Other Significant Transactions (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 246,387	$ 246,843	$ 735,435	$ 742,185
Expenses	(182,366)	(179,376)	(544,704)	(543,643)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, gains or losses on dispositions and other, net	(1,983)	1,733	631	(57)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with legacy asset management business	8,279	5,005	21,014	13,110
Loss (income) allocated to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	785	(8,337)	(4,082)	(21,952)
Net income (losses) of legacy asset management business attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	21,925	128,028	179,054	269,997
Napico Portfolio [Member]
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with legacy asset management business	108	101	(1,916)	411
Loss (income) allocated to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	2,161	(1,768)	4,672	(1,580)
Net income (losses) of legacy asset management business attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	376	(143)	3,514	(1,125)
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income Expense [Member]
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Revenues	6,120	9,884	19,054	21,234
Expenses	(5,399)	(5,114)	(15,876)	(15,992)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, gains or losses on dispositions and other, net	(2,614)	(3,246)	(2,420)	(5,198)
Net (loss) income related to legacy asset management business	$ (1,893)	$ 1,524	$ 758	$ 44