.88%
Net gain (loss) on extinguishment of indebtedness	($4,287)
Indebtedness maturity date	2015-02

Indebtedness_Debt_compliance_a

Indebtedness (Debt compliance and other) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Coverage's ratio	1.5
Company's ratio	2
Unencumbered assets to unsecured debt	1.5
Leverage ratio	60.00%
Total secured debt to total asset value	40.00%
Line of credit facility, covenant terms	The Company's Amended Syndicated Line, Amended Cash Management Line, Amended Term Loan and senior unsecured notes contain customary restrictions, representations, covenants and events of default and require the Company to meet certain financial covenants. Debt service and fixed charge coverage covenants require the Company to maintain coverages of a minimum of 1.5 to 1.0, as defined in applicable debt arrangements
Aggregate net book value of property pledged	$121,144

Recovered_Sheet5

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Common stock) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Proceeds from sales of common stock			$25,457
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	200,000
Repurchased shares of common stock, shares	0	550,000	0
Repurchased shares of common stock, aggregate cost		24,800
Repurchased shares of common stock, average gross price		$45.08
At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member]
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	4,000,000
Sale of common stock, shares			550,000
Sales price per share			$47.55
At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member] | Gross [Member]
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of common stock			26,153
At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member] | Net [Member]
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of common stock			$25,457

Recovered_Sheet6

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Outstanding Shares	868	868
Liquidation Preference	$50	$50
8-1/2% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Shares [Member]
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Outstanding Shares	868
Liquidation Preference	$50
Optional Redemption Date	1-Oct-26
Redemption Price	$50
Stated Dividend Yield	8.50%
Approximate Dividend Rate	$4.25

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte2

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Noncontrolling interests) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]
Redeemable common units	$7,086	$6,121
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, net book value	$7,086	$6,121

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte3

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Schedule of Redeemable Common Units (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Redeemable common units, beginning of period	$6,121
Comprehensive income	237,418	118,901	75,028
Conversion of redeemable common units for shares	784	354	591
Stock-based compensation	3,990	3,638	2,930
Distributions to common unitholders	-84,901	-67,433	-52,551
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	-1,005	1,011	-434
Redeemable common units, end of period	7,086	6,121
Redeemable Common Units [Member]
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Redeemable common units, beginning of period	6,121	7,159	6,840
Comprehensive income	508	301	194
Conversion of redeemable common units for shares	-784	-354	-591
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	425	192	416
Stock-based compensation	10	9	7
Distributions to common unitholders	-199	-175	-141
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	1,005	-1,011	434
Redeemable common units, end of period	$7,086	$6,121	$7,159

Company_Earnings_Per_Share_Sch

Company Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income from continuing operations	$19,504	$156,435	$47,991	$14,253	$15,362	$18,632	$27,171	$19,957	$238,183	$81,122	$82,786
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities									-22,554	-107	-135
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership									-509	-279	-217
Preferred stock dividends	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)									-481	-170	-183
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									210,951	76,955	78,567
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic									54,262	54,336	53,821
Dilutive shares from stock options									91	172	310
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted									54,353	54,508	54,131
Basic									$3.89	$1.42	$1.46
Diluted									$3.88	$1.41	$1.45
Continuing Operations [Member]
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership										($202)	($213)

Company_Earnings_Per_Share_Add

Company Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Gross Antidilutive [Member])	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gross Antidilutive [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	60	186	158

Operating_Partnership_Earnings

Operating Partnership Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	$19,504	$156,435	$47,991	$14,253	$15,362	$18,632	$27,171	$19,957	$238,183	$81,122	$82,786
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities									-22,554	-107	-135
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)									-481	-170	-183
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									210,951	76,955	78,567
Weighted average units outstanding - basic									54,262	54,336	53,821
Dilutive units from stock options									91	172	310
Weighted average units outstanding - diluted									54,353	54,508	54,131
Basic									$3.89	$1.42	$1.46
Diluted									$3.88	$1.41	$1.45
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	19,504	156,435	47,991	14,253	15,362	18,632	27,171	19,957	238,183	81,122	82,786
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		-22,416	-154	16	-20	-32	-58	3	-22,554	-107	-135
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)									-481	-170	-183
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									$211,460	$77,157	$78,780
Weighted average units outstanding - basic									54,392	54,478	53,968
Dilutive units from stock options									91	172	310
Weighted average units outstanding - diluted									54,483	54,650	54,278
Basic									$3.89	$1.42	$1.46
Diluted									$3.88	$1.41	$1.45

