Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Common units issued during period, value	$ 50,151
Redemption of common OP Units	(7,611)
Amortization of Aimco 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
AIMCO Properties, LP [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2017	1,657,469
Balance, June 30, 2018	1,657,769
AIMCO Properties, LP [Member] | Partners Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2017	1,657,469
Common units issued during period, value	50,151
Distributions to preferred units held by Aimco	(4,297)
Distributions to common units held by Aimco	(119,558)
Distributions to common units held by Limited Partners	(5,973)
Redemption of common OP Units	(7,611)
Amortization of Aimco 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	92,724
Balance, June 30, 2018	$ 1,657,769