Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA) 10-Q 1 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 27, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	MAA
Entity Registrant Name	MID AMERICA APARTMENT COMMUNITIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	912595
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		75,346,684
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$3,808,853,427
Limited Partner [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	MID-AMERICA APARTMENTS, L.P.
Entity Central Index Key	1581776
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

MAA_Condensed_Consolidated_Bal

MAA Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Parent Company [Member]
Assets:
Land	$889,912	$907,598
Buildings and improvements	6,558,169	6,763,978
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	203,808	212,850
Development and capital improvements in progress	71,119	80,772
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	7,723,008	7,965,198
Less accumulated depreciation	-1,268,103	-1,358,399
Real Estate Investment Property, Net	6,454,905	6,606,799
Undeveloped land	47,242	47,242
Corporate properties, net	8,337	7,988
Investments in real estate joint ventures	1,802	1,791
Assets held for sale	175,292	36,452
Real estate assets, net	6,687,578	6,700,272
Cash and cash equivalents	18,331	25,401
Restricted cash	26,951	28,181
Deferred financing costs, net	13,638	17,812
Other assets	50,863	57,041
Goodwill	2,321	2,321
Total assets	6,799,682	6,831,028
Liabilities:
Secured notes payable	1,429,069	1,592,116
Unsecured notes payable	2,050,424	1,932,399
Accounts payable	7,680	8,395
Fair market value of interest rate swaps	15,007	13,392
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	195,222	216,478
Security deposits	10,490	10,526
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	32,084	0
Total liabilities	3,739,976	3,773,306
Redeemable stock	6,309	5,911
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	753	752
Additional paid-in capital	3,619,976	3,619,270
Accumulated distributions in excess of net income	-726,062	-729,086
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,453	-412
Total MAA shareholders' equity	2,892,214	2,890,524
Noncontrolling interest	161,183	161,287
Total equity	3,053,397	3,051,811
Total liabilities and equity	$6,799,682	$6,831,028
Redeemable stock, shares issued and outstanding	81,645	87,818

MAALP_Condensed_Consolidated_B

MAALP Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Limited Partner [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Limited Partner [Member]
Assets:
Land	$889,912	$907,598
Buildings and improvements	6,558,169	6,763,978
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	203,808	212,850
Development and capital improvements in progress	71,119	80,772
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	7,723,008	7,965,198
Less accumulated depreciation	-1,268,103	-1,358,399
Real Estate Investment Property, Net	6,454,905	6,606,799
Undeveloped land	47,242	47,242
Corporate properties, net	8,337	7,988
Investments in real estate joint ventures	1,802	1,791
Assets held for sale	175,292	36,452
Real estate assets, net	6,687,578	6,700,272
Cash and cash equivalents	18,331	25,401
Restricted cash	26,951	28,181
Deferred financing costs, net	13,638	17,812
Other assets	50,863	57,041
Goodwill	2,321	2,321
Total assets	6,799,682	6,831,028
Liabilities:
Secured notes payable	1,429,069	1,592,116
Unsecured notes payable	2,050,424	1,932,399
Accounts payable	7,680	8,395
Fair market value of interest rate swaps	15,007	13,392
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	195,222	216,478
Security deposits	10,490	10,526
Due to general partner	19	19
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	32,084	0
Total liabilities	3,739,995	3,773,325
Redeemable units	6,309	5,911
Capital [Abstract]
General Partners' Capital Account	2,894,589	2,890,858
Limited Partners' Capital Account	161,320	161,310
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,531	-376
Total Capital	3,053,378	3,051,792
Total Liabilities and Capital	$6,799,682	$6,831,028
Redeemable units, units issued and outstanding	81,645	87,818

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock, shares outstanding	75,345,023
General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	75,345,023
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	4,189,966
Parent Company [Member]
Common stock, par value per share	0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	75,345,023	75,267,675
Common stock, shares outstanding	75,345,023	75,267,675
Limited Partner [Member]
General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	75,345,023	75,267,675
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	4,189,966	4,191,152

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Parent Company [Member]
Operating revenues:
Rental revenues	$234,199	$220,988
Other property revenues	23,612	22,402
Total property revenues	257,811	243,390
Management fee income	0	97
Total operating revenues	257,811	243,487
Property operating expenses:
Personnel	25,653	24,909
Building repairs and maintenance	6,622	6,748
Real estate taxes and insurance	33,192	31,131
Utilities	22,028	21,548
Landscaping	5,392	5,408
Other operating	7,507	7,619
Depreciation and amortization	73,112	90,013
Total property operating expenses	173,506	187,376
Acquisition expense	339	11
Property management expenses	8,493	7,011
General and administrative expenses	6,566	4,342
Merger related expenses	0	2,076
Integration related expenses	0	3,842
Income from continuing operations before non-operating items	68,907	38,829
Interest and other non-property (expense) income	-157	160
Interest expense	-29,931	-30,676
Loss on debt extinguishment	-3,376	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-917	-1,311
Net casualty loss after insurance and other settlement proceeds	-19	-10
Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	30,228	2,564
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	0	557
Income before income tax expense	64,735	10,113
Income tax expense	-510	-270
Income from continuing operations before joint venture activity	64,225	9,843
Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	19	-24
Income from continuing operations	64,244	9,819
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	433	416
Loss from Insurance Settlement and Other, Discontinued Operations	0	-2
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	5,481
Consolidated net income	64,677	15,714
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,410	848
Net income available for MAA common shareholders	61,267	14,866
Earnings per common share - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders	$0.81	$0.12
Discontinued property operations	$0	$0.08
Net income available for common shareholders	$0.81	$0.20
Earnings per common share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders	$0.81	$0.12
Discontinued property operations	$0	$0.08
Net income available for common shareholders	$0.81	$0.20
Dividends declared per common share	$0.77	$0.73
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	$0.77	$0.73
Limited Partner [Member]
Operating revenues:
Rental revenues	234,199	220,988
Other property revenues	23,612	22,402
Total property revenues	257,811	243,390
Management fee income	0	97
Total operating revenues	257,811	243,487
Property operating expenses:
Personnel	25,653	24,909
Building repairs and maintenance	6,622	6,748
Real estate taxes and insurance	33,192	31,131
Utilities	22,028	21,548
Landscaping	5,392	5,408
Other operating	7,507	7,619
Depreciation and amortization	73,112	90,013
Total property operating expenses	173,506	187,376
Acquisition expense	339	11
Property management expenses	8,493	7,011
General and administrative expenses	6,566	4,342
Merger related expenses	0	2,076
Integration related expenses	0	3,842
Income from continuing operations before non-operating items	68,907	38,829
Interest and other non-property (expense) income	-157	160
Interest expense	-29,931	-30,676
Loss on debt extinguishment	-3,376	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-917	-1,311
Net casualty loss after insurance and other settlement proceeds	-19	-10
Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	30,228	2,564
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	0	557
Income before income tax expense	64,735	10,113
Income tax expense	-510	-270
Income from continuing operations before joint venture activity	64,225	9,843
Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	19	-24
Income from continuing operations	64,244	9,819
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	433	416
Loss from Insurance Settlement and Other, Discontinued Operations	0	-2
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	5,481
Consolidated net income	64,677	15,714
Net income available for Mid-America Apartments, L.P. common unitholders	$64,677	$15,714
Earnings per common share - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders	$0.81	$0.12
Discontinued property operations	$0	$0.08
Net income available for common shareholders	$0.81	$0.20
Earnings per common share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders	$0.81	$0.12
Discontinued property operations	$0	$0.08
Net income available for common shareholders	$0.81	$0.20
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	$0.77	$0.73

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Parent Company [Member]
Consolidated net income	$64,677	$15,714
Unrealized loss from the effective portion of derivitave insturments	-4,347	-997
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	2,192	3,725
Total comprehensive income	62,522	18,442
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,296	-992
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	59,226	17,450
Limited Partner [Member]
Consolidated net income	64,677	15,714
Unrealized loss from the effective portion of derivitave insturments	-4,347	-997
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	2,192	3,725
Comprehensive income attributable to Mid-America Apartments, L.P.	$62,522	$18,442

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Consolidated net income	$64,677	$15,714
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Retail revenue accretion	-29	-6
Depreciation and amortization	74,034	91,469
Stock compensation expense	1,289	948
Redeemable stock issued	189	145
Amortization of debt premium	-5,197	-7,402
(Gain) loss from investments in real estate joint ventures	-17	24
Loss on debt extinguishment	2,787	0
Derivative interest (credit) expense	-473	427
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	0	-557
Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	-30,228	-2,564
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	-5,481
Net casualty loss and other settlement proceeds	19	12
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	7,391	787
Other assets	2,441	5,664
Accounts payable	-431	106
Accrued expenses and other	-16,060	-3,465
Security deposits	465	240
Net cash provided by operating activities	100,857	96,061
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of real estate and other assets	-48,685	-24,857
Normal capital improvements	-16,499	-15,033
Construction capital and other improvements	-3,153	-3,521
Renovations to existing real estate assets	-5,150	-1,417
Development	-5,034	-33,232
Distributions from real estate joint ventures	6	8,865
Proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	52,770	93,127
(Funding) return of escrow for future acquisitions	-6,431	4,395
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-32,176	28,327
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in credit lines	3,885	-17,936
Proceeds from notes payable	0	344
Principal payments on notes payable	-17,472	-17,986
Payment of deferred financing costs	-172	-145
Repurchase of common stock	-937	-285
Proceeds from issuances of common shares	8	227
Exercise of stock options	0	1,775
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-3,223	-3,086
Dividends paid on common shares	-57,840	-54,661
Net cash used in financing activities	-75,751	-91,753
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-7,070	32,635
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	25,401	89,333
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	18,331	121,968
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	27,017	30,408
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Conversion of units to shares of common stock	46	744
Accrued construction in progress	8,392	9,971
Interest capitalized	474	513
Marked-to-market adjustment on derivative instruments	-1,659	2,300
Fair value adjustment on debt assumed	0	1,651
Loan assumption	0	31,692
Limited Partner [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Consolidated net income	64,677	15,714
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Retail revenue accretion	-29	-6
Depreciation and amortization	74,034	91,469
Stock compensation expense	1,289	948
Redeemable stock issued	189	145
Amortization of debt premium	-5,197	-7,402
(Gain) loss from investments in real estate joint ventures	-17	24
Loss on debt extinguishment	2,787	0
Derivative interest (credit) expense	-473	427
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	0	-557
Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	-30,228	-2,564
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	-5,481
Net casualty loss and other settlement proceeds	19	12
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	7,391	787
Other assets	2,441	5,664
Accounts payable	-431	106
Accrued expenses and other	-16,060	-3,465
Security deposits	465	240
Net cash provided by operating activities	100,857	96,061
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of real estate and other assets	-48,685	-24,857
Normal capital improvements	-16,499	-15,033
Construction capital and other improvements	-3,153	-3,521
Renovations to existing real estate assets	-5,150	-1,417
Development	-5,034	-33,232
Distributions from real estate joint ventures	6	8,865
Proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	52,770	93,127
(Funding) return of escrow for future acquisitions	-6,431	4,395
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-32,176	28,327
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in credit lines	3,885	-17,936
Proceeds from notes payable	0	344
Principal payments on notes payable	-17,472	-17,986
Payment of deferred financing costs	-172	-145
Repurchase of common units	-937	-285
Proceeds from issuances of common units	8	227
Exercise of stock options	0	1,775
Distributions paid on common units	-61,063	-57,747
Net cash used in financing activities	-75,751	-91,753
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-7,070	32,635
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	25,401	89,333
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	18,331	121,968
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	27,017	30,408
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Accrued construction in progress	8,392	9,971
Interest capitalized	474	513
Marked-to-market adjustment on derivative instruments	-1,659	2,300
Fair value adjustment on debt assumed	0	1,651
Loan assumption	$0	$31,692

