Aimco Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Annual Dividend Rate Per Share (paid quarterly)	1.62%	1.54%
Less preferred stock subject to repurchase agreement	$ 0	$ (20,000)
Preferred stock amounts	657,114	657,601
Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Preferred stock amounts	657,114	677,601
Class T Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Jul. 31, 2008
Annual Dividend Rate Per Share (paid quarterly)	8.00%
Preferred stock amounts	150,000	150,000
Class U Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Mar. 24, 2009
Annual Dividend Rate Per Share (paid quarterly)	7.75%
Preferred stock amounts	298,101	298,101
Class V Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Sep. 29, 2009
Annual Dividend Rate Per Share (paid quarterly)	8.00%
Preferred stock amounts	64,688	86,250
Class Y Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Dec. 21, 2009
Annual Dividend Rate Per Share (paid quarterly)	7.875%
Preferred stock amounts	86,250	86,250
Class Z Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Jul. 29, 2016
Annual Dividend Rate Per Share (paid quarterly)	7.00%
Preferred stock amounts	21,075	0
Series A Community Reinvestment Act Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Jun. 30, 2011
Preferred stock amounts	$ 37,000	$ 57,000