Other Significant Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Financial Position Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Real estate, net	$ 5,564,185	$ 5,472,779
Cash and cash equivalents	46,835	28,971	$ 33,826	$ 55,751
Other assets	457,591	476,727
Total assets	6,157,694	6,097,028
Total indebtedness	3,866,007	4,135,139
Accrued and other liabilities	280,118	279,077
Total liabilities	4,251,667	4,566,986
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	205,123	233,296
Equity attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	(15,948)	(18,926)
Total liabilities and equity/partners' capital	6,157,694	6,097,028
Napico Portfolio [Member]
Schedule of Financial Position Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	39,948	44,106
Equity attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	3,878	(1,029)
Total liabilities and equity/partners' capital	165,066	161,135
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Schedule of Financial Position Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Real estate, net	113,395	117,851
Cash and cash equivalents	31,128	23,133
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships	1,095	8,392
Other assets	19,448	11,759
Total assets	165,066	161,135
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Accrued liabilities and other [Member]
Schedule of Financial Position Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Total indebtedness	110,850	113,641
Accrued and other liabilities	10,390	4,417
Total liabilities	$ 121,240	$ 118,058