Earnings (Loss) per Share/Unit (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Common share/unit equivalents that may dilute earnings per share/unit in future periods	2.5
Participating securities outstanding	0.5		0.6
Method Used In Calculating Earnings Per Share	two-class method
Preferred OP Units, Distributions, Low Range	1.80%
Preferred OP Units, Distributions, High Range	8.80%
Preferred OP Units Outstanding	2.9
Preferred noncontrolling interests in Aimco Operating Partnership	$ 78,909	$ 79,953
Number of Shares of Common Stock Required to Redeem Preferred OP Units Tendered for Redemption, if Parent Chooses to Redeem in Shares Rather than Cash	2.5