Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Changes in equity
Balance	$ 8,599,727
Net income attributable to common stockholders	141,739
Cash flow hedge loss reclassified to earnings	1,573	1,391
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,081
Noncontrolling interests income allocation	7
Dividends declared to common stockholders	(150,304)	(138,438)
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings	3,744
Amortization of deferred compensation	9,504
Balance	8,607,071
Common stock
Changes in equity
Balance	1,294
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings	2
Balance	1,296
Additional paid-in capital
Changes in equity
Balance	8,988,723
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings	4,033
Amortization of deferred compensation	9,504
Balance	9,002,260
Accumulated earnings less dividends
Changes in equity
Balance	(345,254)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	141,739
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,081
Dividends declared to common stockholders	(150,304)
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings	(291)
Balance	(353,029)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Changes in equity
Balance	(48,631)
Cash flow hedge loss reclassified to earnings	1,573
Balance	(47,058)
Total AvalonBay stockholders' equity
Changes in equity
Balance	8,596,132
Net income attributable to common stockholders	141,739
Cash flow hedge loss reclassified to earnings	1,573
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,081
Dividends declared to common stockholders	(150,304)
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings	3,744
Amortization of deferred compensation	9,504
Balance	8,603,469
Noncontrolling interests
Changes in equity
Balance	3,595
Noncontrolling interests income allocation	7
Balance	$ 3,602