Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net real estate related to VIEs	$ 741,662	$ 775,668
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	44,043	43,286
Restricted cash related to VIEs	45,975	43,913
Accounts receivable, net related to VIEs	10,022	8,434
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships related to VIEs	22,504	29,301
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	617,717	621,203
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	59,000	79,573
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	480,887,260	480,887,260
Common Stock, shares issued	145,554,888	120,916,294
Common Stock, shares outstanding	145,554,888	120,916,294
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Net real estate related to VIEs	741,662	775,668
Cash and cash equivalents related to VIEs	44,043	43,286
Restricted cash related to VIEs	45,975	43,913
Accounts receivable, net related to VIEs	10,022	8,434
Investment in unconsolidated real estate partnerships related to VIEs	22,504	29,301
Non-recourse property debt related to VIEs	617,717	621,203
Accrued liabilities and other related to VIEs	$ 59,000	$ 79,573