Schedule III Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Aggregate cost basis for federal income tax purposes	$ 3,800,000
FNMA [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Secured credit facilities, outstanding amount	605,000,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	0.80%
Freddie Mac [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Secured credit facilities, amount available	200,000,000
Secured credit facilities, outstanding amount	198,200,000
Encumbrance 1 [Member] \| FNMA [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	691,800,000
Secured credit facilities, amount available	495,800,000
Secured credit facilities, outstanding amount	495,800,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	1.22%
Encumbrance 1 [Member] \| FNMA [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Interest rate derivatives held (contracts)	9
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	275,000,000
Variable rate borrowings after interest rate swaps (percent)	5.45%
Encumbrance 1 [Member] \| FNMA [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Interest rate derivatives held (contracts)	6
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	165,000,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	4.58%
Encumbrance 2 [Member] \| FNMA [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	83,200,000
Secured credit facilities, amount available	0
Secured credit facilities, outstanding amount	0
Variable interest rate (percent)	0.00%
Encumbrance 3 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	6,800,000
Encumbrance 3 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	6,800,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Oct. 24, 2012
Encumbrance 4 [Member] \| Freddie Mac [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	200,000,000
Secured credit facilities, amount available	198,200,000
Secured credit facilities, outstanding amount	198,200,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	0.72%
Encumbrance 4 [Member] \| Freddie Mac [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Number of Interest rate derivatives held (contracts)	8
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	134,000,000
Variable rate borrowings after interest rate swaps (percent)	5.51%
Encumbrance 4 [Member] \| Freddie Mac [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	15,000,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	5.00%
Encumbrance 5 [Member] \| Fixed Rate Debt [Member] \| Loan [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	128,000,000
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	128,000,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	5.08%
Derivative termination date	Jun. 10, 2021
Encumbrance 6 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	8,400,000
Encumbrance 6 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	8,400,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	4.50%
Derivative termination date	Mar. 01, 2014
Encumbrance 7 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	7,000,000
Encumbrance 7 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	7,000,000
Variable rate borrowings after interest rate swaps (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Oct. 15, 2017
Encumbrance 8 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	5,900,000
Encumbrance 8 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	5,900,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Oct. 31, 2017
Encumbrance 9 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	7,700,000
Encumbrance 9 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	7,700,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Oct. 31, 2017
Encumbrance 10 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	3,400,000
Encumbrance 10 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	3,400,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Oct. 31, 2017
Encumbrance 11 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	10,800,000
Encumbrance 11 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	10,800,000
Variable rate borrowings after interest rate swaps (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Oct. 15, 2017
Encumbrance 12 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	3,500,000
Encumbrance 12 [Member] \| Variable Rate Debt 1 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	500,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	1.128%
Encumbrance 12 [Member] \| Variable Rate Debt 2 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	3,000,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	0.908%
Encumbrance 12 [Member] \| Variable Rate Debt 2 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	3,000,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	May 31, 2013
Encumbrance 13 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	5,500,000
Encumbrance 13 [Member] \| Variable Rate Debt 1 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	500,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	1.128%
Encumbrance 13 [Member] \| Variable Rate Debt 2 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	5,000,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	0.908%
Encumbrance 13 [Member] \| Variable Rate Debt 2 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	5,000,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	May 31, 2013
Encumbrance 14 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	6,600,000
Encumbrance 14 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	6,600,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Nov. 15, 2016
Encumbrance 15 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	4,100,000
Encumbrance 15 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	4,100,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Nov. 15, 2016
Encumbrance 16 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	3,600,000
Encumbrance 16 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	3,600,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	6.00%
Derivative termination date	Nov. 15, 2016
Encumbrance 17 [Member] \| Bonds [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Amount of bond used as encumbrance	13,200,000
Encumbrance 17 [Member] \| Bonds [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	13,200,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	4.50%
Derivative termination date	Mar. 01, 2014
Encumbrance 18 [Member] \| FNMA [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Secured credit facilities, amount available	17,900,000
Variable interest rate (percent)	0.84%
Derivative termination date	Mar. 01, 2014
Encumbrance 21 [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	5,100,000
Encumbrance 21 [Member] \| FNMA [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	5,100,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	4.50%
Derivative termination date	Mar. 01, 2014
Land improvements and buildings [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, minimum (years)	8
Maximum estimated useful lives (years)	40
Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (years)	5
Real Estate Leases [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (years)	6
Interest Rate Cap 1 [Member] \| Encumbrance 18 [Member] \| FNMA [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	11,700,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	5.00%
Derivative termination date	Mar. 01, 2014
Interest Rate Cap 2 [Member] \| Encumbrance 18 [Member] \| FNMA [Member] \| Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Notional amounts of interest rate contracts	$ 6,200,000
Derivative cap interest rate (percent)	4.50%
Derivative termination date	Mar. 01, 2014

Debt Instrument, Effective Interest Rate, Percentage after Interest Rate Swap

No definition available.

Name:	maa_DebtInstrumentEffectiveInterestRatePercentageAfterInterestRateSwap
Namespace Prefix:	maa_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cap rate on an interest rate derivative such as an interest rate cap or collar. If market rates exceed the cap rate, a payment or receipt is triggered on the contract.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeCapInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The date the derivative matures.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount borrowed under the credit facility as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 9

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 20, 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The interest rate applicable to the portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a rate subject to change from time to time.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Aggregate notional amount of interest rate derivatives, which relates to the currency amount specified in the interest rate derivative instruments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1B

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Notional Amount

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfInterestRateDerivatives
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of interest rate derivative instruments held by the entity at the reporting date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1B

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfInterestRateDerivativesHeld
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The average useful life of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeAverage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum useful life of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of a lien or mortgage outstanding as of the balance sheet date on a specific property.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 970

-SubTopic 360

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-28)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6590653&loc=d3e638233-123024

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph c

-Subparagraph Schedule III

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 28

-Article 12

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule III)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6882300&loc=d3e5864-122674

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate cost of investments for Federal income tax purposes.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 12C

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph d

-Article 12

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 12

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph d

-Article 12

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

-SubTopic 320

-Section S99

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611282-123010

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 13

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph d

-Article 12

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

-SubTopic 320

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611133-123010

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

-SubTopic 320

-Section S99

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611225-123010

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TaxBasisOfInvestmentsCostForIncomeTaxPurposes
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant