XML 71 R96.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation - (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Property
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Total $ 8,144,958,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue $ 8,214,081,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue $ 8,333,419,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue $ 8,917,137,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,672,179,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (2,822,872,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (2,820,765,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (2,872,190,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Textual) [Abstract]        
Aggregate cost of land and depreciable property for federal income tax purposes 3,800,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateFederalIncomeTaxBasis      
Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Number of apartment homes 51,136us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,975,467,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,565,599,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,693,728,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,885,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 6,259,318,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 8,144,958,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,672,179,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,472,779,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 4,022,809,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Conventional Properties [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Number of apartment homes 43,004us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,860,444,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,117,671,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,342,280,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,770,609,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 5,459,950,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 7,230,559,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,281,999,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,948,560,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,640,020,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ConventionalPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
100 Forest Place [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-97 [4]      
Property Location Oak Park, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987      
Number of apartment homes 234us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,664,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 18,815,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 7,164,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,664,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 25,979,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 28,643,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,953,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,690,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 25,434,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ForestPlaceHundredMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
118-122 West 23rd Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jun-12 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987      
Number of apartment homes 42us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 14,985,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 23,459,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,568,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 14,985,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 29,027,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 44,012,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,728,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 41,284,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 19,117,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A118122West23RdStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
1582 First Avenue [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-05 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 17us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 4,281,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 752,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 259,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 4,281,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 1,011,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 5,292,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (408,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,884,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,470,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstAvenueOneFiveEightTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
173 E. 90th Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated May-04 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1910      
Number of apartment homes 72us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 12,066,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,535,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,422,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 12,066,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 6,957,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 19,023,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,507,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,516,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 7,280,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StreetENinetiethOneSevenThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
21 Fitzsimons [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid-Rise      
Date Consolidated Aug-14      
Property Location Aurora, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2008      
Number of apartment homes 600us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 12,864,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 104,720,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 12,864,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 104,720,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 117,584,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 1,296,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 116,288,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 49,842,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A21FitzsimonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
234 East 88th Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid-Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-14      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 20us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,448,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,449,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 2,448,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 4,449,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 6,897,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 158,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,739,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,498,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A234East88thStreetMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
182-188 Columbus Avenue [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Feb-07 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1910      
Number of apartment homes 32us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 19,123,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,623,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 19,123,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 5,923,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 25,046,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,336,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 22,710,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 13,471,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueOneEightTwoOneEightEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
236-238 East 88th Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-04 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 43us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 8,820,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,914,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,937,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 8,820,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 4,851,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 13,671,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,640,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,031,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 11,807,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetTwoThreeSixTwoThreeEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
237-239 Ninth Avenue [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-05 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 36us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 8,495,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 1,866,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,409,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 8,495,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 4,275,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 12,770,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,202,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 11,568,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 6,035,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NinthAvenueTwoThreeSevenTwoThreeNineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
240 West 73rd Street, LLC [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-04 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 200us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 68,109,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 12,140,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 9,274,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 68,109,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 21,414,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 89,523,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (7,223,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 82,300,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 26,986,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WestStreetSeventyThirdLlcTwoFourZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
2900 on First Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-08 [4]      
Property Location Seattle, WA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1989      
Number of apartment homes 135us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 19,070,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 17,518,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 26,838,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 19,070,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 44,356,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 63,426,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (7,484,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 55,942,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FirstApartmentsOnTwoNineZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
306 East 89th Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jul-04 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1930      
Number of apartment homes 20us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,680,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 1,006,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 383,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,680,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 1,389,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 4,069,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (477,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 3,592,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,015,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetThreeZeroSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
311 & 313 East 73rd Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-03 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1904      
Number of apartment homes 34us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 5,678,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 1,609,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 403,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 5,678,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 2,012,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 7,690,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,228,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,462,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 4,237,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyThirdStreetTheeOneOneAndThreeOneThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
322-324 East 61st Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-05 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 40us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 6,372,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,224,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,103,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 6,372,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 3,327,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 9,699,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,313,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 8,386,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,706,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSixtyFirstStreetThreeTwoTwoThreeTwoFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
3400 Avenue of the Arts [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Costa Mesa, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987      
Number of apartment homes 770us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 57,241,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 65,506,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 71,959,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 57,241,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 137,465,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 194,706,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (73,857,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 120,849,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 111,060,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AvenueOfArtsThreeFourZeroZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
452 East 78th Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-04 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 12us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,982,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 608,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 461,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,982,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 1,069,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 3,051,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (389,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,662,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,759,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastSeventyEighthStreetFourFiveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
464-466 Amsterdam & 200-210 W. 83rd Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Feb-07 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1910      
Number of apartment homes 72us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 25,553,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,101,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,896,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 25,553,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,997,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 37,550,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (4,277,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,273,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 19,679,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AmsterdamAndTwoZeroZeroToTwoOneZeroWEightyThirdStreetFourSixFourToFourSixSixMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
510 East 88th Street [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-04 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 20us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,163,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 1,002,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 402,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,163,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 1,404,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 4,567,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (487,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,080,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,956,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneZeroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
East Eighty Eighth Street Five One Eight [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid-Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-14      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1900      
Number of apartment homes 20us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,233,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,315,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 2,233,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 4,315,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 6,548,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 149,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,399,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,030,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastEightyEighthStreetFiveOneEightMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
707 Leahy [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Apr-07 [4]      
Property Location Redwood City, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1973      
Number of apartment homes 110us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 15,444,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,909,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,255,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 15,444,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 13,164,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 28,608,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,400,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,208,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 9,447,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LeahySevenZeroSevenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
865 Bellevue [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-00 [4]      
Property Location Nashville, TN      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1972      
Number of apartment homes 326us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,562,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 12,037,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 28,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,562,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 40,367,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 43,929,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (24,676,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,253,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 17,853,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BellevueEightSixFiveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
1045 on the Park Apartment Homes [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Jul-13      
Property Location Atlanta, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2012      
