Other Significant Transactions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Other Significant Transactions [Abstract]
Other Significant Transactions	NOTE 4 — Other Significant Transactions *Investments in Real Estate Properties* During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we acquired for $72.3 million a 488-unit property located in Phoenix, Arizona. In connection with the acquisition, we assumed nonrecourse property debt with an outstanding principal balance of $29.1 million and a fair value of $33.3 million. *Equity and Partners’ Capital Transactions* During the three months ended March 31, 2012, Aimco issued 405,090 shares of its 7.00% Class Z Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, through its preferred stock at-the-market, or ATM, offering program, for net proceeds per share of $24.27 (reflecting an average price to the public of $24.78 per share, less commissions and transaction costs of $0.51 per share). The offerings generated net proceeds of $9.8 million. Aimco contributed the net proceeds from the sale of such shares of preferred stock to the Aimco Operating Partnership in exchange for an equal number of the Aimco Operating Partnership’s 7.00% Class Z Cumulative Preferred Partnership Units. Acquisitions of Noncontrolling Partnership Interests During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling limited partnership interests in seven consolidated real estate partnerships that own 13 properties and in which our affiliates serve as general partner, for a total cost of $38.5 million. We recognized the $28.3 million excess of the consideration paid over the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interests acquired as an adjustment of additional paid-in capital within equity and partners’ capital (which is included in effects of changes in ownership for consolidated entities in the reconciliation of equity included in Note 2). The amount reflected in Aimco’s equity is allocated between Aimco and noncontrolling interests in the Aimco Operating Partnership.

Other Significant Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Other Significant Transactions [Abstract]

NOTE 4 — Other Significant Transactions

Investments in Real Estate Properties

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we acquired for $72.3 million a 488-unit property located in Phoenix, Arizona. In connection with the acquisition, we assumed nonrecourse property debt with an outstanding principal balance of $29.1 million and a fair value of $33.3 million.

Equity and Partners’ Capital Transactions

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, Aimco issued 405,090 shares of its 7.00% Class Z Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, through its preferred stock at-the-market, or ATM, offering program, for net proceeds per share of $24.27 (reflecting an average price to the public of $24.78 per share, less commissions and transaction costs of $0.51 per share). The offerings generated net proceeds of $9.8 million. Aimco contributed the net proceeds from the sale of such shares of preferred stock to the Aimco Operating Partnership in exchange for an equal number of the Aimco Operating Partnership’s 7.00% Class Z Cumulative Preferred Partnership Units.

Acquisitions of Noncontrolling Partnership Interests

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling limited partnership interests in seven consolidated real estate partnerships that own 13 properties and in which our affiliates serve as general partner, for a total cost of $38.5 million. We recognized the $28.3 million excess of the consideration paid over the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interests acquired as an adjustment of additional paid-in capital within equity and partners’ capital (which is included in effects of changes in ownership for consolidated entities in the reconciliation of equity included in Note 2). The amount reflected in Aimco’s equity is allocated between Aimco and noncontrolling interests in the Aimco Operating Partnership.