Disposals and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Components of income from discontinued operations including portions attributable to Aimco and noncontrolling interests
Rental and other property revenues		$ 17,969		$ 55,236
Property operating expenses		(8,843)		(25,471)
Depreciation and amortization		(4,741)		(14,459)
(Provision for) recovery of real estate impairment losses		(108)		16
Operating income		4,277		15,322
Interest income		123		316
Interest expense		(3,700)		(12,074)
Income before gain on dispositions of real estate and income tax		700		3,564
Gain on dispositions of real estate		74,664		80,656
Income tax expense		(2,929)		(2,789)
Income from discontinued operations, net	0	72,435	0	81,431
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships		(8,079)		(548)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to the Aimco Operating Partnership		64,356		80,883
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in Aimco Operating Partnership		(3,443)		(4,309)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Aimco	$ 0	$ 60,913	$ 0	$ 76,574