Aimco Equity - (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Issuances of Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Net proceeds to Aimco	$ 123,551	$ 0	$ 0
Class A Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Issuances of Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Number of shares of stock issued	5,000,000
Price to public per share	$ 25.00
Underwriting discounts, commissions and transaction costs per share	$ 0.85
Net proceeds per share	$ 24.15
Net proceeds to Aimco	120,757
Issuance costs (primarily underwriting commissions) recognized as an adjustment of additional paid-in capital	4,350
Class Z Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Issuances of Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Number of shares of stock issued	117,400
Price to public per share	$ 25.65
Underwriting discounts, commissions and transaction costs per share	$ 0.51
Net proceeds per share	$ 25.14
Net proceeds to Aimco	2,901
Issuance costs (primarily underwriting commissions) recognized as an adjustment of additional paid-in capital	$ 110