MAA Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:
Total assets	$ 6,785,663	$ 6,841,925
Liabilities:
Fair market value of interest rate swaps	17,937	20,015
Shareholders' equity:
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,691	108
Parent Company [Member]
Assets:
Land	862,833	871,316
Buildings and improvements	6,467,714	6,366,701
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	201,361	199,573
Capital improvements in progress	103,100	166,048
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost, Total	7,635,008	7,603,638
Less accumulated depreciation	(1,191,115)	(1,124,207)
Real Estate Investment Property, Net, Total	6,443,893	6,479,431
Land Available for Development	59,191	63,850
Commercial properties, net	7,919	7,523
Investments in real estate joint ventures	2,982	5,499
Real estate assets, net	6,513,985	6,556,303
Cash and cash equivalents	121,901	89,333
Restricted cash	37,876	44,361
Deferred financing costs, net	16,304	17,424
Other assets	57,356	91,637
Goodwill	4,106	4,106
Real Estate Held-for-sale	34,135	38,761
Total assets	6,785,663	6,841,925
Liabilities:
Secured notes payable	1,785,161	1,790,935
Unsecured notes payable	1,677,898	1,681,783
Accounts payable	15,174	15,067
Fair market value of interest rate swaps	17,937	20,015
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	197,997	206,190
Security deposits	9,522	9,270
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	0	78
Total liabilities	3,703,689	3,723,338
Redeemable stock	4,828	5,050
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	749	747
Additional paid-in capital	3,604,117	3,599,549
Accumulated distributions in excess of net income	(694,150)	(653,593)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,691	108
Total MAA shareholders' equity	2,913,407	2,946,811
Noncontrolling interest	163,739	166,726
Total equity	3,077,146	3,113,537
Liabilities and Equity	$ 6,785,663	$ 6,841,925
Redeemable stock, shares issued and outstanding	77,312	83,139