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Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Aimco’s accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aimco, the Aimco Operating Partnership, and their consolidated subsidiaries. The Aimco Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Aimco Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We consolidate all variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. Generally, we consolidate real estate partnerships and other entities that are not variable interest entities when we own, directly or indirectly, a majority voting interest in the entity or are otherwise able to control the entity. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Interests in the Aimco Operating Partnership that are held by limited partners other than Aimco are reflected in Aimco’s accompanying balance sheets as noncontrolling interests in Aimco Operating Partnership. Interests in partnerships consolidated into the Aimco Operating Partnership that are held by third parties are reflected in the accompanying balance sheets as noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships. The assets of consolidated real estate partnerships owned or controlled by the Aimco Operating Partnership generally are not available to pay creditors of Aimco or the Aimco Operating Partnership.

As used herein, and except where the context otherwise requires, “partnership” refers to a limited partnership or a limited liability company and “partner” refers to a partner in a limited partnership or a member in a limited liability company.

Variable Interest Entities

We consolidate all variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. Generally, a variable interest entity, or VIE, is a legal entity in which the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or the equity investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and which party controls such activities; the amount and characteristics of our investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other investors to provide financial support; and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of us and the other investors. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current and future fair values and performance of real estate held by these VIEs and general market conditions. Refer to Note 4 for further information regarding our involvement with VIEs.

Acquisition of Real Estate Assets and Related Depreciation and Amortization

We recognize at fair value the acquisition of properties or interests in partnerships that own properties if the transaction results in consolidation and we expense as incurred most related transaction costs. We allocate the cost of acquired properties to tangible assets and identified intangible assets based on their fair values. We determine the fair value of tangible assets, such as land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment, generally using internal valuation techniques that consider comparable market transactions, discounted cash flow techniques, replacement costs and other available information. We determine the fair value of identified intangible assets (or liabilities), which typically relate to in-place leases, using internal valuation techniques that consider the terms of the in-place leases, current market data for comparable leases, and our experience in leasing similar properties. The intangible assets or liabilities related to in-place leases are comprised of:

The value of the above- and below-market leases in-place. An asset or liability is recognized based on the difference between (a) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (b) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over the period, including estimated lease renewals for below-market leases, that the leases are expected to remain in effect.


2.	The estimated unamortized portion of avoided leasing commissions and other costs that ordinarily would be incurred to originate the in-place leases.


3.	The value associated with vacant units during the absorption period (estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand and stabilized occupancy levels).

The values of the above- and below-market leases are amortized to rental revenue over the expected remaining terms of the associated leases, which include reasonably assured renewal periods. Other intangible assets related to in-place leases are amortized to depreciation and amortization over the expected remaining terms of the associated leases.

We prospectively adjust the amortization period to reflect significant variances between actual lease termination activity as compared to those used to determine the historical amortization periods.

Depreciation for all tangible real estate assets is calculated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Acquired buildings and improvements are depreciated over a useful life based on the age, condition and other physical characteristics of the property. At December 31, 2012, the weighted average depreciable life of our acquired buildings and improvements was approximately 30 years. As discussed under Impairment of Long Lived Assets below, we may adjust depreciation of properties that are expected to be disposed of or demolished prior to the end of their useful lives. Furniture, fixtures and equipment associated with acquired properties are depreciated over five years.

Capital Additions and Related Depreciation

We capitalize costs, including certain indirect costs, incurred in connection with our capital additions activities, including redevelopment and construction projects, other tangible property improvements, and replacements of existing property components. Included in these capitalized costs are payroll costs associated with time spent by site employees in connection with the planning, execution and control of all capital additions activities at the property level. We characterize as “indirect costs” an allocation of certain department costs, including payroll, at the area operations and corporate levels that clearly relate to capital additions activities. We capitalize interest, property taxes and insurance during periods in which redevelopment and construction projects are in progress. We charge to property operating expense as incurred costs that do not relate to capital expenditure activities, including ordinary repairs, maintenance and resident turnover costs.

We depreciate capitalized costs using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related component or improvement, which is generally 5, 15 or 30 years. All capitalized site payroll and indirect costs are allocated proportionately, based on direct costs, among capital projects and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of such projects.

