Aimco Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Preferred stock amounts	$ 68,114		$ 68,114
Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Annual per share dividend rate			7.86%
Class Z Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Jul. 29, 2016	[1]
Annual per share dividend rate	7.00%
Preferred stock amounts	31,114		31,114
Shares of preferred stock authorized	4,800,000		4,800,000
Shares of preferred stock issued	1,274,243		1,274,243
Shares of preferred stock outstanding	1,274,243		1,274,243
Series A Community Reinvestment Act Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Jun. 30, 2011	[1]
Annual per share dividend rate	1.50%		1.61%
Preferred stock amounts	$ 37,000		$ 37,000
Shares of preferred stock authorized	240		240
Shares of preferred stock issued	74		74
Shares of preferred stock outstanding	74		74
Dividend rate	1.25%

[1] All classes of preferred stock were or are redeemable at our option on and after the dates specified.