Greystone Housing Impact Investors (GHI) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Entity Registrant Name	'AMERICA FIRST TAX EXEMPT INVESTORS LP
Entity Central Index Key	'0001059142
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer
Document Type	'10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Amendment Flag	'false
Entity Common Stock, Units Outstanding	0

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$11,906,607	$30,172,773
Restricted cash	7,697,739	5,471,522
Interest receivable	8,012,423	8,473,360
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value	154,914,137	99,534,082
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	48,161,743	45,703,294
Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value	61,793,516	65,389,298
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	38,880,996	32,121,412
Real estate assets:	'	'
Land	12,491,559	11,202,876
Buildings and improvements	115,981,355	93,615,479
Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation	128,472,914	104,818,355
Accumulated depreciation	-23,138,783	-19,330,063
Net real estate assets	105,334,131	85,488,292
Other assets	13,353,435	8,216,295
Assets of discontinued operations	0	32,580,427
Total assets	450,054,727	413,150,755
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	5,160,479	5,013,947
Distribution payable	5,400,622	5,566,908
Debt financing	226,569,000	177,948,000
Mortgages payable	51,802,031	39,119,507
Bond Purchase Commitment - Fair Market Value Adjustment	4,865,536	0
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	1,531,462
Total Liabilities	293,797,668	229,179,824
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Partners' Capital	'	'
General Partner	84,551	-430,087
Beneficial Unit Certificate holders	182,079,780	207,383,087
Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs	-25,897,611	-25,035,808
Total Partners' Capital	156,266,720	181,917,192
Noncontrolling interest	-9,661	2,053,739
Total Capital	156,257,059	183,970,931
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital	$450,054,727	$413,150,755

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Property revenues	$4,299,376	$3,186,964	$11,984,229	$9,003,313
Investment income	5,247,808	3,110,717	17,559,622	7,770,767
Contingent Interest Income	0	0	6,497,160	0
Interest Income, Operating	216,993	15,224	1,558,158	97,996
Gain on sale of bonds	0	0	0	667,821
Other income	0	0	250,000	0
Total Revenues	9,764,177	6,312,905	37,849,169	17,539,897
Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	2,609,955	2,135,455	6,982,316	5,495,883
Realized loss on taxable property loan	0	0	-4,557,741	0
Provision for loan loss	72,000	0	168,000	0
Provision for loss on receivables	0	-261,825	241,698	214,525
Depreciation and amortization	1,762,224	1,231,729	5,004,682	3,446,111
Interest	2,325,372	1,551,543	5,287,994	4,317,329
General and administrative	985,778	834,301	3,097,713	2,533,246
Total Expenses	7,755,329	5,491,203	25,340,144	16,007,094
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2,008,848	821,702	12,509,025	1,532,803
Income from discontinued operations	1,342,498	1,526,964	3,442,404	2,013,713
Net income (loss)	3,351,346	2,348,666	15,951,429	3,546,516
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	59,913	-137,099	-263,584	-398,469
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	3,411,259	2,211,567	15,687,845	3,148,047
Net income (loss) allocated to:	'	'	'	'
General Partner	373,696	333,962	1,393,480	508,592
Limited Partners - Unitholders	3,356,268	2,390,780	15,156,168	3,651,497
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	-318,705	-513,175	-861,803	-1,012,042
Noncontrolling interest	($59,913)	$137,099	$263,584	$398,469
Unitholders' interest in net income per unit (basic and diluted):	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.05	$0	$0.27	$0.04
Income from discontinued operations	$0.03	$0.04	$0.08	$0.06
Net income (loss), basic and diluted, per unit	$0.08	$0.06	$0.35	$0.10
Distributions declared, per unit	$0.13	$0.13	$0.38	$0.38
Weighted average number of units outstanding, basic and diluted	42,772,928	42,772,928	42,772,928	35,572,562

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Parenthetical (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	$1,401,656	$3,177,183	$1,277,976

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$3,351,346	$2,348,666	$15,951,429	$3,546,516
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	29,501,541	-9,043,887
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners	373,696	333,962	1,393,480	508,592
Net income (loss) allocated to unitholders	3,356,268	2,390,780	15,156,168	3,651,497
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	-318,705	-513,175	-861,803	-1,012,042
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	59,913	-137,099	-263,584	-398,469
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	29,501,541	-9,043,887
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners	133,443	355,180	1,098,465	599,031
Net income (loss) allocated to unitholders	-20,428,811	4,491,398	-14,050,358	12,604,945
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	-318,705	-513,175	-861,803	-1,012,042
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-59,913	137,099	263,584	398,469
Comprehensive income - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	-20,673,986	4,470,502	-13,550,112	12,590,403
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-19,159,797	-2,121,836	-24,636,006	9,043,887
Commitments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-4,865,535	'	'	'
Commitments [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	$4,865,535	$0	$4,865,535	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital (USD $)

Total

General Partner

Number of Units

Beneficial Unit Certificate Holders

Unallocated Deficit of Consolidated VIEs

Noncontrolling Interest

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

General Partner

Beneficial Unit Certificate Holders

Unallocated Deficit of Consolidated VIEs

Noncontrolling Interest

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

USD ($)

General Partner

Beneficial Unit Certificate Holders

Noncontrolling Interest

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Balance at Dec. 31, 2011

$131,589,045

($354,006)

'

$154,911,228

($23,512,962)

$544,785

$95,894

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partners' Capital Account, Units at Dec. 31, 2011

'

'

30,122,928

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

'

'

12,650,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

59,948,265

'

'

59,948,265

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of Limited Partner Interest in Multi-Family Properties

4,037

0

'

0

0

4,037

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions paid or accrued

-15,071,201

-612,603

'

-14,458,598

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

3,546,516

508,592

'

3,651,497

-1,012,042

398,469

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax

9,043,887

90,439

'

8,953,448

0

0

9,043,887

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Sep. 30, 2012

189,060,549

-367,578

'

213,005,840

-24,525,004

947,291

9,139,781

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Dec. 31, 2012

183,970,931

-430,087

'

207,383,087

-25,035,808

2,053,739

7,161,381

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partners' Capital Account, Units at Dec. 31, 2012

'

'

42,772,928

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deconsolidation of Discontinued Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

393,401

14,064

1,392,303

0

-1,012,966

1,406,367

-1,314,018

0

0

-1,314,018

0

Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities

-651,849

-6,518

'

-645,331

0

0

-651,849

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreclosure of Available-for-Sale Securities

4,080,734

40,807

'

4,039,927

0

0

4,080,734

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions paid or accrued

-16,672,028

-632,180

'

-16,039,848

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

15,951,429

1,393,480

'

15,156,168

-861,803

263,584

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax

-29,501,541

-295,015

'

-29,206,526

0

0

-29,501,541

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

$156,257,059

$84,551

'

$182,079,780

($25,897,611)

($9,661)

($17,504,908)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$15,951,429	$3,546,516
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	5,014,542	4,618,505
Provision for loss on receivables	241,698	214,525
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives	304,085	1,055,311
Bond discount and premium amortization and accretion	-249,476	-315,580
Gain on sale of bonds	0	-667,821
Gain on the sale of the Ohio Properties	-3,177,183	-1,277,976
Contingent Interest Income	-6,497,160	0
Realized loss on taxable property loan	-4,557,741	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions	'	'
Increase (decrease) in interest receivable	-3,431,931	-2,834,210
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-1,288,680	-842,388
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	-753,912	-115,370
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	10,671,153	3,381,512
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-6,903,635	-4,750,312
Acquisition of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	-72,752,000	-10,165,287
Proceeds from sale of MF Property	22,610,000	8,325,000
Investment in the Ohio Properties' bonds	-27,778,000	0
Cash received from taxable loans receivable - Ohio Properties	4,064,089	0
Proceeds from the sale/redemption of bonds	21,935,343	16,829,960
Acquisition of mortgage-backed securities	-12,629,888	0
Acquisition of public housing capital trusts	0	65,985,913
Purchase of rate derivative	793,000	0
Deposit on MF Property	-100,000	0
Acquisition of partnerships, net of cash acquired	-2,918,000	0
Decrease in restricted cash	68,418	160,820
Restricted cash - debt collateral released	-4,500,000	7,895,236
Acquisition of partnerships, net of cash acquired	0	-5,500,000
Change in restricted cash - Greens Property sale	2,546,363	0
Principal payments received on taxable bonds	1,776,418	666,458
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	-75,373,892	-52,524,038
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Distributions paid	-16,838,315	-13,277,259
Proceeds from debt financing	42,530,000	48,995,000
Principal borrowings on mortgages payable	15,300,343	3,769,044
Principal borrowing on line of credit	16,015,900	0
Proceeds from sale of beneficial unit certificates	0	59,948,265
Net change in line of credit	-8,565,900	0
Principal payments on debt and mortgage financing	-1,740,179	-14,690,798
Decrease in liabilities related to restricted cash	-68,418	-160,820
Debt financing costs	-355,585	-116,542
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests	0	4,037
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities	46,277,846	84,470,927
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-18,424,893	35,328,401
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period, including discontinued operations	30,331,500	20,213,413
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period, including discontinued operations	11,906,607	55,541,814
Cash paid during the period for interest	4,657,186	3,086,659
Distributions declared but not paid	5,400,622	5,705,283
Capital expenditures financed through payables	1,110,092	58,304
Deconsolidation of the Ohio Properties - noncontrolling interest	2,326,984	0
Taxable loans receivable - Ohio Properties	2,086,236	0
Foreclosure of the Woodland Park bond	$15,662,000	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Parenthetical Tagging (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents	$0	$158,727	$78,541	$126,572

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	Basis of Presentation
	General
	America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P. (the “Partnership”) was formed on April 2, 1998, under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act for the primary purpose of acquiring, holding, selling and otherwise dealing with a portfolio of federally tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds which have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing of multifamily residential properties.  Interest on these tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes.  As a result, most of the income earned by the Partnership is exempt from federal income taxes.  The Partnership may also invest in other types of tax-exempt securities that may or may not be secured by real estate and may make taxable property loans secured by multifamily properties which are financed by tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by the Partnership.  The Partnership generally does not seek to acquire direct interests in real property as long term or permanent investments.  The Partnership may, however, acquire real estate securing its tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds or taxable mortgage loans through foreclosure in the event of a default.  In addition, the Partnership may acquire interests in multifamily apartment properties (“MF Properties”) in order to position itself for future investments in tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds issued to finance these properties. The Partnership expects to sell its interest in these MF Properties in connection with the future syndication of low income housing tax credits under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code ("LIHTCs") or to a tax-exempt organization and to acquire tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds on these properties to provide debt financing to the new owners.
	Our general partner is America First Capital Associates Limited Partnership Two (“AFCA 2” or “General Partner”).  The general partner of AFCA2 is The Burlington Capital Group LLC ("Burlington"). The Partnership has issued Beneficial Unit Certificates (“BUCs”) representing assigned limited partner interests to investors (“unitholders”).  The Partnership will terminate on December 31, 2050, unless terminated earlier under provisions of its Agreement of Limited Partnership.
	The "Company" refers to the consolidated financial statements reported in this Form 10-Q which include the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the Partnership, its Consolidated Subsidiaries (defined below) and three entities in which the Partnership does not hold an ownership interest but which own multifamily apartment properties financed with tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by the Partnership and which are treated as variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which the Partnership has been determined to be the primary beneficiary (the “Consolidated VIEs”). The Consolidated Subsidiaries of the Partnership currently consist of:
	•	ATAX TEBS I, LLC, a special purpose entity owned and controlled by the Partnership, created to hold tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds in order to facilitate the Tax Exempt Bond Securitization (“TEBS”) Financing with Freddie Mac (Note 10).
	•	Nine multifamily apartments ("MF Properties") which are either wholly or majority owned by subsidiaries of the Partnership.
	Stand alone financial information of the Partnership reported in this Form 10-Q includes only the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the Partnership and its Consolidated Subsidiaries (hereafter the “Partnership”) without the Consolidated VIEs.  In the Company’s consolidated financial statements, all transactions and accounts between the Partnership, the Consolidated Subsidiaries and the Consolidated VIEs have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Partnership does not believe that the consolidation of VIEs for reporting under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) affects the Partnership’s status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or the status of unitholders as partners of the Partnership, the treatment of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds on the properties owned by Consolidated VIEs as debt, the tax-exempt nature of the interest payments received on the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by the properties owned by Consolidated VIEs or the manner in which the Partnership’s income is reported to unitholders on IRS Form K-1.
	The unallocated deficit of the Consolidated VIEs is primarily comprised of the accumulated historical net losses of the Consolidated VIEs since the applicable consolidation date. The unallocated deficit of the VIEs and the VIEs' net losses subsequent to that date are not allocated to the General Partner and unitholders as such activity is not contemplated by, or addressed in, the Agreement of Limited Partnership.
	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.  The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted according to such rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes have been prepared consistently with the 2012 Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 30, 2013, and the results of operations for the interim periods presented have been made. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Partnership_Income_Expense_and

