Earnings per Share/Unit (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Participating securities outstanding (in shares)	0.2		0.7
Preferred OP Units, Distributions, Low Range	1.90%
Preferred OP Units, Distributions, High Range	8.80%
Preferred OP Units Outstanding (in shares)	3.9
Preferred noncontrolling interests in Aimco Operating Partnership	$ 103,201	$ 87,926
Number of Shares of Common Stock Required to Redeem Preferred OP Units Tendered for Redemption, if Parent Chooses to Redeem in Shares Rather than Cash (in shares)	2.2