Segment Information - Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Information
Total operating revenues	$ 418,098	$ 401,178
Net Operating Income	264,926	251,801
Depreciation and amortization	(126,388)	(122,789)
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	(14,643)	(13,842)
General and administrative expenses	(13,264)	(12,337)
Interest expense	(43,482)	(45,700)
Loss on sale of depreciable real estate assets	(29)	(13)
(Loss) gain on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets	(376)	8,963
Other non-operating expense (income)	(28,532)	119
Income tax expense	(667)	(641)
Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	407	397
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,304)	(2,298)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(922)	(922)
Net income available for MAA common shareholders	35,726	62,738
Same Store [Member]
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	389,707	373,465
Other Operating Income	2,655	3,066
Total operating revenues	392,362	376,531
Net Operating Income	249,287	237,838
Non-Same Store and Other
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	25,700	24,475
Other Operating Income	36	172
Total operating revenues	25,736	24,647
Net Operating Income	$ 15,639	$ 13,963