Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011
Permanent equity
Permanent Equity, Beginning Balance	$ 1,306,772
Contributions	11,121
Issuance of common stock	60,973
Discount on repurchase of preferred shares	3,000
Preferred stock dividends	(24,877)
Common dividends and distributions	(47,205)
Repurchases of common units	350
Amortization of stock based compensation cost	3,557
Stock option exercises	1,806
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities (Note 4)	(17,534)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	746
Other	217
Net loss	(57,590)
Permanent Equity, Ending Balance	1,241,336
Aimco Equity [Member]
Permanent equity
Permanent Equity, Beginning Balance	1,046,042
Issuance of common stock	60,973
Discount on repurchase of preferred shares	3,000
Preferred stock dividends	(24,877)
Common dividends and distributions	(28,577)
Amortization of stock based compensation cost	3,557
Stock option exercises	1,806
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities (Note 4)	(41,112)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	929
Other	270
Net loss	(42,711)
Permanent Equity, Ending Balance	979,300
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate partnerships [Member]
Permanent equity
Permanent Equity, Beginning Balance	291,458
Contributions	11,121
Common dividends and distributions	(16,606)
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities (Note 4)	14,124
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(103)
Other	(53)
Net loss	(10,076)
Permanent Equity, Ending Balance	289,865
Common noncontrolling interests in Aimco operating partnership [Member]
Permanent equity
Permanent Equity, Beginning Balance	(30,728)
Common dividends and distributions	(2,022)
Repurchases of common units	350
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities (Note 4)	9,454
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(80)
Net loss	(4,803)
Permanent Equity, Ending Balance	$ (27,829)