Aimco Equity - (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Balance of PReferred Stock Issued	$ 186,126		$ 68,114
Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	May 17, 2019	[1]
Annual per share dividend rate (Paid quarterly)	6.88%
Balance of PReferred Stock Issued	125,000
Shares of preferred stock authorized	5,000,000
Shares of preferred stock issued	5,000,000
Shares of preferred stock outstanding	5,000,000
Series A Community Reinvestment Act Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Jun. 30, 2011	[1]
Annual per share dividend rate (Paid quarterly)	1.48%		1.50%
Balance of PReferred Stock Issued	27,000		37,000
Shares of preferred stock authorized	240		240
Shares of preferred stock issued	54		74
Shares of preferred stock outstanding	54		74
Dividend rate	1.25%
Class Z Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Classes of perpetual preferred stock
Redemption Date	Jul. 29, 2016	[1]
Annual per share dividend rate (Paid quarterly)	7.00%
Balance of PReferred Stock Issued	$ 34,126		$ 31,114
Shares of preferred stock authorized	4,800,000		4,800,000
Shares of preferred stock issued	1,391,643		1,274,243
Shares of preferred stock outstanding	1,391,643		1,274,243

[1] All classes of preferred stock were or are redeemable at our option on and after the dates specified.