Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net real estate related to VIEs	$ 5,369,420	$ 5,391,209
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	38,402	55,751
Restricted cash related to VIEs	160,816	127,037
Other assets related to VIEs	514,514	505,416
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	4,284,763	4,337,785
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	289,615	287,595
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	505,787,260	505,787,260
Common Stock, shares issued	146,099,689	145,917,387
Common Stock, shares outstanding	146,099,689	145,917,387
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Net real estate related to VIEs	5,369,420	5,391,209
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	38,402	55,751
Restricted cash related to VIEs	160,816	127,037
Other assets related to VIEs	514,514	505,416
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	4,284,763	4,337,785
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	289,615	287,595
Common Stock, shares outstanding	153,911,534
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Net real estate related to VIEs	385,853	392,245
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	22,943	24,094
Restricted cash related to VIEs	38,135	36,369
Other assets related to VIEs	210,762	211,286
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	354,084	355,372
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	142,014	140,910
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Net real estate related to VIEs	385,853	392,245
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	22,943	24,094
Restricted cash related to VIEs	38,135	36,369
Other assets related to VIEs	210,762	211,286
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	354,084	355,372
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	$ 142,014	$ 140,910