Atel Capital Equipment Fund Vii 10-Q 13 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ATEL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND VII LP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001019542	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Units Outstanding	'	14,985,550

Balance_Sheets

Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,048	$1,662
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $146 as of September 30, 2014 and $150 as of December 31, 2013	160	167
Investments in equipment and leases, net of accumulated depreciation of $33,039 as of September 30, 2014 and $33,625 as of December 31, 2013	5,443	5,643
Prepaid expenses and other assets	21	22
Total assets	7,672	7,494
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:	'	'
General Partner	43	190
Other	302	347
Unearned operating lease income	34	28
Total liabilities	379	565
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Partners' capital:	'	'
General Partner	'	'
Limited Partners	7,293	6,929
Total Partners' capital	7,293	6,929
Total liabilities and Partners' capital	$7,672	$7,494

Balance_Sheets_Parenthetical

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$146	$150
Investments in equipment and leases, accumulated depreciation	$33,039	$33,625

Statements_of_Income

Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Leasing activities:	'	'	'	'
Operating leases	$618	$773	$1,831	$2,214
Direct financing leases	'	'	'	33
Gain on sales of assets	3	2,894	48	2,947
Other	3	50	4	50
Total revenues	624	3,717	1,883	5,244
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation of operating lease assets	33	68	101	287
Marine vessel maintenance and other operating costs	'	'	'	61
Cost reimbursements to General Partner	43	60	138	177
Equipment and incentive management fees to General Partner	15	20	43	59
Railcar and equipment maintenance	260	112	638	356
Professional fees	42	17	122	58
Insurance	47	44	113	91
Outside services	19	20	70	67
Other management fees	25	24	73	72
Equipment storage	8	2	16	7
Franchise fees and state taxes	19	14	76	30
Freight and shipping	6	3	15	22
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses	1	-27	-4	167
Property taxes	1	1	8	13
Postage	'	5	7	14
Printing and photocopying	'	5	16	17
Other	29	23	87	102
Total expenses	548	391	1,519	1,600
Net income	76	3,326	364	3,644
Net income:	'	'	'	'
General Partner	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners	76	3,326	364	3,644
Net income	$76	$3,326	$364	$3,644
Net income per Limited Partnership Unit	$0.01	$0.22	$0.02	$0.24
Weighted average number of Units outstanding	14,985,550	14,985,550	14,985,550	14,985,550

Statements_of_Changes_in_Partn

Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital (USD $)	Limited Partner [Member]	General Partner [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$7,181	'	$7,181
Beginning Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2012	14,985,550	'	'
Distributions to Limited Partners	-3,747	'	-3,747
Distributions to General Partner	'	-304	-304
Net income	3,495	304	3,799
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	6,929	'	6,929
Ending Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2013	14,985,550	'	'
Net income	364	'	364
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$7,293	'	$7,293
Ending Balance (in units) at Sep. 30, 2014	14,985,550	'	'

Statements_of_Changes_in_Partn1

Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Distributions to Limited Partners, per unit	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0.25

Statements_of_Cash_Flows

Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$76	$3,326	$364	$3,644
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Gain on sales of assets	-3	-2,894	-48	-2,947
Depreciation of operating lease assets	33	68	101	287
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses	1	-27	-4	167
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-2	63	11	304
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-4	'	1	-5
Accounts payable, General Partner	-43	-35	-147	-225
Accounts payable, Other	23	71	-45	-61
Unearned lease income	7	1	6	-61
Net cash provided by operating activities	88	573	239	1,103
Investing activities:	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales of lease assets	9	3,518	147	3,603
Principal payments received on direct financing leases	'	'	'	132
Net cash provided by investing activities	9	3,518	147	3,735
Financing activities:	'	'	'	'
Net cash provided by financing activities	'	'	'	'
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	97	4,091	386	4,838
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,951	1,433	1,662	686
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,048	5,524	2,048	5,524
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'	'	'
Cash paid during the period for taxes	'	'	$74	$40