Operating_Partnership_Earnings1

Operating Partnership Earnings Per Unit - Additional Information (Detail) (Gross Antidilutive [Member])	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	60	186	158
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	60	186	158

Severance_Impairment_and_Other

Severance, Impairment and Other - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, impairment and other	$2,266	$2,417
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, impairment and other		1,189
Commercial Property [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, impairment and other	450
Software Systems [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, impairment and other	1,066	592
Land Parcel [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, impairment and other		400
Natural Disasters and Other Casualty Events [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance, impairment and other	$750	$236

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Net Income to Taxable Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net income available to the Company	$215,120	$110,534	$83,939
Add (subtract) net loss (income) of taxable REIT subsidiaries	-4,088	-26,842	-33,956
Adjusted net income available to the Company	211,032	83,692	49,983
Book/tax depreciation difference	-5,104	-3,770	-2,611
Book/tax difference on gains from real estate sales and other capital loss transactions	-44,839	-28,306	1,804
Book/tax difference on stock-based compensation	-8,657	-1,810	-15,706
Book/tax difference relating to real estate carrying values	-49,808
Other book/tax differences, net	2,910	6,068	-1,267
Taxable income of the Company before allocation of taxable capital gains	105,534	55,874	32,203
Taxable income of the Company before allocation of taxable capital gains	105,534	55,874	32,203
Income taxable as capital gains	-117,551		-7,843
Taxable ordinary income (loss) of the Company	($12,017)	$55,874	$24,360

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Charac

Income Taxes - Income Tax Characterization of Dividends (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Ordinary income		$1.15	$0.53
Capital gains	$0.83	$0.01	$0.07
Unrecaptured Section 1250 gains	$0.66		$0.06
Return of capital			$0.28
Dividends paid per common share	$1.49	$1.16	$0.94
Percentage of Ordinary income		99.40%	56.60%
Percentage of Capital gains	55.80%	0.60%	7.00%
Percentage of Unrecaptured Section 1250 gains	44.20%		6.90%
Percentage of Return of capital			29.50%
Percentage of dividend paid per common share	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Basis of net assets for federal income tax purposes			$150,000
Income tax benefit	612
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from prior period tax positions		$797

Recovered_Sheet7

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Incentive stock plans) - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance	3,469
Stock grants counted against the total shares for every share issued	2.7
Stock-based compensation arrangement maximum assumption expected period, years	10 years
Description and terms of 2003 incentive stock plan	Incentive stock awards are granted under the Companybs 2003 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated in October 2008 (the b2003 Stock Planb). Under the 2003 Stock Plan, an aggregate of 3,469 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. Of this amount, stock grants count against the total shares available under the 2003 Stock Plan as 2.7 shares for every one share issued, while options (and stock appreciation rights (bSARb) settled in shares) count against the total shares available as one share for every one share issued on the exercise of an option (or SAR). The exercise price of each option granted under the 2003 Stock Plan may not be less than the market price of the Companybs common stock on the date of the option grant and all options may have a maximum life of ten years. Participants receiving restricted stock grants are generally eligible to vote such shares and receive dividends on such shares. Substantially all stock option and restricted stock grants are subject to annual vesting provisions (generally three to five years) as determined by the compensation committee overseeing the 2003 Stock Plan.
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award vesting period, (in years)	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award vesting period, (in years)	5 years

