Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Parent Company [Member]
Consolidated net income	$ 33,386	$ 61,028	$ 49,100	$ 83,033
Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Income Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	(7,403)	12,105	(8,400)	11,926
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	3,085	3,932	6,810	8,477
Total comprehensive income	29,068	77,065	47,510	103,436
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(1,542)	(2,442)	(2,534)	(3,445)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	27,526	74,623	44,976	99,991
Limited Partner [Member]
Consolidated net income	33,386	49,500	49,100	71,293
Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Income Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	(7,403)	12,105	(8,400)	11,926
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	3,085	3,932	6,810	8,477
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 29,068	$ 65,537	$ 47,510	$ 91,696