Organization_and_Limited_Partn

Organization and Limited Partnership Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization and Limited Partnership Matters [Abstract]	'
Organization and Limited Partnership Matters	'
	1. Organization and Limited Partnership matters:
	ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VII, L.P. (the “Partnership” or the “Fund”) was formed under the laws of the State of California on May 17, 1996 for the purpose of acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing and sales activities, primarily in the United States. The Partnership may continue until December 31, 2017. The General Partner of the Partnership is ATEL Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), a California limited liability company. Prior to converting to a limited liability company structure, AFS was formerly known as ATEL Financial Corporation.
	The Partnership conducted a public offering of 15,000,000 Units of Limited Partnership Interest (“Units”), at a price of $10 per Unit. On January 7, 1997, subscriptions for the minimum number of Units (120,000, $1.2 million) had been received (excluding subscriptions from Pennsylvania investors) and AFS requested that the subscriptions be released to the Partnership. On that date, the Partnership commenced operations in its primary business (acquiring equipment to engage in equipment leasing and sales activities). Gross contributions in the amount of $150 million (15,000,000 units) were received as of November 27, 1998, exclusive of $500 of initial Partners’ capital investment and $100 of AFS’ capital investment. The offering was terminated on November 27, 1998. As of September 30, 2014,  14,985,550 Units were issued and outstanding.
	The Partnership’s principal objectives have been to invest in a diversified portfolio of equipment that (i) preserves, protects and returns the Partnership’s invested capital; (ii) generates regular distributions to the partners of cash from operations and cash from sales or refinancing, with any balance remaining after certain minimum distributions to be used to purchase additional equipment during the reinvestment period (“Reinvestment Period”) (defined as six full years following the year the offering was terminated), which ended December 31, 2004 and (iii) provides additional distributions following the Reinvestment Period and until all equipment has been sold. The Partnership is governed by its Limited Partnership Agreement (“Partnership Agreement”).
	Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, AFS receives compensation and reimbursements for services rendered and costs incurred on behalf of the Partnership (See Note 5). The Partnership is required to maintain reasonable cash reserves for working capital, the repurchase of Units and contingencies. The repurchase of Units is solely at the discretion of AFS.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Partnership continues in the liquidation phase of its life cycle as defined in the Partnership Agreement.
	These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2. Summary of significant accounting policies:
	Basis of presentation:
	The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q as mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of the General Partner, necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	Certain prior period amounts may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no significant effect on the reported financial position or results from operations.
	Footnote and tabular amounts are presented in thousands, except as to Units and per Unit data.
	In preparing the accompanying unaudited financial statements, the General Partner has reviewed events that have occurred after September 30, 2014, up until the issuance of the financial statements. No events were noted which would require additional disclosure in the footnotes to the financial statements, or adjustments thereto.
	Use of estimates:
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates primarily relate to the determination of residual values at the end of the lease term, expected future cash flows used for impairment analysis purposes, and determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Equipment on operating leases and related revenue recognition:
	Equipment subject to operating leases is stated at cost. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line method over the terms of the related leases to the equipment’s estimated salvage or residual values. Off-lease equipment is generally not subject to depreciation. The Partnership depreciates all lease assets, in accordance with guidelines consistent with ASC 840-20-35-3, over the periods of the lease terms contained in each asset’s respective lease contract to the estimated residual value at the end of the lease contract. All lease assets are purchased only concurrent with the execution of a lease commitment by the lessee. Thus, the original depreciation period corresponds with the term of the original lease. Once the term of an original lease contract is completed, the subject property is typically sold to the existing user, re-leased to the existing user, or, when off-lease, is held for sale. Assets which are re-leased continue to be depreciated using the terms of the new lease agreements and the estimated residual values at the end of the new lease terms, adjusted downward as necessary. Assets classified as held-for-sale are carried at the lower of carrying amount, or the fair value less cost to sell (ASC 360-10-35-43).
	The Partnership does not use the equipment held in its portfolio, but holds it solely for lease and ultimate sale. In the course of marketing equipment that has come off-lease, management may determine at some point that re-leasing the assets may provide a superior return for investors and would then execute another lease. Upon entering into a new lease contract, management will estimate the residual value once again and resume depreciation. If, and when, the Partnership, at any time, determines that depreciation in value may have occurred with respect to an asset held-for-sale, the Partnership would review the value to determine whether a material reduction in value had occurred and recognize any appropriate impairment. All lease assets, including off-lease assets, are subject to the Partnership’s quarterly impairment analysis, as described in Note 4. Maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s portfolio of leased assets are expensed as incurred. Major additions and betterments are capitalized.
	Operating lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying leases. The initial lease terms vary as to the type of equipment subject to the leases, the needs of the lessees and the terms negotiated, but initial leases were generally from 36 to 120 months. The difference between rent received and rental revenue recognized is recorded as unearned operating lease income on the balance sheet.
	Operating leases are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management considers the equipment underlying the lease contracts for impairment and periodically reviews the credit worthiness of all operating lessees with payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related operating leases may be placed on non-accrual status. Leases placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid lease payments is probable. Until such time, revenues are recognized on a cash basis.
	The Partnership earns revenues from its marine vessels based on charter utilization of the vessels or a fixed term lease. When the vessels are chartered, contingent rentals and the associated expenses are recorded when earned and/or incurred. From time to time, the Partnership incurs “drydocking” costs on its vessels. Drydocking costs include labor and material costs related to refurbishing, overhauling and/or replacing engine and other major mechanical components of the vessel, hull maintenance and other repairs that bring the vessel into seaworthy compliance with U.S. marine codes in order to have it certified as available for charter. Such drydocking costs are capitalized and added to the equipment cost and depreciated over the period between scheduled drydockings, which generally occur every 24 to 30 months. The Partnership’s two vessels were last placed in drydock for scheduled maintenance during 2011.
	Segment reporting:
	The Partnership is not organized by multiple operating segments for the purpose of making operating decisions or assessing performance. Accordingly, the Partnership operates in one reportable operating segment in the United States.
	However, certain of the Partnership’s lessee customers may have international operations. In these instances, the Partnership is aware that certain equipment, primarily rail and transportation, may periodically exit the country. However, these lessee customers are US-based, and it is impractical for the Partnership to track, on an asset-by-asset and day-by-day basis, where these assets are deployed. The primary geographic regions in which the Partnership sought leasing opportunities were North America and Europe.
	The table below summarizes geographic information relating to the sources, by nation, of the Partnership’s total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and long-lived tangible assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			For The Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014	% of Total		2013	% of Total
	Revenue
	United States	$	1,643	87%	$	5,004	95%
	Canada		240	13%		240	5%
	Total International		240	13%		240	5%
	Total	$	1,883	100%	$	5,244	100%
			As of September 30,			As of December 31,
			2014	% of Total		2013	% of Total
	Long-lived assets
	United States	$	5,203	96%	$	5,403	96%
	Canada		240	4%		240	4%
	Total International		240	4%		240	4%
	Total	$	5,443	100%	$	5,643	100%
	Per Unit data:
	Net income and distributions per Unit are based upon the weighted average number of Limited Partnership Units outstanding during the period.
	Recent accounting pronouncements:
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue
	recognition. ASU 2014-09 is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The new revenue standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Partnership has evaluated the impact of the new standard on its financial statements and has determined that such impact is virtually non-existent as the new revenue guideline does not affect revenues from leases, which comprise the majority of the Partnership’s revenues.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The new standard provides guidance relative to management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the standard and its operational and related disclosure requirements.

Allowance_for_Credit_Losses

Allowance for Credit Losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Allowance for Credit Losses [Abstract]	'
Allowance for Credit Losses	'
	3.  Allowance for credit losses:
	The Partnership’s allowance for credit losses are as follows (in thousands):
			Accounts Receivable Allowance				Valuation Adjustments on Financing Receivables		Total Allowance for Credit Losses
			for Doubtful Accounts
			Finance		Operating		Finance
			Leases		Leases		Leases
	Balance December 31, 2012	$	-	$	133	$	-	$	133
	Provision		-		17		-		17
	Balance December 31, 2013		-		150		-		150
	Reversal of provision		-		-4		-		-4
	Balance September 30, 2014	$	-	$	146	$	-	$	146
	The allowance for credit losses at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were related to delinquent operating lease receivables. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Partnership had no financing lease receivables, as its remaining finance lease matured on July 1, 2013.

Investment_in_Equipment_and_Le

Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net [Abstract]	'
Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net	'
	4. Investment in equipment and leases, net:
	The Partnership’s investments in equipment and leases consist of the following (in thousands):
			Balance		Reclassifications		Depreciation/		Balance
			December 31,		&		Amortization		September 30,
			2013		Additions /		Expense or		2014
					Dispositions		Amortization
							of Leases
	Net investment in operating leases	$	3,162	$	-68	$	-101	$	2,993
	Assets held for sale or lease, net		2,481		-31		-		2,450
	Total	$	5,643	$	-99	$	-101	$	5,443
	Impairment of investments in leases and assets held for sale or lease:
	Recorded values of the Partnership’s leased asset portfolio are reviewed each quarter to confirm the reasonableness of established residual values and to determine whether there is indication that an asset impairment might have taken place. The Partnership uses a variety of sources and considers many factors in evaluating whether the respective book values of its assets are appropriate. In addition, the Partnership may direct a residual value review at any time if it becomes aware of issues regarding the ability of a lessee to continue to make payments on its lease contract. An impairment loss is measured and recognized only if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset are less than their net book value. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows are the sum of the residual value of the asset at the end of the asset’s lease contract and undiscounted future rents from the existing lease contract. The residual value assumes, among other things, that the asset is utilized normally in an open, unrestricted and stable market. Short-term fluctuations in the marketplace are disregarded and it is assumed that there is no necessity either to dispose of a significant number of the assets, if held in quantity, simultaneously or to dispose of the asset quickly. Impairment is measured as the difference between the fair value (as determined by a valuation method using discounted estimated future cash flows, third party appraisals or comparable sales of similar assets as applicable based on asset type) of the asset and its carrying value on the measurement date. Upward adjustments for impairments recognized in prior periods are not made in any circumstances.
	As a result of these reviews, management determined that no impairment losses existed during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The Partnership utilizes a straight line depreciation method for equipment in all of the categories currently in its portfolio of operating lease transactions.  Depreciation expense on the Partnership’s equipment was approximately  $33 thousand and $68 thousand for the respective three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $101 thousand and $287 thousand for the respective nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	All of the remaining property subject to leases was acquired in the years 1997 to 1998.
	Operating leases:
	Property on operating leases consists of the following (in thousands):
			Balance		Additions		Reclassifications		Balance
			December 31,				or Dispositions		September 30,
			2013						2014
	Transportation	$	22,757	$	-	$	-887	$	21,870
	Materials handling		83		-		-		83
			22,840		-		-887		21,953
	Less accumulated depreciation		-19,678		-101		819		-18,960
	Total	$	3,162	$	-101	$	-68	$	2,993
	The average estimated residual value for assets on operating leases was 13% of the assets’ original cost at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. There were no operating leases in non-accrual status at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	The Partnership earns revenues from its marine vessels and certain lease assets based on utilization of such assets or through fixed term leases. Contingent rentals (i.e., short-term, operating charter hire payments) and the associated expenses are recorded when earned and/or incurred. The revenues associated with these rentals are included as a component of operating lease revenues and totaled $12 thousand and $16 thousand for the respective three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $24 thousand and $46 thousand for the respective nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Direct financing leases:
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Partnership had no investment in direct financing leases, as its remaining finance lease matured on July 1, 2013.
	At September 30, 2014, the aggregate amounts of future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands):
			Operating
			Leases
	Three months ending December 31, 2014	$	326
	Year ending December 31, 2015		811
	2016		517
	2017		314
	2018		78
		$	2,046
	The useful lives for each category of lease assets in the Partnership’s portfolio is reviewed at a minimum of once per quarter. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the respective useful lives of each category of lease assets in the Company’s portfolio are as follows (in years):
	Equipment category		Useful Life
	Transportation		35-40
	Materials handling		10-Jul

