Other Significant Transactions (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 244,783	$ 246,418	$ 489,048	$ 495,342
Expenses	(179,140)	(180,621)	(362,338)	(364,267)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, gains or losses on dispositions and other, net	350	189	2,614	(1,790)
Income tax (expense) benefit associated with legacy asset management business	5,814	5,347	12,735	8,105
Loss (income) allocated to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	(111)	(2,226)	(4,867)	(13,615)
Net income (losses) of legacy asset management business attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	63,869	77,042	157,129	141,969
Napico Portfolio [Member]
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Income tax (expense) benefit associated with legacy asset management business	(1,005)	240	(2,024)	349
Loss (income) allocated to noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	2,105	(711)	2,511	188
Net income (losses) of legacy asset management business attributable to Aimco and the Aimco Operating Partnership	1,615	(432)	3,139	(944)
Napico Portfolio [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income Expense [Member]
Statement of Income Related to Legally Sold Portfolio [Line Items]
Revenues	6,467	5,675	12,934	11,350
Expenses	(5,067)	(5,677)	(10,477)	(10,878)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, gains or losses on dispositions and other, net	(885)	41	195	(1,953)
Net income (loss) related to legacy asset management business	$ 515	$ 39	$ 2,652	$ (1,481)