Number of apartment homes 30us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,793,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,662,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 68,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 2,793,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 6,730,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 9,523,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 354,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,169,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 6,090,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_A1045ontheParkApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Bank Lofts [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Apr-01 [4]      
Property Location Denver, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1920      
Number of apartment homes 117us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,525,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 9,045,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,740,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,525,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,785,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 15,310,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,706,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,604,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 11,396,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BankLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Bay Parc Plaza [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-04 [4]      
Property Location Miami, FL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2000      
Number of apartment homes 471us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 22,680,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 41,847,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 8,467,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 22,680,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 50,314,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 72,994,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (13,584,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 59,410,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 44,734,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayParcPlazaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Bay Ridge at Nashua [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-03 [4]      
Property Location Nashua, NH      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1984      
Number of apartment homes 412us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,262,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 40,713,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,472,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,262,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 45,185,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 48,447,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (16,462,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 31,985,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 30,295,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayRidgeAtNashuaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Bayberry Hill Estates [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Framingham, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1971      
Number of apartment homes 424us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 19,944,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 35,945,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 12,790,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 19,944,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 48,735,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 68,679,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (20,361,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 48,318,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 32,668,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayberryHillEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Bluffs at Pacifica, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-06 [4]      
Property Location Pacifica, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1963      
Number of apartment homes 64us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 8,108,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,132,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 13,894,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 8,108,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 18,026,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 26,134,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,390,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,744,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 5,832,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BluffsAtPacificaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Boston Lofts [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Apr-01 [4]      
Property Location Denver, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1890      
Number of apartment homes 158us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,446,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 20,589,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,840,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,446,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 26,429,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 29,875,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (12,469,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,406,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 16,647,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BostonLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Boulder Creek [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-94 [4]      
Property Location Boulder, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1973      
Number of apartment homes 221us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 754,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,730,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 20,341,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 754,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 28,071,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 28,825,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (15,236,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,589,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 7,780,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BoulderCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Broadcast Center [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Los Angeles, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1990      
Number of apartment homes 279us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 29,407,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 41,244,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 26,975,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 29,407,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 68,219,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 97,626,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (33,086,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 64,540,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 34,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadcastCenterMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Broadway Lofts [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-12 [4]      
Property Location San Diego, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1909      
Number of apartment homes 84us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 5,367,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 14,442,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,056,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 5,367,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 15,498,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 20,865,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,266,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,599,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 9,829,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BroadwayLoftsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buena Vista [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Pasadena, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1973      
Number of apartment homes 92us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 9,693,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,818,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,811,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 9,693,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,629,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 18,322,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,956,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 15,366,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 9,866,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BuenaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Burke Shire Commons [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-01 [4]      
Property Location Burke, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 360us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 4,867,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 23,617,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 11,152,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 4,867,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 34,769,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 39,636,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (15,281,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 24,355,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 41,404,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BurkeShireCommonsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Calhoun Beach Club [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-98 [4]      
Property Location Minneapolis, MN      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1928      
Number of apartment homes 332us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 11,708,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 73,334,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 54,745,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 11,708,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 128,079,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 139,787,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (62,885,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 76,902,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 45,846,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CalhounBeachClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Canyon Terrace [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Saugus, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1984      
Number of apartment homes 130us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 7,508,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,601,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,943,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 7,508,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 12,544,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 20,052,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (6,618,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,434,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 9,904,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CanyonTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Cedar Rim [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Apr-00 [4]      
Property Location Newcastle, WA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 104us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 761,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,218,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 16,933,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 761,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 22,151,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 22,912,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (18,062,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,850,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 7,366,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CedarRimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Charlesbank Apartment Homes [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-13      
Property Location Watertown, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2012      
Number of apartment homes 44us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,399,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 11,726,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 182,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 3,399,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,908,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 15,307,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 532,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,775,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 8,366,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CharlesbankApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Chestnut Hall [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-06 [4]      
Property Location Philadelphia, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1923      
Number of apartment homes 315us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 12,338,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 14,299,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 7,996,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 12,338,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 22,295,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 34,633,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,254,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,379,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 16,823,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHallMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Chestnut Hill Village [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Apr-00 [4]      
Property Location Philadelphia, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1963      
Number of apartment homes 821us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 6,469,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 49,316,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 46,477,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 6,469,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 95,793,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 102,262,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (57,987,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 44,275,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 55,399,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChestnutHillVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Chimneys of Cradle Rock [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jun-04 [4]      
Property Location Columbia, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1979      
Number of apartment homes 198us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,040,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 8,108,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 42,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,040,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,150,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 10,190,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,405,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 7,785,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 15,895,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ChimneysOfCradleRockMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Colony at Kenilworth [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location Towson, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1966      
Number of apartment homes 383us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,403,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 18,799,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 16,318,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,403,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 35,117,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 37,520,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (22,942,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,578,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 22,638,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColonyAtKenilworthMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Columbus Avenue [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-03 [4]      
Property Location New York, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1880      
Number of apartment homes 59us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 35,527,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 9,450,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,759,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 35,527,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 14,209,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 49,736,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (7,764,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 41,972,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 27,358,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ColumbusAvenueMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Creekside [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-00 [4]      
Property Location Denver, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1974      
Number of apartment homes 328us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,189,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 12,698,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,828,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,189,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 18,526,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 21,715,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,067,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 10,648,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 12,228,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CreeksideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Crescent at West Hollywood, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location West Hollywood, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1985      
Number of apartment homes 130us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 15,765,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 10,215,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 14,161,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 15,765,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 24,376,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 40,141,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (17,243,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 22,898,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrescentAtWestHollywoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Eastpointe [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Dec-14      
Property Location Boulder, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 140us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 15,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,705,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 15,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 2,705,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 18,005,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 4,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 18,001,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EastpointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Elm Creek [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-97 [4]      