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	5. Related party transactions:
	The terms of the Partnership Agreement provide that AFS and/or affiliates are entitled to receive certain fees for equipment management and resale and for management of the Partnership.
	The Partnership Agreement allows for the reimbursement of costs incurred by AFS in providing administrative services to the Partnership. Administrative services provided include Partnership accounting, investor relations, legal counsel and lease and equipment documentation. AFS is not reimbursed for services whereby it is entitled to receive a separate fee as compensation for such services, such as disposition of equipment. The Partnership will be liable for certain future costs to be incurred by AFS to manage the administrative services provided to the Partnership.
	Each of ATEL Leasing Corporation (“ALC”) and AFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATEL Capital Group and performs services for the Partnership. Acquisition services, equipment management, lease administration and asset disposition services are performed by ALC; investor relations, communications services and general administrative services are performed by AFS.
	Cost reimbursements to the General Partner are based on its costs incurred in performing administrative services for the Partnership. These costs are allocated to each managed entity based on certain criteria such as total assets, number of investors or contributed capital based upon the type of cost incurred, subject to limitations as described below.
	Incentive management fees are computed as 4.0% of distributions of cash from operations, as defined in the Partnership Agreement and equipment management fees are computed as 3.5% of gross revenues from operating leases, as defined in the Partnership Agreement plus 2.0% of gross revenues from full payout leases, as defined in the Partnership Agreement.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, AFS and/or affiliates earned fees and billed for reimbursements pursuant to the Partnership Agreement as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Cost reimbursements to General Partner	$	43	$	60	$	138	$	177
	Equipment and incentive management fees to General Partner		15		20		43		59
		$	58	$	80	$	181	$	236
	The Fund’s Limited Partnership Agreement places an annual and cumulative limit for cost reimbursements to AFS and/or its affiliates. Any reimbursable costs incurred by AFS and/or affiliates during the year exceeding the annual and/or cumulative limits cannot be reimbursed in the current year, though such costs may be reimbursable in future years to the extent such amounts may be payable if within the annual and cumulative limits in such future years. The Fund is a finite life and self-liquidating entity, and AFS and its affiliates have no recourse against the Fund for the amount of any unpaid excess reimbursable administrative expenses. The Fund will continue to require administrative services from AFS and its affiliates through the end of its term, and will therefore continue to incur reimbursable administrative expenses in each year. The Fund has determined that payment of any amounts in excess of the annual and cumulative limits is not probable, and the date any portion of such amount may be paid, if ever, is uncertain. When the Fund completes its liquidation stage and terminates, any unpaid amount will expire unpaid, with no claim by AFS or its affiliates against any liquidation proceeds or any party for the unpaid balance. For the year ending December 31, 2014, it is not anticipated that the amount of reimbursable expenses billed to the Fund will exceed either the annual or the cumulative limitations. Such is reflective of the continued diminishing Fund asset base over which reimbursements are calculated.

Gain_Contingencies

Gain Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Gain Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Gain Contingencies	'
	6.  Gain contingencies:
	The Partnership’s vessel activity in the Gulf of Mexico was severely impacted by the British Petroleum (“BP”) “Deep Water Horizon” oil spill of 2010 which severely adversely impacted charter activity in the Gulf region. BP established a program to compensate those businesses and individuals suffering economic hardship and loss as a result of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill. The Partnership submitted a claim to the BP program administrator seeking an approximate $2.8 million for loss of revenues during the period of the vessel’s diminished activity commencing at the time of the oil spill and continuing through 2010. The BP claim administrator denied the Partnership’s claim on the basis that the Partnership suffered damages as a result of the President’s moratorium on oil drilling subsequent to the Deep Water Horizon accident. The Partnership believes its claim continues to be of merit, and has opted out of the BP claims fund, and is pursuing a claim in a collective action with other similarly situated plaintiffs. Currently, the amount of any compensation or award from BP cannot be determined. As such, the potential for compensation or award has not been recorded on the Partnership’s books and records.
	ATEL filed a claim on behalf of the Partnership and certain affiliated entities in Federal court in New Orleans for the under-reporting of revenue by a fleet manager of three marine vessels, seeking to recover an approximate amount of 10% of gross proceeds, which in the aggregate for all affiliated entities represents $2.8 million for the years 2005 - 2007 (of which the Partnership’s portion is an approximate $1.4 million). The annual allocable portion of the claim is not considered material to the Partnership in any given year. The trial was concluded during the first week of August 2012. In October 2012, the matter was remitted to the Federal Judge to render a decision on both the law and the facts. The decision of the Court was rendered at the end of June 2013 and the court found in favor of the defendants. The Partnership filed an appeal of the court’s decision and remained hopeful for a recovery of all or portion of its asserted claims.  As a result of the ruling, the defendants filed a claim for legal fees and costs, however, this was denied. Oral arguments for the appeal of the case in substance were heard June 2, 2014, and on June 6, 2014, the Fifth Circuit Appellate Court rendered its decision denying the appeal.

