Significant Transactions - Asset Management Business Disposition (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Real estate, net	$ 5,472,779	$ 5,391,209
Cash and cash equivalents	28,971	55,751	84,413	91,066
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships	16,000	16,900
Other assets	476,727	505,416
Total assets	6,097,028	6,079,413
Total indebtedness	4,135,139	4,388,185
Accrued and other liabilities	279,077	287,595
Total liabilities	4,566,986	4,826,716
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	233,296	233,008
Equity attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	(18,926)	(27,721)
Total liabilities and equity	6,097,028	6,079,413
Napico Portfolio [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	44,106	35,818
Equity attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	(1,029)	2,736
Total liabilities and equity	161,135	163,849
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Real estate, net	117,851	120,175
Cash and cash equivalents	23,133	22,602
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships	8,392	10,817
Other assets	11,759	10,255
Total assets	161,135	163,849
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Accrued liabilities and other [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total indebtedness	113,641	106,032
Accrued and other liabilities	4,417	19,263
Total liabilities	$ 118,058	$ 125,295