Partnership Income, Expense and Cash Distributions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Partnership Income, Expenses and Cash Distributions [Abstract]	'
Partnership Income Expenses and Cash Distributions [Text Block]	'
	Partnership Income, Expenses and Cash Distributions
	The Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership contains provisions for the distribution of Net Interest Income, Net Residual Proceeds and Liquidation Proceeds, for the allocation of income or loss from operations and for the allocation of income and loss arising from a repayment, sale, or liquidation of investments.  Income and losses will be allocated to each unitholder on a periodic basis, as determined by the General Partner, based on the number of BUCs held by each unitholder as of the last day of the period for which such allocation is to be made. Distributions of Net Interest Income and Net Residual Proceeds will be made to each unitholder of record on the last day of each distribution period based on the number of BUCs held by each unitholder as of such date. For purposes of the Agreement of Limited Partnership, cash distributions, if any, received by the Partnership from its indirect interest in MF Properties (Note 7) will be included in the Partnership’s Interest Income and cash distributions received by the Partnership from the sale of such properties will be included in the Partnership Residual Proceeds.
	Cash distributions are currently made on a quarterly basis but may be made on a monthly or semiannual basis at the election of AFCA 2.  On each distribution date, Net Interest Income is distributed 99% to the unitholders and 1% to AFCA 2 and Net Residual Proceeds are distributed 100% to unitholders except that Net Interest Income and Net Residual Proceeds representing contingent interest in an amount equal to 0.9% per annum of the principal amount of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds on a cumulative basis (defined as Net Interest Income (Tier 2) and Net Residual Proceeds (Tier 2), respectively) are distributed 75% to the unitholders and 25% to AFCA 2.
	In June 2010, the Company completed a sales transaction whereby four of the MF Properties, Crescent Village, Post Woods (I and II), and Willow Bend apartments in Ohio (the “Ohio Properties”), were sold to three new ownership entities controlled by an unaffiliated not-for-profit entity and in October 2011, the three limited partnerships that own the Ohio Properties admitted two entities that are affiliates of Boston Capital ("BC Partners") as new limited partners as part of a syndication of LIHTCs. The Company acquired 100% of the $18.3 million tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds issued by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency as part of a plan of financing for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Ohio Properties. The tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by the Ohio Properties were acquired by the Company at par and consisted of two series. The Series A bond had a par value of $14.7 million and bears interest at an annual rate of 7.0%. The Series B bond had a par value of $3.6 million and bears interest at an annual interest rate of 10.0%. Both series of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds mature in June 2050. The BC Partners agreed to contribute equity to these limited partnerships, subject to the Ohio Properties meeting certain debt service coverage ratios specified in the applicable limited partnership agreements. As such, there was not sufficient equity invested at closing by the not-for-profit or BC Partners into the Ohio Properties to allow the Company to recognize a real estate sale.
	During the first quarter of 2013, BC Partners contributed $6.5 million of capital into the Ohio Properties which was sufficient to allow the Company to recognize the sale pursuant to the accounting guidance. The Company determined that the approximate $1.8 million gain from the sale of the Ohio Properties was Tier 2 income in 2010, the year in which the Ohio Properties were sold to the unaffiliated not-for-profit. As such, 25% of that gain was distributed to AFCA 2 in 2010 and there was no Tier 2 income reported in 2013 related to the Ohio Properties.
	The deposit method of accounting for real estate sales required both the deferral of the gain from the real estate sale and also did not allow recognition of the tax-exempt interest payments by the Ohio Properties to the Company between June 2010 and the date of the equity contribution by BC Partners. In conjunction with the recognition of the real estate sale, approximately $3.5 million of tax-exempt interest was recognized within investment income in the first quarter of 2013 which represents the tax-exempt interest payments received from the Ohio Properties between June 2010 and December 2012. In addition, the Partnership reported approximately $1.1 million in taxable note interest income and $250,000 guarantee fee from the general partner of the Ohio Properties during the first quarter of 2013 (Note 9). The deposit method of accounting also deferred the recognition of the sale of the the Ohio Properties and the purchase of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds they secure in the consolidated statement of cash flows. As such, these transactions were recognized in the consolidated statement of cash flows in 2013.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Variable interest entities [Text Block]	'
	Variable Interest Entities
	The Partnership invests in federally tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds which have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing of multifamily residential apartments.  The Partnership owns 100% of these tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and each bond is secured by a first mortgage on the property.  In certain cases, the Partnership has also made taxable property loans to the property owners which are secured by second mortgages on these properties.  Although each multifamily property financed with tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by the Partnership is owned by a separate entity in which the Partnership has no equity ownership interest, the debt financing provided by the Partnership creates a variable interest in these ownership entities that may require the Partnership to report the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of these entities on a consolidated basis under GAAP.
	The Partnership determined that five of the entities financed by tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds owned by the Partnership are held by VIEs as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  These VIEs are Ashley Square, Bent Tree, Cross Creek, Fairmont Oaks, and Lake Forest. At December 31, 2012, the Partnership also determined that the Exchange Accommodation Titleholder ("EAT (Maples on 97th)") was also a VIE based on the Qualified Exchange Accommodation Agreement and Master Lease Agreement between the Partnership and EAT (Maples on 97th).
	The Partnership does not hold an equity interest in these VIEs and, therefore, the assets of the VIEs cannot be used to settle the general commitments of the Partnership and the Partnership is not responsible for the commitments and liabilities of the VIEs.  The primary risks to the Partnership associated with these VIEs relate to the entities ability to meet debt service obligations to the Partnership and the valuation of the underlying multifamily apartment property which serves as bond collateral.
	The following is a discussion of the significant judgments and assumptions made by the Partnership in determining the primary beneficiary of the VIE and, therefore, whether the Partnership must consolidate the VIE.
	Consolidated VIEs
	In determining the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, the Partnership considers the activities of the VIE which most significantly impact the VIEs' economic performance, who has the power to control such activities, the risks which the entities were designed to create, the variability associated with those risks and the interests which absorb such variability.  The Partnership also considers the related party relationship of the entities involved in the VIEs.  It was determined that the Partnership, as part of the related party group, met both of the primary beneficiary criteria and was the most closely associated with the VIEs and; therefore, was determined to be the primary beneficiary of the following VIEs at September 30, 2013: Bent Tree, Fairmont Oaks, and Lake Forest. The capital structure of Bent Tree, Fairmont Oaks, and Lake Forest consists of senior debt, subordinated debt, and equity capital.  The senior debt is in the form of a tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and accounts for the majority of each VIE's total capital. As the bondholder, the Partnership is entitled to principal and interest payments and has certain protective rights as established by the bond documents.  The equity ownership of the consolidated VIEs is ultimately held by corporations which are owned by four individuals, two of which are related parties.  Additionally, each of these properties is managed by an affiliate of the Partnership, America First Properties Management Company, LLC (“Properties Management”) which is an affiliate of Burlington Capital Group, LLC ("Burlington").
	In August 2012, the EAT (Maples on 97th), a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Title Company which owned a multi-family property located in Omaha, Nebraska, executed a Master Lease Agreement and Construction Management Agreement with the Partnership. These two agreements gave the Partnership the rights and obligations to manage this property as well as the rehabilitation during the six month hold period which contractually ended in February 2013. The Partnership determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the EAT (Maples on 97th) and consolidated the EAT as a VIE as of December 31, 2012. Based on the terms of the Master Lease Agreement, the Partnership reported the rental income and related real estate operating expenses for the Maples on 97th property during the six month holding period as an MF Property since it had all the rights and obligations of landlord for the property. In February 2013, title to the Maples on 97th property transferred to the Partnership from the EAT (Maples on 97th) and the property is reported as an MF Property in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013.
	Non-Consolidated VIEs
	The Company did not consolidate two VIE entities, Ashley Square and Cross Creek as of September 30, 2013 based on its determination of the primary beneficiary of these two VIE entities. As discussed below, while the capital structures of these VIEs resulted in the Partnership holding a majority of the variable interests in these VIEs, the Partnership determined it does not have the power to direct the activities of these VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance and, as a result, is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.
	Ashley Square –  Ashley Square Housing Cooperative acquired the ownership of the Ashley Square Apartments in December 2008 from Ashley Square LLC through a warranty deed of transfer and an assumption of debt.  This transfer of ownership constituted a reconsideration event as outlined in the consolidation guidance which triggered a re-evaluation of the holders of variable interests to determine the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  The capital structure of the VIE consists of senior debt, subordinated loans and equity capital.  The senior debt is in the form of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds that are 100% owned by the Partnership and account for the majority of the VIE’s total capital.  As the bondholder, the Partnership is entitled to principal and interest payments and has certain protective rights as established by the bond documents.  The VIE is organized as a housing cooperative and the 99% equity owner of this VIE is The Foundation for Affordable Housing (“FAH”), an unaffiliated Nebraska not-for-profit organization.  Additionally, this property is managed by Properties Management.
	Cross Creek –  Cross Creek Apartments Holdings LLC is the owner of the Cross Creek Apartments.  On January 1, 2010, Cross Creek Apartment Holdings LLC entered into a new operating agreement and admitted three new members.  These new members committed approximately $2.2 million of capital payable in three installments including $563,000 on January 1, 2010.  The new operating agreement and admission of new owner members constituted a reconsideration event as outlined in the consolidation guidance which triggered a re-evaluation of the holders of variable interests to determine the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  The capital structure of the VIE consists of senior debt, subordinated loans, and equity capital at risk.  The senior debt is in the form of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds that are 100% owned by the Partnership and account for the majority of the VIE’s total capital.  As the bondholder, the Partnership is entitled to principal and interest payments and has certain protective rights as established by the bond documents.  The three newly admitted members of this VIE are each unaffiliated with the Partnership and have contributed significant equity capital to the VIE.  These members collectively control a 99% interest in the VIE.  The other 1% member of this VIE is FAH, which is also unaffiliated with the Partnership.  Additionally, this property is managed by Properties Management.
	The following table presents information regarding the carrying value and classification of the assets held by the Partnership as of September 30, 2013, which constitute a variable interest in Ashley Square and Cross Creek.
		Balance Sheet Classification		Carrying Value				Maximum Exposure to Loss
	Ashley Square Apartments
	Tax Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bond	Bond Investment		$	5,224,000			$	5,224,000
	Taxable Property Loan	Other Asset		1,462,000				7,032,123
				$	6,686,000			$	12,256,123
	Cross Creek Apartments
	Tax Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bond	Bond Investment		$	7,616,316			$	6,033,317
	Taxable Property Loans	Other Asset		3,383,615				3,383,615
				$	10,999,931			$	9,416,932
	The tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds are classified on the balance sheet as available for sale investments and are carried at fair value while taxable property loans are presented on the balance sheet as Other assets and are carried at the unpaid principal and interest less any loan loss reserves.  See Note 4 for additional information regarding the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and Note 8 for additional information regarding the taxable property loans.  The maximum exposure to loss for the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds is equal to the unpaid principal balance as of September 30, 2013.  The difference between the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond's carrying value and the maximum exposure to loss is a function of the fair value of the bond.  The difference between the taxable property loan's carrying value and the maximum exposure is the value of loan loss reserves that have been previously recorded against the outstanding taxable property loan balances.
	The following tables present the effects of the consolidation of the Consolidated VIEs on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
			Partnership as of September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs as of September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination as of September 30, 2013				Total as of September 30, 2013
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	11,872,782			$	33,825			$	—			$	11,906,607
	Restricted cash		6,444,613				1,253,126				—				7,697,739
	Interest receivable		14,677,455				—				(6,665,032		)		8,012,423
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value		178,071,670				—				(23,157,533		)		154,914,137
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value		48,161,743				—				—				48,161,743
	Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value		61,793,516				—				—				61,793,516
	Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value		38,880,996				—				—				38,880,996
	Real estate assets:
	Land		9,241,515				3,250,044				—				12,491,559
	Buildings and improvements		83,656,608				32,324,747				—				115,981,355
	Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation		92,898,123				35,574,791				—				128,472,914
	Accumulated depreciation		(8,382,864		)		(14,755,919		)		—				(23,138,783		)
	Net real estate assets		84,515,259				20,818,872				—				105,334,131
	Other assets		22,418,827				597,081				(9,662,473		)		13,353,435
	Total Assets		$	466,836,861			$	22,702,904			$	(39,485,038	)		$	450,054,727
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		$	4,413,261			$	28,761,746			$	(28,014,528	)		$	5,160,479
	Distribution payable		5,400,622				—				—				5,400,622
	Debt financing		226,569,000				—				—				226,569,000
	Mortgages payable		51,802,031				23,960,000				(23,960,000		)		51,802,031
	Bond purchase commitment - fair market value adjustment		4,865,536				—				—				4,865,536
	Total Liabilities		293,050,450				52,721,746				(51,974,528		)		293,797,668
	Partners' Capital
	General Partner		84,551				—				—				84,551
	Beneficial Unit Certificate holders		173,711,521				—				8,368,259				182,079,780
	Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs		—				(30,018,842		)		4,121,231				(25,897,611		)
	Total Partners' Capital		173,796,072				(30,018,842		)		12,489,490				156,266,720
	Noncontrolling interest		(9,661		)		—				—				(9,661		)
	Total Capital		173,786,411				(30,018,842		)		12,489,490				156,257,059
	Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital		$	466,836,861			$	22,702,904			$	(39,485,038	)		$	450,054,727
			Partnership as of December 31, 2012				Consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination as of December 31, 2012				Total as of December 31, 2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	30,123,447			$	49,326			$	—			$	30,172,773
	Restricted cash		4,538,071				933,451				—				5,471,522
	Interest receivable		14,131,063				—				(5,657,703		)		8,473,360
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value		124,149,600				—				(24,615,518		)		99,534,082
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value		45,703,294				—				—				45,703,294
Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value		65,389,298				—				—				65,389,298
Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value		32,121,412				—				—				32,121,412
Real estate assets:
Land		6,798,407				4,404,469				—				11,202,876
Buildings and improvements		55,776,753				37,838,726				—				93,615,479
Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation		62,575,160				42,243,195				—				104,818,355
Accumulated depreciation		(5,458,961		)		(13,871,102		)		—				(19,330,063		)
Net real estate assets		57,116,199				28,372,093				—				85,488,292
Other assets		22,923,356				852,321				(15,559,382		)		8,216,295
Assets of discontinued operations		32,580,427				—				—				32,580,427
Total Assets		$	428,776,167			$	30,207,191			$	(45,832,603	)		$	413,150,755
Liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		$	2,330,852			$	28,529,405			$	(25,846,310	)		$	5,013,947
Distribution payable		5,566,908				—				—				5,566,908
Debt financing		177,948,000				—				—				177,948,000
Mortgages payable		39,119,507				24,158,000				(24,158,000		)		39,119,507
Liabilities of discontinued operations		1,531,462				—				—				1,531,462
Total Liabilities		226,496,729				52,687,405				(50,004,310		)		229,179,824
Partners' Capital
General Partner		(430,087		)		—				—				(430,087		)
Beneficial Unit Certificate holders		200,655,786				—				6,727,301				207,383,087
Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs		—				(22,480,214		)		(2,555,594		)		(25,035,808		)
Total Partners' Capital		200,225,699				(22,480,214		)		4,171,707				181,917,192
Noncontrolling interest		2,053,739				—				—				2,053,739
Total Capital		202,279,438				(22,480,214		)		4,171,707				183,970,931
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital		$	428,776,167			$	30,207,191			$	(45,832,603	)		$	413,150,755
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Partnership For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revenues:
Property revenues	$	3,074,115			$	1,225,261			$	—			$	4,299,376
Investment income	5,623,450				—				(375,642		)		5,247,808
Other interest income	216,993				—				—				216,993
Total revenues	8,914,558				1,225,261				(375,642		)		9,764,177
Expenses:
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	1,794,008				815,947				—				2,609,955
Provision for loan loss	72,000				—				—				72,000
Depreciation and amortization	1,409,847				363,137				(10,760		)		1,762,224
Interest	2,325,372				832,719				(832,719		)		2,325,372
General and administrative	985,778				—				—				985,778
Total expenses	6,587,005				2,011,803				(843,479		)		7,755,329
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2,327,553				(786,542		)		467,837				2,008,848
Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,041,656)	1,342,498				—				—				1,342,498
Net income (loss)	3,670,051				(786,542		)		467,837				3,351,346
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(59,913		)		—				—				(59,913		)
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	3,729,964			$	(786,542	)		$	467,837			$	3,411,259
	Partnership For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidated VIEs For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues:
Property revenues	$	1,983,077			$	1,203,887			$	—			$	3,186,964
Mortgage revenue bond investment income	3,490,431				—				(379,714		)		3,110,717
Other interest income	15,224				—				—				15,224
Total revenues	5,488,732				1,203,887				(379,714		)		6,312,905
Expenses:
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	1,175,585				959,870				—				2,135,455
Recovery of loss on receivables	(261,825		)		—				—				(261,825		)
Depreciation and amortization	854,252				388,353				(10,876		)		1,231,729
Interest	1,551,543				808,841				(808,841		)		1,551,543
General and administrative	834,301				—				—				834,301
Total expenses	4,153,856				2,157,064				(819,717		)		5,491,203
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,334,876				(953,177		)		440,003				821,702
Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,277,976)	1,526,964				—				—				1,526,964
Net income (loss)	2,861,840				(953,177		)		440,003				2,348,666
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	137,099				—				—				137,099
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	2,724,741			$	(953,177	)		$	440,003			$	2,211,567
	Partnership For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revenues:
Property revenues	$	8,325,593			$	3,658,636			$	—			$	11,984,229
Mortgage revenue bond investment income	18,689,649				—				(1,130,027		)		17,559,622
Contingent tax-exempt interest income	6,497,160				—				—				6,497,160
Other interest income	1,558,158				—				—				1,558,158
Other income	250,000				—				—				250,000
Total revenues	35,320,560				3,658,636				(1,130,027		)		37,849,169
Expenses:
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	4,632,958				2,349,358				—				6,982,316
Realized loss on taxable property loan	4,557,741				—				—				4,557,741
Provision for loan loss	168,000				—				—				168,000
Provision for loss on receivables	241,698				—				—				241,698
Depreciation and amortization	3,963,628				1,073,423				(32,369		)		5,004,682
Interest	5,287,994				2,477,348				(2,477,348		)		5,287,994
General and administrative	3,097,713				—				—				3,097,713
Total expenses	21,949,732				5,900,129				(2,509,717		)		25,340,144
Income (loss) from continuing operations	13,370,828				(2,241,493		)		1,379,690				12,509,025
Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $3,177,183)	3,442,404				—				—				3,442,404
Net income (loss)	16,813,232				(2,241,493		)		1,379,690				15,951,429
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	263,584				—				—				263,584
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	16,549,648			$	(2,241,493	)		$	1,379,690			$	15,687,845
	Partnership For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidated VIEs For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues:
Property revenues	$	5,404,772			$	3,598,541			$	—			$	9,003,313
Investment income	8,912,856				—				(1,142,089		)		7,770,767
Other interest income	97,996				—				—				97,996
Gain on sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	667,821				—				—				667,821
Total revenues	15,083,445				3,598,541				(1,142,089		)		17,539,897
Expenses:
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	3,096,677				2,399,206				—				5,495,883
Provision for loss on receivables	214,525				—				—				214,525
Depreciation and amortization	2,376,823				1,102,000				(32,712		)		3,446,111
Interest	4,317,329				2,411,676				(2,411,676		)		4,317,329
General and administrative	2,533,246				—				—				2,533,246
Total expenses	12,538,600				5,912,882				(2,444,388		)		16,007,094
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2,544,845				(2,314,341		)		1,302,299				1,532,803
Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,277,976)	2,013,713				—				—				2,013,713
Net income (loss)	4,558,558				(2,314,341		)		1,302,299				3,546,516
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	398,469				—				—				398,469
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	4,160,089			$	(2,314,341	)		$	1,302,299			$	3,148,047