Guarantees

Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Guarantees	'
	7. Guarantees:
	The Partnership enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Partnership’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Partnership has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
	The General Partner knows of no facts or circumstances that would make the Partnership’s contractual commitments outside standard mutual covenants applicable to commercial transactions between businesses. Accordingly, the Partnership believes that these indemnification obligations are made in the ordinary course of business as part of standard commercial and industry practice, and that any potential liability under the Partnership’s similar commitments is remote. Should any such indemnification obligation become payable, the Partnership would separately record and/or disclose such liability in accordance with GAAP.

Partners_Capital

Partners' Capital	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Partners' capital:	'
Partners' Capital	'
	8. Partners’ capital:
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013,  14,985,550 Units were issued and outstanding. The Partnership was authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 Units, in addition to the 50 Units issued to the initial Partners.
	The Partnership has the right, exercisable at the General Partner’s discretion, but not the obligation, to repurchase Units of a Unitholder who ceases to be a U.S. Citizen, for a price equal to 100% of the holder’s capital account. The Partnership is otherwise permitted, but not required, to repurchase Units upon a holder’s request. The repurchase of Fund Units is made in accordance with Section 13 of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership. The repurchase would be at the discretion of the General Partner on terms it determines to be appropriate under given circumstances, in the event that the General Partner deems such repurchase to be in the best interest of the Partnership; provided, the Partnership is never required to repurchase any Units. Upon the repurchase of any Units by the Fund, the tendered Units are cancelled. Units repurchased in prior periods were repurchased at amounts representing the original investment less cumulative distributions made to the Unitholder with respect to the Units. All Units repurchased during a quarter are deemed to be repurchased effective the last day of the preceding quarter, and are not deemed to be outstanding during, or entitled to allocations of net income, net loss or distributions for the quarter in which such repurchase occurs.
	As defined in the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership’s Net Income, Net Losses, and Distributions are to be allocated 92.5% to the Limited Partners and 7.5% to AFS.
	As defined in the Partnership Agreement, Available Cash from Operations shall be distributed as follows:
	First, Distributions of Cash from Operations shall be 88.5% to the Limited Partners, 7.5% to AFS and 4% to AFS or its affiliate designated as the recipient of the Incentive Management Fee, until the Limited Partners have received Aggregate Distributions in an amount equal to their Original Invested Capital, as defined, plus a 10% per annum cumulative (compounded daily) return on their Adjusted Invested Capital, as defined in the Partnership Agreement.
	Second, 85% to the Limited Partners, 7.5% to AFS and 7.5% to AFS or its affiliate designated as the recipient of the Incentive Management Fee.
	As defined in the Partnership Agreement, Available Cash from Sales or Refinancing are to be distributed as follows:
	First, Distributions of Sales or Refinancing shall be 92.5% to the Limited Partners and 7.5% to AFS, until the Limited Partners have received Aggregate Distributions in an amount equal to their Original Invested Capital, as defined, plus a 10% per annum cumulative (compounded daily) return on their Adjusted Invested Capital.
	Second, 85% to the Limited Partners, 7.5% to AFS and 7.5% to AFS or its affiliate designated as the recipient of the Incentive Management Fee.
	There were no distributions declared or paid during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of presentation:
	The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q as mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of the General Partner, necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	Certain prior period amounts may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no significant effect on the reported financial position or results from operations.
	Footnote and tabular amounts are presented in thousands, except as to Units and per Unit data.
	In preparing the accompanying unaudited financial statements, the General Partner has reviewed events that have occurred after September 30, 2014, up until the issuance of the financial statements. No events were noted which would require additional disclosure in the footnotes to the financial statements, or adjustments thereto.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of estimates:
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates primarily relate to the determination of residual values at the end of the lease term, expected future cash flows used for impairment analysis purposes, and determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Equipment on Operating Leases and Related Revenue Recognition	'
	Equipment on operating leases and related revenue recognition:
	Equipment subject to operating leases is stated at cost. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line method over the terms of the related leases to the equipment’s estimated salvage or residual values. Off-lease equipment is generally not subject to depreciation. The Partnership depreciates all lease assets, in accordance with guidelines consistent with ASC 840-20-35-3, over the periods of the lease terms contained in each asset’s respective lease contract to the estimated residual value at the end of the lease contract. All lease assets are purchased only concurrent with the execution of a lease commitment by the lessee. Thus, the original depreciation period corresponds with the term of the original lease. Once the term of an original lease contract is completed, the subject property is typically sold to the existing user, re-leased to the existing user, or, when off-lease, is held for sale. Assets which are re-leased continue to be depreciated using the terms of the new lease agreements and the estimated residual values at the end of the new lease terms, adjusted downward as necessary. Assets classified as held-for-sale are carried at the lower of carrying amount, or the fair value less cost to sell (ASC 360-10-35-43).
	The Partnership does not use the equipment held in its portfolio, but holds it solely for lease and ultimate sale. In the course of marketing equipment that has come off-lease, management may determine at some point that re-leasing the assets may provide a superior return for investors and would then execute another lease. Upon entering into a new lease contract, management will estimate the residual value once again and resume depreciation. If, and when, the Partnership, at any time, determines that depreciation in value may have occurred with respect to an asset held-for-sale, the Partnership would review the value to determine whether a material reduction in value had occurred and recognize any appropriate impairment. All lease assets, including off-lease assets, are subject to the Partnership’s quarterly impairment analysis, as described in Note 4. Maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s portfolio of leased assets are expensed as incurred. Major additions and betterments are capitalized.
	Operating lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying leases. The initial lease terms vary as to the type of equipment subject to the leases, the needs of the lessees and the terms negotiated, but initial leases were generally from 36 to 120 months. The difference between rent received and rental revenue recognized is recorded as unearned operating lease income on the balance sheet.
	Operating leases are generally placed in a non-accrual status (i.e., no revenue is recognized) when payments are more than 90 days past due. Additionally, management considers the equipment underlying the lease contracts for impairment and periodically reviews the credit worthiness of all operating lessees with payments outstanding less than 90 days. Based upon management’s judgment, the related operating leases may be placed on non-accrual status. Leases placed on non-accrual status are only returned to an accrual status when the account has been brought current and management believes recovery of the remaining unpaid lease payments is probable. Until such time, revenues are recognized on a cash basis.
	The Partnership earns revenues from its marine vessels based on charter utilization of the vessels or a fixed term lease. When the vessels are chartered, contingent rentals and the associated expenses are recorded when earned and/or incurred. From time to time, the Partnership incurs “drydocking” costs on its vessels. Drydocking costs include labor and material costs related to refurbishing, overhauling and/or replacing engine and other major mechanical components of the vessel, hull maintenance and other repairs that bring the vessel into seaworthy compliance with U.S. marine codes in order to have it certified as available for charter. Such drydocking costs are capitalized and added to the equipment cost and depreciated over the period between scheduled drydockings, which generally occur every 24 to 30 months. The Partnership’s two vessels were last placed in drydock for scheduled maintenance during 2011.
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment reporting:
	The Partnership is not organized by multiple operating segments for the purpose of making operating decisions or assessing performance. Accordingly, the Partnership operates in one reportable operating segment in the United States.
	However, certain of the Partnership’s lessee customers may have international operations. In these instances, the Partnership is aware that certain equipment, primarily rail and transportation, may periodically exit the country. However, these lessee customers are US-based, and it is impractical for the Partnership to track, on an asset-by-asset and day-by-day basis, where these assets are deployed. The primary geographic regions in which the Partnership sought leasing opportunities were North America and Europe.
	The table below summarizes geographic information relating to the sources, by nation, of the Partnership’s total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and long-lived tangible assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			For The Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014	% of Total		2013	% of Total
	Revenue
	United States	$	1,643	87%	$	5,004	95%
	Canada		240	13%		240	5%
	Total International		240	13%		240	5%
	Total	$	1,883	100%	$	5,244	100%
			As of September 30,			As of December 31,
			2014	% of Total		2013	% of Total
	Long-lived assets
	United States	$	5,203	96%	$	5,403	96%
	Canada		240	4%		240	4%
	Total International		240	4%		240	4%
	Total	$	5,443	100%	$	5,643	100%
Per Unit Data	'
	Per Unit data:
	Net income and distributions per Unit are based upon the weighted average number of Limited Partnership Units outstanding during the period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent accounting pronouncements:
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue
	recognition. ASU 2014-09 is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The new revenue standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Partnership has evaluated the impact of the new standard on its financial statements and has determined that such impact is virtually non-existent as the new revenue guideline does not affect revenues from leases, which comprise the majority of the Partnership’s revenues.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The new standard provides guidance relative to management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the standard and its operational and related disclosure requirements

