Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	$ 1,763,905
Preferred stock dividends	(5,515)
Common dividends and distributions	(119,330)
Redemptions of common OP Units	(2,252)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost	4,915
Stock option exercises	339
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(2,000)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,684
Other	691
Net income	272,404
Balance, June 30, 2016	1,918,841
Aimco Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	1,622,391
Preferred stock dividends	(5,515)
Common dividends and distributions	(103,359)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost	4,915
Stock option exercises	339
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(4,232)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,330
Other	797
Net income	250,490
Balance, June 30, 2016	1,771,156
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Real Estate Partnerships [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	151,365
Common dividends and distributions	(10,802)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	87
Net income	9,607
Balance, June 30, 2016	150,257
Common Noncontrolling Interests in Aimco Operating Partnership [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	(9,851)
Common dividends and distributions	(5,169)
Redemptions of common OP Units	(2,252)
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	2,232
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	267
Other	(106)
Net income	12,307
Balance, June 30, 2016	$ (2,572)