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies
	Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "we," "us," "our," or the "Company" refer collectively to Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "MAA" refer only to Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., and not any of its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless the context otherwise requires, the references to the "Operating Partnership" or "MAALP" refer to Mid-America Apartments, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. "Common stock" refers to the common stock of MAA and "shareholders" means the holders of shares of MAA’s common stock. The limited partnership interests of the Operating Partnership are referred to as "OP Units" and the holders of the OP Units are referred to as "unitholders".
	As of March 31, 2015, MAA owned 75,345,023 units (or approximately 94.7%) of the limited partnership interests of the Operating Partnership. MAA conducts substantially all of its business and holds substantially all of its assets through the Operating Partnership, and by virtue of its ownership of the OP Units and being the Operating Partnership's sole general partner, MAA has the ability to control all of the day-to-day operations of the Operating Partnership.
	We believe combining the notes to the consolidated financial statements of MAA and MAALP results in the following benefits:
	•	enhances a readers' understanding of MAA and the Operating Partnership by enabling the reader to view the business as a whole in the same manner that management views and operates the business;
	•	eliminates duplicative disclosure and provides a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both MAA and the Operating Partnership.
	Management operates MAA and the Operating Partnership as one business. The management of the Company is comprised of individuals who are officers of MAA and employees of the Operating Partnership. We believe it is important to understand the few differences between MAA and the Operating Partnership in the context of how MAA and the Operating Partnership operate as a consolidated company. MAA and the Operating Partnership are structured as an "umbrella partnership REIT," or UPREIT. MAA's interest in the Operating Partnership entitles MAA to share in cash distributions from, and in the profits and losses of, the Operating Partnership in proportion to MAA's percentage interest therein and entitles MAA to vote on substantially all matters requiring a vote of the limited partners. MAA's only material asset is its ownership of limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership; therefore, MAA does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, issuing public equity from time to time and guaranteeing certain debt of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds, directly or indirectly, all of our real estate assets. Except for net proceeds from public equity issuances by MAA, which are contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units, the Operating Partnership generates the capital required by our business through the Operating Partnership's operations, direct or indirect incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of partnership units.
	The presentation of MAA's shareholders' equity and the Operating Partnership's capital are the principal areas of difference between the consolidated financial statements of MAA and those of the Operating Partnership. MAA's shareholders' equity may include shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock, additional paid-in capital, cumulative earnings, cumulative distributions, noncontrolling interest, preferred units, treasury shares, accumulated other comprehensive income and redeemable common units. The Operating Partnership's capital may include common capital and preferred capital of the general partner (MAA), limited partners' preferred capital, limited partners' noncontrolling interest, accumulated other comprehensive income and redeemable common units. Redeemable common units represent the number of outstanding OP Units as of the date of the applicable balance sheet, valued at the greater of the closing market price of MAA's common stock or the aggregate value of the individual partners' capital balances. Each redeemable OP Unit may be redeemed by the holder thereof for either cash equal to the fair market value of one share of common stock of MAA at the time of such redemption or, at the option of MAA, one share of common stock of MAA.
	As of March 31, 2015, we owned and operated 265 apartment communities comprising 81,976 apartments located in 14 states principally through the Operating Partnership.
	As of March 31, 2015, we had three development communities under construction totaling 634 units, with 163 units completed. Total expected costs for the development projects are $93.9 million, of which $69.5 million has been incurred through March 31, 2015. We expect to complete construction on the first project by the second quarter of 2015, the second project by the third quarter of 2015, and the third project by the fourth quarter of 2015. Five of our multifamily properties include retail components with approximately 163,000 square feet of gross leasable area. We also have two wholly owned commercial properties, which we acquired through our merger with Colonial Properties Trust, or Colonial, with approximately 263,000 square feet of gross leasable area, excluding tenant owned anchor stores, and one partially owned commercial property with approximately 30,000 square feet of gross leasable area.
	Reclassifications
	In order to present comparative financial statements, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period numbers. In our Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2014, we reported approximately $0.3 million in permits and fees and general maintenance costs in the Other operating expense line for the three months ended March 31, 2014. These costs have been reclassified to Building repairs and maintenance for the three months ended March 31, 2014, presented in the Statement of Operations included in this Report. In our Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2014, we also reported approximately $8.1 million in utility costs, primarily for cable TV, trash removal, and telephone costs, in the Other operating expense line for the three months ended March 31, 2014. These costs have been reclassified to Utilities for the three months ended March 31, 2014, presented in the Statement of Operations included in this Report. In our Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2014, we also reported approximately $36.5 million as Assets held for sale, excluded from Real estate assets, net. These assets have been reclassified to Assets held for sale within Real estate assets, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheet included in this Report. Total assets was unchanged due to this reclassification. These changes have been made in order to provide better insight into our property operating expenses and balance sheet position.
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by our management in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. The condensed consolidated financial statements of MAA presented herein include the accounts of MAA, the Operating Partnership, and all other subsidiaries in which MAA has a controlling financial interest. MAA owns approximately 95% to 100% of all consolidated subsidiaries. The condensed consolidated financial statements of MAALP presented herein include the accounts of MAALP and all other subsidiaries in which MAALP has a controlling financial interest. MAALP owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of all consolidated subsidiaries. In our opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included, and all such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We invest in entities which may qualify as variable interest entities, or VIE. A VIE is a legal entity in which the equity investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the power to direct the activities of a legal entity as well as the obligation to absorb its expected losses or the right to receive its expected residual returns. We consolidate all VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary and use the equity method to account for investments that qualify as VIEs but for which we are not the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including but not limited to, those activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and which party controls such activities.
	We use the equity method of accounting for our investments in entities for which we exercise significant influence, but do not have the ability to exercise control. These entities are not variable interest entities. The factors considered in determining that we do not have the ability to exercise control include ownership of voting interests and participatory rights of investors.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_of_M

Earnings Per Common Share of MAA	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share of MAA [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings per Common Share of MAA
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.  All outstanding unvested restricted share awards contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders and, accordingly, are considered participating securities that are included in the two-class method of computing basic earnings per share. Both the unvested restricted shares and other potentially dilutive common shares, and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis with our diluted earnings per share being the more dilutive of the treasury stock or two-class methods.  OP Units are included in dilutive earnings per share calculations when they are dilutive to earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, MAA's basic earnings per share is computed using the two-class method, and our diluted earnings per share is computed using the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or two-class method:
	(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Shares Outstanding
	Weighted average common shares - basic	75,145				74,803
	Weighted average partnership units outstanding	—			(1)	—			(1)
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			(2)	—			(2)
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	75,145				74,803
	Calculation of Earnings per Share - basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,387		)		(534		)
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(130		)		(17		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	60,727			$	9,268
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(23		)		(314		)
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)		(10		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	409			$	5,571
	Weighted average common shares - basic	75,145				74,803
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.81			$	0.2
	Calculation of Earnings per Share - diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,387		)	(1)	(534		)	(1)
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(130		)	(2)	(17		)	(2)
	Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	60,727			$	9,268
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(23		)	(1)	(314		)	(1)
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)	(2)	(10		)	(2)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	409			$	5,571
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	75,145				74,803
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.81			$	0.2
	(1) For both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 4.2 million operating partnership units and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.
	(2) For both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 0.1 million potentially dilutive securities and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.

Earnings_Per_OP_Unit_of_MAALP

Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP [Abstract]
Earnings Per Unit [Text Block]	Earnings per OP Unit of MAALP
	Basic earnings per OP Unit is computed by dividing net income available for common unitholders by the weighted average number of units outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested restricted share awards contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and participate in undistributed earnings with common unitholders and, accordingly, are considered participating securities that are included in the two-class method of computing basic earnings per OP unit. Diluted earnings per OP Unit reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue OP Units were exercised or converted into OP Units. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per unit computations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is presented below:
	(dollars and units in thousands, except per unit amounts)	Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Units Outstanding
	Weighted average OP Units - basic	79,336				79,023
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			(1)	—			(1)
	Weighted average OP Units - diluted	79,336				79,023
	Calculation of Earnings per Unit - basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(130		)		(17		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	64,114			$	9,802
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)		(10		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	432			$	5,885
	Weighted average OP Units - basic	79,336				79,023
	Earnings per unit - basic:	$	0.81			$	0.2
	Calculation of Earnings per Unit - diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(130		)	(1)	(17		)	(1)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	64,114			$	9,802
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)	(1)	(10		)	(1)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	432			$	5,885
	Weighted average OP Units - diluted	79,336				79,023
	Earnings per unit - diluted:	$	0.81			$	0.2
	(1) For both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 0.1 million potentially dilutive securities and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.

MAA_Equity

MAA Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
MAA Equity [Abstract]
Consolidated Statements of Equity [Text Block]	MAA Equity
	Total equity and its components for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share and per unit data):
		Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. Shareholders
		Common		Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stock		Paid-In			Distributions			Other			Interest			Equity
		Amount		Capital			in Excess of			Comprehensive
							Net Income			Income (Loss)
	EQUITY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2014	$	752	$	3,619,270		$	(729,086	)	$	(412	)	$	161,287		$	3,051,811
	Net income						61,267						3,410			64,677
	Other comprehensive loss - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)									(2,041		)	(114		)	(2,155		)
	Issuance and registration of common shares	1		7												8
	Shares repurchased and retired	—		(937		)										(937		)
	Exercise of stock options	—		—												—
	Shares issued in exchange for units	—		46									(46		)	—
	Shares issued in exchange from redeemable stock			—												—
	Redeemable stock fair market value adjustment						(209		)							(209		)
	Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership			128									(128		)	—
	Amortization of unearned compensation			1,462												1,462
	Dividends on common stock ($0.7700 per share)						(58,034		)				—			(58,034		)
	Dividends on noncontrolling interest units ($0.7700 per unit)												(3,226		)	(3,226		)
	EQUITY BALANCE MARCH 31, 2015	$	753	$	3,619,976		$	(726,062	)	$	(2,453	)	$	161,183		$	3,053,397
		Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. Shareholders
		Common		Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stock		Paid-In			Distributions			Other			Interest			Equity
		Amount		Capital			in Excess of			Comprehensive
							Net Income			Income (Loss)
	EQUITY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013	$	747	$	3,599,549		$	(653,593	)	$	108		$	166,726		$	3,113,537
	Net income						14,866						848			15,714
	Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)									2,583			144			2,727
	Issuance and registration of common shares	1		226												227
	Shares repurchased and retired	—		(285		)										(285		)
	Exercise of stock options	1		1,774												1,775
	Shares issued in exchange for units	—		744									(744		)	—
	Shares issued in exchange for redeemable stock			998												998
	Redeemable stock fair market value						(631		)							(631		)
	Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership			163									(163		)	—
	Amortization of unearned compensation			948												948
	Dividends on common stock ($0.7300 per share)						(54,792		)				—			(54,792		)
	Dividends on noncontrolling interest units ($0.7300 per unit)												(3,072		)	(3,072		)
	EQUITY BALANCE MARCH 31, 2014	$	749	$	3,604,117		$	(694,150	)	$	2,691		$	163,739		$	3,077,146