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Geographic Information Relating to Sources, by Nation, of Partnership's Total Revenue and Long-Lived Assets	'
	The table below summarizes geographic information relating to the sources, by nation, of the Partnership’s total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and long-lived tangible assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			For The Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014	% of Total		2013	% of Total
	Revenue
	United States	$	1,643	87%	$	5,004	95%
	Canada		240	13%		240	5%
	Total International		240	13%		240	5%
	Total	$	1,883	100%	$	5,244	100%
			As of September 30,			As of December 31,
			2014	% of Total		2013	% of Total
	Long-lived assets
	United States	$	5,203	96%	$	5,403	96%
	Canada		240	4%		240	4%
	Total International		240	4%		240	4%
	Total	$	5,443	100%	$	5,643	100%

Allowance_for_Credit_Losses_Ta

Allowance for Credit Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Allowance for Credit Losses [Abstract]	'
Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	The Partnership’s allowance for credit losses are as follows (in thousands):
			Accounts Receivable Allowance				Valuation Adjustments on Financing Receivables		Total Allowance for Credit Losses
			for Doubtful Accounts
			Finance		Operating		Finance
			Leases		Leases		Leases
	Balance December 31, 2012	$	-	$	133	$	-	$	133
	Provision		-		17		-		17
	Balance December 31, 2013		-		150		-		150
	Reversal of provision		-		-4		-		-4
	Balance September 30, 2014	$	-	$	146	$	-	$	146

