Partners' Capital of MAA LP (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 01, 2016
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Operating partnership units outstanding	117,955,568	117,834,752
General partners' capital account, units outstanding	113,844,267	113,643,166
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	96.50%	96.40%
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding	4,111,301
Limited Partner [Member]
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
General partners' capital account, units outstanding	113,844,267	113,643,166
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding	4,111,301	4,191,586
Limited Partners' Capital Account	$ 220,043	$ 231,676
Noncontrolling Interest
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Convertible Stock	4,111,301	4,191,586
Redeemable Capital Shares Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 95.70	$ 100.56
Limited Partners' Capital Account	$ 393,500	$ 421,500
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Capital Structure [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding			867,846