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REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Jan. 31, 2015
home
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements $ 3,657,002us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand        
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 11,700,112us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements        
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,492,202us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts        
Total Cost          
Land 3,657,002us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand        
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 14,192,314us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements        
Total 17,849,316us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue 16,800,321us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue 10,071,342us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue 9,288,496us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue  
Accumulated Depreciation 2,913,576us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation 2,516,112us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation 2,056,222us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation 1,863,466us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation  
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,935,740avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet        
Encumbrances 6,448,138us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances        
New England          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 368,626us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 1,699,098us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 196,781us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 368,626us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 1,895,879us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Total 2,264,505us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 479,122us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 1,785,383avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Encumbrances 464,466us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NewEnglandMember
       
Metro NY/NJ          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 824,368us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 2,646,185us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 136,991us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 824,368us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 2,783,176us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Total 3,607,544us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 692,549us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,914,995avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Encumbrances 855,847us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MetroNYNJMember
       
Mid-Atlantic          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 620,356us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 1,839,822us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 141,299us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 620,356us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 1,981,121us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Total 2,601,477us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 396,214us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,205,263avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Encumbrances 597,830us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_MidAtlanticMember
       
Pacific Northwest          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 130,143us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 630,180us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 31,481us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 130,143us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 661,661us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Total 791,804us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 149,204us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 642,600avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Encumbrances 25,491us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_PacificNorthwestMember
       
Northern California          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 634,176us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 2,095,394us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 242,939us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 634,176us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 2,338,333us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Total 2,972,509us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 636,163us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,336,346avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Encumbrances 681,301us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NorthernCaliforniaMember
       
Southern California          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 805,410us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 2,171,128us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 326,665us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 805,410us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 2,497,793us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Total 3,303,203us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 497,409us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,805,794avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Encumbrances 806,678us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_SouthernCaliforniaMember
       
Non-core          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 29,754us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 140,264us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,828us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 29,754us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 142,092us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Total 171,846us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 7,599us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 164,247avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Encumbrances 16,525us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_NoncoreMember
       
Current Communities          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 3,412,833us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 11,222,071us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,077,984us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 3,412,833us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,300,055us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 15,712,888us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,858,260us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,854,628avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 3,448,138us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Lexington          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,124us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,599us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,199us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,124us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,798us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 23,922us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,484us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,438avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Oaks          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,129us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 18,676us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,038us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,129us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,714us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 22,843us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,094us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 11,749avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 15,887us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Quincy          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 1,743us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 14,662us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,283us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 1,743us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 23,945us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 25,688us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,805us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,883avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Essex          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,184us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEssexMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,320us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEssexMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,821us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEssexMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,184us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEssexMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 18,141us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEssexMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 23,325us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEssexMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,289us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEssexMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,036avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEssexMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Oaks West          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 3,318us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 13,467us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 746us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 3,318us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 14,213us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 17,531us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,376us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 11,155avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 15,847us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOaksWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Orchards          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,983us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 18,037us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,943us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,983us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,980us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 22,963us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 8,902us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,061avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 17,091us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOrchardsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Newton Highlands          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 11,039us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtNewtonHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 45,590us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtNewtonHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,423us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtNewtonHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 11,039us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtNewtonHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 49,013us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtNewtonHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 60,052us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtNewtonHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 19,353us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtNewtonHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 40,699avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtNewtonHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at the Pinehills          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,876us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtThePinehillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,401us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtThePinehillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 183us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtThePinehillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,876us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtThePinehillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,584us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtThePinehillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 37,460us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtThePinehillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 7,836us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtThePinehillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,624avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtThePinehillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Peabody          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,645us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPeabodyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,007us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPeabodyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 12,019us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPeabodyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,645us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPeabodyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,026us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPeabodyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 35,671us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPeabodyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,746us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPeabodyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 25,925avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPeabodyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Bedford Center          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,258us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBedfordCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,569us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBedfordCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 316us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBedfordCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,258us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBedfordCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,885us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBedfordCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 25,143us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBedfordCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,630us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBedfordCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 18,513avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBedfordCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Chestnut Hill          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,572us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 45,911us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,899us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,572us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 47,810us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 62,382us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 13,588us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 48,794avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 39,545us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonChestnutHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Shrewsbury          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,152us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,608us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 757us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,152us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,365us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 36,517us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,062us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 27,455avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 20,174us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonShrewsburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Lexington Hills          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,691us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 79,153us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,112us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,691us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 80,265us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 88,956us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 19,446us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 69,510avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtLexingtonHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Acton          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 13,124us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 49,905us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 276us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 13,124us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 50,181us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 63,305us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,089us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 51,216avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 45,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonActonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Sharon          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,719us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSharonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 25,522us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSharonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 269us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSharonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,719us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSharonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 25,791us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSharonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 30,510us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSharonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,030us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSharonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 24,480avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSharonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Center Place          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 26,816us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCenterPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 10,230us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCenterPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 37,046us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCenterPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 37,046us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCenterPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 19,919us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCenterPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,127avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCenterPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Hingham Shipyard          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 12,218us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtHinghamShipyardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,725us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtHinghamShipyardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 339us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtHinghamShipyardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 12,218us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtHinghamShipyardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 42,064us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtHinghamShipyardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 54,282us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtHinghamShipyardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,089us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtHinghamShipyardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 45,193avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtHinghamShipyardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Northborough          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,144us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 52,454us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 16us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,144us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 52,470us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 60,614us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,170us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 51,444avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Blue Hills          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 11,110us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 34,736us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 80us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 11,110us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 34,816us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 45,926us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,856us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 39,070avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Cohasset          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,802us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCohassetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,233us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCohassetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 16us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCohassetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,802us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCohassetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,249us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCohassetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 55,051us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCohassetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,910us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCohassetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 50,141avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCohassetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Andover          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,276us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAndoverMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,903us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAndoverMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,276us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAndoverMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,903us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAndoverMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 26,179us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAndoverMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,114us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAndoverMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 24,065avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAndoverMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 14,505us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAndoverMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Burlington          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,714us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 32,536us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,080us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,714us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 37,616us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 45,330us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,383us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 42,947avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Back Bay          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,034us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABackBayMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,540us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABackBayMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 36,364us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABackBayMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,034us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABackBayMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 72,904us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABackBayMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 81,938us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABackBayMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 26,205us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABackBayMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 55,733avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABackBayMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Prudential Center II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,776us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 35,496us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 31,783us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,776us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 67,279us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 76,055us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 25,100us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 50,955avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Prudential Center I          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,002us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 32,370us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 19,773us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,002us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 52,143us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 60,145us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 22,772us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 37,373avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtPrudentialCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Burlington          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 15,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 59,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 6,943us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 15,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 66,143us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 81,743us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 5,334us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 76,409avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Bear Hill          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 27,350us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBearHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 96,999us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBearHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,110us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBearHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 27,350us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBearHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 102,109us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBearHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 129,459us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBearHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,304us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBearHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 118,155avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBearHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves North Quincy          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 11,940us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 39,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,491us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 11,940us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,891us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 53,831us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,784us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 49,047avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 36,761us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNorthQuincyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Natick          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 15,645us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNatickMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 64,585us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNatickMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 15,645us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNatickMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 64,585us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNatickMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 80,230us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNatickMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,476us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNatickMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 76,754avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNatickMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 52,357us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNatickMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Canton at Blue Hills          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,562us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCantonatBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,191us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCantonatBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,562us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCantonatBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,191us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCantonatBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 39,753us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCantonatBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 769us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCantonatBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 38,984avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCantonatBlueHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Exeter          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 16,304us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonExeterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 108,126us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonExeterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 16,304us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonExeterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 108,126us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonExeterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 124,430us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonExeterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,842us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonExeterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 122,588avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonExeterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Trumbull          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,414us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,268us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,529us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,414us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 34,797us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 39,211us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 20,696us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 18,515avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 39,452us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTrumbullMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Stamford          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,956us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 23,993us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 12,748us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,956us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,741us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 42,697us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 20,049us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 22,648avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Wilton I          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,116us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 14,664us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,841us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,116us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,505us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 22,621us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,855us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,766avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon on Stamford Harbor          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 10,836us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 51,883us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,778us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 10,836us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 53,661us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 64,497us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 22,322us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 42,175avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 62,724us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnStamfordHarborMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon New Canaan          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,834us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNewCanaanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,485us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNewCanaanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,559us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNewCanaanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,834us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNewCanaanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,044us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNewCanaanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 25,878us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNewCanaanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 8,672us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNewCanaanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,206avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNewCanaanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Stamford          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 13,819us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 56,499us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,602us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 13,819us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 61,101us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 74,920us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 25,069us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 49,851avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 57,423us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAStamfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Danbury          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,933us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDanburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,638us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDanburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 670us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDanburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,933us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDanburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,308us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDanburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 36,241us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDanburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 10,352us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDanburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 25,889avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDanburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Darien          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,926us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 34,659us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,689us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,926us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,348us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 43,274us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 13,817us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,457avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 47,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDarienMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Milford I          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,746us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMilfordIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,699us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMilfordIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 725us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMilfordIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,746us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMilfordIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 23,424us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMilfordIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 32,170us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMilfordIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 8,493us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMilfordIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,677avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMilfordIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Huntington          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,277us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,029us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,277us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,129us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 25,406us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,406us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 21,000avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Norwalk          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 11,320us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 62,910us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 25us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 11,320us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 62,935us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 74,255us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,372us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 64,883avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Wilton II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,604us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 23,758us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 6us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,604us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 23,764us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 30,368us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,997us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 27,371avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWiltonIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Shelton III          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,853us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSheltonIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,866us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSheltonIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,853us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSheltonIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,866us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSheltonIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 48,719us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSheltonIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,279us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSheltonIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 46,440avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSheltonIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon East Norwalk          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 10,394us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEastNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,126us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEastNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 10,394us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEastNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,126us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEastNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 46,520us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEastNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,645us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEastNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 44,875avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEastNorwalkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Stratford          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,564us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtStratfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 26,884us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtStratfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,564us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtStratfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 26,884us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtStratfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 29,448us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtStratfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 341us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtStratfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,107avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtStratfordMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Commons          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,679us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,286us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,660us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,679us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,946us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 38,625us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 18,664us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,961avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Nanuet          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,428us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 45,660us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,903us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,428us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 49,563us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 57,991us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 28,325us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,666avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 63,242us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesNanuetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Green          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 1,820us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 10,525us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,675us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 1,820us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 14,020us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 8,031us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,989avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Towers          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 3,118us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 11,973us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 10,260us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 3,118us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,233us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 25,351us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,437us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,914avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Willow          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,207us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,791us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,423us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,207us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 42,214us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 48,421us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 21,846us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 26,575avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Court          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,228us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourtMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 50,063us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourtMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,908us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourtMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,228us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourtMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 52,971us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourtMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 62,199us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourtMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 28,734us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourtMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,465avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourtMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | The Avalon          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,889us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheAvalonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,324us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheAvalonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 7,993us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheAvalonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,889us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheAvalonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,317us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheAvalonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 39,206us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheAvalonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 15,882us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheAvalonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,324avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheAvalonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Glen Cove          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,871us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlenCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 59,969us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlenCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,097us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlenCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,871us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlenCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 61,066us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlenCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 68,937us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlenCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 21,970us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlenCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 46,967avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlenCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Pines          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPinesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 62,931us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPinesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 621us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPinesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPinesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 63,552us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPinesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 72,252us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPinesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 20,828us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPinesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 51,424avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPinesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Glen Cove North          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,577us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlenCoveNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 37,336us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlenCoveNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 232us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlenCoveNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,577us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlenCoveNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 37,568us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlenCoveNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 40,145us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlenCoveNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 10,016us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlenCoveNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 30,129avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlenCoveNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon White Plains          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 15,391us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhitePlainsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 137,353us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhitePlainsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 46us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhitePlainsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 15,391us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhitePlainsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 137,399us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhitePlainsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 152,790us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhitePlainsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 27,434us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhitePlainsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 125,356avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhitePlainsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Charles Pond          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,715us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCharlesPondMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,640us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCharlesPondMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 48us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCharlesPondMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,715us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCharlesPondMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,688us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCharlesPondMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 48,403us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCharlesPondMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,824us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCharlesPondMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 41,579avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCharlesPondMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Rockville Centre          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 32,212us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockvilleCentreMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 78,807us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockvilleCentreMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 32,212us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockvilleCentreMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 78,807us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockvilleCentreMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 111,019us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockvilleCentreMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 8,480us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockvilleCentreMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 102,539avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockvilleCentreMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Green II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 27,765us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 77,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 27,765us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 77,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 105,325us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 7,330us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 97,995avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Garden City          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 18,205us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGardenCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 49,372us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGardenCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 18,205us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGardenCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 49,372us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGardenCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 67,577us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGardenCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,999us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGardenCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 63,578avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGardenCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Westbury          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 69,620us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 43,781us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 7,410us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 69,620us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 51,191us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 120,811us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 8,720us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 112,091avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 82,345us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestburyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Ossining          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,385us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOssiningMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,099us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOssiningMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,385us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOssiningMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,099us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOssiningMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 36,484us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOssiningMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 762us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOssiningMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 35,722avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOssiningMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Huntington Station          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 21,870us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 57,545us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 21,870us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 57,545us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 79,415us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 844us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 78,571avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Cove          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,760us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 82,422us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 21,060us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,760us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 103,482us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 112,242us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 54,057us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 58,185avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCoveMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Run          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,650us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 60,486us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,526us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,650us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 66,012us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 80,662us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 23,905us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 56,757avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Princeton Junction          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,585us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonJunctionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,382us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonJunctionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 20,791us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonJunctionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,585us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonJunctionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 43,173us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonJunctionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 48,758us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonJunctionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 21,392us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonJunctionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 27,366avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonJunctionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Edgewater          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,528us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 60,240us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,302us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,528us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 64,542us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 79,070us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 28,885us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 50,185avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 75,012us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Florham Park          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,647us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFlorhamParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 34,906us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFlorhamParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,179us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFlorhamParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,647us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFlorhamParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 37,085us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFlorhamParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 43,732us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFlorhamParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 18,009us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFlorhamParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 25,723avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFlorhamParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Freehold          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,119us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,514us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,119us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,414us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 35,533us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 13,959us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 21,574avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 34,973us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFreeholdMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Run East          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,766us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 45,366us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 919us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,766us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,285us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 53,051us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 16,286us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 36,765avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 37,475us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRunEastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Lyndhurst          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 18,620us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLyndhurstMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 59,879us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLyndhurstMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 579us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLyndhurstMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 18,620us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLyndhurstMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 60,458us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLyndhurstMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 79,078us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLyndhurstMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 16,676us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLyndhurstMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 62,402avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLyndhurstMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Tinton Falls          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,939us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTintonFallsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,173us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTintonFallsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 96us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTintonFallsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,939us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTintonFallsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,269us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTintonFallsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 41,208us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTintonFallsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 7,755us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTintonFallsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,453avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTintonFallsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at West Long Branch          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,721us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestLongBranchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,940us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestLongBranchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,721us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestLongBranchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,940us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestLongBranchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 25,661us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestLongBranchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,479us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestLongBranchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 22,182avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestLongBranchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon North Bergen          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,984us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthBergenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,015us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthBergenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 514us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthBergenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,984us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthBergenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,529us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthBergenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 40,513us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthBergenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,819us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthBergenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 37,694avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthBergenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Wesmont Station          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,682us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtWesmontStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,635us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtWesmontStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 875us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtWesmontStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,682us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtWesmontStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 42,510us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtWesmontStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 57,192us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtWesmontStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,860us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtWesmontStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 53,332avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtWesmontStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Hackensack at Riverside          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 44,530us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHackensackAtRiversideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 44,530us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHackensackAtRiversideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 44,530us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHackensackAtRiversideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,312us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHackensackAtRiversideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 42,218avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHackensackAtRiversideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Somerset          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 18,241us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSomersetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 58,326us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSomersetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 18,241us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSomersetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 58,326us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSomersetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 76,567us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSomersetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,366us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSomersetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 73,201avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSomersetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Wesmont Station II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,502us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatWesmontStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,862us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatWesmontStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,502us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatWesmontStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,862us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatWesmontStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 23,364us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatWesmontStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 992us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatWesmontStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 22,372avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatWesmontStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Bloomingdale          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 3,005us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,721us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 3,005us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,721us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 30,726us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,098us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,628avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Riverview I          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 94,061us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,894us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 98,955us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 98,955us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 41,548us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 57,407avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Bowery Place          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 18,575us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 75,009us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,992us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 18,575us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 77,001us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 95,576us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 22,047us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 73,529avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 93,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Riverview North          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 164,808us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,404us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 167,212us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 167,212us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 41,970us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 125,242avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRiverviewNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Bowery Place II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,106us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 47,199us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,633us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,106us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 48,832us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 57,938us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,904us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 46,034avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBoweryPlaceIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Morningside Park          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 114,327us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorningsideParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 870us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorningsideParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 115,197us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorningsideParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 115,197us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorningsideParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 24,642us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorningsideParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 90,555avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorningsideParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorningsideParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Fort Greene          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 83,038us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFortGreeneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 218,444us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFortGreeneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 642us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFortGreeneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 83,038us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFortGreeneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 219,086us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFortGreeneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 302,124us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFortGreeneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 35,170us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFortGreeneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 266,954avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFortGreeneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Midtown West          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 154,730us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 180,253us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 12,012us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 154,730us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 192,265us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 346,995us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 23,002us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 323,993avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 100,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMidtownWestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Clinton North          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 84,069us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 105,821us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 6,352us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 84,069us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 112,173us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 196,242us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,558us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 183,684avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 147,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Clinton South          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 71,421us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 89,851us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,175us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 71,421us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 95,026us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 166,447us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 10,732us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 155,715avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 121,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonClintonSouthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Foxhall          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,848us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,614us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 11,671us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,848us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 39,285us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 46,133us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 24,950us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 21,183avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 56,341us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFoxhallMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Gallery Place          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 39,658us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,557us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,215us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 50,015us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 16,412us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,603avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 43,776us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGalleryPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Fairway Hills          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,603us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFairwayHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 34,432us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFairwayHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 16,036us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFairwayHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,603us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFairwayHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 