Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net real estate related to VIEs	$ 5,510,043	$ 5,399,199
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	67,622	84,413
Restricted cash related to VIEs	130,511	146,281
Other assets related to VIEs	513,409	516,018
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	4,530,971	4,570,719
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	328,910	315,637
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	505,787,260	505,787,260
Common Stock, shares issued	145,916,439	145,563,903
Common Stock, shares outstanding	145,916,439	145,563,903
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Net real estate related to VIEs	5,510,043	5,399,199
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	67,622	84,413
Restricted cash related to VIEs	130,511	146,281
Other assets related to VIEs	513,409	516,018
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	4,530,971	4,570,719
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	328,910	315,637
Common Stock, shares outstanding	153,859,506
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Net real estate related to VIEs	420,079	599,302
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	20,721	23,599
Restricted cash related to VIEs	38,918	38,576
Other assets related to VIEs	218,811	220,317
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	374,444	495,012
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	156,157	160,590
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Net real estate related to VIEs	420,079	599,302
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	20,721	23,599
Restricted cash related to VIEs	38,918	38,576
Other assets related to VIEs	218,811	220,317
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	374,444	495,012
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	$ 156,157	$ 160,590