Other Significant Transactions (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 246,418	$ 241,745	$ 495,342	$ 479,249
Expenses	(180,621)	(183,033)	(364,267)	(367,897)
Equity loss of unconsolidated entities, gains or losses on dispositions and other, net	189	(987)	(1,790)	(3,251)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with legacy asset management business	5,347	(169)	8,105	(274)
(Income) loss allocated to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	(2,226)	6,150	(13,615)	11,112
Net (losses) income of legacy asset management business attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	75,010	10,107	139,244	15,157
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income Expense [Member]
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Revenues	5,675	6,912	11,350	12,359
Expenses	(5,677)	(5,132)	(10,878)	(10,796)
Equity loss of unconsolidated entities, gains or losses on dispositions and other, net	41	(2,985)	(1,953)	(5,474)
Net income (loss) related to legacy asset management business	39	(1,205)	(1,481)	(3,911)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with legacy asset management business	240	(9)	349	(35)
(Income) loss allocated to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	(711)	1,569	188	4,251
Net (losses) income of legacy asset management business attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	$ (432)	$ 355	$ (944)	$ 305