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments in Tax Exempt Bonds [Abstract]	'
Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block]	'
	Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds
	The tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds owned by the Company have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing of multifamily residential properties and do not include the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds issued with respect to properties owned by Consolidated VIEs at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. In addition, at December 31, 2012, the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by the Greens Property and the Ohio Properties were not included as tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds but were presented as part of discontinued operations (Note 2 and Note 9). Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds are either held directly by the Company or are held in trusts created in connection with debt financing transactions (Note 10). The Company had the following investments in tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds as of dates shown:
		September 30, 2013
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge (2)	$	11,577,528	$	270,693	$	—		$	11,848,221
	Ashley Square (1)	5,224,000		—		—			5,224,000
	Autumn Pines (2)	12,247,713		—		(196,097		)	12,051,616
	Avistar on the Boulevard A Bond (2)	13,760,000		—		(1,308,163		)	12,451,837
	Avistar at Chase Hill A Bond (2)	8,960,000		—		(962,394		)	7,997,606
	Avistar at the Crest A Bond (2)	8,759,000		—		(1,300,361		)	7,458,639
	Bella Vista (1)	6,545,000		—		(514,568		)	6,030,432
	Bridle Ridge (1)	7,715,000		—		(455,108		)	7,259,892
	Brookstone (1)	7,461,514		857,067		—			8,318,581
	Cross Creek (1)	6,033,317		1,582,999		—			7,616,316
	Greens Property (2)	9,404,291		—		(305,540		)	9,098,751
	Lost Creek (1)	15,853,185		2,000,560		—			17,853,745
	Ohio Properties A Bonds (1)	14,519,000		—		—			14,519,000
	Runnymede (1)	10,565,000		—		(419,853		)	10,145,147
	Southpark (1)	11,964,156		1,029,425		—			12,993,581
	Woodlynn Village (1)	4,443,000		—		(396,227		)	4,046,773
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust	$	155,031,704	$	5,740,744	$	(5,858,311	)	$	154,914,137
		30-Sep-13
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Avistar at Chase Hill B Bond	2,005,000		—		(158,696		)	1,846,304
	Avistar at the Crest B Bond	1,700,000		—		(134,555		)	1,565,445
	Avistar at the Oaks (f/k/a Dublin)	8,354,000		—		(829,866		)	7,524,134
	Avistar in 09 (f/k/a Waterford)	7,192,000		—		(658,575		)	6,533,425
	Avistar on the Boulevard B Bond	3,216,000		—		(254,546		)	2,961,454
	Avistar on the Hills (f/k/a Kingswood)	5,389,000		—		(534,256		)	4,854,744
	Ohio Properties B Bonds	3,585,980		116,702		—			3,702,682
	Renaissance	6,725,000		108,776		—			6,833,776
	Vantage at Harlingen	6,692,000		—		(210,196		)	6,481,804
	Vantage at Judson	6,049,000		—		(191,025		)	5,857,975
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	$	50,907,980	$	225,478	$	(2,971,715	)	$	48,161,743
	(1) Bonds owned by ATAX TEBS I, LLC, Note 10
	(2) Bond held by Deutsche Bank in a secured financing transaction, Note 10
		31-Dec-12
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Ashley Square (1)	$	5,260,000	$	246,981	$	—		$	5,506,981
	Autumn Pines (2)	12,217,004		953,024		—			13,170,028
	Bella Vista (1)	6,600,000		93,324		—			6,693,324
	Bridle Ridge  (1)	7,765,000		108,632		—			7,873,632
	Brookstone (1)	7,453,246		1,459,408		—			8,912,654
	Cross Creek (1)	6,004,424		1,994,911		—			7,999,335
	Lost Creek (1)	15,987,744		3,467,182		—			19,454,926
	Runnymede (1)	10,605,000		491,330		—			11,096,330
	Southpark  (1)	11,904,968		2,462,350		—			14,367,318
	Woodlynn Village (1)	4,460,000		—		(446		)	4,459,554
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust	$	88,257,386	$	11,277,142	$	(446	)	$	99,534,082
		31-Dec-12
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge	$	11,581,485	$	610,785	$	—		$	12,192,270
	Iona Lakes	15,535,000		554,910		—			16,089,910
	Vantage at Judson	6,049,000		—		(847		)	6,048,153
	Woodland Park	15,662,000		—		(4,289,039		)	11,372,961
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	$	48,827,485	$	1,165,695	$	(4,289,886	)	$	45,703,294
	(1) Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds owned by ATAX TEBS I, LLC, Note 10
	(2) Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by Deutsche Bank in a secured financing transaction, Note 10
	In August 2013, the Partnership acquired a tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond secured by the Vantage at Harlingen Apartments, a 288 unit multifamily apartment complex located in Harlingen, Texas which is under construction. The Series C bond was purchased for approximately $6.7 million par value, carries a base interest rate of 9.0% per annum, and matures on August 1, 2053. The Partnership also acquired a $1.3 million subordinate taxable bond which is recorded as an Other Asset. The Vantage at Harlingen Apartments has a construction loan with an unrelated bank and the Partnership's tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds are second lien borrowings to that construction loan.
	Under the terms of a Forward Delivery Bond Purchase Agreement ("Bond Purchase Commitment"), the Partnership has agreed to purchase a new tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond between $18,000,000 to $24,692,000 (“Harlingen Series B Bond”) secured by the Vantage at Harlingen apartments which will be delivered by the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond issuer once the property meets specific obligations and occupancy rates. The final amount of the Series B Bond will depend on the appraisal of the stabilized property. The Harlingen Series B Bond will have a stated annual interest rate of 6.0% per annum and bond proceeds must be used to pay off the construction loan to the bank and all or a portion of the $6.7 million subordinate Series C tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond. The Partnership accounts for the Bond Purchase Commitment as an available-for-sale security and, as such, records the change in the estimated fair value of the Bond Purchase Commitment as an asset or liability with changes in such valuation recorded in other comprehensive income.  As of September 30, 2013, the Partnership estimated the value of this Bond Purchase Commitment and recorded a liability of approximately $1.8 million.
	In July 2013, the limited partner property owner contributed an approximate additional $800,000 of capital into the Greens Property which allowed the Company to recognize a sale of the discontinued operations (Note 9). As such, the Partnership is reporting the approximate $9.1 million fair market value of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds related to the Greens Property as assets for the first time as of September 30, 2013.
	In June 2013, the Partnership redeemed its interest in the Iona Lakes tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond for approximately $21.9 million. This redemption resulted in the realization of approximately $6.5 million in tax-exempt contingent interest income and approximately $4.6 million realized loss on a taxable property loan. The trust indenture for this bond had a waterfall feature which stipulated that all unpaid contingent interest must be paid prior to making payment on any taxable loan between the owner of the bond and the property.
	The Partnership, as sole bondholder, previously directed the bond trustee to file a foreclosure action on the Woodland Park tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond. On February 28, 2013, the court granted Summary Judgment in the bond trustee's favor confirming that the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond is senior to mechanic's liens filed on the property. Subsequently, the court ordered a sale of the Woodland Park property and on April 23, 2013, the Partnership made a bid to purchase the property for the amount of the outstanding principal and interest it is owed. The Partnership's Motion of Confirmation was approved by the court on May 2, 2013. The bond trustee assigned its right to the property to the Partnership on May 8, 2013 and the Partnership received the Sheriff's deed conveying title to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership on May 29, 2013. Woodland Park became an MF Property upon title conveyance (Note 7). The Partnership now has the option of converting the property to a market rate rent execution or maintain it as an affordable rental property.  The Partnership will continue to assess its long-term strategy for the property to maximize its economic value.
In June 2013, the Partnership acquired six tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by three properties located in San Antonio, Texas. The tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond purchases are as follows: approximately $5.9 million par value Series A and approximately $2.5 million par value Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by the Avistar at the Oaks Apartments (formerly known as ("f/k/a") Dublin Apartments), a 156 unit multifamily apartment complex; approximately $3.1 million Series A and approximately $2.3 million Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by the Avistar on the Hills Apartments (f/k/a Kingswood Apartments), a 129 unit multifamily apartment complex; and approximately $5.5 million Series A and approximately $1.7 million Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by Avistar in 09 Apartments (f/k/a Waterford Apartments), a 133 unit multifamily apartment complex. The three Series A tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds each carry an annual interest rate of 6.0% per annum and mature on August 1, 2050. The three Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds each carry an annual base interest rate of 9.0% per annum and mature on September 1, 2050. The Partnership also acquired approximately $831,000 of taxable mortgage revenue bonds which also carry a base interest rate of 9.0% per annum and mature on September 1, 2050. The Company has determined that the entity which owns the three properties is an unrelated not-for-profit which under the accounting guidance is not subject to applying the VIE consolidation guidance. As a result, the properties' financial statements are not consolidated into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
In April 2013, the Partnership acquired the Series C tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond secured by the Renaissance Gateway Apartments, a 208 unit multifamily apartment complex located in New Orleans, Louisiana for approximately $2.9 million par value. In July and September 2013, the Partnership purchased $1.3 million par value Series B and $2.6 million par value Series A, respectively, tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. The Series C tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond carries a base interest rate of 12.0% per annum and matures on June 1, 2015. The Series A and Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds carry a base interest rate of 6% and 12% per annum, respectively, maturing on June 1, 2030. This property is undergoing a major rehabilitation and the Partnership has agreed to fund a total of approximately $8.6 million of a Series A tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond during construction which is estimated to be completed on June 30, 2014. Upon completion of construction and stabilization, the approximate $2.9 million Series C bond will be paid back on the earlier of when the property receives its final equity contribution by the limited partner or June 1, 2015. The Partnership accounts for the Bond Purchase Commitment as an available-for-sale security and, as such, records the change in estimated fair value of the Bond Purchase Commitment as an asset or liability with changes in such valuation recorded in other comprehensive income.  As of September 30, 2013, the Partnership estimated the value of this Bond Purchase Commitment and recorded a liability of approximately $567,000.
During the first quarter of 2013, the BC Partners contributed $6.5 million of capital into the Ohio Properties which allowed the Company to recognize a sale of the discontinued operations (Note 9). As such, the Partnership is reporting the approximate $19.8 million fair market value of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds related to these Ohio Properties as assets for the first time at each quarter end of 2013.
In February 2013, the Partnership acquired six tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by three properties located in San Antonio, Texas. The bond purchases are as follows: approximately $13.8 million par value Series A and approximately $3.2 million par value Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by the Avistar on the Boulevard, a 344 unit multifamily apartment complex; approximately $9.0 million Series A and approximately $2.0 million Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by the Avistar at Chase Hill, a 232 unit multifamily apartment complex; and approximately $8.8 million Series A and approximately $1.7 million Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by Avistar at the Crest, a 200 unit multifamily apartment complex. The three Series A tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds each carry an annual interest rate of 6.0% per annum and mature on March 1, 2050. The three Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds each carry an annual base interest rate of 9.0% per annum and mature on April 1, 2050. The Partnership also acquired approximately $804,000 of taxable mortgage revenue bonds which also carry a base interest rate of 9.0% per annum and mature on April 1, 2050. The Company has determined that the entity which owns the three Avistar properties is an unrelated not-for-profit which under the accounting guidance is not subject to applying the VIE consolidation guidance. As a result, the properties' financial statements are not consolidated into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
In December 2012, the Partnership purchased a $6,049,000 subordinate tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond and a $934,000 subordinate taxable bond both secured by the Vantage at Judson apartments. This property is located in San Antonio, Texas and is currently under construction. Both bonds mature on February 1, 2053 and carry an annual cash interest rate of 9.0% per annum plus allow for an additional 3.0% per annum of interest calculated on the property's cash flows after debt service. The Vantage at Judson apartments has a construction loan with an unrelated bank and the Partnership's tax-exempt mortgage revenue and taxable bonds are second lien borrowings to that construction loan. The property will have 288 units when construction is completed in the spring of 2014.
Under the terms of a Bond Purchase Commitment, the Partnership has agreed to purchase a new tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond of between $20,638,000 to $26,687,000 (“Judson Series B Bond”) secured by the Vantage at Judson apartments which will be delivered by the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond issuer once the property meets specific obligations and occupancy rates. The final amount of the Series B Bond will depend on the appraisal of the stabilized property. The Judson Series B Bond will have a stated annual interest rate of 6.0% per annum and bond proceeds must be used to pay off the construction loan to the Bank and all or a portion of the $6,049,000 subordinate tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond. If the property does not meet its specific obligations and required occupancy rate before January 1, 2015, the Partnership has the right to terminate the Bond Purchase Commitment. The Partnership accounts for the Bond Purchase Commitment as an available-for-sale security and, as such, records the change in estimated fair value of the Bond Purchase Commitment as an asset or liability with changes in such valuation recorded in other comprehensive income.  As of September 30, 2013, the Partnership estimated the value of this Bond Purchase Commitment and recorded a liability of approximately $2.0 million.
In June 2012, the Partnership acquired a $10.0 million par value tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond secured by Arbors at Hickory Ridge Apartments, a 348 unit multifamily apartment complex located in Memphis, Tennessee, which represented 100% of the bond issuance for approximately $10.2 million. In December 2012, the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond secured by Arbors at Hickory Ridge Apartments was restructured to an $11.5 million par value tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond with an annual interest rate of 6.25% per annum and maturity of December 1, 2049. The Partnership then purchased 100% of this bond issuance plus a taxable property loan of approximately $191,000 for a payment of approximately $1,041,000 made at closing.
Valuation - As all of the Company’s investments in tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds are classified as available-for-sale securities, they are carried on the balance sheet at their estimated fair values.  Due to the limited market for the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, these estimates of fair value do not necessarily represent what the Company would actually receive in a sale of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds.  There is no active trading market for the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and price quotes for the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds are not generally available.  As of September 30, 2013, all of the Company’s tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds were valued using discounted cash flow and yield to maturity analyses performed by management.  Management’s valuation encompasses judgment in its application.  The key assumption in management’s yield to maturity analysis is the range of effective yields on the individual tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds.  The effective yield analysis for each tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond considers the current market yield on similar tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds as well as the debt service coverage ratio of each underlying property serving as collateral for the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond. At September 30, 2013, the range of effective yields on the individual tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds was 6.3% to 9.8% per annum.  At December 31, 2012, the range of effective yields on the individual tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds was 5.7% to 8.4% per annum. Additionally, the Company calculated the sensitivity of the key assumption used in calculating the fair values of these tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds.  Assuming a 10% adverse change in the key assumption, the effective yields on the individual tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds would increase to a range of 6.9% to 10.8% per annum and would result in additional unrealized losses on the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond portfolio of approximately $16.1 million.  This sensitivity analysis is hypothetical and is as of a specific point in time.  The results of the sensitivity analysis may not be indicative of actual changes in fair value and should be used with caution.  If available, the general partner may also consider price quotes on similar tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds or other information from external sources, such as pricing services.  Pricing services, broker quotes and management’s analyses provide indicative pricing only.
Unrealized gains or losses on these tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to reflect changes in their estimated fair values resulting from market conditions and fluctuations in the present value of the expected cash flows from the underlying properties. As of September 30, 2013, none of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond investments has been in an unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months.  In addition, the Company has the intent and ability to hold the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds until their final maturity.

Public_Housing_Capital_Fund_Tr

Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts [Abstract]	'
Investments in Debt and Equity Investments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses), Public Housing Capital Funds Trust [Text Block]	'
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates
	In July 2012, the Company purchased 100% of the residual participation receipts (“LIFERs”) in tender option bond trusts (“PHC TOB Trusts”) for approximately $16 million. The PHC TOB Trusts own approximately $65.3 million of Public Housing Capital Fund Certificates (“PHC Certificates”) issued by three trusts ("PHC Trusts") sponsored by Deutsche Bank ("DB"). The assets held by the PHC Trusts consist of custodial receipts evidencing loans made to a number of local public housing authorities. Principal and interest on these loans are payable by the respective public housing authorities out of annual appropriations to be made to the public housing authorities by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) under HUD's Capital Fund Program established under Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (the “Capital Fund Program”). The PHC Trusts have a first lien on these annual Capital Fund Program payments to secure the public housing authorities' respective obligations to pay principal and interest on their loans. The loans payable by the public housing authorities are not debts of, or guaranteed by, the United States of America or HUD. Interest payable on the public housing authority debt held by the PHC Trusts is exempt from federal income taxes. The PHC Certificates issued by each of the PHC Trusts have been rated investment grade by Standard & Poor's.
	The Company determined that the three PHC TOB trusts are variable interest entities and that the Company was the primary beneficiary of each of the three PHC TOB trusts. As a result, the Company reports the PHC TOB Trusts on a consolidated basis and the senior floating-rate participation interest (“SPEARS”) as debt financing. In determining the primary beneficiary of these specific VIEs, the Company considered who has the power to control the activities of the VIEs which most significantly impact their financial performance, the risks that the entity was designed to create, and how each risk affects the VIE. The indenture for the PHC TOB trusts stipulates that the Company has the sole right to cause the PHC TOB trusts to sell the PHC Certificates. If they were sold, the extent to which the VIEs will be exposed to gains or losses associated with variability in the PHC Certificates' fair value arising from changes in municipal bond market rates therefore would result from decisions made by the Company.
	The Company had the following investments in the PHC Certificates on September 30, 2013:
	Description of Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium and discounts			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust I	$	28,014,439		$	—		$	(1,540,808	)	$	26,473,631
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust II	17,475,769			—			(1,169,068		)	16,306,701
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust III	20,425,035			—			(1,411,851		)	19,013,184
		$	65,915,243		$	—		$	(4,121,727	)	$	61,793,516
	The Company had the following investments in the PHC Certificates on December 31, 2012:
	Description of Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium and discounts			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate I	$	28,119,176		$	—		$	(48,477	)	$	28,070,699
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate II	17,442,860			—			(109,223		)	17,333,637
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate III	20,395,597			—			(410,635		)	19,984,962
		$	65,957,633		$	—		$	(568,335	)	$	65,389,298
	Valuation - As all of the Company’s investments in PHC Certificates are classified as available-for-sale securities, they are carried on the balance sheet at their estimated fair values.  Due to the limited market for the PHC Certificates, these estimates of fair value do not necessarily represent what the Company would actually receive in a sale of the certificates.  The estimates of the fair values of these PHC certificates is based on a yield to maturity analysis which begins with the current market yield rate for a “AAA” rated tax-free municipal bond for a term consistent with the weighted-average life of each of the Public Housing Capital Fund trusts adjusted largely for unobservable inputs the General Partner believes would be used by market participants. Management’s valuation encompasses judgment in its application and pricing as determined by pricing services, when available, is compared to Management's estimates.  The PHC Certificates are AA and BBB rated. The Company has concluded that the PHC Certificates are not other than temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2013 as it has the intent and ability to hold this investment until its final maturity.
	At September 30, 2013, the range of effective yields on the PHC Certificates was 4.2% to 5.4% per annum.  At December 31, 2012, the range of effective yields on the PHC Certificates was 4.6% to 5.9% per annum. Additionally, the Company calculated the sensitivity of the key assumption used in calculating the fair values of these PHC Certificates.  Assuming a 10% adverse change in the key assumption, the effective yields on the PHC Certificates would increase to a range of 5.9% to 7.2% per annum and would result in additional unrealized losses on the PHC Certificates of approximately $2.9 million.  This sensitivity analysis is hypothetical and is as of a specific point in time.  The results of the sensitivity analysis may not be indicative of actual changes in fair value and should be used with caution.  If available, the general partner may also consider other information from external sources, such as pricing services.  Pricing services and management’s analysis provide indicative pricing only.
	The following table sets forth certain information relating to the PHC Certificates held in the PHC TOB Trusts on September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Weighted Average Lives (Years)		Investment Rating	Weighted Average Interest Rate over Life		Principal Outstanding
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate I	12.75		AA-	5.33	%	$	26,406,558
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate II	12.3		AA-	4.24	%	17,959,713
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate III	13.3		BBB	5.41	%	20,898,432
	Total Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates						$	65,264,703

