Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Dividends on common stock	$ 0.6950	$ 0.6600
Consolidated net income	$ 22,005	$ 25,068
Unrealized losses from the effective portion of derivative instruments	(179)	(1,300)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	(179)	(1,300)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	(4,545)	(5,548)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	(4,545)	(5,548)
Total comprehensive income	26,371	29,316
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,003)	(1,378)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	$ 25,368	$ 27,938