Partners' Capital of MAA LP (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Operating partnership units outstanding	79,058,110	44,048,070
General partners' capital account, units outstanding	74,830,726	42,316,398
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	94.70%	96.10%
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	4,227,384	1,731,672
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	34,491,396
Redeemable Capital Shares Par Or Stated Value Per Share		$ 64.75
Limited Partners' Capital Account	$ 256,771,304	$ 112,125,762
Noncontrolling Interest
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	4,227,384	1,731,672
Redeemable Capital Shares Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 60.74