MortgageBacked_Securities

Mortgage-Backed Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments in Debt and Equity Investments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses), Mortgage Backed Securities [Text Block]	'
	Mortgage-Backed Securities ("MBS")
	In April 2013, the Company executed a sixth securitization of mortgage-backed securities ("MBS TOB Trusts"). This securitization was of three additional state-issued MBS with a par value of approximately $10.0 million. The Company purchased the LIFERS issued by the MBS TOB Trust for approximately $2.2 million and pledged the LIFERS to the trustee to secure certain reimbursement obligations of the Company as the holder of LIFERS.
	In January 2013, the Company executed an extension of one of the securitization of MBS TOB Trusts. This extension securitized additional state issued MBS with a par value of approximately $2.5 million. The Company purchased the LIFERS issued by the MBS TOB Trust for approximately $500,000 and pledged the LIFERS to the trustee to secure certain reimbursement obligations of the Company as the holder of LIFERS.
	During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company purchased 100% of the LIFERs in five MBS TOB Trusts which securitized state issued MBS with a par value of $31.6 million. The Company purchased the LIFERS issued by the MBS TOB Trust for approximately $6.5 million and pledged the LIFERS to the trustee to secure certain reimbursement obligations of the Company as the holder of LIFERS.
	Each of the six MBS TOB Trusts issued SPEARS to unaffiliated investors. The SPEARS represent senior interests in the MBS TOB Trusts and have been credit enhanced by DB. The LIFERS entitle the Company to all principal and interest payments received by the MBS TOB Trust on the securitized MBS after payments due to the holders of the SPEARs and trust costs. The SPEARS bear interest at a variable rate based on Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association ("SIFMA").
	The Company determined that the six MBS TOB Trusts are variable interest entities and that the Company was the primary beneficiary of each of them. As a result, the Company reports the MBS TOB Trusts on a consolidated basis and the SPEARS as debt financing. In determining the primary beneficiary of these specific VIEs, the Company considered who has the power to control the activities of the VIEs which most significantly impact their financial performance, the risks that the entity was designed to create, and how each risk affects the VIE. The indenture for the MBS TOB Trusts stipulates that the Company has the sole right to cause the MBS TOB Trusts to sell the MBS. If they were sold, the extent to which the MBS TOB Trusts will be exposed to gains or losses associated with variability in the MBS' fair value arising from changes in municipal bond market rates therefore would result from decisions made by the Company. Interest earned on the MBS held by the six MBS TOB Trusts is exempt from federal income taxes.
	The carrying value of the Company's MBS as of September 30, 2013 is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS (1)	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	"AAA"	$	23,182,932		$	—		$	(2,596,666	)	$	20,586,266
	"AA"	21,109,784			—			(2,815,054		)	18,294,730
		$	44,292,716		$	—		$	(5,411,720	)	$	38,880,996
	(1) MBS are reported based on the lowest rating issued by a Rating Agency, if more than one rating is issued on the security, at the date presented.
	The carrying value of the Company's MBS as of December 31, 2012 is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS (1)	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	"AAA"	$	13,127,402		$	—		$	(129,613	)	$	12,997,789
	"AA"	19,407,675			—			(284,052		)	19,123,623
		$	32,535,077		$	—		$	(413,665	)	$	32,121,412
	(1) MBS are reported based on the lowest rating issued by a Rating Agency, if more than one rating is issued on the security, at the date presented.
	Valuation - The Company values each MBS based upon prices obtained from a third party pricing service, which are indicative of market activity. The valuation methodology of the Company's third party pricing service incorporates commonly used market pricing methods, incorporates trading activity observed in the market place, and other data inputs. The methodology also considers the underlying characteristics of each security, which are also observable inputs, including: coupon; maturity date; loan age; reset date; collateral type; geography; and prepayment speeds. Management analyzes pricing data received from the third party pricing service by comparing it to valuation information obtained from at least one other third party pricing service and ensuring they are within a tolerable range of difference which the Company estimates as 7.5%. Management also looks at observations of trading activity observed in the market place when available. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the range of effective yields on the individual MBS was 3.6% to 5.4% per annum.  Additionally, the Company calculated the sensitivity of the key assumption used in calculating the fair values of the MBS which is the effective yield on new issuances of similarly rated MBS.  Assuming a 10% adverse change in that key assumption, the effective yields on the MBS would increase to a range of 4.4% to 5.6% per annum and would result in additional unrealized losses on the bond portfolio of approximately $2.0 million.  This sensitivity analysis is hypothetical and is as of a specific point in time.  The results of the sensitivity analysis may not be indicative of actual changes in fair value and should be used with caution.  Pricing services and management’s analysis provide indicative pricing only. The MBS have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and the Company does not believe the investment is other than temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2013.
	The MBS are backed by residential mortgage loans and interest payable from the MBS is exempt from federal income taxation. Description of certain terms of the Company's MBS is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS	Principal Outstanding September 30, 2013		Weighted Average Maturity Date		Weighted Average Coupon Interest Rate
	"AAA"	22,710,000		January 14, 2036		4.22	%
	"AA"	20,600,000		January 18, 2036		4	%
		43,310,000

Real_Estate_Assets

Real Estate Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate Assets [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Real Estate Assets
	MF Properties
	To facilitate its investment strategy of acquiring additional tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by MF Properties, the Company has acquired through its various subsidiaries 99% limited partner positions in three limited partnerships and 100% member positions in six limited liability companies that own the MF Properties. The financial statements of these properties are consolidated with those of the Company.  The general partners of these partnerships are unaffiliated parties and their 1% ownership interest in these limited partnerships is reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as noncontrolling interests. The Company expects each of these MF Properties to eventually be sold either to a not-for-profit entity or in connection with a syndication of LIHTCs. The Company expects to purchase tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds issued by the new property owners as part of the restructuring.
	Recent Transactions
	The Partnership, as sole bondholder, previously directed the bond trustee to file a foreclosure action on the Woodland Park tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond. On February 28, 2013, the court granted Summary Judgment in the bond trustee's favor confirming that the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond is senior to mechanic's liens filed on the property. Subsequently, the court ordered a sale of the Woodland Park property and on April 23, 2013, the Partnership made a bid to purchase the property for the amount of the outstanding principal and interest it is owed. The Partnership's Motion of Confirmation was approved by the court on May 2, 2013. The bond trustee assigned its right to the property to the Partnership on May 8, 2013 and the Partnership received the Sheriff's deed conveying title to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership on May 29, 2013. Woodland Park became an MF Property at a net asset value of approximately $15.7 million upon conveyance of title. The Partnership now has the option of (i) requesting the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond issuer to remove the LURA on the property and thereby be free to convert it to 100% market-rate rents or (ii) allow the LURA to remaining in place, maintaining the property as a rent restricted property, and seek to place new tax-exempt financing on the property and acquire the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. The Partnership is still assessing its long-term strategy for this property.
	In March 2013, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company executed a 35-year ground lease with the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (“Lessor”) with an annual lease payment of $100. The leased property will have a mixed-use development consisting of a 1,605 stall parking garage and 475 bed student housing complex constructed on it. The Lessor will own the parking garage for which it will contribute approximately $16.7 million to its construction. The Company will own the student housing complex (named "The 50/50") and currently estimates that construction will cost approximately $34.0 million. The Company executed a guaranteed maximum price contract with the general contractor for the construction on the mixed-use development. The Company expects to restructure its ownership of The 50/50 into a tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond holding after the construction is completed (which is estimated as August 1, 2014) and when the development has a sufficient history of operating results. The Company has secured approximately $29.8 million in financing facilities to cover the majority of the construction costs. The Company has borrowed approximately $1.8 million on this facility as of September 30, 2013 (Notes 11 and 16).
	In August 2012, the Company closed on the purchase of the Maples on 97th property, a 258 unit facility located in Omaha, Nebraska, for a purchase price of approximately $5.5 million through the execution of a Qualified Exchange Accommodation Agreement that assigned the right to acquire and own the Maples on 97th property to a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Title Company, ("EAT (Maples on 97th)"), for a period not to exceed six months. The Company lent the EAT (Maples on 97th) the necessary funds to purchase the replacement property; there was no other capital within that entity. The EAT (Maples on 97th) then executed a Master Lease Agreement and Construction Management Agreement with the Company. These two agreements gave the Company the rights and obligations to manage the replacement property as well as the rehabilitation during the six month hold period. During this six month holding period, the Partnership completed the majority of the rehabilitation of the property. At December 31, 2012 the EAT (Maples on 97th) was reported as a VIE. In February 2013, title to the Maples on 97th property transferred to the Partnership from the EAT (Maples on 97th) and the property is reported as an MF Property as of September 30, 2013.
	The Company had the following investments in MF Properties as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
	MF Properties
	Property Name		Location		Number of Units			Land				Buildings and				Carrying Value at September 30, 2013
												Improvements
	Arboretum		Omaha, NE		145			$	1,720,740			$	19,095,681			$	20,816,421
	Eagle Village		Evansville, IN		511			564,726				12,332,870				12,897,596
	Glynn Place		Brunswick, GA		128			743,996				4,868,865				5,612,861
	Maples on 97th		Omaha, NE		258			905,000				7,580,483				8,485,483
	Meadowview		Highland Heights, KY		118			688,539				5,251,794				5,940,333
	Residences of DeCordova		Granbury, TX		110			680,852				8,408,997				9,089,849
	Residences of Weatherford		Weatherford, TX		76			533,000				7,087,500				7,620,500
	Woodland Park		Topeka, KS		236			946,205				14,335,421				15,281,626
	Construction work in process		Lincoln, NE		N/A			—				7,153,454				7,153,454
																92,898,123
	Less accumulated depreciation (depreciation expense of approximately $2.8 million in 2013)															(8,382,864		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013															$	84,515,259
	MF Properties
	Property Name		Location		Number of Units			Land				Buildings and				Carrying Value at December 31, 2012
												Improvements
	Arboretum		Omaha, NE		145			$	1,720,740			$	18,997,550			$	20,718,290
	Eagle Village		Evansville, IN		511			564,726				12,277,210				12,841,936
	Glynn Place		Brunswick, GA		128			743,996				4,750,267				5,494,263
	Meadowview		Highland Heights, KY		118			688,539				5,214,306				5,902,845
	Residences of DeCordova		Granbury, TX		110			680,852				8,389,721				9,070,573
	Residences of Weatherford		Weatherford, TX		76			533,000				7,077,420				7,610,420
	Construction work in process		Lincoln, NE		N/A			—				936,833				936,833
																62,575,160
	Less accumulated depreciation (depreciation expense of approximately $2.5 million in 2012)															(5,458,961		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012															$	57,116,199
	Acquisitions
	The Woodland Park and Maples on 97th property purchase price allocation is disclosed pursuant to the accounting guidance on business combinations. A condensed balance sheet for each at the date of acquisitions is included below.
			Woodland Park 5/29/2013 (Date of Acquisition)
	Other current assets		$	201,321
	In-place lease assets		403,216
	Real estate assets		15,258,784
	Total Assets		$	15,863,321
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other		$	192,345
	Net assets		15,670,976
	Total liabilities and net assets		$	15,863,321
			Maples on 97th 8/29/2012 (Date of Acquisition)
	Other current assets		$	44,534
	In-place lease assets		428,865
	Real estate assets		5,071,135
	Total Assets		$	5,544,534
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other		$	69,120
	Net assets		5,475,414
	Total liabilities and net assets		$	5,544,534
	The table below shows the pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company as if Woodland Park and Maples on 97th had been acquired at the beginning of the periods presented:
		For Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				For Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues	$	9,764,177			$	6,776,511			$	38,129,451			$	19,220,502
	Net income	3,411,259				2,240,852				15,688,415				3,228,006
	Net income allocated to unitholders	3,356,268				2,419,772				15,156,732				3,730,656
	Unitholders' interest in net income per unit (basic and diluted)	$	0.08			$	0.06			$	0.35			$	0.1
	Consolidated VIE Properties
	In addition to the MF Properties, the Company consolidates the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Consolidated VIEs in accordance with the accounting guidance on consolidations.  Although the assets of these VIEs are consolidated, the Company has no ownership interest in the VIEs other than to the extent they serve as collateral for the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds owned by the Partnership.  The results of operations of those properties are recorded by the Company in consolidation but any net income or loss from these properties does not accrue to the unitholders or the general partner, but is instead included in "Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs.”
	The Company consolidated the following properties owned by Consolidated VIEs in continuing operations as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
Consolidated VIEs
Property Name		Location		Number of Units			Land				Buildings and Improvements				Carrying Value at September 30, 2013
Bent Tree Apartments		Columbia, SC		232			$	986,000			$	12,059,918			$	13,045,918
Fairmont Oaks Apartments		Gainsville, FL		178			850,400				8,806,104				9,656,504
Lake Forest Apartments		Daytona Beach, FL		240			1,396,800				11,475,569				12,872,369
															35,574,791
Less accumulated depreciation (depreciation expense of approximately $1.0 million in 2013)															(14,755,919		)
Balance at September 30, 2013															$	20,818,872
Consolidated VIEs
Property Name		Location		Number of Units			Land				Buildings and Improvements				Carrying Value at December 31, 2012
Bent Tree Apartments		Columbia, SC		232			$	986,000			$	11,877,333			$	12,863,333
Fairmont Oaks Apartments		Gainsville, FL		178			850,400				8,713,038				9,563,438
Lake Forest Apartments		Daytona Beach, FL		240			1,396,800				11,352,854				12,749,654
Maples on 97th		Omaha, NE		258			905,000				6,161,770				7,066,770
															42,243,195
Less accumulated depreciation (depreciation expense of approximately $1.5 million in 2012)															(13,871,102		)
Balance at December 31, 2012															$	28,372,093

Other_Assets

Other Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Other Assets
	The Company had the following Other assets as of dates shown:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Taxable property loans receivable	$	15,245,140		$	20,328,927
	Less: Loan loss reserves	(10,864,148		)	(18,134,902		)
	Deferred financing costs - net	2,735,065			2,764,734
	Fair value of derivative contracts	867,643			378,729
	Taxable bonds at fair market value	4,139,878			1,524,873
	Other assets	1,229,857			1,353,934
	Total Other assets	$	13,353,435		$	8,216,295
	In addition to the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by the Company, taxable property loans have been made to the owners of the properties which secure the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and are reported as taxable property loans receivable in Other assets, net of loan loss reserves.  The Company periodically, or as changes in circumstances or operations dictate, evaluates such taxable property loans receivable for impairment.  The value of the underlying property assets is ultimately the most relevant measure of value to support the taxable property loan values.  The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model in estimating a property fair value.  Discounted cash flow models containing varying assumptions are considered.   The various models may assume multiple revenue and expense scenarios, various capitalization rates and multiple discount rates.  Other information, such as independent appraisals, may be considered in estimating a property fair value.  If the estimated fair value of the property after deducting the amortized cost basis of any senior tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond exceeds the principal balance of the taxable property loan then no potential loss is indicated and no loan loss reserve for taxable property loans is needed. In estimating the property valuation, the most significant assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow model remained the same as discussed in the Form 10-K and include revenue and expense projections and capitalization rates.
	In August 2013, the Partnership acquired a Series C tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond and a forward contract to support the construction of Vantage at Harlingen Apartments in Harlingen, Texas. In conjunction with this contract, the Partnership acquired an approximate $1.3 million taxable mortgage revenue bond which carries a base interest rate of 9.0% per annum and matures on August 1, 2053. This taxable mortgage revenue bond is reported as part of the Taxable bonds at fair value in Other assets. Please see the Fair Value Measurements footnote (footnote 15) for the detailed description of the fair value estimation process for the taxable mortgage bonds.
	The Partnership received the Sheriff's deed conveying title of Woodland Park to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership on May 29, 2013. Woodland Park is now reported as an MF Property and the fully allowed taxable property loan was written off (Note 7).
	In June 2013, the Partnership acquired six tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by three properties located in San Antonio, Texas, Avistar at the Oaks Apartments (f/k/a Dublin Apartments), Avistar on the Hills Apartments (f/k/a Kingswood Apartments), and Avistar in 09 Apartments (f/k/a Waterford Apartments). The Partnership also acquired approximately $831,000 of taxable mortgage revenue bonds which carry a base interest rate of 9.0% per annum and mature on September 1, 2050. These are reported as part of the Taxable bonds at fair value in Other assets.
	In February 2013, the Partnership acquired six tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds secured by three properties located in San Antonio, Texas, Avistar on the Boulevard, Avistar at Chase Hill, and Avistar at the Crest. The Partnership also acquired approximately $804,000 of taxable mortgage revenue bonds which carry a base interest rate of 9.0% per annum and mature on April 1, 2050. These are reported as part of the Taxable bonds at fair value in Other assets.
	During the first nine months of 2013, the Partnership advanced additional funds to Ashley Square, Cross Creek, the Greens Property and the Ohio Properties of approximately $164,000, $168,000, $26,000 and $44,000, respectively. Due to the recognized sale of the Ohio and Greens Properties, the taxable property loans receivable with the Ohio and Greens Properties are no longer eliminated upon consolidation (Note 9). During the first nine months of 2013, the Partnership recorded loan loss reserves equal to the accrued interest on the Ashley Square, Cross Creek, Greens and the Ohio Properties taxable property loans receivable because the Partnership has determined they are not reasonably assured. The Partnership also reserved against the $168,000 advanced to the Cross Creek property in 2013 based on the quarterly impairment analysis.
	In June 2013, the Partnership redeemed its interest in the Iona Lakes tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond for approximately $21.9 million. This redemption resulted in the realization of approximately $6.5 million in tax-exempt contingent interest income and approximately $4.6 million realized loss on taxable property loans.
	The following is a summary of the taxable property loans receivable, accrued interest and loan loss reserves on the amounts due at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively:
		September 30, 2013
		Outstanding Balance			Accrued Interest			Loan Loss Reserves			Net Taxable Property Loans
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge	$	191,264		$	9,837		$	—		$	201,101
	Ashley Square	5,058,342			1,973,781			(5,570,123		)	1,462,000
	Cross Creek	6,756,087			1,762,395			(5,134,867		)	3,383,615
	Greens Property	876,000			101,373			(264		)	977,109
	Ohio Properties	2,363,447			513,503			(158,894		)	2,718,056
		$	15,245,140		$	4,360,889		$	(10,864,148	)	$	8,741,881
		December 31, 2012
		Outstanding Balance			Accrued Interest			Loan Loss Reserves			Net Taxable Property Loans
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge	$	191,264		$	697		$	—		$	191,961
	Ashley Square	4,894,342			1,681,322			(5,277,664		)	1,298,000
	Cross Creek	6,588,087			1,578,288			(4,782,760		)	3,383,615
	Iona Lakes	7,741,118			2,856,290			(6,857,912		)	3,739,496
	Woodland Park	914,116			302,450			(1,216,566		)	—
		$	20,328,927		$	6,419,047		$	(18,134,902	)	$	8,613,072
	The following is a detail of loan loss reserves for the nine months and year ended September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Balance, beginning of year	$	18,134,902		$	16,782,918
	Write-off of loan loss reserve related to Iona Lakes taxable property loan receivable	(7,216,484		)	—
	Provision for loan loss	168,000			—
	Foreclosure of Woodland Park bond	(1,278,124		)	—
	Accrued interest not recognized	1,055,854			1,351,984
	Balance, end of period	$	10,864,148		$	18,134,902

