Other Significant Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Financial Position Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Real estate, net	$ 5,484,023	$ 5,472,779
Cash and cash equivalents	164,490	28,971	38,402	55,751
Other assets	465,332	476,727
Total assets	6,215,453	6,097,028
Total indebtedness	3,888,284	4,135,139
Accrued and other liabilities	270,204	279,077
Total liabilities	4,292,885	4,566,986
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	235,750	233,296
Equity attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	(16,651)	(18,926)
Total liabilities and equity/partners' capital	6,215,453	6,097,028
Napico Portfolio [Member]
Schedule of Financial Position Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	43,685	44,106
Equity attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	1,064	(1,029)
Total liabilities and equity/partners' capital	168,558	161,135
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Schedule of Financial Position Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Real estate, net	116,286	117,851
Cash and cash equivalents	31,714	23,133
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships	1,854	8,392
Other assets	18,704	11,759
Total assets	168,558	161,135
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Accrued liabilities and other [Member]
Schedule of Financial Position Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Total indebtedness	113,233	113,641
Accrued and other liabilities	10,576	4,417
Total liabilities	$ 123,809	$ 118,058