Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Balance, December 31, 2013			$ 1,172,744
Contributions			10,915
Issuance of preferred stock			123,620
Repurchase of preferred stock			(9,516)
Preferred stock dividends			(5,314)
Common dividends and distributions			(151,829)
Redemptions of common OP Units			(7,581)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost			4,824
Stock option exercises			587
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities			(63)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(206)	(1,147)	(841)	(1,759)
Other			165
Net income			305,844
Balance, September 30, 2014	1,443,555		1,443,555
Aimco Equity [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Balance, December 31, 2013			967,457
Contributions
Issuance of preferred stock			123,620
Repurchase of preferred stock			(9,516)
Preferred stock dividends			(5,314)
Common dividends and distributions			(113,988)
Redemptions of common OP Units
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost			4,824
Stock option exercises			587
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities			(8,690)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss			(914)
Other			188
Net income			269,997
Balance, September 30, 2014	1,228,251		1,228,251
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Real Estate Partnerships [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Balance, December 31, 2013			233,008
Contributions			10,915
Issuance of preferred stock
Repurchase of preferred stock
Preferred stock dividends
Common dividends and distributions			(31,821)
Redemptions of common OP Units
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost
Stock option exercises
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities			(76)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss			121
Other			(23)
Net income			21,952
Balance, September 30, 2014	234,076		234,076
Common Noncontrolling Interests in Aimco Operating Partnership [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Balance, December 31, 2013			(27,721)
Contributions
Issuance of preferred stock
Repurchase of preferred stock
Preferred stock dividends
Common dividends and distributions			(6,020)
Redemptions of common OP Units			(7,581)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost
Stock option exercises
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities			8,703
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss			(48)
Other
Net income			13,895
Balance, September 30, 2014	$ (18,772)		$ (18,772)