Discontined_Operations

Discontined Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Discontinued Operations
	In June 2010, the Company completed a sales transaction whereby the Ohio Properties were sold to three new ownership entities controlled by an unaffiliated not-for-profit entity and in October 2011, the three limited partnerships that own the Ohio Properties admitted two entities that are affiliates of BC Partners as new limited partners as part of a syndication of LIHTCs. The BC Partners agreed to contribute equity to these limited partnerships, subject to the Ohio Properties meeting certain debt service coverage ratios specified in the applicable limited partnership agreements. As such, there was not sufficient equity invested at closing by the not-for-profit or BC Partners into the Ohio Properties to allow the Company to recognize a real estate sale for accounting purposes. During the first quarter of 2013, BC Partners contributed $6.5 million of capital into the Ohio Properties which was sufficient to allow the Company to recognize the sale for accounting purposes. This gain on sale of discontinued operations was approximately $1.8 million. The sale of this discontinued operation allowed the Company to begin reporting the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds related to the Ohio Properties as assets beginning with the March 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements.
	The deposit method of accounting for real estate sales required both the deferral of the gain from the real estate sale and also did not allow recognition of the tax-exempt interest payments by the Ohio Properties to the Company between June 2010 and the date of the equity contribution by BC Partners. In conjunction with the recognition of the real estate sale, approximately $3.5 million of tax-exempt interest has been recognized within investment income in the first nine months of 2013 which represents the tax-exempt interest payments received from the Ohio Properties between June 2010 and December 2012. In addition, the Partnership reported approximately $1.1 million in taxable note interest income received from the Ohio Properties and $250,000 guarantee fee from the general partner of the Ohio Properties during the first quarter of 2013 (Note 2). The Ohio Properties contributed approximately $142,000 and $400,000 to income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	In October 2012, the limited partnership that owns the Greens Property admitted two entities that are affiliates of BC Partners as new limited partners as part of a syndication of LIHTCs on the Greens Property. Prior to the execution of the admittance of the new limited partners, the Company had entered into an agreement to sell the Greens Property for approximately $7.3 million to an unaffiliated not-for-profit which is the general partner of the limited partnership that now owns the Greens Property.  That sale was conditional on securing the tax-exempt bond and low-income housing tax credits from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.  The $961,000 BC Partners equity contribution made into this limited partnership in October 2012 was not sufficient to allow the Company to recognize a real estate sale for accounting purposes. In July 2013, BC Partners made their required $800,000 capital contribution into the Greens Property as construction was 75% complete.
	The Company purchased 100% of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds issued as part of the agreement to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Greens Property. The Series A tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond has approximately $8.5 million par value and bear interest at 6.5% per annum. The Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond has a $950,000 par value and bears interest at 12.0% per annum. Both series of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds mature in October 1, 2047. The Company also obtained an $850,000 taxable property loan secured by the Greens Property at closing.
	The July 2013 equity payment provided sufficient invested equity to recognize a real estate sale for accounting purposes and the Company recorded the sale of this discontinued operation. This gain on sale of discontinued operations was approximately $1.4 million. The deposit method of accounting for real estate sales required both the deferral of the gain from the real estate sale and also did not allow recognition of the tax-exempt interest payments by the Greens Property to the Company between October 2012 and the July 2013, the date of the second equity contribution by BC Partners. In conjunction with the recognition of the real estate sale, approximately $523,000 of tax-exempt interest has been recognized within investment income in the third quarter of 2013 which represents the tax-exempt interest payments received from the Greens Property between October 2012 and July 31, 2013. The net fixed assets and total assets of the Greens Property were approximately $12.2 million at December 31, 2012. The Greens Property contributed a loss from discontinued operations of approximately $59,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and an approximately $6,000 in income for three months ended September 30, 2012, and approximately $265,000 and $32,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Eagle Ridge property was sold in November 2012 and resulted in the property being reported as a discontinued operation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. As such, there were no assets of the Eagle Ridge property reported as discontinued operations at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012. Eagle Ridge contributed approximately $40,000 and $106,000 to income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	The Commons at Churchland property was sold in August 2012 which resulted in the property being reported as a discontinued operation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. As such, there were no assets of the Churchland property reported as discontinued operations at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012. Churchland contributed approximately $62,000 and $198,000 to income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	There were no assets and liabilities of discontinued operations to report at September 30, 2013. The following represents the components of the assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations at December 31, 2012.
			December 31, 2012
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	158,727
	Restricted cash		4,035,360
	Land		3,828,345
	Buildings and improvements		28,316,081
	Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation		32,144,426
	Accumulated depreciation		(5,208,176		)
	Net real estate assets		26,936,250
	Other assets		1,450,090
	Total assets from discontinued operations		32,580,427
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,531,462
	Total liabilities from discontinued operations		1,531,462
	Net assets of discontinued operations		$	31,048,965
	The following presents the revenues, expenses and income from discontinued operations:
		For three months ended September 30,						For nine months ended September 30,
		2013				2012		2013		2012
	Rental revenues	$	109,868			$	1,484,852	$	807,924	$	4,611,512
	Expenses	169,026				1,235,864		542,703		3,875,775
	(Loss) income from continuing operations of the discontinued operations	(59,158		)		248,988		265,221		735,737
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations	1,401,656				—		3,177,183		1,277,976
	Net income from discontinued operations	$	1,342,498			$	248,988	$	3,442,404	$	2,013,713

Debt_Financing

Debt Financing	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Financing [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Debt Financing
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company reported outstanding debt financing of approximately $226.6 million and approximately $177.9 million, respectively, under separate credit facilities.
	Other Financings
	In March 2013, the Partnership obtained a $10.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit. This revolving line of credit carries a variable interest rate which was approximately 3.5% at date of closing and matures in March 2014. On September 30, 2013, the Partnership reported an approximate $7.5 million balance at an approximate 3.5% interest rate. This line of credit is utilized to help with short-term working capital needs and to fund new investments during the periods of time that Company is working with its lender to finalize new TOB financings of assets.
	In February 2013, the Partnership obtained a debt facility secured by the Iona Lakes tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond with total available borrowings of up to $6.0 million. Any borrowed amount carried a fixed interest rate of 5.0% per annum and matured on February 25, 2014. On June 29, 2013 the Partnership retired this debt facility.
	Tender Option Bond Financings
	Description of the Tender Option Bond Financings		Outstanding Debt Financing at September 30, 2013		Stated Maturity
	PHC Trust Certificates		$	48,995,000	Jun-14
	Autumn Pines		9,850,000		Jul-14
	MBS - Trust 1		2,585,000		Apr-14
	MBS - Trust 2		4,090,000		Apr-14
	MBS - Trust 3		3,240,000		Apr-14
	MBS - Trust 4		5,960,000		Apr-14
	MBS - Trust 5		10,545,000		Apr-14
	Greens of Pine Glen		5,715,000		Dec-13
	Arbors of Hickory Ridge		7,000,000		Feb-14
	MBS - Trust 6		7,825,000		Feb-14
	Avistar Properties		20,000,000		Jun-14
	Total TOB Debt Financing		$	125,805,000
	Description of the Tender Option Bond Financings		Outstanding Debt Financing at December 31, 2012		Stated Maturity
	PHC Trust Certificates		$	48,995,000	Jul-13
	Autumn Pines		9,850,000		Jul-13
	MBS - Trust 1		2,585,000		Oct-13
	MBS - Trust 2		4,090,000		Oct-13
	MBS - Trust 3		3,890,000		Oct-13
	MBS - Trust 4		5,960,000		Oct-13
	MBS - Trust 5		8,590,000		Oct-13
	Total TOB Debt Financing		$	83,960,000
	In July 2011, the Company executed a Master Trust Agreement with DB which allows the Company to execute multiple Tender Option Bond ("TOB Trust") structures upon the approval and agreement of terms by DB. Under each TOB Trust structure issued through the Master Trust Agreement, the TOB trustee issues SPEARS and LIFERS. Theses SPEARS and LIFERS represent beneficial interests in the securitized asset held by the TOB trustee. The Company will purchase the LIFERS from each of these TOB Trusts which will grant them certain rights to the securitized assets. The Master Trust Agreement with DB has covenants with which the Company is required to maintain compliance. At September 30, 2013, the most restrictive covenant was that cash available to distribute for the trailing twelve months must be at least two times trailing twelve month interest expense. The Company was in compliance with all of these covenants as of September 30, 2013. If the Company were to be out of compliance with any of these covenants, it would trigger a termination event of the financing facilities. The Company expects to renew each of the TOB financing facilities for another one year term at its discretion per the terms of the agreements. DB can require the posting of cash collateral under the terms of the Master Trust Agreement.
	In June 2013, the Company executed a new TOB Trust under its credit facility with DB securitizing the Avistar on the Boulevard, Avistar at Chase Hill, and Avistar at the Crest Series A tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. The amount borrowed was $20.0 million with a variable interest rate tied to SIFMA. The facility matures in June 2014. On the date of closing the total fixed TOB Trust fee was approximately 2.1% per annum and the variable rate paid on the TOB Trust on the SPEARS was approximately 0.4% resulting in a total cost of borrowing of approximately 2.5%. The outstanding balance remains at $20.0 million on September 30, 2013.
	In March 2013, the Company executed a new TOB Trust under its credit facility with DB securitizing the Arbors at Hickory Ridge tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond. The amount borrowed was $7.0 million with a variable interest rate tied to SIFMA maturing in February 2014. On the date of closing the total fixed TOB Trust fee was approximately 2.1% per annum and the variable rate paid on the TOB Trust on the SPEARS was approximately .5% resulting in a total cost of borrowing of approximately 2.6%. The outstanding balance remains at $7.0 million on September 30, 2013.
	In February 2013, the Company executed a new TOB Trust under its credit facility with DB securitizing the Greens Property tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond. The amount borrowed was approximately $5.8 million with a variable interest rate tied to SIFMA maturing in December 2013. On the date of closing the total fixed TOB trust fee was approximately 2.1% per annum and the variable rate paid on the TOB Trust on the SPEARS was approximately .5% resulting in a total cost of borrowing of approximately 2.6%. The outstanding balance was $5.7 million on September 30, 2013.
	In the fourth quarter of 2012 through the second quarter of 2013, the Company purchased the LIFERS issued by the trustee over six additional TOB Trusts. The LIFERS entitle the Company to all principal and interest payments received by these TOB Trusts on the mortgage-backed securities after payments due to the holders of the SPEARS and trust costs ("MBS TOB Trusts"). The SPEARS represent senior interests in the MBS TOB Trusts and some have been credit enhanced by DB. The Company reports the MBS TOB Trusts on a consolidated basis as it has determined it is the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities (Note 6). A summary of the six MBS TOB Trusts are as follows:
	•	During fourth quarter of 2012, the Company purchased approximately $6.5 million of LIFERS from securitized MBS TOB Trusts with a par value of approximately $31.6 million of MBS. The MBS TOB Trusts also issued SPEARS of approximately $25.1 million to unaffiliated investors. The approximate outstanding amount at September 30, 2013 is $24.5 million which mature in April 2014. On the date of closing the total fixed TOB Trust fee was approximately .9% per annum and the variable rate paid on the SPEARS of approximately .4% is tied to SIFMA which results in the total cost of borrowing of approximately 1.3%.
	•	In January 2013, the Company purchased an additional $540,000 of LIFERS from one of the five MBS TOB Trusts which is a securitization of MBS with a par value of $2.5 million. SPEARS of approximately $2.0 million were issued by the MBS TOB Trust which is currently outstanding at September 30, 2013. This MBS TOB Trust matures in April 2014. On the date of closing the total fixed TOB Trust fee was approximately .9% per annum and the variable rate paid on the SPEARS of approximately .3% is tied to SIFMA which results in the total cost of borrowing of approximately 1.2%.
	•	In April 2013, the Company purchased approximately $2.2 million of LIFERS issued by a new MBS TOB Trust which is the securitization of MBS with a par value of approximately $10.0 million. The MBS TOB Trusts issued SPEARS of approximately $7.8 million to unaffiliated investors which is the outstanding amount at September 30, 2013. This facility matures in February 2014. On the date of closing the total fixed TOB Trust fee was approximately .9% per annum and the variable rate paid on the SPEARS of approximately .3% is tied to SIFMA which results in the total cost of borrowing of approximately 1.2%.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company has posted approximately $4.2 million of cash collateral in connection with the six MBS TOB Trusts. This collateral is recorded as restricted cash in the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2012, the Company purchased the PHC Certificate LIFERS issued by the PHC TOB Trusts for approximately $16.0 million and pledged the LIFERS to the trustee to secure certain reimbursement obligations of the Company as the holder of LIFERS. The Company is consolidating the PHC TOB Trust as it has determined it is the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities. The PHC TOB Trusts issued SPEARS of approximately $49.0 million to unaffiliated investors. The SPEARS represent senior interests in the PHC TOB Trusts and have been credit enhanced by DB. The LIFERS entitle the Company to all principal and interest payments received by the PHC TOB Trusts on the $65.3 million of PHC Certificates held by it after payments due to the holders of the SPEARS and trust costs. The amount owed to the SPEARS owners is approximately $49.0 million at September 30, 2013. As of September 30, 2013, the Company hast posted approximately $349,000 of cash collateral in connection with one of the PHC TOB Trusts which is recorded as restricted cash.
	The Company is accounting for these TOB Trust financing transactions as secured financing arrangements. As of September 30, 2013, the total cost of borrowing averaged approximately 2.3% and 1.0%, on the PHC TOB Trusts and MBS TOB Trusts, respectively.
	TEBS Financing
	As of September 1, 2010, the Partnership and its Consolidated Subsidiary ATAX TEBS I, LLC, entered into a number of agreements relating to a new long-term debt financing facility provided through the securitization of thirteen tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds owned by the ATAX TEBS I, LLC (the “Sponsor”) pursuant to the TEBS Financing. The TEBS Financing essentially provides the Partnership with a long-term variable-rate debt facility at interest rates reflecting prevailing short-term tax-exempt rates.
	Effective September 1, 2010, the Partnership transferred the following tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds to ATAX TEBS I, LLC, a special purpose entity controlled by the Partnership pursuant to the TEBS Financing. The par value of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds included in this financing facility as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
	Description of Tax-Exempt		Outstanding Bond Par Amounts
	Mortgage Revenue Bonds		Sep-13		December 31, 2012		Financial Statement Presentation
	Ashley Square		$	5,224,000	$	5,260,000	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Bella Vista		6,545,000		6,600,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Bent Tree		7,560,000		7,614,000		Consolidated VIE
	Bridle Ridge		7,715,000		7,765,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Brookstone		9,358,555		9,416,794		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Cross Creek		8,515,959		8,568,409		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Fairmont Oaks		7,376,000		7,439,000		Consolidated VIE
	Lake Forest		9,024,000		9,105,000		Consolidated VIE
	Runnymede		10,565,000		10,605,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Southpark		13,900,000		13,900,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Woodlynn Village		4,443,000		4,460,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Ohio Series A Bond (1)		14,519,000		14,582,000		Consolidated MF Property
	Villages at Lost Creek		18,090,000		18,315,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Total		$	122,835,514	$	124,648,502
	(1) Collateralized by Crescent Village, Postwoods, and Willow Bend (Note 2 and Note 9)
	The securitization of these assets occurred through two classes of certificates. The Class A TEBS Certificates were issued in an initial principal amount of $95.8 million and were sold through a placement agent to unaffiliated investors. The Class B TEBS Certificates were issued in an initial principal amount of $20.3 million and were retained by the Sponsor. The holders of the Class A TEBS Certificates are entitled to receive regular payments of interest from Freddie Mac at a variable rate which resets periodically based on the weekly SIFMA floating index rate plus certain credit, facility, remarketing and servicing fees (the “Facility Fees”). The total Facility Fees are 1.9% per annum, and as of September 30, 2013, the SIFMA rate was equal to approximately 0.1% resulting in a total cost of borrowing of approximately 2.0% on the outstanding balance on the TEBS Financing facility of $93.3 million. The TEBS Financing and the associated TEBS Trust are presented as secured financings within the consolidated financial statements.
	The term of the TEBS Financing coincides with the terms of the assets securing the TEBS Certificates, except that the Partnership may terminate the TEBS Financing at its option on either September 15, 2017 or September 15, 2020. Should the Partnership not elect to terminate the TEBS Financing on these dates, the full term of the TEBS Financing runs through the final principal payment date associated with the securitized tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, or July 15, 2050.
	The Company’s debt financing as of September 30, 2013 contractually matures over the next five years and thereafter as follows:
	2013		$	6,000,000
2014		128,673,000
2015		1,139,000
2016		1,192,000
2017		89,565,000
Thereafter		—
Total		$	226,569,000
The Company expects to renew each TOB financing facility for another one year term when it matures in 2013 as it has the discretion to renew for another one year period per the terms of the agreement with DB.

