Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies OP Equity Table (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Schedule of Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock/unit dividends/distributions			$ (1,402)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost			3,459
Stock option exercises			983
Effect Of Changes In Ownership For Consolidated Entities			(11,143)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	500	(2,339)	(611)	525
Other			(317)
Net income (loss)			6,600
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Schedule of Equity [Line Items]
Partners' Capital, December 31, 2012			883,829
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	500	(2,339)	(611)	525
Partners' Capital, June 30, 2013	816,265		816,265
Partners' capital attributable to the Partnership [Member] | AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Schedule of Equity [Line Items]
Partners' Capital, December 31, 2012			883,829
Preferred stock/unit dividends/distributions			(1,402)
Distributions to common partnership units held by parent			70,014
Distributions to Limited Partnership Units Held By Parent			(3,884)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost			3,459
Stock option exercises			983
Effect Of Changes In Ownership For Consolidated Entities			(13,155)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss			(868)
Other			(395)
Net income (loss)			17,712
Partners' Capital, June 30, 2013	$ 816,265		$ 816,265