50,468us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFairwayHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 59,071us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFairwayHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 28,397us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFairwayHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 30,674avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtFairwayHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Washingtonian Center I          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,608us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 11,707us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 629us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,608us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,336us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 14,944us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 7,913us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 7,031avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 8,011us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Washingtonian Center II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 1,439us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 6,846us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 180us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 1,439us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 7,026us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 8,465us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,970us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,495avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWashingtonianCenterIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Columbia Town Center          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,802us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesColumbiaTownCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 35,536us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesColumbiaTownCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 11,429us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesColumbiaTownCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,802us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesColumbiaTownCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,965us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesColumbiaTownCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 55,767us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesColumbiaTownCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 16,273us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesColumbiaTownCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 39,494avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesColumbiaTownCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Grosvenor Station          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 29,159us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGrosvenorStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 53,001us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGrosvenorStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,002us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGrosvenorStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 29,159us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGrosvenorStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 55,003us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGrosvenorStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 84,162us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGrosvenorStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 21,020us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGrosvenorStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 63,142avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGrosvenorStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Traville          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,365us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 55,398us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 863us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,365us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 56,261us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 70,626us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 21,385us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 49,241avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 74,186us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtTravilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Russett          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 10,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 47,524us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,659us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 10,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 50,183us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 60,383us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 5,547us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 54,836avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 39,972us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRussettMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Fair Lakes          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,096us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairLakesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 24,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairLakesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 8,246us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairLakesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,096us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairLakesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 32,646us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairLakesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 38,742us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairLakesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 17,777us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairLakesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 20,965avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairLakesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Ballston          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,291us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallstonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 29,177us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallstonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 16,117us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallstonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,291us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallstonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 45,294us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallstonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 52,585us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallstonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 24,294us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallstonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 28,291avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallstonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Fairfax City          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,152us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 8,907us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,390us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,152us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 14,297us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 16,449us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,624us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,825avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Tysons Corner          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 13,851us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 43,397us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 12,106us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 13,851us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 55,503us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 69,354us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 26,784us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 42,570avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Arlington Square          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 22,041us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtArlingtonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 90,296us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtArlingtonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,818us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtArlingtonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 22,041us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtArlingtonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 93,114us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtArlingtonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 115,155us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtArlingtonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 42,880us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtArlingtonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 72,275avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtArlingtonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Park Crest          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 13,554us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParkCrestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 63,527us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParkCrestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 13,554us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParkCrestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 63,527us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParkCrestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 77,081us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParkCrestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,886us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParkCrestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 72,195avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParkCrestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Fairfax Towers          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 17,889us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 74,727us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,718us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 17,889us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 76,445us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 94,334us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,782us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 84,552avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFairfaxTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA H Street          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,425us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAHStreetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 25,282us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAHStreetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,425us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAHStreetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 25,282us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAHStreetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 32,707us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAHStreetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,782us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAHStreetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 30,925avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAHStreetMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon First & M          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 43,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 153,950us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,411us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 43,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 156,361us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 200,061us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,255us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 187,806avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 140,964us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFirstandMMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | The Albemarle          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 25,140us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTheAlbemarleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 52,459us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTheAlbemarleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,717us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTheAlbemarleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 25,140us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTheAlbemarleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 56,176us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTheAlbemarleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 81,316us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTheAlbemarleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,980us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTheAlbemarleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 74,336avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTheAlbemarleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Tunlaw Gardens          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 16,430us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,902us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,025us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 16,430us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 24,927us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 41,357us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,162us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 38,195avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 28,494us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTunlawGardensMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | The Statesman          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 38,140us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheStatesmanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 35,352us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheStatesmanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,453us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheStatesmanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 38,140us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheStatesmanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 38,805us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheStatesmanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 76,945us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheStatesmanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 5,815us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheStatesmanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 71,130avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_TheStatesmanMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Glover Park          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,580us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 26,532us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,954us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,580us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,486us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 38,066us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,385us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 34,681avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 23,569us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesGloverParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Van Ness          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 22,890us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAVanNessMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 58,691us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAVanNessMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,455us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAVanNessMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 22,890us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAVanNessMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 62,146us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAVanNessMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 85,036us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAVanNessMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,844us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAVanNessMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 78,192avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAVanNessMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Ballston Place          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 38,490us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 123,645us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,768us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 38,490us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 127,413us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 165,903us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,532us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 154,371avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Tysons Corner          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 16,030us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 45,420us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,554us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 16,030us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 47,974us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 64,004us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 5,509us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 58,495avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesTysonsCornerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Ballston Square          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 71,640us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 215,937us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 10,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 71,640us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 226,137us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 297,777us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 23,372us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 274,405avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBallstonSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Archstone Courthouse Place          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 56,550us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 178,032us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 8,131us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 56,550us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 186,163us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 242,713us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 18,921us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 223,792avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 140,332us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCourthousePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Reston Landing          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 26,710us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRestonLandingMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 83,084us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRestonLandingMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,354us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRestonLandingMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 26,710us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRestonLandingMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 87,438us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRestonLandingMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 114,148us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRestonLandingMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,863us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRestonLandingMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 104,285avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRestonLandingMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Oakwood Arlington          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 18,850us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 38,545us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,856us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 18,850us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,401us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 59,251us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,324us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 54,927avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 42,185us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodArlingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Mosaic          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 33,483us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMosaicMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 75,081us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMosaicMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 33,483us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMosaicMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 75,081us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMosaicMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 108,564us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMosaicMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,108us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMosaicMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 106,456avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMosaicMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Arlington North          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 21,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonArlingtonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 58,763us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonArlingtonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 21,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonArlingtonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 58,763us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonArlingtonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 80,363us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonArlingtonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,468us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonArlingtonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 78,895avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonArlingtonNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Redmond Place          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,558us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRedmondPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 18,368us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRedmondPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,879us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRedmondPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,558us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRedmondPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,247us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRedmondPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 32,805us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRedmondPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 14,541us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRedmondPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 18,264avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRedmondPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Bear Creek          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,786us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBearCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,641us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBearCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,427us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBearCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,786us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBearCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,068us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBearCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 37,854us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBearCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 17,457us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBearCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 20,397avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtBearCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Bellevue          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,664us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 24,119us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,685us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,664us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 25,804us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 32,468us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,245us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 20,223avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 25,491us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon RockMeadow          