Mortgages_Payable

Mortgages Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Mortgages Payable [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Notes Payable Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Mortgages Payable
	The Company reports the mortgage loans secured by certain MF Properties on its consolidated financial statements as Mortgages payable.  As of September 30, 2013, outstanding mortgage loans totaled approximately $51.8 million.  As of December 31, 2012, outstanding mortgage loans totaled approximately $39.1 million.
	In September 2013, the Partnership executed a $7.0 million promissory note related to the Woodland Park property. This promissory note carries a fixed interest rate of approximately 2.8% per annum plus 30-day London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") which was approximately .2%, resulting in approximately 3.0% at the date of closing and September 30, 2013. The Partnership has borrowed approximately $6.0 million as of September 30, 2013.
	In April 2013, the Company executed an interest-only loan to borrow up to $25.5 million for a three year term at a variable interest rate secured by the student housing complex in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Company also secured a $4.3 million tax-incremental financing loan which is for a term of five years, carries a fixed interest rate of approximately 4.7% per annum, requires principal payments commencing after 24 months and has a balloon payment due at maturity. The Company has borrowed approximately $1.8 million on the three year term facility as of September 30, 2013 (Notes 7 and 16).
	In February 2013, the Partnership obtained a $7.5 million loan secured by the Maples on 97th property. This loan is with an unrelated third party and carries a fixed annual interest rate of approximately 3.6% per annum through June 30, 2013 switching to approximately 4.4% per annum beginning on July 1, 2013, maturing on February 10, 2016.
	The Company’s mortgages payable as of September 30, 2013 contractually mature over the next five years and thereafter as follows:
	2013	$	43,790
	2014	36,207,342
	2015	6,318,264
	2016	7,269,386
	2017	1,963,249
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	51,802,031

Transactions_with_Related_Part

Transactions with Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Transactions with Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Transactions with Related Parties
	The general partner of the Partnership, AFCA 2, is entitled to receive an administrative fee from the Partnership equal to 0.45% per annum of the outstanding principal balance of any of its tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, taxable property loans collateralized by real property, and other tax-exempt investments for which the owner of the financed property or other third party is not obligated to pay such administrative fee directly to AFCA 2. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Partnership paid or accrued administrative fees to AFCA 2 of approximately $388,000 and $1.1 million, respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Partnership paid or accrued administrative fees to AFCA 2 of approximately $265,000 and $643,000, respectively. In addition to the administrative fees paid directly by the Partnership, AFCA 2 receives administrative fees directly from the owners of properties financed by certain of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by the Partnership.  These administrative fees also equal 0.45% per annum of the outstanding principal balance of these tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and totaled approximately $33,000 and $99,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, these fees totaled approximately $33,000 and $100,000, respectively.
	AFCA 2 earns mortgage placement fees in connection with the acquisition of certain tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds.  These mortgage placement fees were paid by the owners of the respective properties and, accordingly, have not been reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements because these properties are not considered VIEs.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, AFCA 2 earned mortgage placement fees of approximately $338,000 and $1.2 million, respectively. In June 2012 the Company executed an investment placement agreement with AFCA 2 in connection with the Company's acquisition of the PHC Certificates investment (Note 5). AFCA 2 received a fee of approximately $653,000 from the Company in connection with this agreement which was paid in July 2012. The Company executed a separate investment placement agreement with AFCA 2 in connection with the Company's acquisition of the Arbors at Hickory Ridge tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond during the second quarter of 2012. In connection with that agreement, AFCA 2 received an origination fee of $100,000. These fees have been recorded into the cost basis of the PHC Certificates and tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond and are being amortized against interest income on an effective yield basis. Both of these fees are consistent with the mortgage placement fees that AFCA 2 has earned previously in connection with the acquisition of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds by the Company.
	An affiliate of AFCA 2, America First Properties Management Company, LLC (“Properties Management”) provided property management services for the eight MF Properties, the three Consolidated VIEs and six of the properties collateralized by the tax-exempt revenue bonds, earning management fees of approximately $300,000 and $907,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Properties Management provided property management services for seven MF Properties, the three VIEs, the six properties classified as discontinued operations and four of the properties collateralized by the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, earning management fees of approximately $288,000 and $879,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.  These property management fees are not Partnership expenses, but are paid in each case by the owner of the multifamily apartment property.  For properties owned by entities treated as Consolidated VIEs and for MF Properties, the property management fees are reflected as real estate operating expenses on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  The property management fees are paid out of the revenues generated by all properties financed by tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and taxable mortgages prior to the payment of debt service on the Partnership’s tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and taxable property loans.
	The Partnership executed a Developer and Construction Management Agreement with two affiliates of AFCA 2 during the second quarter of 2013 in connection with the mixed-use development at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Note 7). These affiliates received approximately $588,000 in the first nine months of 2013 under the terms of this Agreement.
	Two of the owners of the limited-purpose corporations which own three of the Consolidated VIEs held by the Company are employees of Burlington who are not involved in the operation or management of the Company and who are not executive officers or managers of Burlington.

Issuances_of_Additional_Benefi

Issuances of Additional Beneficial Certificate Units	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Issuances of Additional Beneficial Unit Certificates [Abstract]	'
Unusual or Infrequent Items Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	13. Issuances of Additional Beneficial Unit Certificates
	In May 2012, the Partnership issued an additional 12,650,000 BUCs through an underwritten public offering at a public offering price of $5.06 per BUC pursuant to a then existing Registration Statement on Form S-3. Net proceeds realized by the Partnership from this issuance of these BUCs were approximately $60 million after payment of an underwriter's discount and other offering costs of approximately $4.0 million.

Interest_Rate_Derivative_Agree

Interest Rate Derivative Agreements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Rate Derivative Agreements [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Interest Rate Derivative Agreements
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company has four derivative agreements in order to mitigate its exposure to increases in interest rates on its variable-rate debt financing. The terms of the derivative agreements are as follows:
		Date Purchased	Notional Amount		Effective Capped Rate		Maturity Date	Purchase Price		Counterparty
		September 2, 2010	$	31,936,667	3	%	September 1, 2017	$	921,000	Bank of New York Mellon
		September 2, 2010	$	31,936,667	3	%	September 1, 2017	$	845,600	Barclays Bank PLC
		September 2, 2010	$	31,936,667	3	%	September 1, 2017	$	928,000	Royal Bank of Canada
		August 15, 2013	$	93,305,000	1.5	%	September 1, 2017	$	793,000	Deutsche Bank
	On July 30, 2013, the Company purchased a new interest rate derivative with a notional amount of $93.3 million which represents the amount outstanding on the TEBS financing facility at August 1, 2013.  The maturity date of this interest rate derivative is September 1, 2017 and the effective capped interest rate is 1.5%.  On July 30, 2013, the Company also sold a new interest rate derivative to the same counterparty which had the same notional amount of $93.3 million and an effective capped interest rate of 3.0%.  The total cost of these two interest rate derivatives was approximately $800,000 and the derivative contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, therefore, changes in the estimated fair value of the interest rate derivatives are included in earnings.  This interest rate corridor transaction effectively reduced the capped interest rate from 3.0% to 1.5% on the TEBS financing facility through the maturity date of the interest rate derivative contracts.
	These interest rate derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting and, accordingly, they are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value included in current period earnings within interest expense. The change in the fair value of these derivative contracts resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $440,000 and $304,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The change in the fair value of these derivative contracts resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $275,000 and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Current accounting guidance on fair value measurements establishes a framework for measuring fair value and provides for expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.  The guidance:
	•	Defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; and
	•	Establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date.
	Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk.  To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, the fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.  The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:
	•	Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
	•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for asset or liabilities.
	The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
	Investments in Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds.  The fair values of the Company’s investments in tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds have each been based on a discounted cash flow or yield to maturity analysis. The Company uses this same valuation methodology to estimate the fair value market adjustment for its mortgage bond purchase commitments. There is no active trading market for the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and price quotes for the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds are not available.  If available, the General Partner may also consider price quotes on similar tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds or other information from external sources, such as pricing services.  The estimates of the fair values of these tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, whether estimated by the Company or based on external sources, are based largely on unobservable inputs the General Partner believes would be used by market participants.  Additionally, the calculation methodology used by the external sources and the Company encompasses the use of judgment in its application. To validate changes in the fair value of the Company's investments in tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds between reporting periods, management looks at the key inputs such as changes in the current market yields on similar bonds as well as changes in the operating performance of the underlying property serving as collateral for each bond. We validate that the changes in the estimated fair value of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds move with the changes in these monitored factors. Given these facts the fair value measurement of the Company’s investment in tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds is categorized as a Level 3 input. The approximately $4.9 million estimated fair market value adjustment - mortgage bond purchase commitment liability is also categorized as a Level 3 input. This unrealized loss was recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	Investment in Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates. The fair value of the Company’s investment in Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates has been based on a yield to maturity analysis performed by the General Partner. There is no active trading market for the trusts' certificates owned by the Company but the General Partner will look at estimated values as determined by pricing services when available. The estimates of the fair values of these trusts' certificates begin with the current market yield rate for a “AAA” rated tax-free municipal bond for a term consistent with the weighted-average life of each of the Public Housing Capital Fund trusts adjusted largely for unobservable inputs the General Partner believes would be used by market participants. Additionally, the calculation methodology used by external pricing services and the Company encompasses the use of judgment in its application. We validate that the changes in the estimated fair value of Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates move with the changes in the market yield rates of investment grade rated tax-exempt municipal bonds with similar length of terms. Given these facts the fair value measurement of the Company’s investment in Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates is categorized as a Level 3 input.
	Investment in Mortgage-Backed Securities. The fair value of the Company's investment in mortgage-backed securities is based upon prices obtained from a third party pricing service, which are indicative of market activity. The valuation methodology of the Company's third party pricing service incorporates commonly used market pricing methods, incorporates trading activity observed in the market place, and other data inputs. The methodology also considers the underlying characteristics of each security, which are also observable inputs, including: coupon; maturity date; loan age; reset date; collateral type; geography; and prepayment speeds. Management analyzes pricing data received from the third party pricing service by comparing it to valuation information obtained from at least one other third party pricing service and ensuring they are within a tolerable range of difference which the Company estimates as 7.5%. Management also looks at observations of trading activity observed in the market place when available. Given these facts, the fair value measurements of the Company's investment in mortgage-backed securities are categorized as Level 2 inputs.
	Taxable bonds. The fair values of the Company’s investments in taxable bonds have each been based on a discounted cash flow or yield to maturity analysis. There is no active trading market for the taxable bonds and price quotes are not available. The estimates of the fair values of these taxable bonds, whether estimated by the Company or based on external sources, are based largely on unobservable inputs the General Partner believes would be used by market participants.  Additionally, the calculation methodology used by the external sources and the Company encompasses the use of judgment in its application. To validate changes in the fair value of the Company's investments in taxable bonds between reporting periods, management looks at the key inputs such as changes in the current market yields on similar bonds as well as changes in the operating performance of the underlying property serving as collateral for each bond. We validate that the changes in the estimated fair value of the taxable bonds move with the changes in these monitored factors. Given these facts the fair value measurement of the Company’s investment in taxable bonds is categorized as a Level 3 input.
	Interest rate derivatives.  The effect of the Company’s interest rate caps is to set a cap, or upper limit, on the base rate of interest paid on the Company’s variable rate debt equal to the notional amount of the derivative agreement.  The effect of the Company’s interest rate swap is to change a variable rate debt obligation to a fixed rate for that portion of the debt equal to the notional amount of the derivative agreement.  The interest rate derivatives are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in current period earnings within interest expense.  The fair value of the interest rate derivatives is based on a model whose inputs are not observable and therefore are categorized as a Level 3 input. The inputs in the valuation model include three-month LIBOR rates, unobservable adjustments to account for the SIFMA index, as well as any recent interest rate cap trades with similar terms.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
			Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
	Description		Assets at Fair Value				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets
	Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds		$	203,075,880			$	—			$	—			$	203,075,880
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates		61,793,516				—				—				61,793,516
	MBS Investments		38,880,996				—				38,880,996				—
	Taxable Bonds		4,139,878				—				—				4,139,878
	Interest Rate Derivatives		867,643				—				—				867,643
	Total Assets at Fair Value		$	308,757,913			$	—			$	38,880,996			$	269,876,917
			For Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
			Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds				Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates				Taxable Bonds				Interest Rate Derivatives			Total
	Beginning Balance July 1, 2013		$	199,115,593			$	62,759,268			$	3,083,579			$	514,975		$	265,473,415
	Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings		—				—				—				(440,331		)	(440,331		)
	Included in other comprehensive income		(15,995,937		)		(951,622		)		(226,701		)		—			(17,174,260		)
	Greens Property's bonds after sale recognition		9,465,000				—				—				—			9,465,000
	Purchases		10,542,000				—				1,283,000				—			11,825,000
	Purchase interest rate derivative		—				—				—				792,999			792,999
	Settlements		(50,776		)		(14,130		)		—				—			(64,906		)
	Ending Balance September 30, 2013		$	203,075,880			$	61,793,516			$	4,139,878			$	867,643		$	269,876,917
	Total amount of losses for the period included in earning attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2013		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(440,331	)	$	(440,331	)
			For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
			Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds				Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates				Taxable Bonds				Interest Rate Derivatives			Total
	Beginning Balance January 1, 2013		$	145,237,376			$	65,389,298			$	1,524,873			$	378,729		$	212,530,276
	Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings		—				—				—				(304,085		)	(304,085		)
	Included in other comprehensive income		(15,851,561		)		(3,553,392		)		(232,995		)		—			(19,637,948		)
	Ohio Properties' bonds after sale recognition		19,581,166				—				—				—			19,581,166
	Greens Property's bonds after sale recognition		9,465,000				—				—				—			9,465,000
	Purchases		72,752,000				—				2,918,000				—			75,670,000
	Purchase interest rate derivative		—				—				—				792,999			792,999
	Bond redemption		(16,052,849		)		—				—				—			(16,052,849		)
	Bond foreclosure		(11,581,266		)		—				—				—			(11,581,266		)
	Settlements		(473,986		)		(42,390		)		(70,000		)		—			(586,376		)
	Ending Balance September 30, 2013		$	203,075,880			$	61,793,516			$	4,139,878			$	867,643		$	269,876,917
	Total amount of losses for the period included in earning attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2013		$	—			—				$	—			$	(304,085	)	$	(304,085	)
			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	Description		Assets at Fair Value				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets
	Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds		$	145,237,376			$	—			$	—			$	145,237,376
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts		65,389,298				—				—				65,389,298
	MBS Investments		32,121,412				—				32,121,412				—
	Taxable Bonds		724,145				—				—				724,145
Interest Rate Derivatives		378,729				—				—				378,729
Total Assets at Fair Value		$	243,850,960			$	—			$	32,121,412			$	211,729,548
		For Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds				Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates				Taxable Bonds				Interest Rate Derivatives			Total
Beginning Balance July 1, 2012		$	136,846,619			$	—			$	711,756			$	542,773		$	138,101,148
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings		—				—				—				(274,814		)	(274,814		)
Included in other comprehensive income		1,917,241				192,206				12,389				—			2,121,836
Purchases		472				65,985,913				—				—			65,986,385
Settlements		37,732				(14,150		)		—				—			23,582
Ending Balance September 30, 2012		$	138,802,064			$	66,163,969			$	724,145			$	267,959		$	205,958,137
Total amount of losses for the period included in earning attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2012		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(274,814	)	$	(274,814	)
		For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds				Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates				Taxable Bonds				Interest Rate Derivatives			Total
Beginning Balance January 1, 2012		$	135,695,352			$	—			$	774,946			$	1,323,270		$	137,793,568
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings		—				—				—				(1,055,311		)	(1,055,311		)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)		8,806,812				192,206				44,870				—			9,043,888
Purchases		10,165,287				65,985,913				—				—			76,151,200
Sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds		(15,625,000		)		—				—				—			(15,625,000		)
Settlements		(240,387		)		(14,150		)		(95,671		)		—			(350,208		)
Ending Balance September 30, 2012		$	138,802,064			$	66,163,969			$	724,145			$	267,959		$	205,958,137
Total amount of losses for the period included in earning attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2012		$	—			—				—				$	(1,055,311	)	$	(1,055,311	)
Losses included in earnings for the period shown above are included in interest expense.
The Company calculates a fair market value of each financial instrument using a discounted cash flow model based on the debt amortization schedules at the effective rate of interest for each period represented. This estimate of fair value is based on Level 3 inputs. Below represents the fair market value of the debt held on the balance sheet for September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
	Carrying Amount				Fair Value				Carrying Amount				Fair Value
Financial Liabilities:
Debt financing	$	226,569,000			$	227,687,069			$	177,948,000			$	179,103,291
Mortgages payable	$	51,802,031			$	52,738,681			$	39,119,517			$	40,203,943

