Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2017	$ 1,655,753
Contributions	(20)
Common units issued during period, value	50,151
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(4,297)
Dividends and distributions on Common Stock and common OP Units	(133,030)
Redemptions of common OP Units	(7,611)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost	5,261
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(10,102)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(417)
Other	122
Net income	98,975
Balance, June 30, 2018	1,654,785
Aimco Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2017	1,663,144
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(4,297)
Dividends and distributions on Common Stock and common OP Units	(119,558)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost	4,481
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(17,385)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(395)
Other	122
Net income	88,829
Balance, June 30, 2018	1,614,941
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Real Estate Partnerships [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2017	(1,716)
Contributions	(20)
Dividends and distributions on Common Stock and common OP Units	(7,499)
Net income	6,251
Balance, June 30, 2018	(2,984)
Common Noncontrolling Interests in Aimco Operating Partnership [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2017	(5,675)
Common units issued during period, value	50,151
Dividends and distributions on Common Stock and common OP Units	(5,973)
Redemptions of common OP Units	(7,611)
Amortization of stock-based compensation cost	780
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	7,283
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(22)
Net income	3,895
Balance, June 30, 2018	$ 42,828