Shareholders' Equity of MAA - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	867,846
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 50.00
Preferred Stock, Redemption Date	Oct. 01, 2026
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$ 50.00
Common stock, shares outstanding	113,627,014	75,542,583
Total common shares and operating partnership units outstanding	117,827,046	79,685,786
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	47,956	19,727
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	8.50%
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount	$ 4.25
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$ 43,400
Equity Option [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	10,340	0
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	4,200,032	4,143,203
Parent Company [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	867,846		867,846
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 50		$ 50
Common stock, shares outstanding	113,627,014		113,518,212
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	$ 432	$ 0
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Common stock shares, outstanding option	108,438	39,084