Property Location Elmhurst, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987      
Number of apartment homes 400us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 5,910,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 30,830,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 29,444,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 5,910,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 60,274,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 66,184,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (25,360,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 40,824,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 40,729,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ElmCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Evanston Place [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-97 [4]      
Property Location Evanston, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1990      
Number of apartment homes 189us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,232,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 25,546,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 7,350,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,232,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 32,896,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 36,128,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (15,087,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 21,041,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 20,327,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_EvanstonPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Farmingdale [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-00 [4]      
Property Location Darien, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1975      
Number of apartment homes 240us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 11,763,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 15,174,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 10,968,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 11,763,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 26,142,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 37,905,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (14,074,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,831,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 15,521,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FarmingdaleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Flamingo Towers [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-97 [4]      
Property Location Miami Beach, FL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1960      
Number of apartment homes 1,186us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 32,430,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 48,808,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 243,485,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 32,430,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 292,293,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 324,723,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (126,044,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 198,679,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 111,240,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FlamingoTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Four Quarters Habitat [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Miami, FL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 336us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,379,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 17,199,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 19,979,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,379,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 37,178,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 39,557,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (21,325,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 18,232,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 7,747,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FourQuartersHabitatMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Foxchase [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Dec-97 [4]      
Property Location Alexandria, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1940      
Number of apartment homes 2,113us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 15,496,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 96,062,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 35,313,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 15,496,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 131,375,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 146,871,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (69,046,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 77,825,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 242,143,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FoxchaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Georgetown [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Framingham, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1964      
Number of apartment homes 207us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 12,351,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 13,168,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,420,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 12,351,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 15,588,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 27,939,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (6,238,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 21,701,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 8,804,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Granada [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Framingham, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1958      
Number of apartment homes 72us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 4,577,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,057,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 841,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 4,577,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 4,898,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 9,475,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,593,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,882,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,949,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GeorgetownTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Grand Pointe [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Dec-99 [4]      
Property Location Columbia, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1972      
Number of apartment homes 325us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,714,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 16,771,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,058,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,714,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 22,829,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 25,543,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,683,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,860,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 15,325,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GrandPointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Greens [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-94 [4]      
Property Location Chandler, AZ      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2000      
Number of apartment homes 324us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,303,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 713,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 25,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,303,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 26,313,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 28,616,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (14,939,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,677,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 8,320,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_GreensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Heritage Park Escondido [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-00 [4]      
Property Location Escondido, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 196us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,055,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,565,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,515,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,055,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 9,080,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 10,135,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,726,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,409,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 7,039,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkEscondidoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Heritage Park Livermore [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-00 [4]      
Property Location Livermore, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1988      
Number of apartment homes 167us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 10,209,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,433,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,642,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 11,642,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (6,627,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,015,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 7,270,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageParkLivermoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Heritage Village Anaheim [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-00 [4]      
Property Location Anaheim, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 196us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,832,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 8,541,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,451,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,832,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 9,992,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 11,824,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (6,063,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,761,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 8,543,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HeritageVillageAnaheimMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hidden Cove [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-98 [4]      
Property Location Escondido, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1983      
Number of apartment homes 334us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,043,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 17,616,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 8,790,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,043,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 26,406,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 29,449,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (13,804,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 15,645,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 36,041,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hidden Cove II [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-07 [4]      
Property Location Escondido, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 118us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 12,849,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,530,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,864,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 12,849,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 13,394,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 26,243,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (6,697,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,546,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 14,599,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HiddenCoveTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hillcreste [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Century City, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1989      
Number of apartment homes 315us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 35,862,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 47,216,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 21,660,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 35,862,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 68,876,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 104,738,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (33,133,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 71,605,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 69,016,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillcresteMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hillmeade [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Nov-94 [4]      
Property Location Nashville, TN      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 288us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,872,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 16,070,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 11,697,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,872,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 27,767,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 30,639,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (15,686,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,953,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 16,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HillmeadeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Horizons West Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-06 [4]      
Property Location Pacifica, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 78us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 8,887,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,377,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,184,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 8,887,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,561,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 17,448,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,390,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,058,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HorizonsWestApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hunt Club [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Sep-00 [4]      
Property Location Gaithersburg, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 336us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 17,859,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 13,149,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 8,977,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 17,859,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 22,126,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 39,985,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (10,862,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 29,123,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntClubTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hunters Chase [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-01 [4]      
Property Location Midlothian, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1985      
Number of apartment homes 320us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 7,935,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,915,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,063,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 7,935,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 10,978,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 18,913,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (4,838,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,075,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 15,038,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersChaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hunters Glen [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location Plainsboro, NJ      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 896us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 8,778,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 47,259,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 41,137,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 8,778,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 88,396,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 97,174,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (63,347,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 33,827,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 63,322,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HuntersGlenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hyde Park Tower [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-04 [4]      
Property Location Chicago, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1990      
Number of apartment homes 155us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 4,731,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 14,927,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,938,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 4,731,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 18,865,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 23,596,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,050,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 18,546,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 13,769,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HydeParkTowerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Indian Oaks [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Simi Valley, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 254us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 24,523,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 15,801,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,093,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 24,523,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 20,894,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 45,417,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,523,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 35,894,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 30,611,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IndianOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Island Club [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-00 [4]      
Property Location Oceanside, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 592us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 18,027,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 28,654,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 14,736,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 18,027,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 43,390,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 61,417,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (25,222,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 36,195,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 60,075,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IslandClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Key Towers [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Apr-01 [4]      
Property Location Alexandria, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1964      
Number of apartment homes 140us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,526,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,050,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,445,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,526,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 13,495,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 15,021,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,042,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,979,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 10,118,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KeyTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Lakeside [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location Lisle, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1972      
Number of apartment homes 568us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 5,840,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 27,937,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 32,254,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 5,840,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 60,191,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 66,031,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (38,982,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 27,049,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 27,336,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Lakeside at Vinings Mountain [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-00 [4]      
Property Location Atlanta, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1983      
Number of apartment homes 220us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,111,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 11,862,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 15,661,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,111,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 27,523,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 29,634,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (19,180,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 10,454,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 14,228,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LakesideAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Latrobe [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-03 [4]      
Property Location Washington, DC      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 175us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,459,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 9,103,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 16,492,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,459,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 25,595,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 29,054,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (17,701,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 11,353,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 28,969,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LatrobeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Lincoln Place Garden (5) [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden [5]      
Date Consolidated Oct-04 [4],[5]      
Property Location Venice, CA [5]      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1951 [5]      
Number of apartment homes 767us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Initial Cost, Land 128,332,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1],[5]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 10,439,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1],[5]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 330,252,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2],[5]      
Land 44,197,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Buildings and Improvements 340,691,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Total 384,888,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3],[5]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (15,023,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 369,865,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Encumbrances 175,864,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LincolnPlaceGardenMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Lodge at Chattahoochee, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location Sandy Springs, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 312us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,335,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 16,370,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 24,029,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,335,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 40,399,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 42,734,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (26,625,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,109,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 20,875,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LodgeAtChattahoocheeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Malibu Canyon [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Calabasas, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 698us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 69,834,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 53,438,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 21,341,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 69,834,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 74,779,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 144,613,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (33,699,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 110,914,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 113,768,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MalibuCanyonMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Maple Bay [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Dec-99 [4]      
Property Location Virginia Beach, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1971      
Number of apartment homes 414us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,597,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 16,141,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 28,046,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,597,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 44,187,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 46,784,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (29,527,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,257,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 30,458,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MapleBayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Mariners Cove [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location San Diego, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1984      
Number of apartment homes 500us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 66,861,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 7,775,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 74,636,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 74,636,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (29,968,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 44,668,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 783,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MarinersCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Meadow Creek [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-94 [4]      
Property Location Boulder, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1968      
Number of apartment homes 332us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,435,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 24,533,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,627,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,435,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 30,160,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 31,595,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (15,806,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 15,789,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MeadowCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Merrill House [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-00 [4]      
Property Location Falls Church, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1964      
Number of apartment homes 159us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,836,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 10,831,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 7,028,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,836,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 17,859,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 19,695,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (8,589,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 11,106,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 18,221,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MerrillHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Monterey Grove [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jun-08 [4]      
Property Location San Jose, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1999      
Number of apartment homes 224us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 34,325,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 21,939,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,820,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 34,325,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 25,759,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 60,084,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (8,081,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 52,003,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_MontereyGroveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Ocean House on Prospect [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Apr-13 [4]      
Property Location La Jolla, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 60us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 12,528,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 18,805,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,407,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 12,528,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 21,212,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 33,740,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,012,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 32,728,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 14,331,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OceanHouseonProspectMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Pacific Bay Vistas (5) [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden [5]      
Date Consolidated Mar-01 [4],[5]      
Property Location San Bruno, CA [5]      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987 [5]      
Number of apartment homes 308us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Initial Cost, Land 28,694,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1],[5]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 62,460,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1],[5]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 36,795,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2],[5]      
Land 22,994,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Buildings and Improvements 99,254,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Total 122,248,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3],[5]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (7,984,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 114,264,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Encumbrances 71,133,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificBayVistasMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[5]      
Pacifica Park [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-06 [4]      
Property Location Pacifica, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1977      
Number of apartment homes 104us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 12,970,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,579,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,680,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 12,970,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 10,259,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 23,229,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (4,720,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 18,509,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 11,916,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PacificaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Palazzo at Park La Brea, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Feb-04 [4]      
Property Location Los Angeles, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2002      
Number of apartment homes 521us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 48,362,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 125,464,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 29,124,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 48,362,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 154,588,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 202,950,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (58,682,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 144,268,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 115,755,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Palazzo East at Park La Brea, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-05 [4]      
Property Location Los Angeles, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2005      
Number of apartment homes 611us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 72,578,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 136,503,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 16,218,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 72,578,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 152,721,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 225,299,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (55,801,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 169,498,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 120,269,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PalazzoEastAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Park Towne Place [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Apr-00 [4]      
Property Location Philadelphia, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1959      
Number of apartment homes 959us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 10,472,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 47,301,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 145,860,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 10,472,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 193,161,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 203,633,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (51,541,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 152,092,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkTownePlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Parkway [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-00 [4]      
Property Location Willamsburg, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1971      
Number of apartment homes 148us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 386,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,834,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,898,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 386,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 5,732,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 6,118,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,463,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,655,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 8,460,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwayMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Pathfinder Village [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Fremont, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1973      
Number of apartment homes 246us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 19,595,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 14,838,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 9,928,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 19,595,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 24,766,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 44,361,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,992,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 34,369,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 40,251,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PathfinderVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Peachtree Park [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-96 [4]      
Property Location Atlanta, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1969      
Number of apartment homes 303us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 4,684,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 11,713,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 12,952,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 4,684,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 24,665,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 29,349,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (13,146,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,203,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 7,743,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeachtreeParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Peak At Vinings Mountain, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-00 [4]      
Property Location Atlanta, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 280us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,651,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 13,660,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 18,350,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,651,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 32,010,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 34,661,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (22,611,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,050,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 15,033,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Peakview Place [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-00 [4]      
Property Location Englewood, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1975      
Number of apartment homes 296us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,442,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 18,248,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,442,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 18,248,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 21,690,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,836,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,854,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 11,874,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PeakviewPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Plantation Gardens [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location Plantation ,FL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1971      
Number of apartment homes 372us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,773,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 19,443,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 19,004,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,773,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 38,447,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 42,220,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (18,971,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,249,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 22,201,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlantationGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Post Ridge [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-00 [4]      