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,777us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockMeadowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,765us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockMeadowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,901us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockMeadowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,777us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockMeadowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,666us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockMeadowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 26,443us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockMeadowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 10,695us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockMeadowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 15,748avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRockMeadowMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon ParcSquare          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 3,789us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParcSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 15,139us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParcSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,630us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParcSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 3,789us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParcSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 17,769us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParcSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 21,558us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParcSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 8,587us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParcSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,971avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonParcSquareMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Brandemoor          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,608us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,679us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,656us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,608us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 38,335us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 46,943us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 18,143us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 28,800avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Belltown          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,644us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABelltownMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,733us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABelltownMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 830us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABelltownMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,644us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABelltownMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 13,563us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABelltownMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 19,207us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABelltownMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,330us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABelltownMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,877avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABelltownMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Meydenbauer          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 12,697us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMeydenbauerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 77,451us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMeydenbauerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 936us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMeydenbauerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 12,697us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMeydenbauerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 78,387us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMeydenbauerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 91,084us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMeydenbauerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 18,053us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMeydenbauerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 73,031avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMeydenbauerMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Towers Bellevue          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 123,030us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 811us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 123,841us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 123,841us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 19,003us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 104,838avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersBellevueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Queen Anne          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 12,081us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAQueenAnneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,618us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAQueenAnneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 347us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAQueenAnneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 12,081us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAQueenAnneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,965us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAQueenAnneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 54,046us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAQueenAnneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,357us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAQueenAnneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 49,689avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAQueenAnneMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Brandemoor II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,655us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 11,343us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,655us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 11,343us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 13,998us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,435us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,563avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBrandemoorIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Ballard          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 16,460us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,885us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 6us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 16,460us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,891us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 63,351us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,811us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 60,540avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABallardMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Redmond Campus          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 22,580us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRedmondCampusMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 88,001us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRedmondCampusMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,248us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRedmondCampusMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 22,580us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRedmondCampusMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 93,249us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRedmondCampusMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 115,829us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRedmondCampusMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 10,158us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRedmondCampusMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 105,671avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRedmondCampusMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Archstone Redmond Lakeview          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 10,250us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneRedmondLakeviewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 26,842us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneRedmondLakeviewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,831us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneRedmondLakeviewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 10,250us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneRedmondLakeviewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,673us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneRedmondLakeviewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 38,923us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneRedmondLakeviewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,302us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneRedmondLakeviewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 35,621avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneRedmondLakeviewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA University District          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 12,594us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAUniversityDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 60,566us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAUniversityDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 294us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAUniversityDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 12,594us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAUniversityDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 60,860us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAUniversityDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 73,454us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAUniversityDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,087us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAUniversityDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 71,367avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAUniversityDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Fremont          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 10,746us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 43,399us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,059us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 10,746us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 48,458us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 59,204us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 28,083us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 31,121avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Dublin          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,276us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDublinMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,642us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDublinMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,167us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDublinMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,276us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDublinMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,809us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDublinMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 34,085us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDublinMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 14,183us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDublinMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,902avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDublinMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Pleasanton          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 11,610us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPleasantonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,552us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPleasantonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 21,254us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPleasantonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 11,610us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPleasantonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 67,806us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPleasantonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 79,416us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPleasantonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 33,374us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPleasantonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 46,042avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPleasantonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Union City          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,249us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,820us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,832us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,249us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,652us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 23,901us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,402us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,499avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Fremont          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,581us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 26,583us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,730us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,581us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,313us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 42,894us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 19,198us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,696avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFremontMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Union City          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,732us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 104,025us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 294us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,732us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 104,319us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 119,051us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 19,722us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 99,329avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Walnut Creek          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 145,906us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,643us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 147,549us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 147,549us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 22,354us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 125,195avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 137,542us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Walnut Creek          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 30,320us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 82,375us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,597us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 30,320us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 87,972us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 118,292us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,646us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 108,646avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWalnutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Walnut Ridge I          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,860us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,850us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 878us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,860us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,728us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 30,588us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,159us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 28,429avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 20,754us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Walnut Ridge II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 27,190us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 57,041us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,299us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 27,190us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 60,340us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 87,530us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,990us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 80,540avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWalnutRidgeIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Berkeley          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBerkeleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,646us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBerkeleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBerkeleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,646us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBerkeleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 33,146us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBerkeleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 467us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBerkeleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 32,679avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBerkeleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Dublin Station          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,771us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 71,026us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,771us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 71,026us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 78,797us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,782us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 77,015avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Daly City          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,230us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDalyCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 9,659us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDalyCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 18,662us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDalyCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,230us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDalyCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,321us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDalyCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 32,551us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDalyCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 14,804us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDalyCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,747avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDalyCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Nob Hill          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,403us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,567us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 6,888us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,403us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,455us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 33,858us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 14,033us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,825avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 20,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANobHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves San Rafael          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,982us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanRafaelMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,885us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanRafaelMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 24,197us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanRafaelMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,982us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanRafaelMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,082us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanRafaelMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 47,064us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanRafaelMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 17,997us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanRafaelMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,067avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanRafaelMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Foster City          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,852us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFosterCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,445us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFosterCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 11,207us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFosterCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,852us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFosterCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 42,652us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFosterCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 50,504us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFosterCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 21,206us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFosterCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,298avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesFosterCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Pacifica          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,125us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 24,796us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,541us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,125us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,337us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 33,462us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 15,595us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,867avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 17,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Sunset Towers          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 3,561us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSunsetTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,321us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSunsetTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 14,894us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSunsetTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 3,561us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSunsetTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,215us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSunsetTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 39,776us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSunsetTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 16,136us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSunsetTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,640avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSunsetTowersMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Diamond Heights          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,726us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDiamondHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,130us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDiamondHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,790us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDiamondHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,726us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDiamondHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 24,920us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDiamondHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 29,646us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDiamondHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,976us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDiamondHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,670avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesDiamondHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Mission Bay North          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,029us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 78,452us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,482us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,029us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 80,934us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 94,963us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 33,067us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 61,896avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 69,955us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtMissionBayNorthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Mission Bay III          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 28,687us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatMissionBayIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 119,156us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatMissionBayIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 74us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatMissionBayIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 28,687us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatMissionBayIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 