Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of common OP Units	$ (10,448)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	5,130
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(312,723)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle	62,467
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(21)
Other	102
Net income	34,858
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2016	1,793,845
Balance, June 30, 2017	1,480,708
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	(4,297)
Distributions to common units held by Aimco	(113,054)
Distributions to common units held by Limited Partners	(5,408)
Redemption of common OP Units	(10,448)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	5,130
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(155,667)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle	(62,467)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(122)
Other	102
Net income	33,094
Balance, June 30, 2017	$ 1,480,708