Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Parent Company [Member]
Consolidated net income	$ 96,828	$ 70,719	$ 305,378	$ 119,819
Unrealized loss from the effective portion of derivitave insturments	(9,269)	(696)	(11,812)	(9,096)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	1,607	2,589	5,590	9,399
Total comprehensive income	89,166	72,612	299,156	120,122
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,690)	(3,845)	(15,750)	(6,379)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	84,476	68,767	283,406	113,743
Limited Partner [Member]
Consolidated net income	96,828	70,719	305,378	119,819
Unrealized loss from the effective portion of derivitave insturments	(9,269)	(696)	(11,812)	(9,096)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income for the effective portion of derivative instruments	1,607	2,589	5,590	9,399
Comprehensive income attributable to Mid-America Apartments, L.P.	$ 89,166	$ 72,612	$ 299,156	$ 120,122