119,230us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatMissionBayIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 147,917us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatMissionBayIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 22,702us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatMissionBayIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 125,215avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatMissionBayIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Ocean Avenue          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,544us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOceanAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 50,883us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOceanAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,740us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOceanAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,544us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOceanAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 52,623us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOceanAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 58,167us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOceanAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,827us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOceanAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 53,340avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOceanAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Archstone San Bruno          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 40,780us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 68,684us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,891us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 40,780us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 71,575us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 112,355us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 7,423us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 104,932avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 64,450us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Archstone San Bruno II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 23,787us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 44,934us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,668us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 23,787us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,602us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 70,389us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,527us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 65,862avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 30,968us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Archstone San Bruno III          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 33,303us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 62,910us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,349us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 33,303us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 65,259us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 98,562us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,340us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 92,222avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 56,210us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanBrunoIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA 55 Ninth          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 20,267us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVA55NinthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 96,291us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVA55NinthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 20,267us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVA55NinthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 96,291us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVA55NinthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 116,558us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVA55NinthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,022us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVA55NinthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 114,536avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVA55NinthMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Campbell          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 11,830us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 47,828us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 13,431us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 11,830us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 61,259us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 73,089us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 28,671us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 44,418avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 38,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCampbellMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves San Jose          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 12,920us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanJoseMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 53,047us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanJoseMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 18,810us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanJoseMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 12,920us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanJoseMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 71,857us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanJoseMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 84,777us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanJoseMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 28,688us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanJoseMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 56,089avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanJoseMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon on the Alameda          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,119us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 50,225us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,644us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,119us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 51,869us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 57,988us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 28,035us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,953avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 51,539us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOnTheAlamedaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Silicon Valley          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 20,713us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSiliconValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 99,573us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSiliconValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,987us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSiliconValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 20,713us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSiliconValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 104,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSiliconValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 125,273us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSiliconValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 59,276us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSiliconValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 65,997avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSiliconValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Mountain View          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,755us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 39,393us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,511us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,755us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 48,904us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 58,659us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 25,542us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,117avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 18,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMountainViewMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Creekside          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,546us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 26,263us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 20,984us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,546us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 47,247us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 53,793us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 20,739us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,054avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Cahill Park          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,765us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCahillParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 47,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCahillParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,433us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCahillParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,765us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCahillParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 49,033us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCahillParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 53,798us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCahillParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 20,749us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCahillParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,049avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtCahillParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Towers on the Peninsula          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersOnThePeninsulaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 56,136us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersOnThePeninsulaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,103us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersOnThePeninsulaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersOnThePeninsulaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 57,239us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersOnThePeninsulaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 66,799us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersOnThePeninsulaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 25,115us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersOnThePeninsulaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 41,684avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonTowersOnThePeninsulaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Willow Glen          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 46,060us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowGlenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 81,957us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowGlenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,034us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowGlenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 46,060us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowGlenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 85,991us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowGlenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 132,051us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowGlenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,780us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowGlenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 122,271avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWillowGlenMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves West Valley          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 90,890us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 113,628us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 7,019us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 90,890us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 120,647us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 211,537us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 14,646us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 196,891avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 83,087us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Mountain View at Middlefield          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 64,070us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 69,018us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,847us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 64,070us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 73,865us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 137,935us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,416us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 128,519avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 71,496us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMountainViewAtMiddlefieldMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves West Valley II          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 18,411us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 18,411us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 18,411us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 735us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,676avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWestValleyIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Morrison Park          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 13,837us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorrisonParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 64,337us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorrisonParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 13,837us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorrisonParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 64,337us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorrisonParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 78,174us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorrisonParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,756us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorrisonParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 76,418avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMorrisonParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Newport          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 1,975us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANewportMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 3,814us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANewportMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,802us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANewportMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 1,975us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANewportMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 13,616us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANewportMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 15,591us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANewportMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 5,491us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANewportMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 10,100avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVANewportMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Mission Viejo          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,517us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 9,257us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,783us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,517us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,040us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 14,557us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 7,157us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 7,400avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 7,635us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionViejoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves South Coast          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,709us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSouthCoastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,063us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSouthCoastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 12,772us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSouthCoastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,709us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSouthCoastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,835us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSouthCoastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 33,544us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSouthCoastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 13,887us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSouthCoastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,657avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSouthCoastMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Santa Margarita          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSantaMargaritaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,911us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSantaMargaritaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 10,247us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSantaMargaritaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSantaMargaritaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,158us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSantaMargaritaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 31,765us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSantaMargaritaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,753us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSantaMargaritaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,012avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSantaMargaritaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Huntington Beach          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,871us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 19,745us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,530us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,871us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 29,275us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 34,146us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 16,657us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,489avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Anaheim Stadium          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 27,874us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAnaheimStadiumMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 69,156us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAnaheimStadiumMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 645us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAnaheimStadiumMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 27,874us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAnaheimStadiumMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 69,801us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAnaheimStadiumMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 97,675us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAnaheimStadiumMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 14,359us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAnaheimStadiumMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 83,316avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAnaheimStadiumMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Irvine          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,911us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 67,524us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 69us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,911us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 67,593us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 77,504us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,521us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 64,983avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Lake Forest          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,199us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLakeForestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,134us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLakeForestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,114us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLakeForestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,199us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLakeForestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 23,248us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLakeForestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 28,447us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLakeForestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,006us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLakeForestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 25,441avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLakeForestMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Irvine II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,358us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,906us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,358us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,906us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 45,264us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,753us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 42,511avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Seal Beach          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 46,790us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 99,999us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,635us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 46,790us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 104,634us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 151,424us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,178us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 140,246avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 85,122us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSealBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Pacific Beach          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,922us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPacificBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,580us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPacificBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 30,927us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPacificBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,922us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPacificBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 71,507us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPacificBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 81,429us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPacificBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 32,316us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPacificBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 49,113avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPacificBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Mission Ridge          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,710us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMissionRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 10,924us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMissionRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 11,263us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMissionRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,710us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMissionRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,187us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMissionRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 24,897us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMissionRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,213us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMissionRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,684avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesMissionRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Cortez Hill          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,768us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACortezHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,134us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACortezHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 23,464us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACortezHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,768us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACortezHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 43,598us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACortezHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 46,366us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACortezHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 18,853us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACortezHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 27,513avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACortezHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Fashion Valley          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 