MAALP_Capital

MAALP Capital	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
MAALP Capital [Abstract]
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital [Text Block]	MAALP Capital
	Total capital and its components for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands, except per unit data):
		Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unitholders
		Limited Partner			General Partner			Accumulated			Total Partnership Capital
								Other
								Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	CAPITAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2014	$	161,310		$	2,890,858		$	(376	)	$	3,051,792
	Net income	3,410			61,267						64,677
	Other comprehensive loss - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)							(2,155		)	(2,155		)
	Issuance of units				8						8
	Units repurchased and retired				(937		)				(937		)
	Exercise of unit options				—						—
	General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	(46		)	46						—
	Units issued in exchange for redeemable units				—						—
	Redeemable units fair market value adjustment				(209		)				(209		)
	Adjustment for limited partners' capital at redemption value	(128		)	128						—
	Amortization of unearned compensation				1,462						1,462
	Distributions ($0.7700 per unit)	(3,226		)	(58,034		)				(61,260		)
	CAPITAL BALANCE MARCH 31, 2015	$	161,320		$	2,894,589		$	(2,531	)	$	3,053,378
		Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unitholders
		Limited Partner			General Partner			Accumulated			Total Partnership Capital
								Other
								Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	CAPITAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013	$	166,746		$	2,946,598		$	174		$	3,113,518
	Net income	848			14,866						15,714
	Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)							2,727			2,727
	Issuance of units				227						227
	Units repurchased and retired				(285		)				(285		)
	Exercise of unit options				1,775						1,775
	General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	(744		)	744						—
	Units issued in exchange for redeemable units				998						998
	Redeemable units fair market value adjustment				(631		)				(631		)
	Adjustment for limited partners capital at redemption value	(201		)	201						—
	Amortization of unearned compensation				948						948
	Distributions ($0.7300 per unit)	(3,072		)	(54,792		)				(57,864		)
	CAPITAL BALANCE MARCH 31, 2014	$	163,577		$	2,910,649		$	2,901		$	3,077,127

Borrowings

Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Notes Payable	Borrowings
	The weighted average interest rate at March 31, 2015 for the $3.48 billion of debt outstanding was 3.7%, compared to the weighted average interest rate of 3.7% on $3.52 billion of debt outstanding at December 31, 2014. We utilize both conventional and tax exempt debt to help finance our activities. Borrowings are made through individual property mortgages as well as company-wide secured and unsecured credit facilities. We utilize fixed rate borrowings, interest rate swaps and interest rate caps to manage our current and future interest rate risk. More details on our borrowings can be found in the schedules presented later in this Report.
	At March 31, 2015, we had $80.8 million (after considering the impact of interest rate swap and cap agreements in effect) of conventional, secured variable rate debt outstanding at an average interest rate of 0.8% and $176.7 million of capped conventional, secured variable rate debt at an average interest rate of 0.9%. The interest rate on all other secured debt, totaling $1.2 billion, was hedged or fixed at an average interest rate of 4.0%. Additionally, we had $1.9 billion of senior unsecured notes and term loans fixed at an average interest rate of 4.0% and a $500 million variable rate credit facility with an average interest rate of 1.3% with $179.0 million borrowed at March 31, 2015.
	Credit Facilities
	We maintain a total of $360.0 million of secured credit facilities with Prudential Mortgage Capital, which are credit enhanced by Fannie Mae, or the Fannie Mae Facilities. The Fannie Mae Facilities provide for both fixed and variable rate borrowings and have Fannie Mae rate tranches with maturities from 2015 through 2018. The interest rate on the variable portion renews every 90 days and is based on the Fannie Mae discount mortgage backed security rate on the date of renewal, which, for us, has historically approximated three-month LIBOR less an average of 0.17% over the life of the Fannie Mae Facilities, plus a fee of 0.62%. Borrowings under the Fannie Mae Facilities totaled $320.8 million at March 31, 2015, consisting of $50.0 million under a fixed portion at a rate of 4.7%, and the remaining $270.8 million under the variable rate portion of the Fannie Mae facilities at an average rate of 0.8%. On February 17, 2015, we paid off $91.1 million related to a group of mortgages associated with the tax-free portion of the Fannie Mae Facilities. As part of this transaction, we recorded a $3.1 million loss on debt extinguishment, primarily due to the write-off of unamortized financing costs associated with these mortgages.
	We also maintain a $500.0 million unsecured credit facility with fourteen banks led by KeyBank National Association (the KeyBank Facility). The KeyBank facility includes an expansion option up to $800.0 million. The KeyBank Facility bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus a spread of 0.90% to 1.70% based on a investment grade pricing grid and is currently bearing interest at 1.28%. This credit line expires in August 2017 with two six month extension options. At March 31, 2015, we had $496.2 million available to be borrowed under the KeyBank Facility with $179.0 million borrowed. Approximately $3.8 million of the KeyBank Facility is used to support letters of credit.
	Each of our credit facilities is subject to various covenants and conditions on usage, and the secured facilities are subject to periodic re-evaluation of collateral. If we were to fail to satisfy a condition to borrowing, the available credit under one or more of the facilities could not be drawn, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In the event of a reduction in real estate values, the amount of credit could be reduced. Moreover, if we were to fail to make a payment or violate a covenant under a credit facility, after applicable cure periods, one or more of our lenders could declare a default, accelerate the due date for repayment of all amounts outstanding and/or foreclose on properties securing such facilities. A default on an obligation to repay outstanding debt could also create a cross default on a separate piece of debt, whereby one or more of our lenders could accelerate the due date for repayment of all amounts outstanding and/or foreclose on properties securing the related facilities. Any such event could have a material adverse effect. We believe that we were in compliance with these covenants and conditions on usage at March 31, 2015.
	Secured Property Mortgages
	At March 31, 2015, we had $1.1 billion of fixed rate conventional property mortgages with an average interest rate of 4.0% and an average maturity in 2019 as well as a total of $11.7 million of a variable rate mortgage with an embedded cap rate of 7.0% at an interest rate of 3.1% with a maturity in 2015.
	On January 30, 2015, we paid off a $15.2 million mortgage associated with the Farmington Village apartment community. We recorded a $0.2 million loss on debt extinguishment due to paying off the mortgage prior to maturity.
	Unsecured Term Loans
	We also have three term loans, one each with KeyBank, Wells Fargo, and US Bank. The KeyBank term loan has a balance of $150 million, matures in 2017, and has a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus a spread of 1.10% to 2.05% based on our credit ratings. The Wells Fargo term loan has a balance of $250 million and matures in 2018. The US Bank term loan has a balance of $150 million and matures in 2020. Both the Wells Fargo and US Bank term loans have variable interest rates of LIBOR plus a spread of 0.90% to 1.90% based on our credit ratings. As of March 31, 2015, the KeyBank term loan was bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.35%. As of March 31, 2015, the Wells Fargo and US Bank term loans were bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.15%.
	Guarantees
	Of the debt mentioned above, MAA fully and unconditionally guarantees the following debt incurred by MAALP:
	•	$360.0 million of the Fannie Mae facilities, of which $320.8 million has been borrowed as of March 31, 2015;
	•	$500.0 million KeyBank credit facility, of which $179.0 million has been borrowed as of March 31, 2015;
	•	$33.7 million of property mortgages, all of which has been borrowed as of March 31, 2015;
	•	$310.0 million of senior unsecured notes, all of which has been borrowed as of March 31, 2015; and
	•	$550.0 million of term loans, all of which has been borrowed as of March 31, 2015
	Borrowings Overview
	The following table summarizes our outstanding debt structure as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
		Borrowed		Effective		Average Contract
		Balance		Rate		Maturity
	Fixed Rate Secured Debt
	Individual property mortgages	$	1,096,580	4	%	5/27/19
	FNMA conventional credit facilities	50,000		4.7	%	3/31/17
	Credit facility balances with:
	LIBOR-based interest rate swaps	25,000		4.9	%	6/1/15
	Total fixed rate secured debt	$	1,171,580	4	%	3/23/19
	Variable Rate Secured Debt (1)
	FNMA conventional credit facilities	$	245,785	0.8	%	2/18/17
	Freddie Mac mortgages	11,704		3.1	%	8/15/15
	Total variable rate secured debt	$	257,489	0.9	%	1/24/17
	Total Secured Debt	$	1,429,069	3.5	%	11/1/18
	Unsecured Debt
	Variable rate credit facility	$	179,000	1.3	%	8/7/17
	Term loans fixed with swaps	$	550,000	3.1	%	11/10/17
	Fixed rate senior bonds	1,321,424		4.5	%	12/3/21
	Total Unsecured Debt	$	2,050,424	3.8	%	6/15/20
	Total Outstanding Debt	$	3,479,493	3.7	%	6/29/19
	(1) Includes capped balances.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Derivatives and Hedging Activities
	Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
	We are exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of our debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, we enter into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future contractual and forecasted cash amounts, principally related to our borrowings, the value of which are determined by changing interest rates, related cash flows and other factors.
	Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
	Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, we use interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium.
	The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt and forecasted issuances of fixed-rate debt.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recorded ineffectiveness of $60,000 (increase to interest expense) and $4,000 (increase to interest expense), respectively, mainly attributable to a mismatch in the underlying indices of the derivatives and the hedged interest payments made on our variable-rate debt and due to the designation of acquired interest rate swaps with a non-zero fair value at inception.
	Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives designated as qualifying cash flow hedges will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate or fixed-rate debt. During the next 12 months, we estimate that an additional $5.5 million will be reclassified to earnings as an increase to interest expense, which primarily represents the difference between our fixed interest rate swap payments and the projected variable interest rate swap payments.
	As of March 31, 2015, we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:
	Interest Rate Derivative		Number of Instruments		Notional
	Interest Rate Caps		6		$	165,000,000
	Interest Rate Swaps		8		$	575,000,000
	Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet
	The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015 and
	December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands)
			Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
					March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014					March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value			Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value
	Interest rate contracts		Other assets		$	34			$	72		Fair market value of interest rate swaps		$	15,007			$	13,392
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	34			$	72				$	15,007			$	13,392
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest rate contracts		Other assets		$	—			$	6				$	—			$	—
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments				$	—			$	6				$	—			$	—
	Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations
	The table below presents the effect of our derivative financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
	Three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of								Location of Gain or	Amount of								Location of Gain or		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on
	Hedging Relationships		Gain or (Loss)								(Loss) Reclassified	Gain or (Loss)								(Loss) Recognized in		Derivative (Ineffective
			Recognized in								from Accumulated	Reclassified from								Income on Derivative		Portion and Amount
			OCI on Derivative								OCI into Income	Accumulated								(Ineffective Portion and		Excluded from
			(Effective Portion)								(Effective Portion)	OCI into Income								Amount Excluded from		Effectiveness Testing)
												(Effective Portion)								Effectiveness Testing)
	Three months ended March 31,		2015				2014					2015				2014						2015			2014
	Interest rate contracts		$	(4,347	)		$	(997	)		Interest expense	$	(2,192	)		$	(3,725	)		Interest expense		$	(60	)	$	(4	)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships		$	(4,347	)		$	(997	)			$	(2,192	)		$	(3,725	)				$	(60	)	$	(4	)
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Three months ended March 31,
	Interest rate contracts																			Interest expense		$	(3	)	$	(69	)
	Total																					$	(3	)	$	(69	)
	Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
	As of March 31, 2015, derivatives that were in a net liability position and subject to credit-risk-related contingent features had a termination value of $16.0 million, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk. These derivatives had a fair value, gross of asset positions, of $15.0 million at March 31, 2015.
	Certain of our derivative contracts contain a provision where we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to our default on the indebtedness. As of March 31, 2015, we had not breached the provisions of these agreements. If we had breached theses provisions, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at the termination value of $15.8 million.
	Certain of our derivative contracts are credit enhanced by Fannie Mae.  These derivative contracts require that our credit enhancing party maintain credit ratings above a certain level.  If our credit support providers were downgraded below Baa1 by Moody’s or BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s, or S&P, we may be required to either post 100 percent collateral or settle the obligations at their termination value of $0.2 million as of March 31, 2015. Fannie Mae is currently rated Aaa by Moody’s and AA+ by S&P, and therefore, the provisions of this agreement have not been breached, and no collateral has been posted related to these agreements as of March 31, 2015.
	Although our derivative contracts are subject to master netting arrangements, which serve as credit mitigants to both us and our counterparties under certain situations, we do not net our derivative fair values or any existing rights or obligations to cash collateral on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of our derivatives as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments above, which also provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (dollars in thousands):
	Offsetting of Derivative Assets
	As of March 31, 2015
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	34			$	—			$	34		$	—			$	—			$	34
	Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	As of March 31, 2015
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Posted				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	15,007			$	—			$	15,007		$	—			$	—			$	15,007
	Offsetting of Derivative Assets
	As of December 31, 2014
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	78			$	—			$	78		$	—			$	—			$	78
	Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	As of December 31, 2014
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Posted				Net Amount
Derivatives	$	13,392			$	—			$	13,392		$	—			$	—			$	13,392
Other Comprehensive Income
Our other comprehensive income consists entirely of gains and losses attributable to the effective portion of our cash flow hedges. The chart below shows the change in the balance for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
		Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements Of Operations		Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
				for the three months ended March 31,
				2015				2014
Beginning balance				$	(412	)		$	108
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications				(4,347		)		(997		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (interest rate contracts)		Interest expense		2,192				3,725
Net current-period other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest				114				(145		)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to MAA				(2,041		)		2,583
Ending balance				$	(2,453	)		$	2,691
See also discussions in Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair_Value_Disclosure_of_Finan

Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments
	Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and security deposits are carried at amounts that reasonably approximate their fair value due to their short term nature.
	We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, or ASC 820. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 applies to reported balances that are required or permitted to be measured at fair value under existing accounting pronouncements; accordingly, the standard does not require any new fair value measurements of reported balances.
	ASC 820 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement.  Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).
	Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
	Fixed rate notes payable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, totaled $2.47 billion and $2.50 billion, respectively, and had estimated fair values of $2.55 billion and $2.54 billion (excluding prepayment penalties), respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The carrying value of variable rate notes payable (excluding the effect of interest rate swap and cap agreements) at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, totaled $1.01 billion and $1.02 billion, respectively, and had estimated fair values of $0.99 billion and $0.97 billion (excluding prepayment penalties), respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The valuation of our debt is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each debt instrument. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the debt, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and credit spreads. The fair values of fixed debt are determined by using the present value of future cash outflows discounted with the applicable current market rate plus a credit spread. The fair values of variable debt are determined using the stated variable rate plus the current market credit spread. Our variable rates reset every 30 to 90 days and we conclude that these rates reasonably estimate current market rates. We have determined that inputs used to value our debt fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and therefore our fair market valuation of debt is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	Currently, we use interest rate swaps and interest rate caps (options) to manage our interest rate risk.  The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves.
	The fair values of interest rate options are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the cap are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities.
	To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees. In conjunction with the FASB's fair value measurement guidance, we made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of our derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.
	We have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, and as a result, all of our derivatives held as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The table below presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at March 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Balance at
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs (Level 3)
		and Liabilities		Inputs (Level 2)
		(Level 1)						March 31, 2015
	Assets
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	34	$	—	$	34
	Liabilities
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	15,007	$	—	$	15,007
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Balance at
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs (Level 3)
		and Liabilities		Inputs (Level 2)
		(Level 1)						December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	78	$	—	$	78
	Liabilities
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	13,392	$	—	$	13,392
	The fair value estimates presented herein are based on information available to management as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  These estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could ultimately realize.  See also discussions in Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Shareholders_Equity_of_MAA

Shareholders' Equity of MAA	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Shareholders' Equity of MAA [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Shareholders' Equity of MAA
	On March 31, 2015, 75,345,023 shares of common stock of MAA and 4,189,966 OP Units were issued and outstanding, representing a total of 79,534,989 shares and units. At March 31, 2014, 75,009,303 shares of common stock of MAA and 4,208,526 OP Units were outstanding, representing a total of 79,217,829 shares and units. There were 74,454 outstanding options as of March 31, 2015 compared to 296,583 outstanding options as of March 31, 2014.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, 11,646 shares of our common stock were acquired from employees to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations that arose upon vesting of restricted stock granted pursuant to approved plans. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, 6,554 shares were acquired for these purposes.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we issued 57,330 shares related to the exercise of stock options. These exercises resulted in proceeds of $1.8 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, there were no stock options exercised.

