Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of common OP Units	$ (1,444)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	4,459
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(1,433)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(945)
Other	91
Net income	169,366
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2014	1,208,809
Balance, June 30, 2015	1,612,962
Partners Capital [Member] | AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2014	1,208,809
Issuance of common partnership units to Aimco	366,580
Repurchase of Preferred Units from Aimco	(27,000)
Distributions to preferred units held by Aimco	(5,585)
Distributions to common units held by Aimco	(90,641)
Distributions to common units held by Limited Partners	(4,425)
Redemption of common OP Units	(1,444)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	4,459
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(1,433)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(991)
Other	134
Net income	164,499
Balance, June 30, 2015	$ 1,612,962