19,627us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFashionValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 44,972us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFashionValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 290us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFashionValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 19,627us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFashionValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 45,262us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFashionValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 64,889us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFashionValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,860us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFashionValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 55,029avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFashionValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves San Marcos          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 3,277us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanMarcosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 13,385us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanMarcosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 860us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanMarcosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 3,277us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanMarcosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 14,245us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanMarcosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 17,522us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanMarcosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,869us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanMarcosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 15,653avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanMarcosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Rancho Penasquitos          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 6,692us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRanchoPenasquitosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,143us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRanchoPenasquitosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,834us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRanchoPenasquitosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 6,692us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRanchoPenasquitosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,977us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRanchoPenasquitosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 35,669us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRanchoPenasquitosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,697us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRanchoPenasquitosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 31,972avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesRanchoPenasquitosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon La Jolla Colony          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 16,760us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,694us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,099us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 16,760us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 29,793us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 46,553us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,665us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 42,888avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 27,176us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonLaJollaColonyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves La Mesa          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,490us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLaMesaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,482us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLaMesaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,335us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLaMesaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,490us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLaMesaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 29,817us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLaMesaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 39,307us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLaMesaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,230us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLaMesaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 36,077avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLaMesaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Burbank          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 22,483us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 28,104us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 48,076us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 22,483us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 76,180us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 98,663us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 32,069us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 66,594avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVABurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Woodland Hills          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 23,828us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,372us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 46,946us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 23,828us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 87,318us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 111,146us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 36,446us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 74,700avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Warner Center          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,045us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWarnerCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,986us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWarnerCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,304us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWarnerCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,045us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWarnerCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,290us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWarnerCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 29,335us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWarnerCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 13,017us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWarnerCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,318avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWarnerCenterMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon at Glendale          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 42,564us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlendaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,155us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlendaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 43,719us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlendaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 43,719us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlendaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 16,923us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlendaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 26,796avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtGlendaleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Burbank          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 14,053us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 56,827us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 23,842us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 14,053us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 80,669us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 94,722us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 29,268us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 65,454avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBurbankMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Camarillo          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,446us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCamarilloMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,290us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCamarilloMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 142us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCamarilloMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,446us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCamarilloMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,432us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCamarilloMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 48,878us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCamarilloMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 12,232us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCamarilloMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 36,646avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCamarilloMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Wilshire          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,459us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilshireMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,182us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilshireMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,045us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilshireMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,459us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilshireMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 42,227us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilshireMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 47,686us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilshireMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 11,268us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilshireMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 36,418avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilshireMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Encino          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 12,789us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEncinoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 49,073us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEncinoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 395us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEncinoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 12,789us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEncinoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 49,468us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEncinoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 62,257us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEncinoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 10,812us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEncinoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 51,445avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEncinoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Warner Place          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,920us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWarnerPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 44,848us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWarnerPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 183us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWarnerPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,920us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWarnerPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 45,031us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWarnerPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 52,951us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWarnerPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 10,522us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWarnerPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 42,429avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWarnerPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Phillips Ranch          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,796us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPhillipsRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,740us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPhillipsRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 246us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPhillipsRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,796us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPhillipsRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 41,986us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPhillipsRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 51,782us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPhillipsRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 5,516us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPhillipsRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 46,266avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesPhillipsRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves San Dimas          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 1,916us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 7,819us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 519us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 1,916us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 8,338us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 10,254us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,089us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,165avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves San Dimas Canyon          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 2,953us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,428us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 191us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 2,953us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,619us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 15,572us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,663us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,909avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesSanDimasCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | AVA Pasadena          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 11,547us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5,388us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,935us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 25,335us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,319us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 24,016avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 11,683us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVAPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Cerritos          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 8,305us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCerritosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 21,195us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCerritosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,392us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCerritosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 8,305us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCerritosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,587us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCerritosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 30,892us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCerritosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,991us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCerritosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 28,901avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesCerritosMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Del Rey          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 30,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelReyApartmentsLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 72,008us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelReyApartmentsLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 654us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelReyApartmentsLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 30,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelReyApartmentsLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 72,662us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelReyApartmentsLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 103,562us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelReyApartmentsLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 5,978us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelReyApartmentsLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 97,584avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelReyApartmentsLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Simi Valley          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 42,020us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSimiValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 73,361us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSimiValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,411us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSimiValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 42,020us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSimiValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 77,772us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSimiValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 119,792us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSimiValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,158us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSimiValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 110,634avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSimiValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Studio City II          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,626us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,954us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,210us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,626us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 24,164us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 28,790us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,484us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 26,306avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Studio City III          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 15,756us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 78,178us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,418us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 15,756us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 81,596us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 97,352us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 8,428us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 88,924avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Calabasas          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 42,720us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 107,642us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 6,649us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 42,720us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 114,291us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 157,011us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 13,810us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 143,201avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 100,237us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonCalabasasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Oak Creek          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 43,540us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 79,974us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,277us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 43,540us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 84,251us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 127,791us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 10,304us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 117,487avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 85,288us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonOakCreekMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Santa Monica on Main          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 32,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSantaMonicaOnMainMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 60,770us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSantaMonicaOnMainMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,359us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSantaMonicaOnMainMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 32,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSantaMonicaOnMainMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 64,129us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSantaMonicaOnMainMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 96,129us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSantaMonicaOnMainMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,720us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSantaMonicaOnMainMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 89,409avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSantaMonicaOnMainMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Del Mar Station          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 20,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 106,556us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,277us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 20,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 109,833us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 130,393us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,650us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 120,743avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 76,471us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDelMarStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Old Town Pasadena          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,110us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 15,371us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,188us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,110us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 16,559us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 25,669us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 2,053us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,616avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 15,669us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesOldTownPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Thousand Oaks          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 13,950us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,211us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,053us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 13,950us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,264us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 36,214us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,208us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,006avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 27,411us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesThousandOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Los Feliz          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 18,940us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 43,661us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 3,160us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 18,940us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,821us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 65,761us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 5,463us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 60,298avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 43,258us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesLosFelizMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Oakwood Toluca Hills          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 85,450us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 161,256us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,933us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 85,450us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 171,189us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 256,639us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 20,490us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 236,149avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 165,561us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_OakwoodTolucaHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Eaves Woodland Hills          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 68,940us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 90,549us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 9,014us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 68,940us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 99,563us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 168,503us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 13,226us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 155,277avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 104,694us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_EavesWoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Thousand