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Schedule of Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Dividend yield	2.80%	2.00%	2.00%
Expected volatility	43.00%	43.10%	43.30%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%	1.10%	1.10%
Expected option term (years)	6 years	6 years	6 years

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Restricted stock) - Additional Information (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation expense relating to restricted stock	$3,165	$3,020	$2,334
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	3,093
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition, years	1 year 9 months 18 days
Total intrinsic value of restricted shares vested	$3,670	$2,933	$3,892

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Company's Restricted Stock (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested shares, beginning of period	75	65	84
Granted, Shares	63	75	59
Vested, Shares	-62	-64	-78
Forfeited, Shares		-1
Unvested shares, end of period	76	75	65
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Unvested shares, beginning of period	$48	$42	$29
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$48	$50	$45
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested	$47	$44	$30
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Forfeited		$50
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Unvested Shares, end of period	$49	$48	$42

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_4

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Company's Restricted Stock (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total value of the restricted share grants	$3,038	$3,743	$2,657

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_5

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Stock options) - Additional Information (Detail) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation expense relating to the stock option	$507	$463	$380
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	465
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition, years	1 year 9 months 18 days
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$8,677	$2,808	$15,808

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans (Detail) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding, beginning of period, Shares	539	685	1,501
Granted, Shares	35	29	29
Exercised, Shares	-426	-174	-845
Forfeited, Shares		-1
Options outstanding, end of period, Shares	148	539	685
Options exercisable, end of period, Shares	86	486	617
Options vested and expected to vest, end of period, Shares	145	536	682
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period	$15.21	$17.26	$15.18
Options outstanding, beginning of period, Exercise Price	$36	$34	$31
Granted, Exercise Price	$47	$50	$44
Exercised, Exercise Price	$33	$29	$30
Forfeited, Exercise Price		$50
Options outstanding, end of period, Exercise Price	$46	$36	$34
Options exercisable, end of period, Exercise Price	$46	$35	$34
Options vested and expected to vest, end of period, Exercise Price	$46	$36	$34

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_7

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$1,827
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	1,127
Aggregate intrinsic values of stock options expected to vest	$1,795
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, years	5 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options exercisable, years	3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options expected to vest, years	5 years 7 months 6 days

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_8

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Schedule of Outstanding Options into Two Ranges, Based on Exercise Prices (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	5 years 7 months 6 days
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	148
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$46
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	86
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$46
Outstanding Options with Range Based Exercise Prices Set One [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$37.04
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$46.93
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	6 years 9 months 18 days
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	80
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$44
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	35
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$42
Outstanding Options with Range Based Exercise Prices Set Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$48
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$50.30
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	4 years 3 months 18 days
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	68
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$49
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	51
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$48

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_9

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Employee stock purchase plan) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Maximum number of shares issuable under the ESPP	300
Percentage of share purchase price	85.00%
Discount on the share purchases	15.00%
Employee stock purchase plan description, compensation expense	$328	$164	$223

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Addition

Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee pre-tax contribution	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Employee contribution salary	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Company contributions for 401K plan	$652	$658	$670

Recovered_Sheet8

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Lease
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of ground leases	2
Rent expense	$3,639	$3,542	$3,738
Land Lease Communities [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of operating communities	2
Ground Lease One [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration term	2038
Ground Lease Two [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration term	2074
Other Operating Leases [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration term	2057

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$625
2016	627
2017	637
2018	637
2019	651
2020 and thereafter	$63,690

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Investments in Apartment LLC's	$3,581	$3,481	$3,488

Recovered_Sheet9

Fair Value Measures and Financial Instruments (Real estate assets) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$450	$400
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$450	$400	$0

Recovered_Sheet10

Fair Value Measures and Financial Instruments (Derivatives) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Reduction in blended interest rate	3.24%
Derivative maturity period	2018-01
Accumulated comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense, future periods	$3,658
Termination payment	3,686
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net liabilities	3,685	3,428
Subsequent Event [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Reduction in blended interest rate			2.69%
Three Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notional amounts	230,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate	1.55%
Three Interest Rate Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Counterparty paying	Counterparties paying the Company the floating one-month LIBOR rate
Fourth Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notional amounts	$70,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate	1.50%
Fourth Interest Rate Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Counterparty paying	Counterparty paying the Company the floating one-month LIBOR rate
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swap agreements	3

