Segment Information - Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Information
Total operating revenues	$ 2,148,468	$ 2,019,866	$ 1,778,082
Net Operating Income	1,380,327	1,296,172	1,106,917
Depreciation and amortization	(565,063)	(542,998)	(533,433)
Property management expenses	(67,784)	(65,463)	(55,732)
General and administrative expenses	(58,578)	(58,833)	(52,884)
Interest expense	(149,234)	(154,747)	(156,881)
(Loss) gain on sale of depreciable real estate assets	(62)	214,762	220,428
Gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	54	809	811
Other non-operating income (expense)	31,185	(42,713)	33,902
Income tax (expense) benefit	(4,744)	6,208	(13,637)
Income from real estate joint venture	1,730	1,579	1,211
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(15,025)	(17,340)	(16,911)
Dividends to MAA Series I preferred shareholders	(3,688)	(3,688)	(3,688)
Net income available for MAA common shareholders	549,118	633,748	530,103
Same Store [Member]
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	2,013,283	1,895,071	1,683,380
Other operating income expense net	11,468	11,932	11,854
Total operating revenues	2,024,751	1,907,003	1,695,234
Net Operating Income	1,306,939	1,232,893	1,061,572
Non-Same Store and Other
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	122,935	111,067	81,822
Other operating income expense net	782	1,796	1,026
Total operating revenues	123,717	112,863	82,848
Net Operating Income	$ 73,388	$ 63,279	$ 45,345