Oaks Plaza          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 12,810us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 22,581us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,807us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 12,810us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 24,388us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 37,198us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,226us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,972avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 28,394us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonThousandOaksPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Pasadena          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 10,240us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,558us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,808us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 10,240us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,366us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 43,606us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,503us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 40,103avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 28,079us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPasadenaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Studio City          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 17,658us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 90,715us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 4,094us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 17,658us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 94,809us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 112,467us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 9,702us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 102,765avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonStudioCityMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon San Dimas          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,140us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,445us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,140us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 30,445us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 39,585us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 313us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 39,272avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonSanDimasMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Avalon Mission Oaks          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 34,540us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 2,860us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 37,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 47,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 93us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 46,907avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMissionOaksMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Archstone Lexington          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 4,540us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 25,946us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,823us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 4,540us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 27,769us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 32,309us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,551us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 28,758avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 16,525us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneLexingtonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Archstone Toscano          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 15,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneToscanoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 72,154us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneToscanoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 5us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneToscanoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 15,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneToscanoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 72,159us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneToscanoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 87,766us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneToscanoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 3,324us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneToscanoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 84,442avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_ArchstoneToscanoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Current Communities | Memorial Heights Villages          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 9,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_MemorialHeightsVillagesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 42,164us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_MemorialHeightsVillagesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 9,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_MemorialHeightsVillagesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 42,164us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_MemorialHeightsVillagesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 51,771us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_MemorialHeightsVillagesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 724us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_MemorialHeightsVillagesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 51,047avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_MemorialHeightsVillagesMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CurrentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 32,309us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 446,342us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,357,880us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 32,309us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 1,804,222us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 1,836,531us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 6,482us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 1,830,049avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon West Chelsea/AVA High Line          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 260,762us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestChelseaAVAHighLineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 11,823us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestChelseaAVAHighLineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 272,585us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestChelseaAVAHighLineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 272,585us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestChelseaAVAHighLineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 4,302us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestChelseaAVAHighLineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 268,283avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestChelseaAVAHighLineMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon North Station          
Initial Cost          
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 46,268us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,268us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 46,268us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 46,268avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonNorthStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon AVA Assembly Row/AVA Somerville          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 15,239us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatAssemblyRowAVASomervilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 80,685us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatAssemblyRowAVASomervilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 33,327us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatAssemblyRowAVASomervilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 15,239us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatAssemblyRowAVASomervilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 114,012us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatAssemblyRowAVASomervilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 129,251us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatAssemblyRowAVASomervilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 1,095us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatAssemblyRowAVASomervilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 128,156avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonatAssemblyRowAVASomervilleMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Framingham          
Initial Cost          
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 18,335us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFraminghamMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 18,335us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFraminghamMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 18,335us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFraminghamMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 18,335avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFraminghamMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon West Hollywood          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 233us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 57,895us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 58,128us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 58,128us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 58,128avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Dublin Station II          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 84us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 43,338us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 43,422us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 43,422us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 43,422avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonDublinStationIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Wharton          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 874us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhartonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 20,455us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhartonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 27,318us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhartonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 874us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhartonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 47,773us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhartonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 48,647us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhartonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 116us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhartonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 48,531avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWhartonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Green III          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 4us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 1,443us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 1,447us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 1,447us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 1,447avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGreenIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | AVA Little Tokyo          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 5,479us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVALittleTokyoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 35,923us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVALittleTokyoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 64,425us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVALittleTokyoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 5,479us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVALittleTokyoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 100,348us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVALittleTokyoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 105,827us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVALittleTokyoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 423us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVALittleTokyoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 105,404avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVALittleTokyoMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | AVA Theater District          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 315us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVATheaterDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 132,767us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVATheaterDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 133,082us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVATheaterDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 133,082us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVATheaterDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 133,082avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVATheaterDistrictMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Marlborough          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 95us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMarlboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 46,808us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMarlboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 46,903us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMarlboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 46,903us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMarlboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 46,903avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonMarlboroughMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Vista          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 292us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonVistaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 36,338us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonVistaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 36,630us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonVistaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 36,630us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonVistaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 36,630avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonVistaMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Bloomfield Station          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 56us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomfieldStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 29,624us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomfieldStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 29,680us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomfieldStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 29,680us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomfieldStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,680avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBloomfieldStationMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Willoughby Square/AVA DoBro          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 80us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilloughbySquareAVADoBroMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 266,238us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilloughbySquareAVADoBroMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 266,318us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilloughbySquareAVADoBroMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 266,318us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilloughbySquareAVADoBroMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 266,318avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonWilloughbySquareAVADoBroMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Alderwood I          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 7,033us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAlderwoodIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 32,783us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAlderwoodIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 26,290us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAlderwoodIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 7,033us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAlderwoodIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 59,073us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAlderwoodIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 66,106us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAlderwoodIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 492us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAlderwoodIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 65,614avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAlderwoodIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | AVA Capitol Hill          
Initial Cost          
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 39,870us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACapitolHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 39,870us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACapitolHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 39,870us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACapitolHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 39,870avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AVACapitolHillMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Esterra Park          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 8us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEsterraParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 33,515us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEsterraParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,523us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEsterraParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 33,523us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEsterraParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,523avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonEsterraParkMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Hayes Valley          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 887us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHayesValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 78,685us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHayesValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 79,572us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHayesValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 79,572us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHayesValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 79,572avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHayesValleyMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Baker Ranch          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 3,684us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBakerRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,815us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBakerRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 94,303us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBakerRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 3,684us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBakerRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 107,118us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBakerRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 110,802us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBakerRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 54us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBakerRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 110,748avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonBakerRanchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Irvine III          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 50us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 26,253us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 26,303us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 26,303us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 26,303avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonIrvineIIIMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Huntington Beach          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 78us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 40,661us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 40,739us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 40,739us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 40,739avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonHuntingtonBeachMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Glendora          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 55us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlendoraMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 52,091us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlendoraMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 52,146us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlendoraMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 52,146us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlendoraMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 52,146avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonGlendoraMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Falls Church          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 240us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFallsChurchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 69,391us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFallsChurchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 69,631us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFallsChurchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 69,631us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFallsChurchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 69,631avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonFallsChurchMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Roseland          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 372us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRoselandMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 32,771us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRoselandMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 33,143us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRoselandMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 33,143us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRoselandMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,143avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonRoselandMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Princeton          
Initial Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 70us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 35,386us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 35,456us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 35,456us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 35,456avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonPrincetonMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Development Communities | Avalon Union          
Initial Cost          
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 12,717us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost          
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 12,717us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total 12,717us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,717avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonUnionMember
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_DevelopmentCommunitiesMember
       
Land Held for Development          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 180,516us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_LandHeldforDevelopmentMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 180,516us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_LandHeldforDevelopmentMember
       
Total 180,516us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_LandHeldforDevelopmentMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 180,516avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_LandHeldforDevelopmentMember
       
Corporate overhead          
Initial Cost          
Land and improvements 31,344us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 31,699us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Costs Subsequent to Acquisition / Construction 56,338us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Total Cost          
Land 31,344us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Building / Construction in Progress & Improvements 88,037us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Total 119,381us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Accumulated Depreciation 48,834us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Total Cost, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 70,547avb_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Encumbrances $ 3,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis
= avb_CorporateOverheadMember
       
Subsequent event | Avalon at Edgewater          
Total Cost          
Number of uninhabitable homes         240avb_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstatePropertyUninhabitable
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= avb_AvalonAtEdgewaterMember
/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember