Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Parent Company [Member]
Consolidated net income	$ 231,022	$ 340,536	$ 224,402
Unrealized (loss) gain from the effective portion of derivative instruments	(751)	319	(1,500)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	(1,938)	730	4,364
Total Comprehensive Income	228,333	341,585	227,266
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(8,036)	(12,193)	(12,311)
Comprehensive income attributable to MAA	220,297	329,392	214,955
Limited Partner [Member]
Consolidated net income	231,022	340,536	224,402
Unrealized (loss) gain from the effective portion of derivative instruments	(751)	319	(1,500)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	(1,938)	730	4,364
Comprehensive income attributable to Mid-America Apartments, L.P.	$ 228,333	$ 341,585	$ 227,266