Partners' Capital of Mid-America Apartments, L.P. (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Operating partnership units outstanding	79,534,989	79,217,829
General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	75,345,023	75,009,303
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	94.70%	94.70%
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	4,189,966	4,208,526
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	4,189,966	4,208,526
Limited Partners' Capital Account	323,800	287,300
Redeemable Capital Shares Par Or Stated Value Per Share	77.27	68.27