Property Location Nashville, TN      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1972      
Number of apartment homes 150us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,883,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,712,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,478,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,883,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,190,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 13,073,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (6,861,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,212,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 5,577,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PostRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Preserve at Marin [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Aug-11 [4]      
Property Location Corte Madera, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1964      
Number of apartment homes 126us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 18,179,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 30,132,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 75,232,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 18,179,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 105,364,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 123,543,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,034,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 121,509,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 39,152,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PreserveAtMarinMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Ramblewood [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Dec-99 [4]      
Property Location Wyoming, MI      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1973      
Number of apartment homes 1,707us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 8,661,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 61,082,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 10,783,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 8,661,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 71,865,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 80,526,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (28,954,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 51,572,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 32,808,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RamblewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Ravensworth Towers [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jun-04 [4]      
Property Location Annandale, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1974      
Number of apartment homes 219us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,455,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 17,157,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,669,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,455,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 19,826,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 23,281,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,461,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 11,820,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 21,992,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RavensworthTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Reflections [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Sep-00 [4]      
Property Location Virginia Beach, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987      
Number of apartment homes 480us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 15,988,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 13,684,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,985,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 15,988,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 18,669,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 34,657,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,505,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 25,152,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 29,877,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ReflectionsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
River Club, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Apr-05 [4]      
Property Location Edgewater, NJ      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1998      
Number of apartment homes 266us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 30,579,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 30,638,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,843,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 30,579,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 33,481,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 64,060,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,545,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 52,515,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Riverloft [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location Philadelphia, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1910      
Number of apartment homes 184us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,120,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 11,286,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 29,065,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,120,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 40,351,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 42,471,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (16,777,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 25,694,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 13,923,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverloftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Riverside [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Apr-00 [4]      
Property Location Alexandria ,VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1973      
Number of apartment homes 1,222us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 10,493,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 65,473,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 88,226,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 10,493,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 153,699,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 164,192,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (106,201,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 57,991,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 116,213,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiversideMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Rosewood [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Camarillo, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 152us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 12,430,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 8,060,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,540,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 12,430,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 24,030,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (4,927,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,103,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 16,971,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RosewoodMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Royal Crest Estates [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Warwick, RI      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1972      
Number of apartment homes 492us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 22,433,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 24,095,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,218,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 22,433,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 29,313,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 51,746,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (16,627,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 35,119,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 35,293,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Royal Crest Estates [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Nashua, NH      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 902us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 68,230,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 45,562,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 9,142,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 68,230,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 54,704,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 122,934,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (34,008,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 88,926,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 36,210,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Royal Crest Estates [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Marlborough, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 473us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 25,178,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 28,786,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 8,965,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 25,178,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 37,751,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 62,929,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (19,208,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 43,721,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 32,807,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesThreeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Royal Crest Estates [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location North Andover, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 588us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 51,292,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 36,808,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 20,516,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 51,292,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 57,324,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 108,616,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (25,770,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 82,846,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoyalCrestEstatesFourMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
San Melia [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-12 [4]      
Property Location Phoenix, AZ      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1998      
Number of apartment homes 488us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 16,631,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 55,679,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,724,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 16,631,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 61,403,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 78,034,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (6,750,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 71,284,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 30,592,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanMeliaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Savannah Trace [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-01 [4]      
Property Location Shaumburg, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 368us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 13,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 20,731,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,604,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 13,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 25,335,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 39,295,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (12,512,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 26,783,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 24,575,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SavannahTraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Saybrook Point [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Dec-14      
Property Location San Jose, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1995      
Number of apartment homes 324us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 32,842,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 84,457,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 32,842,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 84,457,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 117,299,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 117,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 117,182,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 64,817,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SaybrookPointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Scotchollow [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location San Mateo, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1971      
Number of apartment homes 418us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 49,475,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 17,756,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 12,034,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 49,475,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 29,790,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 79,265,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (12,686,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 66,579,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 77,071,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ScotchollowMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Shenandoah Crossing [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Sep-00 [4]      
Property Location Fairfax, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1984      
Number of apartment homes 640us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 18,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 57,198,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 17,777,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 18,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 74,975,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 93,175,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (39,868,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 53,307,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 63,444,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShenandoahCrossingMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Springwoods at Lake Ridge [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jul-02 [4]      
Property Location Woodbridge, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1984      
Number of apartment homes 180us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 5,587,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,284,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,643,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 5,587,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 9,927,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 15,514,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,632,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,882,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 13,092,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpringwoodsAtLakeRidgeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Spyglass at Cedar Cove [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Sep-00 [4]      
Property Location Lexington Park, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1985      
Number of apartment homes 152us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,241,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,094,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,165,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,241,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,259,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 11,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (4,893,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,607,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 9,755,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SpyglassAtCedarCoveMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Stafford [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-02 [4]      
Property Location Baltimore, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1889      
Number of apartment homes 96us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 562,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,033,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,176,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 562,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,209,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 8,771,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,529,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 3,242,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,977,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StaffordMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Steeplechase [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Sep-00 [4]      
Property Location Largo, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1986      
Number of apartment homes 240us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,675,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 16,111,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,808,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,675,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 20,919,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 24,594,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (10,725,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,869,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SteeplechaseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Sterling Apartment Homes, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location Philadelphia, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1961      
Number of apartment homes 536us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 8,871,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 55,365,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 48,901,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 8,871,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 104,266,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 113,137,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (46,219,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 66,918,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 71,505,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SterlingApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Stone Creek Club [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Sep-00 [4]      
Property Location Germantown, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1984      
Number of apartment homes 240us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 13,593,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 9,347,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 13,593,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 15,987,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 29,580,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,423,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 20,157,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StoneCreekClubMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Timbers at Long Reach Apartment Homes [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Apr-05      
Property Location Columbia, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1979      