Fair_Value_Measures_and_Other_

Fair Value Measures and Other Financial Instruments - Schedule of Effect of Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	($4,449)	$4,191	($11,804)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense	($4,192)	($4,091)	($2,735)

Fair_Value_Measures_and_Financ2

Fair Value Measures and Financial Instruments (Other financial instruments) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed Rate Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of debt	$620,641	$816,582
Carrying value of debt	592,459	798,734
Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of debt	304,983	305,653
Carrying value of debt	$300,000	$300,000

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Property
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	58
Stabilized occupancy benchmark percentage	95.00%	95.00%
Number of years to achieve stabilized occupancy subsequent to completion of construction	1 year	1 year
Apartment Communities Sold [Member] | Assets Held-for-Sale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	3

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment's Contribution to Consolidated Revenues and Net Operating Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other									$992	$872	$850
Revenues	92,813	96,461	95,026	93,512	93,705	93,394	89,280	86,358	377,812	362,737	330,334
Consolidated property net operating income									213,861	206,604	187,709
Interest income									135	77	393
Other revenues									992	872	850
Depreciation									-84,759	-85,608	-79,367
Interest expense									-40,286	-44,704	-46,028
Amortization of deferred financing costs									-2,282	-2,573	-2,695
General and administrative									-17,898	-17,245	-16,342
Investment and development									-2,366	-1,755	-1,317
Other investment costs									-768	-1,324	-1,401
Severance, impairment and other									-2,266	-2,417
Gains on condominium sales activities, net									2,545	27,944	36,273
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net									1,788	2,090	7,995
Other income (expense), net									19	-839	1,034
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness									-18,357		-4,318
Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets									50,358	81,122	82,786
Gains on sales of real estate assets									187,825
Income from discontinued operations					28,501	421	443	433		29,798	1,505
Net income	19,504	156,435	47,991	14,253	43,863	19,053	27,614	20,390	238,183	110,920	84,291
Fully Stabilized Communities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									306,657	298,578	284,528
Consolidated property net operating income									188,064	184,712	176,239
Communities Stabilized During 2013 [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									17,401	14,178	1,779
Consolidated property net operating income									10,809	8,029	-6
Lease Up Communities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									13,012	2,587
Consolidated property net operating income									6,653	609
Acquired Communities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									4,978	2,762
Consolidated property net operating income									3,089	1,747
Held For Sale Or Sold Communities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									14,168	23,025	22,281
Consolidated property net operating income									7,157	12,725	12,880
Other Property Segments, Including Corporate Management Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									20,604	20,735	20,896
Consolidated property net operating income									($1,911)	($1,218)	($1,404)

Other_Income_Expense_Additiona

Other Income (Expense) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Component Of Other Income (Expense), Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense)	$19	($839)	$1,034
Income tax benefit	797
Texas Franchise Tax [Member]
Component Of Other Income (Expense), Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense)	-778	-839	-625
Construction Litigation [Member]
Component Of Other Income (Expense), Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense)			1,554
Technology Investment [Member]
Component Of Other Income (Expense), Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense)			62
Receivable Recoveries [Member]
Component Of Other Income (Expense), Nonoperating [Line Items]
Other income (expense)			$43

