Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Components of income from discontinued operations including portions attributable to Aimco and noncontrolling interests
Rental and other property revenues	$ 7,015	$ 22,872	$ 22,865	$ 83,310
Property operating expenses	(3,909)	(12,257)	(11,028)	(38,051)
Depreciation and amortization	(2,011)	(6,555)	(6,317)	(27,043)
(Provision for) recovery of real estate impairment losses	(108)	(4,905)	16	(11,290)
Operating income (loss)	987	(845)	5,536	6,926
Interest income	135	136	306	420
Interest expense	(1,652)	(5,261)	(5,370)	(17,361)
(Loss) income before gain on dispositions of real estate and income tax	(530)	(5,970)	472	(10,015)
Gain on dispositions of real estate	74,664	55,721	79,270	139,930
Income tax expense	(2,919)	(2,339)	(2,760)	(7,812)
Income from discontinued operations, net	71,215	47,412	76,982	122,103
(Income) loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	(8,421)	(12,121)	181	(23,717)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to the Aimco Operating Partnership	62,794	35,291	77,163	98,386
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in Aimco Operating Partnership	(3,370)	(2,069)	(4,166)	(6,015)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Aimco	$ 59,424	$ 33,222	$ 72,997	$ 92,371