Number of apartment homes 178us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,430,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 12,181,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 613,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 2,430,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 12,794,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 15,224,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 6,444,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 8,780,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 13,121,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TimbersatLongReachApartmentHomesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Towers Of Westchester Park, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location College Park, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1972      
Number of apartment homes 303us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 15,198,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 22,029,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 10,963,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 15,198,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 32,992,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 48,190,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,766,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 36,424,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 25,467,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TowersOfWestchesterParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Township At Highlands [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Town Home      
Date Consolidated Nov-96 [4]      
Property Location Centennial, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1985      
Number of apartment homes 161us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,536,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 9,773,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,435,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,536,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 16,208,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 17,744,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,477,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 8,267,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 15,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TownshipAtHighlandsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Tremont [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-14      
Property Location Atlanta, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2009      
Number of apartment homes 78us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 5,155,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 18,130,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Land 5,155,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 18,130,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 23,285,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 25,000us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,260,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TremontMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Twin Lake Towers [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location Westmont, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1969      
Number of apartment homes 399us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,268,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 18,763,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 38,885,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,268,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 57,648,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 60,916,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (40,980,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 19,936,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 31,691,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TwinLakeTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Vantage Pointe [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Swampscott, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987      
Number of apartment homes 96us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 4,748,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 10,089,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,188,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 4,748,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,277,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 16,025,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,953,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,072,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 5,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VantagePointeMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Views at Vinings Mountain, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Atlanta, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1983      
Number of apartment homes 180us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 610,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,026,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 12,004,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 610,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 17,030,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 17,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (14,963,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,677,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ViewsAtViningsMountainMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Villa Del Sol [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Norwalk, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1972      
Number of apartment homes 120us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 7,476,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,861,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,339,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 7,476,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 7,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 14,676,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,881,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 10,795,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 11,432,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillaDelSolMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Village of Pennbrook [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-98 [4]      
Property Location Levittown, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1969      
Number of apartment homes 722us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 10,240,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 38,222,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 13,110,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 10,240,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 51,332,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 61,572,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (30,337,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 31,235,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 44,883,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillageOfPennbrookMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Villas at Park La Brea, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Los Angeles, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 2002      
Number of apartment homes 250us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 8,630,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 48,871,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,086,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 8,630,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 54,957,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 63,587,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (23,191,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 40,396,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 21,428,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VillasAtParkLaBreaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Waterford Village [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Bridgewater, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1971      
Number of apartment homes 588us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 29,110,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 28,101,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,143,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 29,110,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 31,244,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 60,354,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (21,275,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 39,079,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 38,014,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Waterways Village [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jun-97 [4]      
Property Location Aventura, FL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1994      
Number of apartment homes 180us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 4,504,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 11,064,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,701,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 4,504,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 16,765,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 21,269,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (8,367,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,902,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaterwaysVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Waverly Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-08 [4]      
Property Location Brighton, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 103us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 7,920,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 11,347,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,040,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 7,920,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 13,387,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 21,307,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,822,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 17,485,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 12,459,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WaverlyApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Wexford Village [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Aug-02 [4]      
Property Location Worcester, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1974      
Number of apartment homes 264us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 6,349,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 17,939,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 6,349,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 19,639,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 25,988,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,869,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,119,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 10,188,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WexfordVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Willow Bend [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated May-98 [4]      
Property Location Rolling Meadows, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1969      
Number of apartment homes 328us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,717,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 15,437,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 26,480,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,717,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 41,917,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 44,634,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (28,596,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 16,038,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 18,386,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WillowBendMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Windrift [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-01 [4]      
Property Location Oceanside, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987      
Number of apartment homes 404us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 24,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 17,590,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 20,375,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 24,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 37,965,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 62,925,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (25,980,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 36,945,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 41,863,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindriftMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Windsor Park [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-01 [4]      
Property Location Woodbridge, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1987      
Number of apartment homes 220us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 4,279,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 15,970,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,327,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 4,279,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 21,297,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 25,576,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,834,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 15,742,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 18,294,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WindsorParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Woods of williamsburg [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Williamsburg, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 125us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 798,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,657,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,192,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 798,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 4,849,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 5,647,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,872,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 1,775,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodsOfWilliamsburgMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Yacht Club at Brickell [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-03 [4]      
Property Location Miami, FL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1998      
Number of apartment homes 357us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 31,362,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 32,214,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 9,431,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 31,362,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 41,645,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 73,007,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (12,334,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 60,673,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 48,229,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YachtClubAtBrickellMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Yorktown Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-99 [4]      
Property Location Lombard, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1971      
Number of apartment homes 364us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,055,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 18,162,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 33,672,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,055,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 51,834,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 54,889,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (22,109,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 32,780,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 30,937,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_YorktownApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Affordable Properties [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Number of apartment homes 8,132us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 41,251,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 376,861,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 351,448,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 41,251,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 728,309,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 769,560,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (390,180,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 379,380,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 355,814,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AffordablePropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
All Hallows [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location San Francisco, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 157us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,338,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 29,770,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 20,911,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,338,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 50,681,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 52,019,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (27,472,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 24,547,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 22,885,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_AllHallowsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Arvada House [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Nov-04 [4]      
Property Location Arvada, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1977      
Number of apartment homes 88us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 405,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,314,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,364,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 405,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 5,678,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 6,083,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,447,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 3,636,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,956,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ArvadaHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Bayview [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jun-05 [4]      
