Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Redemption of common OP Units	$ (6,963)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	2,988
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(10,907)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(62)
Other	93
Net income	93,753
AIMCO Properties, LP [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2017	1,657,469
Balance, March 31, 2018	1,665,402
AIMCO Properties, LP [Member] | Partners Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2017	1,657,469
Distributions to preferred units held by Aimco	(2,148)
Distributions to common units held by Aimco	(59,777)
Distributions to common units held by Limited Partners	(2,838)
Redemption of common OP Units	(6,963)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	2,988
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(10,907)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(62)
Other	93
Net income	87,547
Balance, March 31, 2018	$ 1,665,402