Certain homogeneous items that are purchased in bulk on a recurring basis, such as carpeting and appliances, are depreciated using group methods that reflect the average estimated useful life of the items in each group. Except in the case of property casualties, where the net book value of lost property is written off in the determination of casualty gains or losses, we generally do not recognize any loss in connection with the replacement of an existing property component because normal replacements are considered in determining the estimated useful lives used in connection with our composite and group depreciation methods.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, for continuing and discontinued operations, we capitalized to buildings and improvements $16.6 million, $14.0 million and $11.6 million of interest costs, respectively, and $33.7 million, $29.0 million and $30.0 million of site payroll and indirect costs, respectively.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Real estate and other long-lived assets to be held and used are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, unless the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable. If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a property may not be recoverable, we make an assessment of its recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to our estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property. If the carrying amount exceeds the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.

Based on periodic tests of recoverability of long-lived assets, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded provisions for real estate impairment losses of $8.3 million, $0.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to properties classified as held for use.

Our tests of recoverability address real estate assets that do not currently meet all conditions to be classified as held for sale, but are expected to be disposed of prior to the end of their estimated useful lives. If an impairment loss is not required to be recorded, the recognition of depreciation is adjusted prospectively, as necessary, to reduce the carrying amount of the real estate to its estimated disposition value over the remaining period that the real estate is expected to be held and used. We also may adjust depreciation prospectively to reduce to zero the carrying amount of buildings that we plan to demolish in connection with a redevelopment project. We recognized no significant amounts of such adjustments during the periods presented.

Discontinued Operations

We classify certain properties and related assets and liabilities as held for sale when they meet certain criteria, as defined in GAAP. The operating results of such properties as well as those properties sold during the periods presented are included in discontinued operations in both current periods and all comparable periods presented. Depreciation is not recorded on properties once they have been classified as held for sale; however, depreciation expense recorded prior to classification as held for sale is included in discontinued operations. The net gain on sale and any impairment losses are presented in discontinued operations when recognized. See Note 15 for additional information regarding discontinued operations.

Cash Equivalents

We classify highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes capital replacement reserves, completion repair reserves, bond sinking fund amounts, tax and insurance escrow accounts held by lenders and tenant security deposits.

Notes and Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Notes Receivable and Related Interest Income and Provision for Losses

Our notes receivable generally have stated maturity dates and may require current payments of principal and interest. Repayment of these notes is subject to a number of variables, including the performance and value of the underlying real estate properties and the claims of unaffiliated mortgage lenders, which are generally senior to our claims. Our notes receivable consist of two classes: loans extended by us that we carry at the face amount plus accrued interest, which we refer to as “par value notes,” and loans extended by us that were discounted at origination, which we refer to as “discounted notes.”

We recognize interest income on par value notes as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements. We recognize interest income on discounted notes that we originated using the effective interest method.

We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, which assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of the projected cash flow of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We update our projections of the cash flow of such borrowers annually, and more frequently for certain loans depending on facts and circumstances. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Factors that affect this assessment include the fair value of the partnership’s real estate, pending transactions to refinance the partnership’s senior obligations or sell the partnership’s real estate, and market conditions (current and forecasted) related to a particular asset. In certain instances where other sources of cash flow are available to repay the loan, the impairment is measured by discounting the estimated cash flows at the loan’s original effective interest rate. See Note 6 for further information regarding our notes receivable.

In addition to the notes discussed above, we have notes receivable from our unconsolidated real estate partnerships, which we classify within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. These notes are due from partnerships in which we are one of the general partners but do not consolidate the partnership. These loans are typically due on demand, have no stated maturity date and may not require current payments of principal or interest. Notes receivable from unconsolidated real estate partnerships totaled $5.0 million and $6.7 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and were net of allowances for loan losses of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are generally comprised of amounts receivable from residents and other miscellaneous receivables from non-affiliated entities. We evaluate collectability of accounts receivable from residents and establish an allowance, after the application of security deposits and other anticipated recoveries, for accounts greater than 30 days past due for current residents and all receivables due from former residents. Accounts receivable from residents are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $1.2 million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We evaluate collectability of accounts receivable from non-affiliated entities and establish an allowance for amounts that are considered to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable relating to non-affiliated entities are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $2.7 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts from Affiliates

Accounts receivable from affiliates are generally comprised of receivables related to property management and other services provided to unconsolidated real estate partnerships in which we have an ownership interest. We evaluate collectability of accounts receivable balances from affiliates on a periodic basis, and establish an allowance for the amounts deemed to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable from affiliates, which are classified within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, totaled $4.4 million and $4.6 million, and were net of allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $0.8 million and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Deferred Costs

We defer lender fees and other direct costs incurred in obtaining new financing and amortize the amounts over the terms of the related loan agreements. Amortization of these costs is included in interest expense.

We defer leasing commissions and other direct costs incurred in connection with successful leasing efforts and amortize the costs over the terms of the related leases. Amortization of these costs is included in depreciation and amortization.

Investments

Investments in Available For Sale Securities

As discussed in Note 3, during 2011, we purchased an investment in the first loss and mezzanine positions in a securitization trust which holds certain of our property loans. We designated these investments as available for sale securities and they are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011. These investments were initially recognized at their purchase price and the discount to the face value is being accreted into interest income over the expected term of the securities. Based on their classification as available for sale securities, we measure these investments at fair value with changes in their fair value, other than the changes attributed to the accretion described above, recognized as an adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss within equity and partners’ capital.

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Partnerships

We own general and limited partner interests in partnerships that either directly, or through interests in other real estate partnerships, own apartment properties. We generally account for investments in real estate partnerships that we do not consolidate under the equity method. Under the equity method, our share of the earnings or losses of the entity for the periods being presented is included in equity in earnings or losses from unconsolidated real estate partnerships, inclusive of our share of impairments and property disposition gains recognized by and related to such entities. Certain investments in real estate partnerships that were acquired in business combinations were determined to have insignificant value at the acquisition date and are accounted for under the cost method. Any distributions received from such partnerships are recognized as income when received.

The excess of the cost of the acquired partnership interests over the historical carrying amount of partners’ equity or deficit is ascribed generally to the fair values of land and buildings owned by the partnerships. We amortize the excess cost related to the buildings over the estimated useful lives of the buildings. Such amortization is recorded as a component of equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated real estate partnerships.

Intangible Assets

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, other assets included goodwill associated with our reportable segments of $54.5 million, and at December 31, 2011 assets held for sale included $7.5 million of goodwill allocated to properties sold during 2012. We perform an annual impairment test of goodwill that compares the fair value of reporting units with their carrying amounts, including goodwill. We determined that our goodwill was not impaired in 2012, 2011 or 2010.

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we allocated $7.5 million, $5.1 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of goodwill related to our reportable segments (conventional and affordable real estate operations) to the carrying amounts of the properties sold or classified as held for sale. The amounts of goodwill allocated to these properties were based on the relative fair values of the properties sold or classified as held for sale and the retained portions of the reporting units to which the goodwill as allocated.

Other assets also includes intangible assets for in-place leases as discussed under Acquisition of Real Estate Assets and Related Depreciation and Amortization.

Capitalized Software Costs

Purchased software and other costs related to software developed for internal use are capitalized during the application development stage and are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally five years. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we capitalized software purchase and development costs totaling $5.8 million, $12.6 million and $8.7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, other assets included $27.5 million and $31.9 million of net capitalized software, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recognized amortization of capitalized software of $10.0 million, $8.7 million and $10.2 million, respectively, which is included in depreciation and amortization in our consolidated statements of operations.

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Real Estate Partnerships

We report the unaffiliated partners’ interests in the net assets of our consolidated real estate partnerships as noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships within consolidated equity. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships consist primarily of equity interests held by limited partners in consolidated real estate partnerships that have finite lives. We generally attribute to noncontrolling interests their share of income or loss of consolidated partnerships based on their proportionate interest in the results of operations of the partnerships, including their share of losses even if such attribution results in a deficit noncontrolling interest balance within our equity accounts.

The terms of the related partnership agreements generally require the partnership to be liquidated following the sale of the partnership’s real estate. As the general partner in these partnerships, we ordinarily control the execution of real estate sales and other events that could lead to the liquidation, redemption or other settlement of noncontrolling interests. However, as discussed in Note 3, we consolidate certain properties associated with our legacy asset management business for which we do not control the execution of sales and other events leading to the liquidation of these partnerships. The aggregate carrying amount of noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships is approximately $271.1 million at December 31, 2012. The aggregate fair value of these interests varies based on the fair value of the real estate owned by the partnerships. Based on the number of classes of finite-life noncontrolling interests, the number of properties in which there is direct or indirect noncontrolling ownership, complexities in determining the allocation of liquidation proceeds among partners and other factors, we believe it is impracticable to determine the total required payments to the noncontrolling interests in an assumed liquidation at December 31, 2012. As a result of real estate depreciation that is recognized in our financial statements and appreciation in the fair value of real estate that is not recognized in our financial statements, we believe that the aggregate fair value of our noncontrolling interests exceeds their aggregate carrying amount. As a result of our ability to control real estate sales and other events that require payment of noncontrolling interests and our expectation that proceeds from real estate sales will be sufficient to liquidate related noncontrolling interests, we anticipate that the eventual liquidation of these noncontrolling interests will not have an adverse impact on our financial condition.

Changes in our ownership interest in consolidated real estate partnerships generally consist of our purchase of an additional interest in or the sale of our entire interest in a consolidated real estate partnership. The effect on our equity of our purchase of additional interests in consolidated real estate partnerships during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is shown in our consolidated statements of equity and further discussed in Note 3. The effect on our equity of sales of our entire interest in consolidated real estate partnerships is reflected in our consolidated financial statements as sales of real estate and accordingly the effect on our equity is reflected as gains on disposition of real estate. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 810, upon our deconsolidation of a real estate partnership following the sale of our partnership interests or liquidation of the partnership following sale of the related real estate property, we write off the remaining amounts of noncontrolling interest in our consolidated balance sheet related to such partnerships through noncontrolling interests within consolidated net income (loss) attributable to Aimco and net income (loss) attributable to the Aimco Operating Partnership.

Noncontrolling Interests in Aimco Operating Partnership

Noncontrolling interests in Aimco Operating Partnership consist of common OP Units, HPUs and preferred OP Units. Within Aimco’s consolidated financial statements, the Aimco Operating Partnership’s income or loss is allocated to the holders of common partnership units and equivalents based on the weighted average number of common partnership units (including those held by Aimco) and equivalents outstanding during the period. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the holders of common OP Units and equivalents had a weighted average ownership interest in the Aimco Operating Partnership of 5.7%, 6.6% and 6.7%, respectively. Holders of the preferred OP Units participate in the Aimco Operating Partnership’s income or loss only to the extent of their preferred distributions. See Note 13 for further information regarding the items comprising noncontrolling interests in the Aimco Operating Partnership.

Revenue Recognition

Our properties have operating leases with apartment residents with terms averaging 12 months. We recognize rental revenue related to these leases, net of any concessions, on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. We recognize revenues from property management, asset management, syndication and other services when the related fees are earned and are realized or realizable.

Advertising Costs

We generally expense all advertising costs as incurred to property operating expense. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, for both continuing and discontinued operations, total advertising expense was $11.8 million, $11.7 million and $14.2 million, respectively.

Insurance

We believe that our insurance coverages insure our properties adequately against the risk of loss attributable to fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, and other perils. In addition, we have insurance coverage for substantial portions of our property, workers’ compensation, health, and general liability exposures. Losses are accrued based upon our estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured losses incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on our experience.

Stock-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

We recognize all share-based employee compensation, including grants of employee stock options, in the consolidated financial statements based on the grant date fair value and recognize compensation cost, which is net of estimates for expected forfeitures, ratably over the awards’ requisite service period. See Note 14 for further discussion of our share-based compensation.