Partners_Capital_of_MidAmerica

Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P.	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P. [Abstract]
Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block]	Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P.
	OP Units
	As of March 31, 2015, there were 79,534,989 OP Units outstanding, 75,345,023, or 94.7%, of which were owned by MAA, the Operating Partnership's general partner. The remaining 4,189,966 OP Units were owned by non-affiliated limited partners ("Class A Limited Partners"). As of March 31, 2014, there were 79,217,829 OP Units outstanding, 75,009,303, or 94.7%, of which were owned by MAA and 4,208,526 of which were owned by the Class A Limited Partners.
	MAA, as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, has full, complete and exclusive discretion to manage and control the business of the Operating Partnership subject to the restrictions specifically contained within the Operating Partnership's agreement of limited partnership, or the Partnership Agreement. Unless otherwise stated in the Partnership Agreement, this power includes, but is not limited to, acquiring, leasing, or disposing of any real property; constructing buildings and making other improvements to properties owned; borrowing money, modifying or extinguishing current borrowings, issuing evidence of indebtedness, and securing such indebtedness by mortgage, deed of trust, pledge or other lien on the Operating Partnership's assets; and distribution of Operating Partnership cash or other assets in accordance with the Partnership Agreement. MAA can generally, at its sole discretion, issue and redeem OP Units and determine the consideration to be received or the redemption price to be paid, as applicable. MAA may delegate these and other powers granted if MAA remains in supervision of the designee.
	Under the Partnership Agreement, the Operating Partnership may issue Class A OP Units and Class B OP Units. Class A OP Units may only be held by limited partners who are not affiliated with MAA, in its capacity as general partner of the Operating Partnership, while Class B OP Units may only be held by MAA, in its capacity as general partner of the Operating Partnership, and as of March 31, 2015, a total of 4,189,966 Class A OP Units in the Operating Partnership were held by limited partners unaffiliated with MAA, while a total of 75,345,023 Class B OP Units were held by MAA. In general, the limited partners do not have the power to participate in the management or control of the Operating Partnership's business except in limited circumstances including changes in the general partner and protective rights if the general partner acts outside of the provisions provided in the Partnership Agreement. The transferability of Class A OP Units is also limited by the Partnership Agreement.
	Net income is allocated to the general partner and limited partners based on their respective ownership percentages of the OP Units. Issuance or redemption of additional Class A OP Units or Class B OP Units changes the relative ownership percentage of the partners. The issuance of Class B OP Units generally occurs when MAA issues common stock and the proceeds from that issuance are contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for the issuance to MAA of a number of OP Units equal to the number of shares of common stock issued. Likewise, if MAA repurchases or redeems outstanding shares of common stock, the Operating Partnership generally redeems an equal number of Class B OP Units with similar terms held by MAA for a redemption price equal to the purchase price of those shares of common stock. At each reporting period, the allocation between general partner capital and limited partner capital is adjusted to account for the change in the respective percentage ownership of the underlying capital of the Operating Partnership. Holders of the Class A OP Units may require MAA to redeem their Class A OP Units, in which case MAA may, at its option, pay the redemption price either in cash (in an amount per Class A OP Unit equal, in general, to the average closing price of MAA's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange over a specified period prior to the redemption date) or by delivering one share of MAA common stock (subject to adjustment under specified circumstances) for each Class A OP Unit so redeemed.
	At March 31, 2015, a total of 4,189,966 Class A OP Units were outstanding and redeemable for 4,189,966 shares of MAA common stock or approximately $323.8 million, based on the closing price of MAA’s common stock on March 31, 2015 of $77.27 per share, at MAA’s option. At March 31, 2014, a total of 4,208,526 Class A OP Units were outstanding and redeemable for 4,208,526 shares of MAA common stock or approximately $287.3 million, based on the closing price of MAA’s common stock on March 31, 2014 of $68.27 per share, at MAA’s option.
	The Operating Partnership pays the same per unit distribution in respect to the OP Units as the per share dividend MAA pays in respect to its common and preferred stock.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]	Legal Proceedings
	We, along with multiple other parties, are named defendants in lawsuits arising out of alleged construction deficiencies with respect to condominium units at Regatta at James Island in Charleston, South Carolina. Regatta at James Island property was developed by certain of our subsidiaries prior to MAA's merger with Colonial and constructed by Colonial Construction Services, LLC. The condominiums were constructed in 2006 and all 212 units were sold. The lawsuits, one filed on behalf of the condominium homeowners association and one filed by three of the unit owners (purportedly on behalf of all unit owners), were filed in South Carolina state court (Charleston County) in August 2012, against various parties involved in the development and construction of the Regatta at James Island property, including the contractors, subcontractors, architect, developer, and product manufacturers. The plaintiffs are seeking damages resulting primarily from alleged construction deficiencies, but the amount plaintiffs seek to recover has not been disclosed. The lawsuits are currently in discovery. We are continuing to investigate the matter and evaluate our options and intend to vigorously defend ourself against these claims. No assurance can be given that the matter will be resolved favorably to us. We have included in our loss contingency an estimate of probable loss in connection with this matter, but currently cannot reasonably estimate any further possible loss, or any further range of reasonably possible loss, in connection with this matter.
	In addition, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business operations. Matters which arise out of allegations of bodily injury, property damage, and employment practices are generally covered by insurance. While the resolution of these other matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management currently believes the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Loss Contingencies
	The outcomes of the claims, disputes and legal proceedings described or referenced above are subject to significant uncertainty. We record an accrual for loss contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We review these accruals quarterly and makes revisions based on changes in facts and circumstances. When a loss contingency is not both probable and reasonably estimable, we do not accrue the loss. However, for material loss contingencies, if the unrecorded loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is at least a reasonable possibility and material, then we disclose a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of loss, if such reasonable estimate can be made. If we cannot make a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of loss, then that is disclosed.
	The assessment of whether a loss is probable or a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or range of loss is reasonably estimable, often involve a series of complex judgments about future events. Among the factors that we consider in this assessment, including with respect to the matters disclosed in this Note, are the nature of existing legal proceedings and claims, the asserted or possible damages or loss contingency (if reasonably estimable), the progress of the matter, existing law and precedent, the opinions or views of legal counsel and other advisers, our experience in similar matters, the facts available to us at the time of assessment, and how we intend to respond, or have responded, to the proceeding or claim. Our assessment of these factors may change over time as individual proceedings or claims progress. For matters where we are not currently able to reasonably estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, the factors that have contributed to this determination include the following: (i) the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) the proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories or a large or uncertain number of actual or potential cases or parties; and/or (iv) discussions with the parties in matters that are expected ultimately to be resolved through negotiation and settlement have not reached the point where we believe a reasonable estimate of loss, or range of loss, can be made. In such instances, we believe that there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss or business impact, if any.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our accrual for loss contingencies was $12.4 million and $12.3 million in the aggregate, respectively.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. We adopted ASU 2014-08 during the period ending March 31, 2014. Due to the early adoption of ASU 2014-08, we did not classify Brookwood Mall, Colonial Village at North Arlington, Colonial Village at Vista Ridge, Greenbrook, Colonial Village at Inverness, Colonial Village at Charleston Place, Colonial Village at Huntleigh Woods, Colonial Village at Ashford Place, or Colonial Promenade Huntsville, which were sold during the year ended December 31, 2014, as discontinued operations. We also did not classify Vistas, Austin Chase, Fairways at Hartland, or Fountain Lake, which were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as discontinued operations.
	Willow Creek, one of the properties that we sold during the three months ended March 31, 2014, has been classified as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. One additional property, Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac, was classified as held for sale as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 and is classified as discontinued operations as well. We expect to complete the sale of Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac during the second quarter of 2015. Willow Creek and Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac are included in discontinued operations because they were shown in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2013, and thus are not subject to ASU 2014-08.
	The following table lists the communities classified as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
	Community	Units/Sq. Ft.		Date Sold	Location	Operating Segment
	Willow Creek	285		January 15, 2014	Columbus, Georgia	Non-same store and other
	Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac	195,536		Held for Sale	Covington, Louisiana	Non-same store and other
	The following is a summary of income from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to MAA and noncontrolling interest for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Income from continuing operations:
	Attributable to MAA	$	60,857			$	9,285
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,387				534
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from discontinued operations:
	Attributable to MAA	$	410			$	5,581
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	23				314
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	The following is a summary of earnings from discontinued operations for MAA and MAALP for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Revenues
	Rental revenues	$	742			$	832
	Other revenues	—				(5		)
	Total revenues	$	742			$	827
	Expenses
	Property operating expenses	$	256			$	314
	Depreciation and amortization	—				42
	Interest expense and other	53				55
	Total expense	$	309			$	411
	Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	$	433			$	416
	Net loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	—				(2		)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations	—				5,481
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	As of March 31, 2015, we owned or had an ownership interest in 265 multifamily apartment communities in 14 different states from which we derived all significant sources of earnings and operating cash flows. Senior management evaluates performance and determines resource allocations by reviewing apartment communities individually and in the following reportable operating segments:
	•	Large market same store communities are generally communities:
	◦	in markets with a population of at least 1 million and at least 1% of the total public multifamily REIT units; and
	◦	that we have owned and have been stabilized for at least a full 12 months and have not been classified as held for sale.
	•	Secondary market same store communities are generally communities:
	◦	in markets with populations of more than 1 million but less than 1% of the total public multifamily REIT units or in markets with a population of less than 1 million; and
	◦	that we have owned and have been stabilized for at least a full 12 months and have not been classified as held for sale.
	•	Non same store communities and other includes recent acquisitions, communities in development or lease-up, communities that have been identified for disposition, and communities that have undergone a significant casualty loss. Also included in non same store communities are non multifamily activities, which represent less than 1% of our portfolio.
	On the first day of each calendar year, we determine the composition of our same store operating segments for that year as well as adjusting the previous year, which allows us to evaluate full period-over-period operating comparisons. Properties in development or lease-up will be added to the same store portfolio on the first day of the calendar year after they have been owned and stabilized for at least a full 12 months. Communities are considered stabilized after achieving 90% occupancy for 90 days. Communities that have been identified for disposition are excluded from our same store portfolio.
	We utilize net operating income, or NOI, in evaluating the performance of the segments.  Total NOI represents total property revenues less total property operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, for all properties held during the period regardless of their status as held for sale. We believe NOI is a helpful tool in evaluating the operating performance of our segments because it measures the core operations of property performance by excluding corporate level expenses and other items not related to property operating performance.
	A redevelopment community is a community with a specific plan in place to upgrade at least half of the community's units over a period of time with new finishes, fixtures, and appliances, among other upgrades.  These plans include spending a pre-defined amount of capital per unit to achieve a rent increase as a result of the upgrades.  We separately identify redevelopment communities that would cause a material distortion of normal same store operating results. Routine renovations occur at a property as items need to be replaced as a normal part of operations and is done with an expectation to maintain the current level of quality at the property. There is no specified plan in place for routine renovations.
	Revenues and NOI for each reportable segment for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues
	Large Market Same Store	$	142,721		$	135,078
	Secondary Market Same Store	79,252			76,396
	Non-Same Store and Other	35,838			31,916
	Total property revenues	257,811			243,390
	Management fee income	—			97
	Total operating revenues	$	257,811		$	243,487
	NOI
	Large Market Same Store	$	87,122		$	81,220
	Secondary Market Same Store	49,187			47,640
	Non-Same Store and Other	21,594			18,766
	Total NOI	157,903			147,626
	Discontinued operations NOI included above	(486		)	(1,599		)
	Management fee income	—			97
	Depreciation and amortization	(73,112		)	(90,013		)
	Acquisition expense	(339		)	(11		)
	Property management expense	(8,493		)	(7,011		)
	General and administrative expense	(6,566		)	(4,342		)
	Merger related expenses	—			(2,076		)
	Integration costs	—			(3,842		)
	Interest and other non-property (expense) income	(157		)	160
	Interest expense	(29,931		)	(30,676		)
	Loss on debt extinguishment/modification	(3,376		)	—
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	(917		)	(1,311		)
	Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	30,228			2,564
	Net casualty loss after insurance and other settlement proceeds	(19		)	(10		)
	Income tax expense	(510		)	(270		)
	Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	—			557
	Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	19			(24		)
	Discontinued operations	433			5,895
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,410		)	(848		)
	Net income attributable to MAA	$	61,267		$	14,866
	Assets for each reportable segment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Large Market Same Store	$	3,832,422		$	1,253,995
	Secondary Market Same Store	1,691,479			1,003,426
	Non-Same Store and Other	1,206,734			4,506,951
	Corporate assets	69,047			66,656
	Total assets	$	6,799,682		$	6,831,028
	The decrease in the Non-Same Store and Other category, and subsequent increase in both the Large Market Same Store and Secondary Market Same Store categories, are due to the properties acquired as part of the merger with Colonial being moved out of Non-Same Store and into Same Store as the criteria noted above have been met.

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_and_D

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions	Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions
	The following chart shows our acquisition activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Community	Location	Acres/Units	Date Acquired
	River's Walk (2 outparcels)	Charleston, South Carolina	1.9	Q1 2015 - various
	Residences at Burlington Creek	Kansas City, Missouri	298	15-Jan-15
	The following chart shows our disposition activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Community	Location	Units	Date Sold
	Vistas	Macon, Georgia	144	26-Feb-15
	Austin Chase	Macon, Georgia	256	26-Feb-15
	Fairways at Hartland	Bowling Green, Kentucky	240	26-Feb-15
	Fountain Lake	Brunswick, Georgia	113	25-Mar-15
	In addition to the four properties sold during the three months ended March 31, 2015, we had 17 multifamily properties classified as Assets held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015. See discussion in Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements on the disposition of 14 of these 17 properties subsequent to the balance sheet date.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material effect on our financial statements:
	Standard	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
	Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest	This ASU requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums.	This ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2015; however, early adoption is permitted.	We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this ASU, but do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations taken as a whole.
	ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern	This ASU requires an entity's management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If substantial doubt exists, the entity must disclose the principal conditions or events that raised the substantial doubt, management's evaluation of the significance of these conditions, and management's plan for alleviating the substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern.	This ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted.	We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this ASU, but do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations taken as a whole.
	ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers	This ASU establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services.	This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. There is a new proposal to extend the effective date to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with adoption permitted as early as the original effective date.	The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations taken as a whole, but do not expect the impact to be material. We have not yet determined which method will be used for initial application.
	ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity	This ASU raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations. It also requires additional disclosures for discontinued operations and new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation.	This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years; however, early adoption is permitted beginning in the first quarter of 2014.	We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this ASU required us to not classify certain disposals occurring during 2014 as discontinued operations.The 2014 dispositions did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment and therefore the gains on these properties are presented as a component of continuing operations for 2014.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	Dispositions
	On April 1, 2015, we sold four properties, totaling 640 units. This included the 120-unit Westbury Creek apartment community and the 192-unit Bradford Pointe apartment community located in Augusta, Georgia; the 144-unit Woodwinds apartment community and the 184-unit Colony at South Park apartment community located in Aiken, South Carolina.
	On April 28, 2015, we sold the Craft Farms retail center located in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
	On April 29, 2015, we sold ten apartment communities, totaling 2,110 units. This included the 200-unit Huntington Chase apartment community and the 304-unit Southland Station apartment community located in Warner Robins, Georgia; the 253-unit Sutton Place apartment community located in Horn Lake, Mississippi; the 100-unit Oaks apartment community, the 148-unit Bradford Chase apartment community, the 122-unit Woods of Post House apartment community, the 145-unit Post House North apartment community, the 150-unit Post House Jackson apartment community located in Jackson, Tennessee; the 208-unit Anatole apartment community located in Daytona Beach, Florida; and the 480-unit Paddock Park apartment community located in Ocala, Florida.
	We expect to recognize total net gains on the sale of real estate assets of approximately $105 million for these subsequent dispositions.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin1

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by our management in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. The condensed consolidated financial statements of MAA presented herein include the accounts of MAA, the Operating Partnership, and all other subsidiaries in which MAA has a controlling financial interest. MAA owns approximately 95% to 100% of all consolidated subsidiaries. The condensed consolidated financial statements of MAALP presented herein include the accounts of MAALP and all other subsidiaries in which MAALP has a controlling financial interest. MAALP owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of all consolidated subsidiaries. In our opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included, and all such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We invest in entities which may qualify as variable interest entities, or VIE. A VIE is a legal entity in which the equity investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the power to direct the activities of a legal entity as well as the obligation to absorb its expected losses or the right to receive its expected residual returns. We consolidate all VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary and use the equity method to account for investments that qualify as VIEs but for which we are not the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including but not limited to, those activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and which party controls such activities.
	We use the equity method of accounting for our investments in entities for which we exercise significant influence, but do not have the ability to exercise control. These entities are not variable interest entities. The factors considered in determining that we do not have the ability to exercise control include ownership of voting interests and participatory rights of investors.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_of_M1

