Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Parent Company [Member]
Consolidated net income	$ 43,416	$ 45,808
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net	98	91
Unrealized loss from the effective portion of derivitave insturments	2,520	(3,705)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	672	1,186
Total comprehensive income	46,608	43,289
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,624)	(2,263)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	44,984	41,026
Limited Partner [Member]
Consolidated net income	43,416	45,808
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net	98	91
Unrealized loss from the effective portion of derivitave insturments	2,520	(3,705)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	672	1,186
Comprehensive income attributable to Mid-America Apartments, L.P.	46,608	43,289
Calculation of Basic Earnings Per Unit [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
Income from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 43,416	$ 45,808