Company_Quarterly_Financial_In

Company Quarterly Financial Information - Schedule of Company Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$92,813	$96,461	$95,026	$93,512	$93,705	$93,394	$89,280	$86,358	$377,812	$362,737	$330,334
Income from continuing operations	19,504	156,435	47,991	14,253	15,362	18,632	27,171	19,957	238,183	81,122	82,786
Income from discontinued operations					28,501	421	443	433		29,798	1,505
Net income	19,504	156,435	47,991	14,253	43,863	19,053	27,614	20,390	238,183	110,920	84,291
Noncontrolling interests	-45	-22,729	-272	-17	-132	-80	-126	-48
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Net income available to common shareholders	$18,537	$132,784	$46,797	$13,314	$42,809	$18,051	$26,566	$19,420	$211,432	$106,846	$80,251
Earnings per common share:
Net income available to common shareholders - basic	$0.34	$2.44	$0.86	$0.25	$0.79	$0.33	$0.49	$0.36	$3.89	$1.96	$1.49
Net income available to common shareholders - diluted	$0.34	$2.44	$0.86	$0.24	$0.79	$0.33	$0.48	$0.35	$3.88	$1.96	$1.48

Operating_Partnership_Quarterl

Operating Partnership Quarterly Financial Information - Schedule of Company Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$92,813	$96,461	$95,026	$93,512	$93,705	$93,394	$89,280	$86,358	$377,812	$362,737	$330,334
Income from continuing operations	19,504	156,435	47,991	14,253	15,362	18,632	27,171	19,957	238,183	81,122	82,786
Net income	19,504	156,435	47,991	14,253	43,863	19,053	27,614	20,390	238,183	110,920	84,291
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities									-22,554	-107	-135
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Net income available to common shareholders	18,537	132,784	46,797	13,314	42,809	18,051	26,566	19,420	211,432	106,846	80,251
Earnings per common unit:
Net income available to common unitholders - basic	$0.34	$2.44	$0.86	$0.25	$0.79	$0.33	$0.49	$0.36	$3.89	$1.96	$1.49
Net income available to common unitholders - diluted	$0.34	$2.44	$0.86	$0.24	$0.79	$0.33	$0.48	$0.35	$3.88	$1.96	$1.48
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Revenues	92,813	96,461	95,026	93,512	93,705	93,394	89,280	86,358	377,812	362,737	330,334
Income from continuing operations	19,504	156,435	47,991	14,253	15,362	18,632	27,171	19,957	238,183	81,122	82,786
Income from discontinued operations					28,501	421	443	433
Net income	19,504	156,435	47,991	14,253	43,863	19,053	27,614	20,390	238,183	110,920	84,291
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		-22,416	-154	16	-20	-32	-58	3	-22,554	-107	-135
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-922	-3,688	-3,688	-3,688
Net income available to common shareholders	$18,582	$133,097	$46,915	$13,347	$42,921	$18,099	$26,634	$19,471	$211,941	$107,125	$80,468
Earnings per common unit:
Net income available to common unitholders - basic	$0.34	$2.44	$0.86	$0.25	$0.79	$0.33	$0.49	$0.36	$3.89	$1.96	$1.49
Net income available to common unitholders - diluted	$0.34	$2.44	$0.86	$0.24	$0.79	$0.33	$0.48	$0.35	$3.88	$1.96	$1.48