Earnings Per Common Share of MAA (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share of MAA [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.  All outstanding unvested restricted share awards contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders and, accordingly, are considered participating securities that are included in the two-class method of computing basic earnings per share. Both the unvested restricted shares and other potentially dilutive common shares, and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis with our diluted earnings per share being the more dilutive of the treasury stock or two-class methods.  OP Units are included in dilutive earnings per share calculations when they are dilutive to earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, MAA's basic earnings per share is computed using the two-class method, and our diluted earnings per share is computed using the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or two-class method:
	(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Shares Outstanding
	Weighted average common shares - basic	75,145				74,803
	Weighted average partnership units outstanding	—			(1)	—			(1)
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			(2)	—			(2)
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	75,145				74,803
	Calculation of Earnings per Share - basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,387		)		(534		)
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(130		)		(17		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	60,727			$	9,268
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(23		)		(314		)
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)		(10		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	409			$	5,571
	Weighted average common shares - basic	75,145				74,803
	Earnings per share - basic	$	0.81			$	0.2
	Calculation of Earnings per Share - diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,387		)	(1)	(534		)	(1)
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(130		)	(2)	(17		)	(2)
	Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	60,727			$	9,268
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	(23		)	(1)	(314		)	(1)
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)	(2)	(10		)	(2)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	$	409			$	5,571
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	75,145				74,803
	Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.81			$	0.2
	(1) For both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 4.2 million operating partnership units and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.
	(2) For both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 0.1 million potentially dilutive securities and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.

Earnings_Per_OP_Unit_of_MAALP_

Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Unit, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Basic earnings per OP Unit is computed by dividing net income available for common unitholders by the weighted average number of units outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested restricted share awards contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends and participate in undistributed earnings with common unitholders and, accordingly, are considered participating securities that are included in the two-class method of computing basic earnings per OP unit. Diluted earnings per OP Unit reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue OP Units were exercised or converted into OP Units. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per unit computations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is presented below:
	(dollars and units in thousands, except per unit amounts)	Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Units Outstanding
	Weighted average OP Units - basic	79,336				79,023
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			(1)	—			(1)
	Weighted average OP Units - diluted	79,336				79,023
	Calculation of Earnings per Unit - basic
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(130		)		(17		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	64,114			$	9,802
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)		(10		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	432			$	5,885
	Weighted average OP Units - basic	79,336				79,023
	Earnings per unit - basic:	$	0.81			$	0.2
	Calculation of Earnings per Unit - diluted
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(130		)	(1)	(17		)	(1)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	64,114			$	9,802
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
	Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	(1		)	(1)	(10		)	(1)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	$	432			$	5,885
	Weighted average OP Units - diluted	79,336				79,023
	Earnings per unit - diluted:	$	0.81			$	0.2
	(1) For both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 0.1 million potentially dilutive securities and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.

MAA_Equity_Tables

MAA Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015																		Mar. 31, 2014
MAA Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity [Table Text Block]	Total equity and its components for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share and per unit data):
																				Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. Shareholders
																				Common		Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated		Noncontrolling			Total
		Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. Shareholders																		Stock		Paid-In			Distributions			Other		Interest			Equity
		Common		Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated			Noncontrolling			Total				Amount		Capital			in Excess of			Comprehensive
		Stock		Paid-In			Distributions			Other			Interest			Equity									Net Income			Income (Loss)
		Amount		Capital			in Excess of			Comprehensive									EQUITY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013	$	747	$	3,599,549		$	(653,593	)	$	108	$	166,726		$	3,113,537
							Net Income			Income (Loss)
	EQUITY BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2014	$	752	$	3,619,270		$	(729,086	)	$	(412	)	$	161,287		$	3,051,811		Net income						14,866					848			15,714
	Net income						61,267						3,410			64,677			Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)									2,583		144			2,727
	Other comprehensive loss - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)									(2,041		)	(114		)	(2,155		)	Issuance and registration of common shares	1		226											227
	Issuance and registration of common shares	1		7												8
																			Shares repurchased and retired	—		(285		)									(285		)
	Shares repurchased and retired	—		(937		)										(937		)
																			Exercise of stock options	1		1,774											1,775
	Exercise of stock options	—		—												—
																			Shares issued in exchange for units	—		744								(744		)	—
	Shares issued in exchange for units	—		46									(46		)	—
																			Shares issued in exchange for redeemable stock			998											998
	Shares issued in exchange from redeemable stock			—												—
																			Redeemable stock fair market value						(631		)						(631		)
	Redeemable stock fair market value adjustment						(209		)							(209		)
	Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership			128									(128		)	—			Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership			163								(163		)	—
	Amortization of unearned compensation			1,462												1,462			Amortization of unearned compensation			948											948
	Dividends on common stock ($0.7700 per share)						(58,034		)				—			(58,034		)	Dividends on common stock ($0.7300 per share)						(54,792		)			—			(54,792		)
	Dividends on noncontrolling interest units ($0.7700 per unit)												(3,226		)	(3,226		)	Dividends on noncontrolling interest units ($0.7300 per unit)											(3,072		)	(3,072		)
	EQUITY BALANCE MARCH 31, 2015	$	753	$	3,619,976		$	(726,062	)	$	(2,453	)	$	161,183		$	3,053,397
																			EQUITY BALANCE MARCH 31, 2014	$	749	$	3,604,117		$	(694,150	)	$	2,691	$	163,739		$	3,077,146

MAALP_Capital_Tables

MAALP Capital (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015													Mar. 31, 2014
MAALP Capital [Abstract]
Partners' Capital [Table Text Block]	Total capital and its components for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands, except per unit data):
															Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unitholders
															Limited Partner			General Partner			Accumulated		Total Partnership Capital
		Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unitholders																			Other
		Limited Partner			General Partner			Accumulated			Total Partnership Capital										Comprehensive
								Other													Income (Loss)
								Comprehensive						CAPITAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013	$	166,746		$	2,946,598		$	174	$	3,113,518
								Income (Loss)
	CAPITAL BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2014	$	161,310		$	2,890,858		$	(376	)	$	3,051,792		Net income	848			14,866					15,714
	Net income	3,410			61,267						64,677			Other comprehensive income - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)							2,727		2,727
	Other comprehensive loss - derivative instruments (cash flow hedges)							(2,155		)	(2,155		)	Issuance of units				227					227
	Issuance of units				8						8
														Units repurchased and retired				(285		)			(285		)
	Units repurchased and retired				(937		)				(937		)	Exercise of unit options				1,775					1,775
	Exercise of unit options				—						—
														General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	(744		)	744					—
	General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	(46		)	46						—
														Units issued in exchange for redeemable units				998					998
	Units issued in exchange for redeemable units				—						—
														Redeemable units fair market value adjustment				(631		)			(631		)
	Redeemable units fair market value adjustment				(209		)				(209		)	Adjustment for limited partners capital at redemption value	(201		)	201					—
	Adjustment for limited partners' capital at redemption value	(128		)	128						—
														Amortization of unearned compensation				948					948
	Amortization of unearned compensation				1,462						1,462
														Distributions ($0.7300 per unit)	(3,072		)	(54,792		)			(57,864		)
	Distributions ($0.7700 per unit)	(3,226		)	(58,034		)				(61,260		)	CAPITAL BALANCE MARCH 31, 2014	$	163,577		$	2,910,649		$	2,901	$	3,077,127
	CAPITAL BALANCE MARCH 31, 2015	$	161,320		$	2,894,589		$	(2,531	)	$	3,053,378

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Debt Structure [Table Text Block]	Borrowings Overview
	The following table summarizes our outstanding debt structure as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
		Borrowed		Effective		Average Contract
		Balance		Rate		Maturity
	Fixed Rate Secured Debt
	Individual property mortgages	$	1,096,580	4	%	5/27/19
	FNMA conventional credit facilities	50,000		4.7	%	3/31/17
	Credit facility balances with:
	LIBOR-based interest rate swaps	25,000		4.9	%	6/1/15
	Total fixed rate secured debt	$	1,171,580	4	%	3/23/19
	Variable Rate Secured Debt (1)
	FNMA conventional credit facilities	$	245,785	0.8	%	2/18/17
	Freddie Mac mortgages	11,704		3.1	%	8/15/15
	Total variable rate secured debt	$	257,489	0.9	%	1/24/17
	Total Secured Debt	$	1,429,069	3.5	%	11/1/18
	Unsecured Debt
	Variable rate credit facility	$	179,000	1.3	%	8/7/17
	Term loans fixed with swaps	$	550,000	3.1	%	11/10/17
	Fixed rate senior bonds	1,321,424		4.5	%	12/3/21
	Total Unsecured Debt	$	2,050,424	3.8	%	6/15/20
	Total Outstanding Debt	$	3,479,493	3.7	%	6/29/19
	(1) Includes capped balances.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi1

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Outstanding Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk	As of March 31, 2015, we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:
	Interest Rate Derivative		Number of Instruments		Notional
	Interest Rate Caps		6		$	165,000,000
	Interest Rate Swaps		8		$	575,000,000
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet
	The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015 and
	December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands)
			Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
					March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014					March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value			Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Fair Value
	Interest rate contracts		Other assets		$	34			$	72		Fair market value of interest rate swaps		$	15,007			$	13,392
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				$	34			$	72				$	15,007			$	13,392
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest rate contracts		Other assets		$	—			$	6				$	—			$	—
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments				$	—			$	6				$	—			$	—
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations	Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations
	The table below presents the effect of our derivative financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
	Three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of								Location of Gain or	Amount of								Location of Gain or		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on
	Hedging Relationships		Gain or (Loss)								(Loss) Reclassified	Gain or (Loss)								(Loss) Recognized in		Derivative (Ineffective
			Recognized in								from Accumulated	Reclassified from								Income on Derivative		Portion and Amount
			OCI on Derivative								OCI into Income	Accumulated								(Ineffective Portion and		Excluded from
			(Effective Portion)								(Effective Portion)	OCI into Income								Amount Excluded from		Effectiveness Testing)
												(Effective Portion)								Effectiveness Testing)
	Three months ended March 31,		2015				2014					2015				2014						2015			2014
	Interest rate contracts		$	(4,347	)		$	(997	)		Interest expense	$	(2,192	)		$	(3,725	)		Interest expense		$	(60	)	$	(4	)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships		$	(4,347	)		$	(997	)			$	(2,192	)		$	(3,725	)				$	(60	)	$	(4	)
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Three months ended March 31,
	Interest rate contracts																			Interest expense		$	(3	)	$	(69	)
	Total																					$	(3	)	$	(69	)
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of our derivatives as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments above, which also provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (dollars in thousands):
	Offsetting of Derivative Assets
	As of March 31, 2015
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	34			$	—			$	34		$	—			$	—			$	34
	Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	As of March 31, 2015
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Posted				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	15,007			$	—			$	15,007		$	—			$	—			$	15,007
	Offsetting of Derivative Assets
	As of December 31, 2014
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	78			$	—			$	78		$	—			$	—			$	78
	Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	As of December 31, 2014
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Posted				Net Amount
	Derivatives	$	13,392			$	—			$	13,392		$	—			$	—			$	13,392
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Other Comprehensive Income
	Our other comprehensive income consists entirely of gains and losses attributable to the effective portion of our cash flow hedges. The chart below shows the change in the balance for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements Of Operations		Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
					for the three months ended March 31,
					2015				2014
	Beginning balance				$	(412	)		$	108
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications				(4,347		)		(997		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (interest rate contracts)		Interest expense		2,192				3,725
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest				114				(145		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to MAA				(2,041		)		2,583
	Ending balance				$	(2,453	)		$	2,691

