Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net real estate related to VIEs	$ 778,372	$ 791,869
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	44,798	43,286
Restricted cash related to VIEs	40,761	44,020
Accounts receivable, net related to VIEs	6,890	8,434
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships related to VIEs	27,687	29,301
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	632,596	636,042
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	78,720	79,573
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	480,887,260	480,887,260
Common Stock, shares issued	121,351,204	120,916,294
Common Stock, shares outstanding	121,351,204	120,916,294
AIMCO PROPERTIES,L.P
Net real estate related to VIEs	778,372	791,869
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	44,798	43,286
Restricted cash related to VIEs	40,761	44,020
Accounts receivable, net related to VIEs	6,890	8,434
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships related to VIEs	27,687	29,301
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	632,596	636,042
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	$ 78,720	$ 79,573