Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Notes Receivable
Allowance for loan losses	$ (883)	$ (905)
Total notes receivable	127,287	127,662
Face value of discounted notes	137,914	140,376
Unconsolidated Real Estate Partnerships [Member]
Notes Receivable
Allowance for loan losses	(883)	(905)
Total notes receivable	10,209	10,896
Face value of discounted notes	31,448	31,755
Unconsolidated Real Estate Partnerships [Member] \| Par Value Notes [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes Receivable	10,081	10,821
Unconsolidated Real Estate Partnerships [Member] \| Discounted Notes [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes Receivable	1,011	980
Non-Affiliates [Member]
Notes Receivable
Allowance for loan losses	0	0
Total notes receivable	117,078	116,726
Face value of discounted notes	106,466	108,621
Non-Affiliates [Member] \| Par Value Notes [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes Receivable	19,572	17,899
Non-Affiliates [Member] \| Discounted Notes [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes Receivable	97,506	98,827
Par Value Notes [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes Receivable	29,653	28,720
Discounted Notes [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes Receivable	$ 98,517	$ 99,807

Notes receivable net for summary of significant accounting policies.

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Namespace Prefix:	aiv
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, the valuation allowance relating to a written agreement to receive money (at a specified future date(s), consisting of principal as well as any accrued interest) for the portion that is expected to be uncollectible.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AllowanceForNotesReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date(s). Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the note. The note also may contain provisions and related items including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among myriad other features and characteristics.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph 3
-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotesReceivableNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The principal amount of the receivable or note before consideration of the discount or premium.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 21
-Paragraph 16

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant