Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Parent Company [Member]
Consolidated net income	$ 143,873	$ 33,386	$ 208,550	$ 49,100
Unrealized loss from the effective portion of derivitave insturments	1,804	(7,403)	(2,543)	(8,400)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	1,791	3,085	3,983	6,810
Total comprehensive income	147,468	29,068	209,990	47,510
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,764)	(1,542)	(11,060)	(2,534)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	139,704	27,526	198,930	44,976
Limited Partner [Member]
Consolidated net income	143,873	33,386	208,550	49,100
Unrealized loss from the effective portion of derivitave insturments	1,804	(7,403)	(2,543)	(8,400)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	1,791	3,085	3,983	6,810
Comprehensive income attributable to Mid-America Apartments, L.P.	$ 147,468	$ 29,068	$ 209,990	$ 47,510