Fair_Value_Disclosure_of_Finan1

Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015									Dec. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The table below presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.									Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2014
										(dollars in thousands)
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at March 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
											Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Balance at
											Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Balance at			Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs (Level 3)
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable					and Liabilities		Inputs (Level 2)
		Identical Assets		Observable		Inputs (Level 3)					(Level 1)						December 31, 2014
		and Liabilities		Inputs (Level 2)						Assets
		(Level 1)						March 31, 2015
	Assets									Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	78	$	—	$	78
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	34	$	—	$	34	Liabilities
	Liabilities									Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	13,392	$	—	$	13,392
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	15,007	$	—	$	15,007

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Discontinued Operation Properties Sold [Table Text Block]	The following table lists the communities classified as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
	Community	Units/Sq. Ft.		Date Sold	Location	Operating Segment
	Willow Creek	285		January 15, 2014	Columbus, Georgia	Non-same store and other
	Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac	195,536		Held for Sale	Covington, Louisiana	Non-same store and other
Schedule of Income from Continuing and Discontinued Operations Attributable to MAA and Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of income from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to MAA and noncontrolling interest for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Income from continuing operations:
	Attributable to MAA	$	60,857			$	9,285
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,387				534
	Income from continuing operations	$	64,244			$	9,819
	Income from discontinued operations:
	Attributable to MAA	$	410			$	5,581
	Attributable to noncontrolling interest	23				314
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of earnings from discontinued operations for MAA and MAALP for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Revenues
	Rental revenues	$	742			$	832
	Other revenues	—				(5		)
	Total revenues	$	742			$	827
	Expenses
	Property operating expenses	$	256			$	314
	Depreciation and amortization	—				42
	Interest expense and other	53				55
	Total expense	$	309			$	411
	Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	$	433			$	416
	Net loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	—				(2		)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations	—				5,481
	Income from discontinued operations	$	433			$	5,895

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment	Revenues and NOI for each reportable segment for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues
	Large Market Same Store	$	142,721		$	135,078
	Secondary Market Same Store	79,252			76,396
	Non-Same Store and Other	35,838			31,916
	Total property revenues	257,811			243,390
	Management fee income	—			97
	Total operating revenues	$	257,811		$	243,487
	NOI
	Large Market Same Store	$	87,122		$	81,220
	Secondary Market Same Store	49,187			47,640
	Non-Same Store and Other	21,594			18,766
	Total NOI	157,903			147,626
	Discontinued operations NOI included above	(486		)	(1,599		)
	Management fee income	—			97
	Depreciation and amortization	(73,112		)	(90,013		)
	Acquisition expense	(339		)	(11		)
	Property management expense	(8,493		)	(7,011		)
	General and administrative expense	(6,566		)	(4,342		)
	Merger related expenses	—			(2,076		)
	Integration costs	—			(3,842		)
	Interest and other non-property (expense) income	(157		)	160
	Interest expense	(29,931		)	(30,676		)
	Loss on debt extinguishment/modification	(3,376		)	—
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	(917		)	(1,311		)
	Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	30,228			2,564
	Net casualty loss after insurance and other settlement proceeds	(19		)	(10		)
	Income tax expense	(510		)	(270		)
	Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	—			557
	Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	19			(24		)
	Discontinued operations	433			5,895
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,410		)	(848		)
	Net income attributable to MAA	$	61,267		$	14,866
Assets for Reportable Segment	Assets for each reportable segment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Large Market Same Store	$	3,832,422		$	1,253,995
	Secondary Market Same Store	1,691,479			1,003,426
	Non-Same Store and Other	1,206,734			4,506,951
	Corporate assets	69,047			66,656
	Total assets	$	6,799,682		$	6,831,028
	The decrease in the Non-Same Store and Other category, and subsequent increase in both the Large Market Same Store and Secondary Market Same Store categories, are due to the properties acquired as part of the merger with Colonial being moved out of Non-Same Store and into Same Store as the criteria noted above have been met.

Consolidation_and_Basis_of_Pre

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	States
	Property
	Communities
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	75,345,023	75,009,303
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	94.70%	94.70%
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	265
Number of apartments included in a community	81,976
Number of states in which apartment units are located	14
Percentage Of Ownership Interests	100.00%
Minimum [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Percentage Of Ownership Interests	95.00%
Maximum [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Percentage Of Ownership Interests	100.00%
Development Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	3
Number of apartments included in a community	163
Number of units under development community	634
Development Properties [Member] | Expected Costs [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Development and capital improvements in progress	93,900,000
Development Properties [Member] | Costs Incurred to Date [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Development and capital improvements in progress	69,500,000
Retail
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	5
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	163,000
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	2
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	263,000
Partially Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	1
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	30,000
Building Repairs and Maintenance Expenses [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	300,000
Utilities Expenses [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	8,100,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	36,500,000

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_of_M2

Earnings Per Common Share of MAA (Details) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average common shares - basic	75,145,000		74,803,000
Weighted average partnership units outstanding	0	[1]	0	[1]
Effect of dilutive securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Weighted average common shares - diluted	75,145,000		74,803,000
Calculation of Basic Earnings per Share [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	64,244		9,819
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,387		-534
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-130		-17
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	60,727		9,268
Income from discontinued operations	433		5,895
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	-23		-314
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-1		-10
Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	409		5,571
Earnings per share - basic	0.81		0.2
Calculation of Diluted Earnings per Share [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	64,244		9,819
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,387	[1]	-534	[1]
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-130	[2]	-17	[2]
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	60,727		9,268
Income from discontinued operations	433		5,895
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest	-23	[1]	-314	[1]
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-1	[2]	-10	[2]
Income from discontinued operations available for common shareholders, adjusted	409		5,571
Earnings per share - diluted	0.81		0.2
Limited Partnership Units [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4,200,000		4,200,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	100,000		100,000
[1]	(1) For both the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and 2014, 4.2 million operating partnership units and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.
[2]	(2) For both the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and 2014, 0.1 million potentially dilutive securities and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.

Recovered_Sheet1

Earnings per Common Share of MAA Parenthetical (Details) (Parent Company [Member])	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Limited Partnership Units [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4.2	4.2
Restricted Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.1	0.1

Earnings_Per_OP_Unit_of_MAALP_1

Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP Statement (details) (Limited Partner [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average common units - basic	79,336,000		79,023,000
Effect of dilutive securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Weighted average common shares - diluted	79,336,000		79,023,000
Calculation of Basic Earnings Per Unit [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	64,244		9,819
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-130		-17
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	64,114		9,802
Income from discontinued operations	433		5,895
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-1		-10
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	432		5,885
Earnings per unit - basic	0.81		0.2
Calculation of Diluted Earnings Per Unit [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations	64,244		9,819
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-130	[1]	-17	[1]
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	64,114		9,802
Income from discontinued operations	433		5,895
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	-1	[1]	-10	[1]
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	432		5,885
Earnings per unit - diluted	0.81		0.2
Restricted Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	100,000		100,000
[1]	(1) For both the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and 2014, 0.1 million potentially dilutive securities and their related income are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as they are not dilutive.

Recovered_Sheet2

Earnings per OP Unit of MAALP Parenthetical (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], Limited Partner [Member])	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.1	0.1

MAA_Equity_Details

MAA Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Common Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$752,000	$747,000
Issuance and registration of common shares	1,000	1,000
Shares repurchased and retired	0	0
Exercise of stock options	0	1,000
Shares issued in exchange for units	0	0
Ending Balance	753,000	749,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,619,270,000	3,599,549,000
Issuance and registration of common shares	7,000	226,000
Shares repurchased and retired	-937,000	-285,000
Exercise of stock options	0	1,774,000
Shares issued in exchange for units	46,000	744,000
Shares issued in exchange for redeemable stock	0	998,000
Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership	128,000	163,000
Amortization of unearned compensation	1,462,000	948,000
Ending Balance	3,619,976,000	3,604,117,000
Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-729,086,000	-653,593,000
Net income attributable to MAA	61,267,000	14,866,000
Redeemable stock fair market value	-209,000	-631,000
Dividends on common stock	-58,034,000	-54,792,000
Ending Balance	-726,062,000	-694,150,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-412,000	108,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income - derivatives insturments (cash flow hedges)	-2,041,000	2,583,000
Ending Balance	-2,453,000	2,691,000
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	161,287,000	166,726,000
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	3,410,000	848,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income - derivatives insturments (cash flow hedges)	-114,000	144,000
Shares issued in exchange for units	-46,000	-744,000
Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership	-128,000	-163,000
Dividends on common stock	0	0
Dividends on noncontrolling interest units	-3,226,000	-3,072,000
Ending Balance	161,183,000	163,739,000
Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,051,811,000	3,113,537,000
Net Income Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	64,677,000	15,714,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income - derivatives insturments (cash flow hedges)	-2,155,000	2,727,000
Issuance and registration of common shares	8,000	227,000
Shares repurchased and retired	-937,000	-285,000
Exercise of stock options	0	1,775,000
Shares issued in exchange for units	0	0
Shares issued in exchange for redeemable stock	0	998,000
Redeemable stock fair market value	-209,000	-631,000
Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership	0	0
Amortization of unearned compensation	1,462,000	948,000
Dividends on common stock	-58,034,000	-54,792,000
Dividends on noncontrolling interest units	-3,226,000	-3,072,000
Ending Balance	$3,053,397,000	$3,077,146,000

MAA_Equity_Parenthetical_Detai

MAA Equity Parenthetical (Details) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Parent Company [Member]
Equity Disclosure [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.77	$0.73
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	$0.77	$0.73

MAALP_Capital_Details

MAALP Capital (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$161,310	$166,746
Net Income Allocated to Limited Partners	3,410	848
General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	-46	-744
Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership	-128	-201
Distributions	-3,226	-3,072
Ending Balance	161,320	163,577
General Partners' Capital Account [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,890,858	2,946,598
Net Income Allocated to General Partners	61,267	14,866
Issuance of units	8	227
Units repurchased and retired	-937	-285
Exercise of unit options	0
General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	46	744
Units issued in exchange for redeemable units	0	998
Redeemable stock fair market value	-209	-631
Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership	128	201
Amortization of unearned compensation	1,462	948
Distributions	-58,034	-54,792
Ending Balance	2,894,589	2,910,649
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-376	174
Other comprehensive (loss) income - derivatives insturments (cash flow hedges)	-2,155	2,727
Ending Balance	-2,531	2,901
Total Partnership Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,051,792	3,113,518
Net Income Available for Common Unitholders	64,677	15,714
Other comprehensive (loss) income - derivatives insturments (cash flow hedges)	-2,155	2,727
Issuance of units	8	227
Units repurchased and retired	-937	-285
Exercise of unit options	0	-1,775
General partner units issued in exchange for limited partner units	0	0
Units issued in exchange for redeemable units	0	998
Redeemable stock fair market value	-209	-631
Adjustment for noncontrolling interest ownership in operating partnership	0	0
Amortization of unearned compensation	1,462	948
Distributions	-61,260	-57,864
Ending Balance	$3,053,378	$3,077,127

