Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated net income	$ 109,825	$ 51,231	$ 30,875
Other Comprehensive Income:
Unrealized losses from the effective portion of derivative instruments	(8,411)	(14,012)	(35,539)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	20,113	27,639	34,021
Total Comprehensive Income	121,527	64,858	29,357
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,510)	(3,038)	(1,008)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	$ 115,017	$ 61,820	$ 28,349