Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Dividends on common stock	$ 0.6950	$ 0.6600	$ 1.39	$ 1.32
Consolidated net income	$ 61,028	$ 29,472	$ 83,033	$ 54,540
Unrealized losses from the effective portion of derivative instruments	12,101	(3,991)	11,922	(5,293)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax			11,922	(5,293)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	(3,932)	(4,944)	(8,477)	(10,492)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax			(8,477)	(10,492)
Total comprehensive income	77,061	30,425	103,432	59,739
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,442)	(1,354)	(3,445)	(2,732)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	$ 74,619	$ 29,071	$ 99,987	$ 57,007