Significant Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Asset Managed Portoflio Sale Amounts [Line Items]
Real estate, net	$ 120,175	$ 125,065
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	29,046	31,558
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships	10,817	15,987
Other assets	3,811	4,146
Total assets	163,849	176,756
Total indebtedness	106,032	107,562
Accrued and other liabilities	19,263	29,422
Total liabilities	125,295	136,984
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	233,008	271,065
Equity attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	(27,721)	(31,596)
Total liabilities and equity	6,079,413	6,401,380
Legally Sold Portfolio, Not Derecognized for Accounting Purposes [Member]
Schedule of Asset Managed Portoflio Sale Amounts [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	35,818	57,208
Equity attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	2,736	(17,436)
Total liabilities and equity	$ 163,849	$ 176,756