Earnings per Share/Unit (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements (in shares)	1.9
Participating securities outstanding (in shares)	0.8	0.5
Preferred OP Units, Distributions, Low Range	1.90%
Preferred OP Units, Distributions, High Range	8.80%
Preferred OP Units Outstanding (in shares)	3.3
Preferred noncontrolling interests in Aimco Operating Partnership	$ 87.9
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 (in shares)	2.2