Investments_in_Equipment_and_L

Investments in Equipment and Leases, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net [Abstract]	'
Investment in Leases	'
	The Partnership’s investments in equipment and leases consist of the following (in thousands):
			Balance		Reclassifications		Depreciation/		Balance
			December 31,		&		Amortization		September 30,
			2013		Additions /		Expense or		2014
					Dispositions		Amortization
							of Leases
	Net investment in operating leases	$	3,162	$	-68	$	-101	$	2,993
	Assets held for sale or lease, net		2,481		-31		-		2,450
	Total	$	5,643	$	-99	$	-101	$	5,443
Property on Operating Leases	'
	Property on operating leases consists of the following (in thousands):
			Balance		Additions		Reclassifications		Balance
			December 31,				or Dispositions		September 30,
			2013						2014
	Transportation	$	22,757	$	-	$	-887	$	21,870
	Materials handling		83		-		-		83
			22,840		-		-887		21,953
	Less accumulated depreciation		-19,678		-101		819		-18,960
	Total	$	3,162	$	-101	$	-68	$	2,993
Future Minimum Lease Payments Receivable	'
	At September 30, 2014, the aggregate amounts of future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands):
			Operating
			Leases
	Three months ending December 31, 2014	$	326
	Year ending December 31, 2015		811
	2016		517
	2017		314
	2018		78
		$	2,046
Schedule of Useful Lives of Assets	'
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the respective useful lives of each category of lease assets in the Company’s portfolio are as follows (in years):
	Equipment category		Useful Life
	Transportation		35-40
	Materials handling		10-Jul

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Affiliates Earned Commissions and Billed for Reimbursements Pursuant to Operating Agreement	'
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, AFS and/or affiliates earned fees and billed for reimbursements pursuant to the Partnership Agreement as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Cost reimbursements to General Partner	$	43	$	60	$	138	$	177
	Equipment and incentive management fees to General Partner		15		20		43		59
		$	58	$	80	$	181	$	236

Organization_and_Limited_Partn1

Organization and Limited Partnership Matters (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			73 Months Ended	220 Months Ended
	Nov. 27, 1998	Jan. 07, 1997	Nov. 29, 1996	Dec. 31, 2004	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization and Limited Partnership Matters [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Partnership business cessation date	'	'	'	'	31-Dec-17	'
Public offering of Limited Partnership Units	'	'	15,000,000	'	'	'
Public offering price per Units	'	'	$10	'	'	'
Sale of Limited Partnership Units, number of Units	'	120,000	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of Limited Partnership Units	'	$1,200,000	'	'	'	'
Gross contributions	150,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Gross contributions, number of Units	15,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Initial Partners' capital investment	500	'	'	'	'	'
AFS' capital investment	$100	'	'	'	'	'
Units issued	'	'	'	'	14,985,550	14,985,550
Units outstanding	'	'	'	'	14,985,550	14,985,550
Reinvestment period	'	'	'	'6 years	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	segment
Number of operating segments	1
Minimum [Member]	'
Operating leases, initial terms	'36 months
Operating leases, period for non accrual status	'90 days
Period of scheduled vessel drydocking	'24 months
Maximum [Member]	'
Operating leases, initial terms	'120 months
Equipment and lessee period of review for impairment	'90 days
Period of scheduled vessel drydocking	'30 months

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary of Geographic Information Relating to Sources, by Nation, of Partnership's Total Revenue and Long-Lived Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$624	$3,717	$1,883	$5,244	'
Percentage of total revenue	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	'
Long-lived assets	5,443	'	5,443	'	5,643
Percentage of long lived assets	100.00%	'	100.00%	'	100.00%
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	1,643	5,004	'
Percentage of total revenue	'	'	87.00%	95.00%	'
Long-lived assets	5,203	'	5,203	'	5,403
Percentage of long lived assets	96.00%	'	96.00%	'	96.00%
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	240	240	'
Percentage of total revenue	'	'	13.00%	5.00%	'
Long-lived assets	240	'	240	'	240
Percentage of long lived assets	4.00%	'	4.00%	'	4.00%
Total International [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	240	240	'
Percentage of total revenue	'	'	13.00%	5.00%	'
Long-lived assets	$240	'	$240	'	$240
Percentage of long lived assets	4.00%	'	4.00%	'	4.00%

Allowance_for_Credit_Losses_Na

Allowance for Credit Losses (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$5,443	$5,643
Direct Financing Leases [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$0	$0
Lease maturity date	1-Jul-13	'

Allowance_for_Credit_Losses_Ac

Allowance for Credit Losses (Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$150	$133
Provision (reversal of provision)	-4	17
Ending balance	146	150
Finance Leases [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'
Provision (reversal of provision)	'	'
Ending balance	'	'
Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] | Operating Leases [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	150	133
Provision (reversal of provision)	-4	17
Ending balance	$146	$150

Investment_in_Equipment_and_Le1

Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Depreciation of operating lease assets	$33	$68	$101	$287	'
Average estimated residual value for assets on operating leases	'	'	13.00%	'	13.00%
Contingent rental revenue	12	16	24	46	'
Direct Financing Leases [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment in direct financing leases	$0	'	$0	'	0
Lease maturity date	'	'	1-Jul-13	'	'

