Segment Information - Revenues and NOI for Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Information
Total operating revenues	$ 425,005	$ 418,098
Net Operating Income	262,537	264,926
Depreciation and amortization	(131,503)	(126,388)
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	(12,939)	(14,643)
General and administrative expenses	(12,979)	(13,264)
Interest expense	(39,672)	(43,482)
Loss on sale of depreciable real estate assets		(29)
Loss on sale of non-depreciable real estate assets		(376)
Other non-operating expense	(15,913)	(28,532)
Income tax expense	(999)	(667)
Gain (loss) from real estate joint ventures	332	407
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,671)	(1,304)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(922)	(922)
Net income available for MAA common shareholders	46,271	35,726
Same Store [Member]
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	404,056	398,676
Other operating income expense net	2,981	2,694
Total operating revenues	407,037	401,370
Net Operating Income	252,730	255,034
Non-Same Store and Other
Segment Information
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	17,725	16,730
Other operating income expense net	243	(2)
Total operating revenues	17,968	16,728
Net Operating Income	$ 9,807	$ 9,892