Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of common OP Units	$ (142)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	2,879
Stock option exercises	174
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,929
Other	780
Net income	28,159
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	1,612,540
Balance, March 31, 2016	1,592,323
Partners Capital [Member] | AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	1,612,540
Distributions to preferred units held by Aimco	(2,757)
Distributions to common units held by Aimco	(51,678)
Distributions to common units held by Limited Partners	(2,592)
Redemption of common OP Units	(142)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	2,879
Stock option exercises	174
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,890
Other	780
Net income	27,229
Balance, March 31, 2016	$ 1,592,323