Tax Credit Arrangements

We sponsor certain partnerships that acquire, develop and operate qualifying affordable housing properties and are structured to provide for the pass-through of tax credits and deductions to their partners. The tax credits are generally realized ratably over the first ten years of the tax credit arrangement and are subject to the partnership’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations for a period of 15 years. Typically, we are the general partner with a legal ownership interest of one percent or less and unaffiliated institutional investors (which we refer to as tax credit investors or investors) acquire the limited partnership interests (at least 99%). At inception, each investor agrees to fund capital contributions to the partnerships and we receive a syndication fee from the investors upon their admission to the partnership.

We have determined that the partnerships in these arrangements are variable interest entities and, where we are general partner, we are generally the primary beneficiary that is required to consolidate the partnerships. When the contractual arrangements obligate us to deliver tax benefits to the investors, and entitle us through fee arrangements to receive substantially all available cash flow from the partnerships, we account for these partnerships as wholly owned subsidiaries, recognizing the income or loss generated by the underlying real estate based on our economic interest in the partnerships. Capital contributions received by the partnerships from tax credit investors represent, in substance, consideration that we receive in exchange for our obligation to deliver tax credits and other tax benefits to the investors, and the receipts are recognized as revenue in our consolidated financial statements when our obligation to the investors is relieved upon delivery of the expected tax benefits.

Income Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1994, and intend to continue to operate in such a manner. Our current and continuing qualification as a REIT depends on our ability to meet the various requirements imposed by the Code, which are related to organizational structure, distribution levels, diversity of stock ownership and certain restrictions with regard to owned assets and categories of income. If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we will generally not be subject to United States Federal corporate income tax on our taxable income that is currently distributed to stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the “double taxation” (at the corporate and stockholder levels) that generally results from an investment in a corporation.

Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to United States Federal income and excise taxes in various situations, such as on our undistributed income. We also will be required to pay a 100% tax on any net income on non-arm’s length transactions between us and a TRS (described below) and on any net income from sales of property that was property held for sale to customers in the ordinary course. In addition, we could also be subject to the alternative minimum tax, or AMT, on our items of tax preference. The state and local tax laws may not conform to the United States Federal income tax treatment, and we and our stockholders may be subject to state or local taxation in various state or local jurisdictions, including those in which we transact business or our stockholders reside. Any taxes imposed on us reduce our operating cash flow and net income.

Certain of our operations or a portion thereof, including property management, asset management and risk management, are conducted through taxable REIT subsidiaries, which are subsidiaries of the Aimco Operating Partnership, and each of which we refer to as a TRS. A TRS is a C-corporation that has not elected REIT status and as such is subject to United States Federal corporate income tax. We use TRS entities to facilitate our ability to offer certain services and activities to our residents and investment partners that cannot be offered directly by a REIT. We also use TRS entities to hold investments in certain properties.

For our TRS entities, deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for Federal income tax purposes, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. We reduce deferred tax assets by recording a valuation allowance when we determine based on available evidence that it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. We recognize the tax consequences associated with intercompany transfers between the REIT and TRS entities when the related assets are sold to third parties, impaired or otherwise disposed of for financial reporting purposes.

Comprehensive Income or Loss

As discussed in the preceding Investments in Available for Sale Securities section, we have investments that are measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized as an adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive loss within equity. Additionally, as discussed in Note 8, we recognize changes in the fair value of our cash flow hedges as changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss within equity and partners’ capital. The amounts of consolidated comprehensive income or loss for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, along with the corresponding amounts of such comprehensive income or loss attributable to Aimco, the Aimco Operating Partnership and to noncontrolling interests, is presented within the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income or loss.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share and Unit

Aimco calculates earnings (loss) per share based on the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock, participating securities, common stock equivalents and dilutive convertible securities outstanding during the period. The Aimco Operating Partnership calculates earnings (loss) per unit based on the weighted average number of common partnership units and equivalents, participating securities and dilutive convertible securities outstanding during the period. See Note 16 for further information regarding earnings per share and unit computations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts included in the financial statements and accompanying notes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications and Adjustments

Certain items included in the 2011 and 2010 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation, including adjustments for discontinued operations.