Real_Estate_Investments_and_Ac

Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation - Schedule of Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Related Encumbrances	$192,459
Initial Costs Land	355,046
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	624,981
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	2,085,378
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	384,374
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	2,681,031
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	3,065,405	3,163,035	3,011,352	2,787,689
Accumulated Depreciation	937,310	913,018	842,925	767,017
Miscellaneous Investments [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	66,813
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	1,304
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	87,723
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	68,263
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	87,577
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	155,840
Accumulated Depreciation	25,807
Georgia [Member] | Post Alexander [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	7,392
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	49,921
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	7,395
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	49,918
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	57,313
Accumulated Depreciation	14,144
Date of Construction	2006-04
Georgia [Member] | Post Briarcliff [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Related Encumbrances	57,144
Initial Costs Land	13,344
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	52,900
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	13,344
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	52,900
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	66,244
Accumulated Depreciation	27,029
Date of Construction	1996-12
Date Acquired	1996-09
Georgia [Member] | Post Brookhaven [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	7,921
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	40,235
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	7,921
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	40,235
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	48,156
Accumulated Depreciation	27,114
Date Acquired	1989-03
Georgia [Member] | Post Brookhaven [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1989-07
Georgia [Member] | Post Brookhaven [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1992-12
Georgia [Member] | Post Chastain [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	6,352
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	62,717
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	6,779
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	62,290
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	69,069
Accumulated Depreciation	35,511
Date Acquired	1988-06
Georgia [Member] | Post Chastain [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1988-06
Georgia [Member] | Post Chastain [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1990-10
Georgia [Member] | Post Crossing [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Related Encumbrances	25,656
Initial Costs Land	3,951
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	24,368
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	3,951
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	24,368
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	28,319
Accumulated Depreciation	13,514
Date Acquired	1993-11
Georgia [Member] | Post Crossing [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1994-04
Georgia [Member] | Post Crossing [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1995-08
Georgia [Member] | Post Gardens [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	5,859
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	37,472
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	5,931
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	37,400
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	43,331
Accumulated Depreciation	20,778
Date of Construction	1996-07
Date Acquired	1996-05
Georgia [Member] | Post Glen [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Related Encumbrances	26,656
Initial Costs Land	5,591
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	25,322
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	5,784
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	25,129
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	30,913
Accumulated Depreciation	13,591
Date of Construction	1996-07
Date Acquired	1996-05
Georgia [Member] | Post Parkside [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	3,402
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	22,290
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	3,465
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	22,227
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	25,692
Accumulated Depreciation	10,152
Date of Construction	1999-02
Date Acquired	1997-12
Georgia [Member] | Post Peachtree Hills [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	4,215
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	27,224
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	4,857
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	26,582
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	31,439
Accumulated Depreciation	12,193
Georgia [Member] | Post Peachtree Hills [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1992-02
Date Acquired	1992-02
Georgia [Member] | Post Peachtree Hills [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1994-09
Date Acquired	1992-09
Georgia [Member] | Post Riverside [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	11,130
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	125,083
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	12,457
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	123,756
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	136,213
Accumulated Depreciation	63,418
Date of Construction	1996-07
Date Acquired	1996-01
Georgia [Member] | Post Spring [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	2,105
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	42,066
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	2,105
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	42,066
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	44,171
Accumulated Depreciation	19,699
Date of Construction	1999-09
Date Acquired	1999-09
Georgia [Member] | Post Stratford [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	328
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	29,704
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	620
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	29,412
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	30,032
Accumulated Depreciation	13,665
Date of Construction	1999-04
Date Acquired	1999-01
Virginia [Member] | Post Carlyle Square [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	5,920
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	136,720
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	8,474
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	134,166
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	142,640
Accumulated Depreciation	20,063
Virginia [Member] | Post Carlyle Square [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member] | Minimum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	2004-12
Virginia [Member] | Post Carlyle Square [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member] | Maximum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	2010-08
Virginia [Member] | Post Corners [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Related Encumbrances	38,820
Initial Costs Land	4,404
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	27,971
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	4,493
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	27,882
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	32,375
Accumulated Depreciation	14,964
Date of Construction	1994-06
Date Acquired	1994-06
Virginia [Member] | Post Pentagon Row [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	2,359
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	7,659
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	90,738
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	3,470
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	97,286
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	100,756
Accumulated Depreciation	35,668
Date of Construction	1999-06
Date Acquired	1999-02
Virginia [Member] | Post Tysons Corner [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	20,000
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	65,478
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	11,894
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	20,000
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	77,372
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	97,372
Accumulated Depreciation	22,992
