Earnings per unit of MAA LP (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Unit Disclosure
Income from continuing operations	$ 37,277	$ 61,204	$ 28,702
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	1,131	2,414	1,267
Income from discontinued operations	82,002	48,621	22,529
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	2,867	2,188	1,143
Limited Partner [Member]
Earnings Per Unit Disclosure
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	$ 0.70	$ 1.43	$ 0.73
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$ 1.32	$ 1.11	$ 0.56
Weighted average common units - basic	53,075	42,911	39,051
Effect of dilutive securities (units)	88	64	100
Weighted average common units - diluted	53,163	42,975	39,151
Income from continuing operations	37,277	61,204	28,702
Income from continuing operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	33	53	21
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	37,244	61,151	28,681
Income from discontinued operations	70,267	47,836	21,886
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	$ 0.70	$ 1.43	$ 0.73
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$ 1.32	$ 1.11	$ 0.56
Income from discontinued operations allocated to unvested restricted shares	62	41	10
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders, adjusted	70,205	47,795	21,876
Earnings per unit - basic	$ 2.02	$ 2.54	$ 1.29
Earnings per share - diluted	$ 2.02	$ 2.54	$ 1.29
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 107,544	$ 109,040	$ 50,588