Segment Information - Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Information
Total operating revenues	$ 452,575	$ 423,199	$ 1,314,507	$ 1,254,323
Net Operating Income	279,737	253,385	810,440	773,866
Depreciation and amortization	(134,611)	(127,679)	(397,938)	(381,257)
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	(13,831)	(12,691)	(40,522)	(39,064)
General and administrative expenses	(12,670)	(11,360)	(38,763)	(35,181)
Interest expense	(39,234)	(41,010)	(117,773)	(126,610)
(Loss) gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets	(313)	20	134,515	(7)
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	170	1,366	202	995
Other non-operating income (expense)	10,344	242	14,557	(13,647)
Income tax expense	(2,803)	(665)	(5,847)	(2,532)
Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	258	428	915	1,153
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,568)	(2,126)	(11,636)	(6,096)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(922)	(922)	(2,766)	(2,766)
Net income available for MAA common shareholders	83,557	58,988	345,384	168,854
Same Store [Member]
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	431,030	403,574	1,249,053	1,197,610
Other operating income expense net	2,966	3,103	9,302	9,159
Total operating revenues	433,996	406,677	1,258,355	1,206,769
Net Operating Income	269,393	244,513	779,194	747,581
Non-Same Store and Other [Member]
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	18,449	16,447	55,372	47,438
Other operating income expense net	130	75	780	116
Total operating revenues	18,579	16,522	56,152	47,554
Net Operating Income	$ 10,344	$ 8,872	$ 31,246	$ 26,285