Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Components of income from discontinued operations including portions attributable to Aimco and noncontrolling interests
Rental and other property revenues	$ 2,936	$ 24,496
Property operating expenses	(1,672)	(12,326)
Depreciation and amortization	(1,095)	(7,483)
Provision for real estate impairment losses	(321)	(3,855)
Operating (loss) income	(152)	832
Interest income	54	246
Interest expense	(483)	(4,328)
Loss before gain on dispositions of real estate and income taxes	(581)	(3,250)
Gain on dispositions of real estate	35,692	7,718
Income tax expense	(240)	(74)
Income from discontinued operations, net	34,871	4,394
(Income) loss from discontinued operations attributable to Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships	(7,066)	1,272
Income from discontinued operations attributable to the Aimco operating partnership	27,805	5,666
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests in Aimco Operating Partnership	(1,828)	(381)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Aimco common stockholders	$ 25,977	$ 5,285