Investment_in_Equipment_and_Le2

Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net (Investment in Leases) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Balance December 31, 2013	$5,643
Reclassifications & Additions/ Dispositions	-99
Depreciation/ Amortization Expense or Amortization of Leases	-101
Balance September 30, 2014	5,443
Operating Leases [Member]	'
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Balance December 31, 2013	3,162
Reclassifications & Additions/ Dispositions	-68
Depreciation/ Amortization Expense or Amortization of Leases	-101
Balance September 30, 2014	2,993
Assets Held For Sale or Lease [Member]	'
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Balance December 31, 2013	2,481
Reclassifications & Additions/ Dispositions	-31
Balance September 30, 2014	$2,450

Investment_in_Equipment_and_Le3

Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net (Property on Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'
Balance December 31, 2013	$3,162
Additions	-101
Reclassifications or Dispositions	-68
Balance September 30, 2014	2,993
Transportation [Member]	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'
Balance December 31, 2013	22,757
Additions	'
Reclassifications or Dispositions	-887
Balance September 30, 2014	21,870
Materials Handling [Member]	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'
Balance December 31, 2013	83
Additions	'
Reclassifications or Dispositions	'
Balance September 30, 2014	83
Total Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Member]	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'
Balance December 31, 2013	22,840
Additions	'
Reclassifications or Dispositions	-887
Balance September 30, 2014	21,953
Less Accumulated Depreciation [Member]	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'
Balance December 31, 2013	-19,678
Additions	-101
Reclassifications or Dispositions	819
Balance September 30, 2014	($18,960)

Investment_in_Equipment_and_Le4

Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net (Future Minimum Lease Payments Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases	'
Three months ending December 31, 2014	$326
Year ending December 31, 2015	811
2016	517
2017	314
2018	78
Future minimum lease payments receivable	$2,046

Investment_in_Equipment_and_Le5

Investment in Equipment and Leases, Net (Schedule of Useful Lives of Assets) (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Transportation [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'
Useful lives of lease assets	'40 years	'40 years
Transportation [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'
Useful lives of lease assets	'35 years	'35 years
Materials Handling [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'
Useful lives of lease assets	'10 years	'10 years
Materials Handling [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'
Useful lives of lease assets	'7 years	'7 years

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Incentive management fees as a percentage of cash distributions from operations	4.00%
Operating Leases [Member]	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Equipment management fees as a percentage of gross revenue	3.50%
Full Payout Leases [Member]	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Equipment management fees as a percentage of gross revenue	2.00%

Related_Party_Transactions_Aff

Related Party Transactions (Affiliates Earned Commissions and Billed for Reimbursements Pursuant to Operating Agreement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cost reimbursements to General Partner	$43	$60	$138	$177
Equipment and incentive management fees to General Partner	15	20	43	59
Related party transactions, total	$58	$80	$181	$236

Gain_Contingencies_Narrative_D

Gain Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
	item
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Gain contingency, unrecorded amount	$2.80
Fleet Manager [Member]	'
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Gain contingency, unrecorded amount	2.8
Gain contingency, number of vessels	3
Gain contingency, percentage of gross proceeds	10.00%
Fleet Manager [Member] | ATEL Capital Equipment Fund VII, L.P. [Member]	'
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Gain contingency, unrecorded amount	$1.40

Partners_Capital_Narrative_Det

Partners' Capital (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	21 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' capital account, units issued	14,985,550	'	14,985,550	'	14,985,550	14,985,550
Limited Partners' capital account, units outstanding	14,985,550	'	14,985,550	'	14,985,550	14,985,550
Limited Partners' capital account, units authorized	15,000,000	'	15,000,000	'	15,000,000	15,000,000
Partnership right to repurchase units of a unitholder	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%
Percentage of cash distributions from operations as incentive management fee	'	'	4.00%	'	'	'
Distributions to Limited Partners, per unit	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0.25	'
First [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distributions from sales or refinancing as annual return on invested capital	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Initial Limited Partners [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' capital account, units issued	50	'	50	'	50	50
Limited Partner [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocation of net income, net losses, and distributions	'	'	92.50%	'	'	'
Limited Partner [Member] | First [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distributions from operations	'	'	88.50%	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distribution from sales or refinancing	'	'	92.50%	'	'	'
Limited Partner [Member] | Second [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distributions from operations	'	'	85.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distribution from sales or refinancing	'	'	85.00%	'	'	'
Limited Partner [Member] | Thereafter [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distributions from sales or refinancing as annual return on invested capital	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
General Partner [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocation of net income, net losses, and distributions	'	'	7.50%	'	'	'
General Partner [Member] | First [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distributions from operations	'	'	7.50%	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distribution from sales or refinancing	'	'	7.50%	'	'	'
General Partner [Member] | Second [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distributions from operations as incentive management fee	'	'	7.50%	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distribution from sales or refinancing	'	'	7.50%	'	'	'
Affiliated Entity [Member] | First [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distributions from operations	'	'	4.00%	'	'	'
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Second [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distributions from operations as incentive management fee	'	'	7.50%	'	'	'
Percentage of cash distribution from sales or refinancing	'	'	7.50%	'	'	'