Property Location San Francisco, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 146us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 582,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 15,265,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 17,710,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 582,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 32,975,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 33,557,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (19,668,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,889,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 11,704,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BayviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Beacon Hill [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Hillsdale, MI      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 198us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,094,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,044,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,290,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,094,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 13,334,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 14,428,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,920,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 8,508,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 6,889,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BeaconHillMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Biltmore Towers [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Dayton, OH      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 230us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,814,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,411,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 12,963,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,814,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 19,374,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 21,188,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (11,870,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,318,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 10,331,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_BiltmoreTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Butternut Creek [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Charlotte, MI      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 100us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 505,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,617,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,902,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 505,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 7,519,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 8,024,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,575,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,449,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 4,049,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ButternutCreekMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Carriage House [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Dec-06 [4]      
Property Location Petersburg, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1885      
Number of apartment homes 118us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 716,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,886,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,990,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 716,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 6,876,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 7,592,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,608,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 3,984,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 1,863,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CarriageHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
City Line [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Newport News, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 200us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,014,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 7,386,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 9,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 9,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (4,855,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,045,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 4,428,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CityLineMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Copperwood I Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Apr-06 [4]      
Property Location The Woodlands, TX      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 150us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 383,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 8,373,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,507,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 383,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 13,880,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 14,263,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (12,086,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,177,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 5,242,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodOneApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Copperwood II Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-05 [4]      
Property Location The Woodlands, TX      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1981      
Number of apartment homes 150us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 459,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,553,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,563,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 459,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 9,116,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 9,575,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,543,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,032,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 5,408,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CopperwoodTwoApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Country Club Heights [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-04 [4]      
Property Location Quincy, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 200us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 676,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,715,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,104,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 676,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 10,819,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 11,495,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,691,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,804,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 5,748,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CountryClubHeightsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Crevenna Oaks [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Town Home      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Burke, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1979      
Number of apartment homes 50us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,203,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 417,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 5,620,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 5,620,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,940,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,680,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,653,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_CrevennaOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Fountain Place [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Connersville, IN      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 102us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 378,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,091,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,104,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 378,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 5,195,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 5,573,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,730,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 3,843,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 964,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_FountainPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Hopkins Village [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-03 [4]      
Property Location Baltimore, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1979      
Number of apartment homes 165us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 549,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,973,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,692,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 549,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 9,665,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 10,214,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,924,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,290,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 9,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_HopkinsVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Ingram Square [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location San Antonio, TX      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 120us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,136,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,866,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 9,002,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 9,802,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,112,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,690,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,376,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_IngramSquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Kirkwood House [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-04 [4]      
Property Location Baltimore, MD      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1979      
Number of apartment homes 261us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,337,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 9,358,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 8,817,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,337,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 18,175,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 19,512,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (7,641,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 11,871,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 16,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_KirkwoodHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
La Salle [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-00 [4]      
Property Location San Francisco, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 145us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,866,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 19,567,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 17,829,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,866,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 37,396,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 39,262,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (24,179,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 15,083,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 17,882,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaSalleMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
La Vista [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Concord, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1981      
Number of apartment homes 75us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 581,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,449,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,420,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 581,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,869,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 9,450,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,290,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,160,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 5,055,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LaVistaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Loring Towers [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-02 [4]      
Property Location Minneapolis, MN      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1975      
Number of apartment homes 230us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 886,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,445,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 8,061,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 886,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 15,506,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 16,392,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (6,923,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,469,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 9,739,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Loring Towers Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-03 [4]      
Property Location Salem, MA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1973      
Number of apartment homes 250us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 187,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 14,050,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 7,717,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 187,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 21,767,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 21,954,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (8,976,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,978,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 10,519,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_LoringTowersApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
New Baltimore [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location New Baltimore, MI      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 101us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 896,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,360,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,270,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 896,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 7,630,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 8,526,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,773,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,753,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,026,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NewBaltimoreMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Northpoint [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-00 [4]      
Property Location Chicago, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1921      
Number of apartment homes 304us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 2,510,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 14,334,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 15,382,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 2,510,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 29,716,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 32,226,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (20,880,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 11,346,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 17,767,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_NorthpointMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Panorama Park [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Bakersfield, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1982      
Number of apartment homes 66us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 521,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,520,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,165,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 521,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 6,685,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 7,206,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,194,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,012,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 1,896,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PanoramaParkMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Parc Chateau I [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Lithonia, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1973      
Number of apartment homes 86us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 592,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 1,435,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 592,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 1,435,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 2,027,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,383,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 644,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Parc Chateau II [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Lithonia, GA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1974      
Number of apartment homes 88us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 596,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,965,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 28,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 596,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 2,993,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 3,589,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,356,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 1,233,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParcChateauTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Park Place [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Jun-05 [4]      
Property Location St Louis, MO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1977      
Number of apartment homes 242us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 705,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,327,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 8,176,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 705,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 14,503,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 15,208,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (10,318,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,890,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 8,729,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Parkways, The [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Jun-04 [4]      
Property Location Chicago, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1925      
Number of apartment homes 446us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,426,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 23,257,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 20,546,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,426,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 43,803,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 47,229,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (23,575,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 23,654,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 17,901,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ParkwaysMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Pavilion [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-04 [4]      
Property Location Philadelphia, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 296us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 15,415,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,064,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 17,479,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 17,479,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (8,270,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,209,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 7,040,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PavilionMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Pleasant Hills [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Apr-05 [4]      
Property Location Austin, TX      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1982      
Number of apartment homes 100us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,229,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,631,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,770,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,229,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 6,401,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 7,630,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,498,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 4,132,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,001,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PleasantHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Plummer Village [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location North Hills, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1983      
