Other Significant Transactions (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
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 246,843	$ 243,943	$ 742,185	$ 723,192
Expenses	(179,376)	(179,431)	(543,643)	(547,330)
Equity loss of unconsolidated entities, gains or losses on dispositions and other, net	1,733	(1,563)	(57)	(4,812)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with legacy asset management business	5,005	87	13,110	(187)
(Income) loss allocated to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	(8,337)	(6,776)	(21,952)	4,336
Net (losses) income of legacy asset management business attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	124,706	66,268	263,948	81,549
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income Expense [Member]
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Revenues	9,884	5,676	21,234	18,036
Expenses	(5,114)	(5,311)	(15,992)	(16,107)
Equity loss of unconsolidated entities, gains or losses on dispositions and other, net	(3,246)	(2,188)	(5,198)	(7,663)
Net income (loss) related to legacy asset management business	1,524	(1,823)	44	(5,734)
Income tax benefit (expense) associated with legacy asset management business	101	8	411	(27)
(Income) loss allocated to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	(1,768)	1,725	(1,580)	5,976
Net (losses) income of legacy asset management business attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	$ (143)	$ (90)	$ (1,125)	$ 215