Date Acquired	2004-06
Maryland [Member] | Post Fallsgrove [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	14,801
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	69,179
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	6,876
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	14,801
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	76,055
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	90,856
Accumulated Depreciation	17,979
Date Acquired	2006-07
Maryland [Member] | Post Park [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	8,555
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	75,760
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	8,555
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	75,760
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	84,315
Accumulated Depreciation	17,796
Date of Construction	2007-12
Texas [Member] | Post Abbey [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	575
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	6,276
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	3,136
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	575
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	9,412
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	9,987
Accumulated Depreciation	3,888
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Addison Circle [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	2,885
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	41,482
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	140,508
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	8,382
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	176,493
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	184,875
Accumulated Depreciation	85,244
Date of Construction	1997-10
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Barton Creek [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	1,920
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	24,482
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	5,419
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	1,920
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	29,901
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	31,821
Accumulated Depreciation	7,332
Date Acquired	2006-03
Texas [Member] | Post Cole's Corner [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	1,886
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	18,006
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	4,822
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	2,086
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	22,628
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	24,714
Accumulated Depreciation	11,588
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Eastside [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	5,735
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	54,798
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	5,735
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	54,798
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	60,533
Accumulated Depreciation	14,225
Date of Construction	2006-10
Texas [Member] | Post 510 [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	4,420
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	29,997
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	4,420
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	29,997
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	34,417
Accumulated Depreciation	1,028
Date of Construction	2012-05
Texas [Member] | Post Heights/Gallery [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	5,455
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	15,559
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	44,768
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	5,812
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	59,970
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	65,782
Accumulated Depreciation	26,783
Date of Construction	1997-10
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Katy Trail [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	7,324
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	40,355
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	409
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	7,324
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	40,764
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	48,088
Accumulated Depreciation	3,754
Date Acquired	2011-12
Texas [Member] | Post Legacy [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	684
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	38,662
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	811
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	38,535
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	39,346
Accumulated Depreciation	15,984
Date of Construction	1999-03
Date Acquired	1999-03
Texas [Member] | Post Meridian [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	1,535
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	11,605
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	3,635
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	1,535
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	15,240
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	16,775
Accumulated Depreciation	7,477
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Midtown Square [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	6,370
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	1,412
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	78,337
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	5,399
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	80,720
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	86,119
Accumulated Depreciation	27,528
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Midtown Square [Member] | Minimum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Midtown Square [Member] | Maximum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	2011-05
Texas [Member] | Post Park Mesa [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	1,480
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	17,861
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	2,886
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	1,480
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	20,747
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	22,227
Accumulated Depreciation	5,292
Date Acquired	2006-03
Texas [Member] | Post Sierra At Frisco Bridges [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	3,581
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	39,435
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	3,581
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	39,435
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	43,016
Accumulated Depreciation	9,527
Date of Construction	2007-10
Texas [Member] | Post South Lamar [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	4,942
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	35,185
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	4,942
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	35,185
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	40,127
Accumulated Depreciation	3,727
Date of Construction	2011-02
Texas [Member] | Post Square [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	4,565
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	24,595
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	5,865
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	4,565
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	30,460
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	35,025
Accumulated Depreciation	12,892
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Uptown Village [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	3,955
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	22,120
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	22,452
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	6,195
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	42,332
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	48,527
Accumulated Depreciation	19,105
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Vineyard [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	1,133
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	8,560
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	1,900
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	1,133
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	10,460
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	11,593
Accumulated Depreciation	4,494
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post Vintage [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	2,614
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	12,188
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	2,649
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	2,614
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	14,837