Number of apartment homes 75us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 666,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,647,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 1,738,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 666,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 4,385,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 5,051,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,900,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,151,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,386,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_PlummerVillageMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Riverwoods [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Kankakee, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1983      
Number of apartment homes 125us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 598,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 4,931,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,611,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 598,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,542,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 9,140,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,247,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,893,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,530,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RiverwoodsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Round Barn Manor [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Champaign, IL      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1979      
Number of apartment homes 156us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 810,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,134,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,003,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 810,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,137,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 11,947,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,498,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 8,449,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 4,408,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_RoundBarnManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
San Jose Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Sep-05 [4]      
Property Location San Antonio, TX      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1970      
Number of apartment homes 220us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 234,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,770,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 12,132,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 234,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 17,902,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 18,136,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (8,890,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 9,246,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 4,451,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJoseApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
San Juan Del Centro [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-05 [4]      
Property Location Boulder, CO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1971      
Number of apartment homes 150us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 439,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,110,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 12,989,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 439,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 20,099,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 20,538,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,758,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 10,780,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 11,856,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SanJuanDelCentroMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Shoreview [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-99 [4]      
Property Location San Francisco, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1976      
Number of apartment homes 156us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,476,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 19,071,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 19,533,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,476,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 38,604,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 40,080,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (25,531,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 14,549,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 19,190,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_ShoreviewMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
South Bay Villa [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Los Angeles, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1981      
Number of apartment homes 80us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,352,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,770,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,937,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,352,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 6,707,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 8,059,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,608,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,451,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,811,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SouthBayVillaMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Stonegate Apts [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Jul-09 [4]      
Property Location Indianapolis, IN      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1920      
Number of apartment homes 52us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 122,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 1,920,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 747,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 122,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 2,667,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 2,789,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (1,434,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 1,355,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 1,825,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_StonegateAptsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Summit Oaks [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Town Home      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Burke, VA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 50us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,311,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 421,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 5,732,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 5,732,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,836,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,896,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,642,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_SummitOaksMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Tamarac Pines Apartments I [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Nov-04 [4]      
Property Location Woodlands, TX      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 144us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 363,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 2,775,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,958,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 363,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 6,733,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 7,096,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,725,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 3,371,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,788,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsOneMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Tamarac Pines Apartments II [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Nov-04 [4]      
Property Location Woodlands, TX      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 156us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 266,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,195,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 3,953,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 266,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 7,148,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 7,414,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (3,528,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 3,886,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 4,103,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TamaracPInesApartmentsTwoMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Terry Manor [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Oct-05 [4]      
Property Location Los Angeles, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1977      
Number of apartment homes 170us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 1,997,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,848,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 6,804,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 1,997,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 12,652,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 14,649,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,542,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,107,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 6,389,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TerryManorMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Tompkins Terrace [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-02 [4]      
Property Location Beacon, NY      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1974      
Number of apartment homes 193us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 872,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 6,827,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 14,073,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 872,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 20,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 21,772,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (9,065,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 12,707,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 6,748,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_TompkinsTerraceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
University Square [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-05 [4]      
Property Location Philadelphia, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1978      
Number of apartment homes 442us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 702,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 12,201,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 9,670,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 702,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 21,871,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 22,573,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (8,764,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 13,809,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 17,161,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_UniversitySquareMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Van Nuys Apartments [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-02 [4]      
Property Location Los Angeles, CA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1981      
Number of apartment homes 299us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 3,576,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 21,226,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 23,339,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 3,576,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 44,565,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 48,141,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (16,511,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 31,630,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 24,440,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_VanNuysApartmentsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Wah Luck House [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Washington, DC      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1982      
Number of apartment homes 153us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 7,772,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 637,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,409,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 8,409,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,700,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,709,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 6,159,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WahLuckHouseMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Walnut Hills [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Jan-06 [4]      
Property Location Cincinnati, OH      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1983      
Number of apartment homes 198us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 826,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 5,608,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 5,565,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 826,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 11,173,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 11,999,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,039,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 6,960,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 5,386,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WalnutHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Washington Square West [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Mid Rise      
Date Consolidated Sep-04 [4]      
Property Location Philadelphia, PA      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1982      
Number of apartment homes 132us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 582,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 11,169,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,827,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 582,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 15,996,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 16,578,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (10,610,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,968,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,554,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WashingtonSquareWestMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Whitefield Place [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Apr-05 [4]      
Property Location San Antonio, TX      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 80us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 219,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,151,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 2,143,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 219,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 5,294,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 5,513,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,744,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 2,769,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 2,072,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WhitefieldPlaceMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Winter Gardens [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type High Rise      
Date Consolidated Mar-04 [4]      
Property Location St Louis, MO      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1920      
Number of apartment homes 112us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,072,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,659,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 7,731,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 8,031,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (2,352,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 5,679,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,429,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WinterGardensMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Woodland Hills [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Property Type Garden      
Date Consolidated Oct-05 [4]      
Property Location Jackson, MI      
Year Built Jan. 01, 1980      
Number of apartment homes 125us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Initial Cost, Land 320,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 3,875,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 4,695,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2]      
Land 320,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Buildings and Improvements 8,570,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total 8,890,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) (5,201,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 3,689,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Encumbrances 3,335,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_WoodlandHillsMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
     
Other [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Number of apartment homes 0us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[6]      
Initial Cost, Land 73,772,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1],[6]      
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements 71,067,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[1],[6]      
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Consolidation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[2],[6]      
Land 73,780,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[6]      
Buildings and Improvements 71,059,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[6]      
Total 144,839,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[3],[6]      
Accumulated Depreciation (AD) 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[6]      
Total Cost Net of Accumulated Depreciation 144,839,000aiv_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNetValueOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[6]      
Encumbrances $ 26,975,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= aiv_OtherPropertiesMember
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
[6]      
[1] For 2008 and prior periods, costs to acquire the noncontrolling interest’s share of our consolidated real estate partnerships were capitalized as part of the initial cost.
[2] Costs capitalized subsequent to consolidation includes costs capitalized since acquisition or first consolidation of the partnership/apartment community.
[3] The aggregate cost of land and depreciable property for Federal income tax purposes was approximately $3.8 billion at December 31, 2014.
[4] Date we acquired the apartment community or first consolidated the partnership which owns the apartment community.
[5] The current carrying value of the apartment community reflects an impairment loss recognized during the current period or prior periods.
[6] Other includes land parcels, commercial properties and other related costs. We exclude such properties from our residential apartment home counts