Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of common OP Units	$ (3,015)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	3,033
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(19)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle	62,467
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,125)
Other	78
Net income	15,206
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2016	1,793,845
Balance, March 31, 2017	1,683,135
Partners Capital [Member] | AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2016	1,793,845
Distributions to preferred units held by Aimco	(2,148)
Distributions to common units held by Aimco	(56,526)
Distributions to common units held by Limited Partners	(2,718)
Redemption of common OP Units	(3,015)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	3,033
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(19)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle	(62,467)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,183)
Other	78
Net income	14,255
Balance, March 31, 2017	$ 1,683,135