Aimco Equity (Details 1) (Class Z Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Class Z Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Issuances of Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Number of shares of stock issued	405,090	869,153
Price to public per share	$ 24.78	$ 24.25
Underwriting discounts, commissions and transaction costs per share	$ 0.54	$ 1.25
Net proceeds per share	$ 24.24	$ 23.00
Net proceeds to Aimco	$ 9,818	$ 19,990
Issuance costs (primarily underwriting commissions) recognized as an adjustment of additional paid-in capital	$ 221	$ 1,085