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	are frequently covered by insurance. If it has been determined that a loss is probable to occur, the estimated amount of the loss is accrued in the consolidated financial statements. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the final outcome of such matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Certain of the MF Properties own apartment properties that generated LIHTCs for the previous partners in these partnerships.  In connection with the acquisition of partnership interests in these partnerships by subsidiaries of the Company, the Company has agreed to reimburse the prior partners for any liabilities they incur due to recapture of these tax credits to the extent the recapture liability is due to the operation of the properties in a manner inconsistent with the laws and regulations relating to such tax credits after the date of acquisition. No amount has been accrued for this contingent liability because management believes that the likelihood of any payments being required there under is remote.
	In connection with the sale of the Greens Property, the Company entered into guarantee agreements with the BC Partners under which the Company has guaranteed certain obligations of the general partner of the Greens of Pine Glen limited partnership, including an obligation to repurchase the interests of the BC Partners if certain “repurchase events” occur. A repurchase event is defined as any one of a number of events mainly focused on the completion of the property rehabilitation, property rent stabilization, the delivery of LIHTCs, tax credit recapture and foreclosure. No amount has been accrued for this contingent liability because the likelihood of a repurchase event is remote. The maximum exposure to the Company at September 30, 2013, under the guarantee provision of the repurchase clause is approximately $1.3 million which represents 75% of the equity contributed by BC Partners to date.
	In connection with the Ohio Properties transaction in 2011, the Company entered into guarantee agreements with the BC Partners under which the Company has guaranteed certain obligations of the general partner of these limited partnerships, including an obligation to repurchase the interests of the BC Partners if certain “repurchase events” occur. A repurchase event is defined as any one of a number of events mainly focused on the completion of the property rehabilitation, property rent stabilization, the delivery of LIHTCs, tax credit recapture and foreclosure. Even if a repurchase event should occur, 25% of the BC equity would remain in the Ohio Properties and thus BC, a third party, would have sufficient equity in the Ohio Properties for the Company to recognize the sale discussed in Note 9. No amount has been accrued for this contingent liability because the likelihood of a repurchase event is remote. The maximum exposure to the Company at September 30, 2013, under the guarantee provision of the repurchase clause is approximately $4.9 million which represents 75% of the equity contributed by BC Partners.
	In March 2013, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company executed a 35-year ground lease with the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (“Lessor”) with an annual lease payment of $100. The leased property will have a mixed-use development consisting of a 1,605 stall parking garage and 475 bed student housing complex constructed on it. The Lessor will own the parking garage and the Company will own the student housing. The Company currently estimates the construction of the student housing will cost approximately $34.0 million and executed a guaranteed maximum price contract with the general contractor for the construction. The lease agreement has a stipulation that if the parking garage is not completed by August 1, 2014, the Company will pay damages of $6,000 per day of delayed completion to the Lessor. The Company's construction contract with the general contractor also stipulates that the general contractor will pay the Company $6,000 per day of liquidated damages for each day subsequent to August 1, 2014 that the parking garage is not completed. Construction has commenced and is estimated to be completed before the August 1, 2014 deadline.
	To finance the construction of the student housing complex, the Company has executed an interest-only loan to borrow up to $25.5 million for a three year term at a variable interest rate. The Company also secured $4.3 million tax-incremental financing loan which is for a term of five years, carries a fixed interest rate of approximately 4.7% per annum, requires principal payments commencing after 24 months and has a balloon payment due at maturity. The Company has borrowed approximately $1.8 million on the first facility as of September 30, 2013 (Notes 7 and 11).
	In June 2013, the Partnership executed a Bond Purchase Commitment agreeing to purchase an $8.0 million new tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond and a $500,000 taxable bond both secured by a multifamily property under construction in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The tax-exempt bond will have a stated annual interest rate of 6.0% per annum, the taxable bond will have a stated rate of 12% per annum, and bond proceeds must be used to pay off the third party construction loan. The Partnership accounts for the Bond Purchase Commitment as an available-for-sale security and, as such, records the change in estimated fair value of the Bond Purchase Commitment as an asset or liability with changes in such valuation recorded in other comprehensive income.  As of September 30, 2013, the Partnership has estimated the value of this Bond Purchase Commitment and recorded a liability of approximately $560,000.
	The Partnership has also executed a Guarantee Agreement with the construction lender for this Albuquerque project. The terms of the Guarantee Agreement requires the Partnership to guarantee that all construction costs are paid when due and pay any remaining outstanding principal and unpaid interest on the construction loan on or before July 1, 2015. Construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2015 when the Partnership anticipates purchasing the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond and taxable bond. No amounts have been accrued for this Guarantee Agreement as the Partnership expects that the construction loan will be sufficient to pay all costs during the construction period and that the proceeds from the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond, taxable bond, and third party equity contribution to be sufficient to pay off all outstanding principal and interest on the construction loan on or before July 1, 2015.
	As the holder of residual interests issued in connection with its TEBS and TOB bond financing arrangements, the Partnership is required to guarantee certain losses that can be incurred by the trusts created in connection with these financings. These guarantees may result from a downgrade in the investment rating of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by the trust or of the senior securities issued by the trust, a ratings downgrade of the liquidity provider for the trust, increases in short term interest rates beyond pre-set maximums, an inability to re-market the senior securities or an inability to obtain liquidity for the trust. In each of these cases, the trust will be collapsed. If the proceeds from the sale of the trust collateral are not sufficient to pay the principal amount of the senior securities with accrued interest and the other expenses of the trusts, the Partnership will be required to fund any such shortfall pursuant to its guarantee.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	17. Subsequent Events
	On October 21, 2013, the Company executed a new TOB Trust under its credit facility with DB securitizing the Avistar at the Oaks, Avistar in 09, and Avistar on the Hills Series A and Series B tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. The amount borrowed was $13.2 million with a variable interest rate tied to SIFMA. The facility matures in October 2014. On the date of closing the total fixed TOB Trust fee was approximately 1.9% per annum and the variable rate paid on the TOB Trust on the SPEARS was approximately 0.4% resulting in a total cost of borrowing of approximately 2.3%.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted and Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	On February 5, 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which adds additional disclosure requirements for significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. This guidance was adopted on January 1, 2013 and only impacted disclosure requirements and did not have any effect on the operating results or financial condition of the Partnership.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Segment Reporting
	The Company consists of five reportable segments, Tax-Exempt Bond Investments, MF Properties, Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts, MBS Investments, and Consolidated VIEs.  In addition to the five reportable segments, the Company also separately reports its consolidation and elimination information because it does not allocate certain items to the segments.
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments Segment
	The Tax-Exempt Bond Investments segment consists of the Company’s portfolio of federally tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds which have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing of multifamily residential apartments.  Such tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds are held as long-term investments.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company held thirty-two tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds not associated with Consolidated VIEs and three tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds associated with Consolidated VIEs which are bonds that are eliminated in consolidation on the Company's financial statements. The multifamily apartment properties financed by the thirty-five tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds contain a total of 4,488 rental units. Three of the bonds' properties are not operational and are under construction (Note 4).
	MF Properties Segment
	The MF Properties segment consists of indirect equity interests in multifamily apartment properties which are not currently financed by tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by the Partnership but which the Partnership eventually intends to finance by such bonds through a restructuring.  In connection with any such restructuring, the Partnership will be required to dispose of any equity interest held in such MF Properties.  The Partnership's interests in its current MF Properties are not currently classified as Assets held for sale because the Partnership is not actively marketing them for sale, there is no definitive purchase agreement in existence that, under current guidance, can be recognized as a sale of real estate assets and, therefore, no sale is expected in the next twelve months. During the time the Partnership holds an interest in an MF Property, any net rental income generated by the MF Properties in excess of debt service will be available for distribution to the Partnership in accordance with its interest in the MF Property.  Any such cash distribution will contribute to the Partnership's CAD.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company consolidated the results of eight MF Properties containing a total of 1,582 rental units plus the student housing complex in Lincoln, Nebraska that is currently under construction (Note 7).
	Other Tax-Exempt Investments
	The Partnership Agreement authorizes the Company to make investments in tax-exempt investments other than tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds provided that these other tax-exempt investments are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by a national securities rating agency and do not constitute more than 25% of the Company's assets at the time of acquisition as required under the Agreement of Limited Partnership. In addition, the amount of other tax-exempt investments are limited based on the conditions to the exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that is relied upon for the Partnership. The Company currently owns other tax-exempt investments, PHC Certificates and MBS, which are reported as two separate segments. The PHC Trusts segment consists of the assets, liabilities, and related income and expenses of the PHC Trusts. The Partnership consolidates the PHC Trusts due to ownership of the LIFERS issued by the three PHC Trusts, which hold custodial receipts evidencing loans made to a number of local public housing authorities. Principal and interest on these loans are payable by the respective public housing authorities out of annual appropriations to be made to the public housing authorities by the HUD. This investment was acquired in July 2012. The MBS segment consists of the assets, liabilities, and related income and expenses of the MBS TOB Trusts that the Company consolidated due to its ownership of the LIFERs issued by the MBS TOB Trusts. These MBS TOB Trusts are securitizations of state-issued mortgage-backed securities which are backed by residential mortgage loans. These investments were acquired during the fourth quarter of 2012 through the second quarter of 2013 (Note 6).
	The Consolidated VIE Segment
	The Consolidated VIE segment consists of multifamily apartment properties which are financed with tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held by the Partnership, the assets, liabilities and operating results of which are consolidated with those of the Partnership as a result of consolidation guidance.  The tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds on these Consolidated VIE properties are eliminated from the Company’s financial statements as a result of such consolidation, however, such bonds are held as long-term investments by the Partnership which continues to be entitled to receive principal and interest payments on such bonds.  The Company does not actually own an equity position in the Consolidated VIEs or their underlying properties.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company consolidated three VIEs containing a total 650 units (Note 3).
	Management closely monitors and evaluates the financial reporting associated with and the operations of the Consolidated VIEs and the MF Properties and performs such evaluation separately from the other operations of the Partnership through interaction with the affiliated property management company which manages the multifamily apartment properties held by the Consolidated VIEs and the MF Properties.
	Management's goals with respect to the properties constituting the Company's Consolidated VIE and MF Properties reportable segments is to generate increasing amounts of net rental income from these properties that will allow them to (i) make all payments of base interest, and possibly pay contingent interest, on the properties included in the Tax-Exempt Bond Investments segment and the Consolidated VIE segment, and (ii) distribute net rental income to the Partnership from the MF Properties segment until such properties can be refinanced with additional tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds meeting the Partnership's investment criteria.  In order to achieve these goals, management of these multifamily apartment properties is focused on: (i) maintaining high economic occupancy and increasing rental rates through effective leasing, reduced turnover rates and providing quality maintenance and services to maximize resident satisfaction; (ii) managing operating expenses and achieving cost reductions through operating efficiencies and economies of scale generally inherent in the management of a portfolio of multiple properties; and (iii) emphasizing regular programs of repairs, maintenance and property improvements to enhance the competitive advantage and value of its properties in their respective market areas.
	The following table details certain key financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 and as of December 31, 2012:
		For the Three Months Ended,						For the Nine Months Ended,
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Total revenues
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	4,599,998		$	2,696,267		$	23,371,043		$	8,869,285
	MF Properties	3,074,115			1,983,078			8,325,594			5,404,773
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	814,946			809,387			2,445,259			809,387
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	425,499			—			1,178,664			—
	Consolidated VIEs	1,225,261			1,203,887			3,658,636			3,598,541
	Consolidation/eliminations	(375,642		)	(379,714		)	(1,130,027		)	(1,142,089		)
	Total revenues	$	9,764,177		$	6,312,905		$	37,849,169		$	17,539,897
	Interest expense
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	1,307,397		$	1,054,649		$	2,426,721		$	3,019,963
	MF Properties	550,755			212,794			1,574,544			1,013,266
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	345,547			284,100			945,140			284,100
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	121,673			—			341,589			—
	Consolidated VIEs	832,719			808,841			2,477,348			2,411,676
	Consolidation/eliminations	(832,719		)	(808,841		)	(2,477,348		)	(2,411,676		)
	Total interest expense	$	2,325,372		$	1,551,543		$	5,287,994		$	4,317,329
	Depreciation expense
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	MF Properties	1,019,947			621,279			2,781,678			1,776,269
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	—			—			—			—
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	—			—			—			—
	Consolidated VIEs	354,756			379,881			1,048,210			1,076,522
	Consolidation/eliminations	—			—			—			—
	Total depreciation expense	$	1,374,703		$	1,001,160		$	3,829,888		$	2,852,791
	Income (loss) from continuing operations
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	2,066,800		$	931,478		$	12,333,200		$	2,680,910
	MF Properties	(478,460		)	(115,026		)	(1,205,151		)	(654,489		)
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	462,245			518,424			1,478,659			518,424
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	276,968			—			764,120			—
	Consolidated VIEs	(786,542		)	(953,177		)	(2,241,493		)	(2,314,341		)
	Consolidation/eliminations	467,837			440,003			1,379,690			1,302,299
	Income from continuing operations	$	2,008,848		$	821,702		$	12,509,025		$	1,532,803
	Net income (loss)
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	2,066,800		$	931,478		$	12,333,200		$	2,680,910
	MF Properties	923,951			1,274,839			1,973,669			960,755
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	462,245			518,424			1,478,659			518,424
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	276,968			—			764,120			—
	Consolidated VIEs	(786,542		)	(953,177		)	(2,241,493		)	(2,314,341		)
	Consolidation/eliminations	467,837			440,003			1,379,690			1,302,299
	Net income - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	3,411,259		$	2,211,567		$	15,687,845		$	3,148,047
		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Total assets
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	375,480,859		$	357,606,420
	MF Properties	77,593,217			51,379,479
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts	62,302,209			65,811,361
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	39,490,422			32,488,363
	Discontinued Operations	—			32,580,427
	Consolidated VIEs	22,702,904			30,207,191
Consolidation/eliminations	(127,514,884		)	(156,922,486		)
Total assets	$	450,054,727		$	413,150,755
Total partners' capital
Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	190,505,904		$	221,665,286
MF Properties	28,574,054			6,643,315
Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts	13,194,530			16,720,915
Mortgage-Backed Securities	5,077,770			7,334,399
Consolidated VIEs	(30,018,842		)	(22,480,214		)
Consolidation/eliminations	(51,066,696		)	(47,966,509		)
Total partners' capital	$	156,266,720		$	181,917,192