MAALP_Capital_Parenthetical_De

MAALP Capital Parenthetical (Details) (Limited Partner [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Limited Partner [Member]
Capital Disclosure [Line Items]
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	$0.77	$0.73

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$3,479,493,000	$3,520,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	3.70%	3.70%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.70%	3.70%
Conventional Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	0.80%
Long-term Debt	80,800,000
Capped Conventional Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	0.90%
Long-term Debt	176,700,000
Other Than Conventional Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,200,000,000
Debt Instrument Average Interest Rate	4.00%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured notes payable	1,900,000,000
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	4.00%
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	1,429,069,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	3.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.50%
Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.17%
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.62%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	320,800,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	360,000,000
Debt Renewal Period	90 days
Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] | Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	0.80%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	270,800,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	0.80%
Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	4.70%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	50,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.70%
Secured Debt [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	33,700,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	7.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	3.10%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.10%
Loss on debt extinguishment	200,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	11,704,000
Repayments of Debt	15,200,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	4.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.00%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	1,096,580,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	2,050,424,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	3.80%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.80%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Wells Fargo Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	250,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | US Bank Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	150,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.28%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	179,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	3,800,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.28%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	500,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	496,200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member] | Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.30%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	179,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.30%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | KeyBank Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.35%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.35%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Wells Fargo and US Bank Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.15%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.15%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 2011 and 2012 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	310,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	550,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	3.10%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.10%
Minimum [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.90%
Minimum [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | KeyBank Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.10%
Minimum [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Wells Fargo and US Bank Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.90%
Maximum [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.70%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	800,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | KeyBank Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.05%
Maximum [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Wells Fargo and US Bank Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.90%
Tax Free Credit Facility [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] | Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Lines of Credit	91,100,000
Loss on debt extinguishment	$3,100,000

Debt_Structure_Detail

Debt Structure (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Outstanding Debt	$3,479,493,000	$3,520,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.70%	3.70%
Contract Maturity	29-Jun-19
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Outstanding Debt	1,429,069,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.50%
Contract Maturity	1-Nov-18
Secured Debt [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	33,700,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	1,096,580,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.00%
Contract Maturity	27-May-19
Secured Debt [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	11,704,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.10%
Contract Maturity	15-Aug-15
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Outstanding Debt	1,171,580,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.00%
Contract Maturity	23-Mar-19
Secured Debt [Member] | Variable Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Outstanding Debt	257,489,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	0.90%
Contract Maturity	24-Jan-17
Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	320,800,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] | Variable Rate Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	0.80%
Contract Maturity	18-Feb-17
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	245,785,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.70%
Contract Maturity	31-Mar-17
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	50,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] | Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	0.80%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	270,800,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Outstanding Debt	2,050,424,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.80%
Contract Maturity	15-Jun-20
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.28%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	179,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 million unsecured revolving credit faciltiy [Member] | Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.30%
Contract Maturity	7-Aug-17
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	179,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.10%
Contract Maturity	10-Nov-17
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	550,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.50%
Contract Maturity	3-Dec-21
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	1,321,424,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.90%
Contract Maturity	1-Jun-15
Derivative, Notional Amount	$25,000,000

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features Termination Value	$200,000
Derivative Collateral	100.00%
Derivative Collateral Posted	0
Credit Default Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features Termination Value	15,800,000
Termination
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value of Credit Risk Derivatives	15,000,000
Net Liability Position [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features Termination Value	16,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Caps
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	6
Derivative, Notional Amount	165,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	8
Derivative, Notional Amount	575,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness	-60,000	-4,000
Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives included in AOCI and expected to be reclassified in the next 12 months	$5,500,000

Fair_Values_of_Derivative_Inst

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$34	$72
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	0	6
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments, Liability	15,007	13,392
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	0	0
Parent Company [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	34	72
Derivative financial instruments, Liability	15,007	13,392
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	0	6
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	$0	$0

Effect_of_Derivative_Instrumen

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Loss) or Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	($4,347)	($997)
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-2,192	-3,725
(Loss) Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	-60	-4
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-2,192	-3,725
(Loss) Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	-60	-4
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Loss) or Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-4,347	-997
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Gain Recognized in Income, Net	-3	-69
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Gain Recognized in Income, Net	($3)	($69)

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Gross Presentation, Effects of Offsetting, and Net Presentation of Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value	$34	$78
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	15,007	13,392
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	34	78
Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	15,007	13,392
Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	34	78
Liability [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	$15,007	$13,392

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Parent Company [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($412)	$108
Amount of (Loss) or Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-4,347	-997
Other Comprehensive Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	2,192	3,725
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	114	-145
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income , Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-2,041	2,583
Ending Balance	($2,453)	$2,691

Fair_Value_Disclosure_of_Finan2

Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed Rate Debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable, fair value	2.55	$2.54
Notes Payable Excluding Interest Rate Swaps and Cap Agreements	2.47	2.5
Variable Rate Debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable, fair value	0.99	0.97
Notes Payable Excluding Interest Rate Swaps and Cap Agreements	1.01	$1.02
Minimum [Member] | Conventional Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Renewal Period	30 days
Maximum [Member] | Conventional Variable Rate Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Renewal Period	90 days

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments - assets	$34	$78
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	15,007	13,392
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments - assets	0	0
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments - assets	34	78
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	15,007	13,392
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments - assets	0	0
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	$0	$0

Shareholders_Equity_of_MAA_Add

Shareholders' Equity of MAA - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding	75,345,023	75,009,303
Total common shares and operating partnership units outstanding	79,534,989	79,217,829
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	81,976
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	11,646	6,554
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	4,189,966	4,208,526
Parent Company [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding	75,345,023		75,267,675
Exercise of stock options	$0	$1,775
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Common stock shares, outstanding option	74,454	296,583
Equity Option [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	0	57,330

Partners_Capital_of_MidAmerica1

Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P. (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Operating partnership units outstanding	79,534,989	79,217,829
General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	75,345,023	75,009,303
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	94.70%	94.70%
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	4,189,966	4,208,526
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	4,189,966	4,208,526
Limited Partners' Capital Account	323,800	287,300
Redeemable Capital Shares Par Or Stated Value Per Share	77.27	68.27

Legal_Proceedings_Details

Legal Proceedings (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	81,976
Loss Contingency Accrual	$12.40	$12.30
Regatta at James Island Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	212

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Communities
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number Of Properties Sold	1
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	81,976
Willow Creek
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	285
Colonial Promenade Nord du Lac
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	195,536

MAA_Summary_of_Discontinued_Op

MAA Summary of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Rental revenues	$742	$832
Other revenues	0	-5
Total revenues	742	827
Property operating expenses	256	314
Depreciation and amortization	0	42
Interest expense and other	53	55
Total expenses	309	411
Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale	433	416
Net loss on insurance and other settlement proceeds on discontinued operations	0	-2
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	5,481
Income from discontinued operations	433	5,895
Continuing Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Attributable to MAA	60,857	9,285
Attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,387	534
Income from continuing operations	64,244	9,819
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Attributable to MAA	410	5,581
Attributable to noncontrolling interest	23	314
Income from discontinued operations	$433	$5,895

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	States
	Property
	Communities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of owned or owned interests of apartment communities	265
Number of states in which apartment units are located	14
Period properties owned and stabilized	12 months
Occupancy Level for Stabilized Communities	90.00%
Period Properties Stabilized	90 days
Large Market Same Store [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Apartment Community Population	1,000,000
Percentage of Total Public Multifamily REIT Units	1.00%
Period properties owned and stabilized	12 months
Secondary Market Same Store [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Apartment Community Population	1,000,000
Percentage of Total Public Multifamily REIT Units	1.00%
Period properties owned and stabilized	12 months
Non Same Store And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Public Multifamily REIT Units	1.00%

Revenues_and_NOI_for_Reportabl

Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment (Detail) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information
Total property revenues	$257,811	$243,390
Management fee income	0	97
Total operating revenues	257,811	243,487
Net Operating Income	157,903	147,626
Discontinued operations NOI included above	-486	-1,599
Depreciation and amortization	-73,112	-90,013
Acquisition expense	-339	-11
Property management expense	-8,493	-7,011
General and administrative expense	-6,566	-4,342
Merger related expenses	0	-2,076
Integration costs	0	-3,842
Interest and other non-property (expense) income	-157	160
Interest expense	-29,931	-30,676
Loss on debt extinguishment	-3,376	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-917	-1,311
Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations	30,228	2,564
Net casualty loss after insurance and other settlement proceeds	-19	-10
Income tax expense	-510	-270
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	0	557
Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	19	-24
Discontinued operations	433	5,895
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3,410	-848
Net income attributable to MAA	61,267	14,866
Large Market Same Store
Segment Information
Total property revenues	142,721	135,078
Net Operating Income	87,122	81,220
Secondary Market Same Store
Segment Information
Total property revenues	79,252	76,396
Net Operating Income	49,187	47,640
Non-Same Store and Other
Segment Information
Total property revenues	35,838	31,916
Net Operating Income	$21,594	$18,766

Assets_for_Reportable_Segment_

Assets for Reportable Segment (Detail) (Parent Company [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$6,799,682	$6,831,028
Large Market Same Store
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	3,832,422	1,253,995
Secondary Market Same Store
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	1,691,479	1,003,426
Non-Same Store and Other
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	1,206,734	4,506,951
Corporate assets
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$69,047	$66,656

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_and_D1

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015
	Communities	Communities	Communities	Communities
		apartmentunits	apartmentunits	apartmentunits
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Number Of Properties Sold	1
Number of Properties Held for Sale	17
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	81,976
River's Walk [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Area of Land	1.9
Residences at Burlington Creek [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	298
Vistas [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	144
Austin Chase [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	256
Fairways At Hartland [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	240
Fountain Lake [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	113
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Number Of Properties Sold	4
Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items]
Number Of Properties Sold		10	4	14
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		2,110	640	2,110

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015
	Communities	Communities	Communities	Communities
		apartmentunits	apartmentunits	apartmentunits
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number Of Properties Sold	1
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	81,976
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number Of Properties Sold		10	4	14
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		2,110	640	2,110
Gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets excluded from discontinued operations				$105,000
Westbury Creek [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property			120
Bradford Pointe [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property			192
Woodwinds [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property			144
Colony At South Park [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property			184
Huntington Chase [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		200		200
Southland Station [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		304		304
Sutton Place [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		253		253
Oaks [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		100		100
Bradford Chase [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		148		148
Woods of Post House [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		122		122
Post House North [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		145		145
Post House Jackson [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		150		150
Anatole [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		208		208
Paddock Park Ocala [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		480		480