Segment Information - Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Information
Total operating revenues	$ 1,778,082	$ 1,677,984	$ 1,641,017
Rental and other property revenues	1,778,082	1,677,984	1,641,017
Net Operating Income	1,106,917	1,037,513	1,028,172
Depreciation and amortization	(533,433)	(510,842)	(496,843)
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	(55,732)	(52,300)	(55,011)
General and administrative expenses	(52,884)	(46,858)	(43,845)
Interest expense	(156,881)	(167,562)	(179,847)
Gain (loss) on sale of depreciable real estate assets	220,428	9	80,988
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	811	1,024	12,047
Other non-operating income	33,902	4,857	22,999
Income tax expense	(13,637)	(3,327)	(3,696)
Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	1,211	1,501	1,654
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16,911)	(9,053)	(12,807)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(3,688)	(3,688)	(3,688)
Net income available for MAA common shareholders	530,103	251,274	350,123
Same Store [Member]
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	1,690,770	1,601,812	1,526,101
Other operating income expense net	11,971	11,557	12,174
Total operating revenues	1,702,741	1,613,369	1,538,275
Rental and other property revenues	1,702,741	1,613,369	1,538,275
Net Operating Income	1,064,308	1,001,919	968,190
Non-Same Store and Other
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	74,432	64,401	101,503
Other operating income expense net	909	214	1,239
Total operating revenues	75,341	64,615	102,742
Rental and other property revenues	75,341	64,615	102,742
Net Operating Income	$ 42,609	$ 35,594	$ 59,982