Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	$ 1,763,905
Preferred stock dividends	(2,757)
Common dividends and distributions	(63,862)
Redemptions of common OP Units	(142)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost	2,879
Stock option exercises	174
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,929
Other	780
Net income	28,159
Balance, March 31, 2016	1,735,065
Aimco Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	1,622,391
Preferred stock dividends	(2,757)
Common dividends and distributions	(51,678)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost	2,879
Stock option exercises	174
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(293)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,609
Other	780
Net income	26,057
Balance, March 31, 2016	1,603,162
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Real Estate Partnerships [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	151,365
Common dividends and distributions	(9,592)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	39
Net income	930
Balance, March 31, 2016	142,742
Common Noncontrolling Interests in Aimco Operating Partnership [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	(9,851)
Common dividends and distributions	(2,592)
Redemptions of common OP Units	(142)
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	293
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	281
Net income	1,172
Balance, March 31, 2016	$ (10,839)