Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (26,054)	$ (35,848)	$ (48,847)
Unrealized losses from the effective portion of derivative instruments	10,684	(8,411)	(14,012)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (interest rate contracts)	16,370	20,113	27,639
Net current-period other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	892	1,908	(628)
Net current-period other comprehensive income attributable to MAA	26,162	9,794	12,999
Ending balance	$ 108	$ (26,054)	$ (35,848)

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

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Net of tax amount of the income statement impact of the reclassification adjustment of accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges realized in net income. Also includes reclassification adjustments of an entity's share of an equity investee's deferred hedging gain (loss) realized in net income.

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Before tax amount of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss).

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