Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net income	$ 1,670	$ 1,671
Preferred Noncontrolling Interests In Aimco Operating Partnership [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Balance, December 31, 2011	83,384
Preferred distributions	(1,670)
Redemption of preferred units	(19)
Net income	1,670
Balance, March 31, 2012	$ 83,365

Amount of net Income or Loss for the period allocated to noncontrolling preferred unit holders in an entity included in the reporting entity's consolidated financial statements.

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The carrying value (book value) of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity in Stockholders Equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

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