Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Dividends on common stock	$ 0.6600	$ 0.6275	$ 1.9800	$ 1.8825
Consolidated net income	$ 32,078	$ 14,451	$ 86,618	$ 31,286
Unrealized losses from the effective portion of derivative instruments	(2,903)	(5,953)	(8,195)	(14,156)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	4,815	6,671	15,306	21,683
Total comprehensive income	33,990	15,169	93,729	38,813
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,700)	(694)	(5,432)	(1,487)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	$ 31,290	$ 14,475	$ 88,297	$ 37,326

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

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-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

+ Details

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The effective portion of net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

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+ Details