Partners' Capital of MAA LP (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Operating partnership units outstanding	79,571,567	117,738,615
General partners' capital account, units outstanding	75,408,571	113,518,212
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	94.80%
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding	4,162,996	4,220,403
Noncontrolling Interest
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	4,162,996	4,220,403
Redeemable Capital Shares Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 90.81	$ 97.92
Limited Partners' Capital Account	$ 378.0	$ 413.3