Segment Information - Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Information
Total operating revenues	$ 476,078	$ 425,005
Net Operating Income	306,658	262,537
Depreciation and amortization	(133,738)	(131,503)
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	(16,537)	(12,939)
General and administrative expenses	(16,323)	(12,979)
Interest expense	(39,121)	(39,672)
Loss (gain) on sale of depreciable real estate assets	(1)	0
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	23	0
Other non-operating income (expense)	10,795	(15,913)
Income tax benefit (expense)	1,442	(999)
Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	379	332
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,775)	(1,671)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(922)	(922)
Net income available for MAA common shareholders	109,880	46,271
Same Store [Member]
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	451,716	402,194
Other operating income expense net	2,761	2,952
Total operating revenues	454,477	405,146
Net Operating Income	294,642	251,940
Non-Same Store and Other [Member]
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	21,399	19,587
Other operating income expense net	202	272
Total operating revenues	21,601	19,859
Net Operating Income	$ 12,016	$ 10,597