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	17,451
Accumulated Depreciation	7,083
Date Acquired	1997-10
Texas [Member] | Post West Austin [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	10,865
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	40,539
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	10,865
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	40,539
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	51,404
Accumulated Depreciation	11,067
Date of Construction	2008-02
Texas [Member] | Post Worthington [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	3,744
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	34,700
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	19,919
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	3,744
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	54,619
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	58,363
Accumulated Depreciation	22,873
Date Acquired	1997-10
Florida [Member] | Post Parkside [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	2,493
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	39,691
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	2,493
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	39,691
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	42,184
Accumulated Depreciation	16,663
Date of Construction	1999-03
Date Acquired	1999-03
Florida [Member] | Post Bay At Rocky Point [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	528
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	5,081
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	22,030
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	2,400
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	25,239
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	27,639
Accumulated Depreciation	5,902
Date Acquired	2006-10
Florida [Member] | Post Harbour Place [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	3,854
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	72,956
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	8,312
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	68,498
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	76,810
Accumulated Depreciation	32,543
Date of Construction	1997-03
Date Acquired	1997-01
Florida [Member] | Post Hyde Park [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Related Encumbrances	44,183
Initial Costs Land	3,498
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	47,296
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	9,680
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	41,114
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	50,794
Accumulated Depreciation	18,403
Date Acquired	1994-07
Florida [Member] | Post Hyde Park [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1994-09
Florida [Member] | Post Hyde Park [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	2006-10
Florida [Member] | Post Lake At Baldwin Park [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	27,341
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	56,702
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	48,096
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	27,341
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	104,798
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	132,139
Accumulated Depreciation	15,817
Date of Construction	2011-06
Date Acquired	2007-07
Florida [Member] | Post Lakeside [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	4,377
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	43,724
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	255
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	4,377
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	43,979
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	48,356
Accumulated Depreciation	2,183
Date Acquired	2013-05
Florida [Member] | Post Rocky Point [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	10,510
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	78,358
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	10,567
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	78,301
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	88,868
Accumulated Depreciation	38,098
Florida [Member] | Post Rocky Point [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1994-04
Date Acquired	1994-02
Florida [Member] | Post Rocky Point [Member] | Apartment Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Date of Construction	1996-11
Date Acquired	1996-09
Florida [Member] | Post Soho [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	5,168
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	32,957
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	5,168
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	32,957
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	38,125
Accumulated Depreciation	440
Date of Construction	2012-10
North Carolina [Member] | Post Parkside [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	3,970
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	48,198
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	3,970
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	48,198
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	52,168
Accumulated Depreciation	3,222
Date of Construction	2011-06
North Carolina [Member] | Post Ballantyne [Member] | Apartment Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	6,400
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	30,850
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	3,922
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	6,400
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	34,772
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	41,172
Accumulated Depreciation	10,781
Date of Construction	2004-11
Date Acquired	2005-05
North Carolina [Member] | Post Gateway Place [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	2,424
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	64,728
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	3,481
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	63,671
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	67,152
Accumulated Depreciation	26,113
Date of Construction	2000-11
Date Acquired	1999-08
North Carolina [Member] | Post Park At Phillips Place [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	4,305
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	42,357
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	4,307
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	42,355
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	46,662
Accumulated Depreciation	22,310
Date of Construction	1996-01
Date Acquired	1995-11
North Carolina [Member] | Post South End [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	7,732
Initial Costs Building and Improvements	65,803
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	1,460
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	7,732
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	67,263
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	74,995
Accumulated Depreciation	4,955
Date Acquired	2012-07
North Carolina [Member] | Post Uptown Place [Member] | Mixed Use Property [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs Land	2,336
Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition	30,769
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Land	2,363
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Building and Improvements	30,742
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Total	33,105
Accumulated Depreciation	$12,912
Date of Construction	1998-09
Date Acquired	1998-09

Real_Estate_Investments_and_Ac1

Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation - Schedule of Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Aggregate cost for Federal Tax purposes	2,816,490
Assets held for sale	879
Building [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable lives (in years)	40 years
Other Building and Land Improvements [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable lives (in years)	20 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable lives (in years)	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Depreciable lives (in years)	10 years

Real_Estate_Investments_and_Ac2

Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation - Summary of Activity for Real Estate Investments and Accumulated Depreciation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
Real estate investments, beginning balance	$3,163,035	$3,011,352	$2,787,689
Improvements	105,508	136,935	152,696
Acquisitions of communities		48,101	73,535
Asset impairment charges	-450	-400
Disposition of property	-202,688	-32,953	-2,568
Real estate investments, ending balance	3,065,405	3,163,035	3,011,352
Accumulated depreciation, beginning balance	913,018	842,925	767,017
Depreciation	84,110	84,617	78,476
Accumulated depreciation on disposed property	-59,818	-14,524	-2,568
Accumulated depreciation, ending balance	$937,310	$913,018	$842,925