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents information regarding the carrying value and classification of the assets held by the Partnership as of September 30, 2013, which constitute a variable interest in Ashley Square and Cross Creek.
		Balance Sheet Classification		Carrying Value				Maximum Exposure to Loss
	Ashley Square Apartments
	Tax Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bond	Bond Investment		$	5,224,000			$	5,224,000
	Taxable Property Loan	Other Asset		1,462,000				7,032,123
				$	6,686,000			$	12,256,123
	Cross Creek Apartments
	Tax Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bond	Bond Investment		$	7,616,316			$	6,033,317
	Taxable Property Loans	Other Asset		3,383,615				3,383,615
				$	10,999,931			$	9,416,932
Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Partnership For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues:
	Property revenues	$	3,074,115			$	1,225,261			$	—			$	4,299,376
	Investment income	5,623,450				—				(375,642		)		5,247,808
	Other interest income	216,993				—				—				216,993
	Total revenues	8,914,558				1,225,261				(375,642		)		9,764,177
	Expenses:
	Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	1,794,008				815,947				—				2,609,955
	Provision for loan loss	72,000				—				—				72,000
	Depreciation and amortization	1,409,847				363,137				(10,760		)		1,762,224
	Interest	2,325,372				832,719				(832,719		)		2,325,372
	General and administrative	985,778				—				—				985,778
	Total expenses	6,587,005				2,011,803				(843,479		)		7,755,329
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	2,327,553				(786,542		)		467,837				2,008,848
	Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,041,656)	1,342,498				—				—				1,342,498
	Net income (loss)	3,670,051				(786,542		)		467,837				3,351,346
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(59,913		)		—				—				(59,913		)
	Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	3,729,964			$	(786,542	)		$	467,837			$	3,411,259
		Partnership For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidated VIEs For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues:
	Property revenues	$	1,983,077			$	1,203,887			$	—			$	3,186,964
	Mortgage revenue bond investment income	3,490,431				—				(379,714		)		3,110,717
	Other interest income	15,224				—				—				15,224
	Total revenues	5,488,732				1,203,887				(379,714		)		6,312,905
	Expenses:
	Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	1,175,585				959,870				—				2,135,455
	Recovery of loss on receivables	(261,825		)		—				—				(261,825		)
	Depreciation and amortization	854,252				388,353				(10,876		)		1,231,729
	Interest	1,551,543				808,841				(808,841		)		1,551,543
	General and administrative	834,301				—				—				834,301
	Total expenses	4,153,856				2,157,064				(819,717		)		5,491,203
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,334,876				(953,177		)		440,003				821,702
	Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,277,976)	1,526,964				—				—				1,526,964
	Net income (loss)	2,861,840				(953,177		)		440,003				2,348,666
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	137,099				—				—				137,099
	Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	2,724,741			$	(953,177	)		$	440,003			$	2,211,567
		Partnership For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues:
	Property revenues	$	8,325,593			$	3,658,636			$	—			$	11,984,229
	Mortgage revenue bond investment income	18,689,649				—				(1,130,027		)		17,559,622
	Contingent tax-exempt interest income	6,497,160				—				—				6,497,160
	Other interest income	1,558,158				—				—				1,558,158
	Other income	250,000				—				—				250,000
	Total revenues	35,320,560				3,658,636				(1,130,027		)		37,849,169
	Expenses:
	Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	4,632,958				2,349,358				—				6,982,316
	Realized loss on taxable property loan	4,557,741				—				—				4,557,741
	Provision for loan loss	168,000				—				—				168,000
	Provision for loss on receivables	241,698				—				—				241,698
	Depreciation and amortization	3,963,628				1,073,423				(32,369		)		5,004,682
	Interest	5,287,994				2,477,348				(2,477,348		)		5,287,994
	General and administrative	3,097,713				—				—				3,097,713
	Total expenses	21,949,732				5,900,129				(2,509,717		)		25,340,144
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	13,370,828				(2,241,493		)		1,379,690				12,509,025
	Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $3,177,183)	3,442,404				—				—				3,442,404
	Net income (loss)	16,813,232				(2,241,493		)		1,379,690				15,951,429
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	263,584				—				—				263,584
	Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	16,549,648			$	(2,241,493	)		$	1,379,690			$	15,687,845
		Partnership For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidated VIEs For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues:
	Property revenues	$	5,404,772			$	3,598,541			$	—			$	9,003,313
	Investment income	8,912,856				—				(1,142,089		)		7,770,767
Other interest income	97,996				—				—				97,996
Gain on sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	667,821				—				—				667,821
Total revenues	15,083,445				3,598,541				(1,142,089		)		17,539,897
Expenses:
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	3,096,677				2,399,206				—				5,495,883
Provision for loss on receivables	214,525				—				—				214,525
Depreciation and amortization	2,376,823				1,102,000				(32,712		)		3,446,111
Interest	4,317,329				2,411,676				(2,411,676		)		4,317,329
General and administrative	2,533,246				—				—				2,533,246
Total expenses	12,538,600				5,912,882				(2,444,388		)		16,007,094
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2,544,845				(2,314,341		)		1,302,299				1,532,803
Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,277,976)	2,013,713				—				—				2,013,713
Net income (loss)	4,558,558				(2,314,341		)		1,302,299				3,546,516
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	398,469				—				—				398,469
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	4,160,089			$	(2,314,341	)		$	1,302,299			$	3,148,047
The table below shows the pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company as if Woodland Park and Maples on 97th had been acquired at the beginning of the periods presented:
	For Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				For Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues	$	9,764,177			$	6,776,511			$	38,129,451			$	19,220,502
Net income	3,411,259				2,240,852				15,688,415				3,228,006
Net income allocated to unitholders	3,356,268				2,419,772				15,156,732				3,730,656
Unitholders' interest in net income per unit (basic and diluted)	$	0.08			$	0.06			$	0.35			$	0.1
Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
			Partnership as of September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs as of September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination as of September 30, 2013				Total as of September 30, 2013
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	11,872,782			$	33,825			$	—			$	11,906,607
	Restricted cash		6,444,613				1,253,126				—				7,697,739
	Interest receivable		14,677,455				—				(6,665,032		)		8,012,423
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value		178,071,670				—				(23,157,533		)		154,914,137
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value		48,161,743				—				—				48,161,743
	Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value		61,793,516				—				—				61,793,516
	Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value		38,880,996				—				—				38,880,996
	Real estate assets:
	Land		9,241,515				3,250,044				—				12,491,559
	Buildings and improvements		83,656,608				32,324,747				—				115,981,355
	Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation		92,898,123				35,574,791				—				128,472,914
	Accumulated depreciation		(8,382,864		)		(14,755,919		)		—				(23,138,783		)
	Net real estate assets		84,515,259				20,818,872				—				105,334,131
	Other assets		22,418,827				597,081				(9,662,473		)		13,353,435
	Total Assets		$	466,836,861			$	22,702,904			$	(39,485,038	)		$	450,054,727
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		$	4,413,261			$	28,761,746			$	(28,014,528	)		$	5,160,479
	Distribution payable		5,400,622				—				—				5,400,622
	Debt financing		226,569,000				—				—				226,569,000
	Mortgages payable		51,802,031				23,960,000				(23,960,000		)		51,802,031
	Bond purchase commitment - fair market value adjustment		4,865,536				—				—				4,865,536
	Total Liabilities		293,050,450				52,721,746				(51,974,528		)		293,797,668
	Partners' Capital
	General Partner		84,551				—				—				84,551
	Beneficial Unit Certificate holders		173,711,521				—				8,368,259				182,079,780
	Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs		—				(30,018,842		)		4,121,231				(25,897,611		)
	Total Partners' Capital		173,796,072				(30,018,842		)		12,489,490				156,266,720
	Noncontrolling interest		(9,661		)		—				—				(9,661		)
	Total Capital		173,786,411				(30,018,842		)		12,489,490				156,257,059
	Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital		$	466,836,861			$	22,702,904			$	(39,485,038	)		$	450,054,727
			Partnership as of December 31, 2012				Consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination as of December 31, 2012				Total as of December 31, 2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	30,123,447			$	49,326			$	—			$	30,172,773
	Restricted cash		4,538,071				933,451				—				5,471,522
	Interest receivable		14,131,063				—				(5,657,703		)		8,473,360
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value		124,149,600				—				(24,615,518		)		99,534,082
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value		45,703,294				—				—				45,703,294
	Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value		65,389,298				—				—				65,389,298
	Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value		32,121,412				—				—				32,121,412
	Real estate assets:
	Land		6,798,407				4,404,469				—				11,202,876
	Buildings and improvements		55,776,753				37,838,726				—				93,615,479
	Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation		62,575,160				42,243,195				—				104,818,355
	Accumulated depreciation		(5,458,961		)		(13,871,102		)		—				(19,330,063		)
	Net real estate assets		57,116,199				28,372,093				—				85,488,292
	Other assets		22,923,356				852,321				(15,559,382		)		8,216,295
	Assets of discontinued operations		32,580,427				—				—				32,580,427
	Total Assets		$	428,776,167			$	30,207,191			$	(45,832,603	)		$	413,150,755
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		$	2,330,852			$	28,529,405			$	(25,846,310	)		$	5,013,947
	Distribution payable		5,566,908				—				—				5,566,908
	Debt financing		177,948,000				—				—				177,948,000
	Mortgages payable		39,119,507				24,158,000				(24,158,000		)		39,119,507
	Liabilities of discontinued operations		1,531,462				—				—				1,531,462
	Total Liabilities		226,496,729				52,687,405				(50,004,310		)		229,179,824
	Partners' Capital
	General Partner		(430,087		)		—				—				(430,087		)
	Beneficial Unit Certificate holders		200,655,786				—				6,727,301				207,383,087
	Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs		—				(22,480,214		)		(2,555,594		)		(25,035,808		)
	Total Partners' Capital		200,225,699				(22,480,214		)		4,171,707				181,917,192
Noncontrolling interest		2,053,739				—				—				2,053,739
Total Capital		202,279,438				(22,480,214		)		4,171,707				183,970,931
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital		$	428,776,167			$	30,207,191			$	(45,832,603	)		$	413,150,755
The Woodland Park and Maples on 97th property purchase price allocation is disclosed pursuant to the accounting guidance on business combinations. A condensed balance sheet for each at the date of acquisitions is included below.
		Woodland Park 5/29/2013 (Date of Acquisition)
Other current assets		$	201,321
In-place lease assets		403,216
Real estate assets		15,258,784
Total Assets		$	15,863,321
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other		$	192,345
Net assets		15,670,976
Total liabilities and net assets		$	15,863,321
		Maples on 97th 8/29/2012 (Date of Acquisition)
Other current assets		$	44,534
In-place lease assets		428,865
Real estate assets		5,071,135
Total Assets		$	5,544,534
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other		$	69,120
Net assets		5,475,414
Total liabilities and net assets		$	5,544,534

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds1

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments in Tax Exempt Bonds [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
		September 30, 2013
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge (2)	$	11,577,528	$	270,693	$	—		$	11,848,221
	Ashley Square (1)	5,224,000		—		—			5,224,000
	Autumn Pines (2)	12,247,713		—		(196,097		)	12,051,616
	Avistar on the Boulevard A Bond (2)	13,760,000		—		(1,308,163		)	12,451,837
	Avistar at Chase Hill A Bond (2)	8,960,000		—		(962,394		)	7,997,606
	Avistar at the Crest A Bond (2)	8,759,000		—		(1,300,361		)	7,458,639
	Bella Vista (1)	6,545,000		—		(514,568		)	6,030,432
	Bridle Ridge (1)	7,715,000		—		(455,108		)	7,259,892
	Brookstone (1)	7,461,514		857,067		—			8,318,581
	Cross Creek (1)	6,033,317		1,582,999		—			7,616,316
	Greens Property (2)	9,404,291		—		(305,540		)	9,098,751
	Lost Creek (1)	15,853,185		2,000,560		—			17,853,745
	Ohio Properties A Bonds (1)	14,519,000		—		—			14,519,000
	Runnymede (1)	10,565,000		—		(419,853		)	10,145,147
	Southpark (1)	11,964,156		1,029,425		—			12,993,581
	Woodlynn Village (1)	4,443,000		—		(396,227		)	4,046,773
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust	$	155,031,704	$	5,740,744	$	(5,858,311	)	$	154,914,137
		30-Sep-13
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Avistar at Chase Hill B Bond	2,005,000		—		(158,696		)	1,846,304
	Avistar at the Crest B Bond	1,700,000		—		(134,555		)	1,565,445
	Avistar at the Oaks (f/k/a Dublin)	8,354,000		—		(829,866		)	7,524,134
	Avistar in 09 (f/k/a Waterford)	7,192,000		—		(658,575		)	6,533,425
	Avistar on the Boulevard B Bond	3,216,000		—		(254,546		)	2,961,454
	Avistar on the Hills (f/k/a Kingswood)	5,389,000		—		(534,256		)	4,854,744
	Ohio Properties B Bonds	3,585,980		116,702		—			3,702,682
	Renaissance	6,725,000		108,776		—			6,833,776
	Vantage at Harlingen	6,692,000		—		(210,196		)	6,481,804
	Vantage at Judson	6,049,000		—		(191,025		)	5,857,975
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	$	50,907,980	$	225,478	$	(2,971,715	)	$	48,161,743
	(1) Bonds owned by ATAX TEBS I, LLC, Note 10
	(2) Bond held by Deutsche Bank in a secured financing transaction, Note 10
		31-Dec-12
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Ashley Square (1)	$	5,260,000	$	246,981	$	—		$	5,506,981
	Autumn Pines (2)	12,217,004		953,024		—			13,170,028
	Bella Vista (1)	6,600,000		93,324		—			6,693,324
	Bridle Ridge  (1)	7,765,000		108,632		—			7,873,632
	Brookstone (1)	7,453,246		1,459,408		—			8,912,654
	Cross Creek (1)	6,004,424		1,994,911		—			7,999,335
	Lost Creek (1)	15,987,744		3,467,182		—			19,454,926
	Runnymede (1)	10,605,000		491,330		—			11,096,330
	Southpark  (1)	11,904,968		2,462,350		—			14,367,318
	Woodlynn Village (1)	4,460,000		—		(446		)	4,459,554
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust	$	88,257,386	$	11,277,142	$	(446	)	$	99,534,082
		31-Dec-12
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge	$	11,581,485	$	610,785	$	—		$	12,192,270
	Iona Lakes	15,535,000		554,910		—			16,089,910
	Vantage at Judson	6,049,000		—		(847		)	6,048,153
	Woodland Park	15,662,000		—		(4,289,039		)	11,372,961
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	$	48,827,485	$	1,165,695	$	(4,289,886	)	$	45,703,294
	The carrying value of the Company's MBS as of September 30, 2013 is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS (1)	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	"AAA"	$	23,182,932	$	—	$	(2,596,666	)	$	20,586,266
	"AA"	21,109,784		—		(2,815,054		)	18,294,730
		$	44,292,716	$	—	$	(5,411,720	)	$	38,880,996
	(1) MBS are reported based on the lowest rating issued by a Rating Agency, if more than one rating is issued on the security, at the date presented.
	The carrying value of the Company's MBS as of December 31, 2012 is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS (1)	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	"AAA"	$	13,127,402	$	—	$	(129,613	)	$	12,997,789
"AA"	19,407,675		—		(284,052		)	19,123,623
	$	32,535,077	$	—	$	(413,665	)	$	32,121,412
(1) MBS are reported based on the lowest rating issued by a Rating Agency, if more than one rating is issued on the security, at the date presented.

Public_Housing_Capital_Fund_Tr1

Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth certain information relating to the PHC Certificates held in the PHC TOB Trusts on September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Weighted Average Lives (Years)		Investment Rating		Weighted Average Interest Rate over Life			Principal Outstanding
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate I	12.75		AA-		5.33	%		$	26,406,558
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate II	12.3		AA-		4.24	%		17,959,713
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate III	13.3		BBB		5.41	%		20,898,432
	Total Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates								$	65,264,703
	Description of certain terms of the Company's MBS is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS	Principal Outstanding September 30, 2013			Weighted Average Maturity Date		Weighted Average Coupon Interest Rate
	"AAA"	22,710,000			January 14, 2036		4.22	%
	"AA"	20,600,000			January 18, 2036		4	%
		43,310,000
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	Description of Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium and discounts				Unrealized Gain				Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust I	$	28,014,439			$	—			$	(1,540,808	)	$	26,473,631
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust II	17,475,769				—				(1,169,068		)	16,306,701
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust III	20,425,035				—				(1,411,851		)	19,013,184
		$	65,915,243			$	—			$	(4,121,727	)	$	61,793,516
	The Company had the following investments in the PHC Certificates on December 31, 2012:
	Description of Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium and discounts				Unrealized Gain				Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate I	$	28,119,176			$	—			$	(48,477	)	$	28,070,699
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate II	17,442,860				—				(109,223		)	17,333,637
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate III	20,395,597				—				(410,635		)	19,984,962
		$	65,957,633			$	—			$	(568,335	)	$	65,389,298

MortgageBacked_Securities_Tabl

Mortgage-Backed Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth certain information relating to the PHC Certificates held in the PHC TOB Trusts on September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		Weighted Average Lives (Years)		Investment Rating		Weighted Average Interest Rate over Life			Principal Outstanding
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate I	12.75		AA-		5.33	%		$	26,406,558
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate II	12.3		AA-		4.24	%		17,959,713
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificate III	13.3		BBB		5.41	%		20,898,432
	Total Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates								$	65,264,703
	Description of certain terms of the Company's MBS is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS	Principal Outstanding September 30, 2013			Weighted Average Maturity Date		Weighted Average Coupon Interest Rate
	"AAA"	22,710,000			January 14, 2036		4.22	%
	"AA"	20,600,000			January 18, 2036		4	%
		43,310,000
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
		September 30, 2013
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs				Unrealized Gain				Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge (2)	$	11,577,528			$	270,693			$	—		$	11,848,221
	Ashley Square (1)	5,224,000				—				—			5,224,000
	Autumn Pines (2)	12,247,713				—				(196,097		)	12,051,616
	Avistar on the Boulevard A Bond (2)	13,760,000				—				(1,308,163		)	12,451,837
	Avistar at Chase Hill A Bond (2)	8,960,000				—				(962,394		)	7,997,606
	Avistar at the Crest A Bond (2)	8,759,000				—				(1,300,361		)	7,458,639
	Bella Vista (1)	6,545,000				—				(514,568		)	6,030,432
	Bridle Ridge (1)	7,715,000				—				(455,108		)	7,259,892
	Brookstone (1)	7,461,514				857,067				—			8,318,581
	Cross Creek (1)	6,033,317				1,582,999				—			7,616,316
	Greens Property (2)	9,404,291				—				(305,540		)	9,098,751
	Lost Creek (1)	15,853,185				2,000,560				—			17,853,745
	Ohio Properties A Bonds (1)	14,519,000				—				—			14,519,000
	Runnymede (1)	10,565,000				—				(419,853		)	10,145,147
	Southpark (1)	11,964,156				1,029,425				—			12,993,581
	Woodlynn Village (1)	4,443,000				—				(396,227		)	4,046,773
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust	$	155,031,704			$	5,740,744			$	(5,858,311	)	$	154,914,137
		30-Sep-13
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs				Unrealized Gain				Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Avistar at Chase Hill B Bond	2,005,000				—				(158,696		)	1,846,304
	Avistar at the Crest B Bond	1,700,000				—				(134,555		)	1,565,445
	Avistar at the Oaks (f/k/a Dublin)	8,354,000				—				(829,866		)	7,524,134
	Avistar in 09 (f/k/a Waterford)	7,192,000				—				(658,575		)	6,533,425
	Avistar on the Boulevard B Bond	3,216,000				—				(254,546		)	2,961,454
	Avistar on the Hills (f/k/a Kingswood)	5,389,000				—				(534,256		)	4,854,744
	Ohio Properties B Bonds	3,585,980				116,702				—			3,702,682
	Renaissance	6,725,000				108,776				—			6,833,776
	Vantage at Harlingen	6,692,000				—				(210,196		)	6,481,804
	Vantage at Judson	6,049,000				—				(191,025		)	5,857,975
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	$	50,907,980			$	225,478			$	(2,971,715	)	$	48,161,743
	(1) Bonds owned by ATAX TEBS I, LLC, Note 10
	(2) Bond held by Deutsche Bank in a secured financing transaction, Note 10
		31-Dec-12
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs				Unrealized Gains				Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Ashley Square (1)	$	5,260,000			$	246,981			$	—		$	5,506,981
	Autumn Pines (2)	12,217,004				953,024				—			13,170,028
	Bella Vista (1)	6,600,000				93,324				—			6,693,324
	Bridle Ridge  (1)	7,765,000				108,632				—			7,873,632
	Brookstone (1)	7,453,246				1,459,408				—			8,912,654
	Cross Creek (1)	6,004,424				1,994,911				—			7,999,335
	Lost Creek (1)	15,987,744				3,467,182				—			19,454,926
	Runnymede (1)	10,605,000				491,330				—			11,096,330
	Southpark  (1)	11,904,968				2,462,350				—			14,367,318
	Woodlynn Village (1)	4,460,000				—				(446		)	4,459,554
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust	$	88,257,386			$	11,277,142			$	(446	)	$	99,534,082
		31-Dec-12
	Description of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Cost adjusted for pay-downs				Unrealized Gain				Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge	$	11,581,485			$	610,785			$	—		$	12,192,270
	Iona Lakes	15,535,000				554,910				—			16,089,910
	Vantage at Judson	6,049,000				—				(847		)	6,048,153
	Woodland Park	15,662,000				—				(4,289,039		)	11,372,961
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	$	48,827,485			$	1,165,695			$	(4,289,886	)	$	45,703,294
	The carrying value of the Company's MBS as of September 30, 2013 is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS (1)	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium				Unrealized Gain				Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	"AAA"	$	23,182,932			$	—			$	(2,596,666	)	$	20,586,266
	"AA"	21,109,784				—				(2,815,054		)	18,294,730
		$	44,292,716			$	—			$	(5,411,720	)	$	38,880,996
	(1) MBS are reported based on the lowest rating issued by a Rating Agency, if more than one rating is issued on the security, at the date presented.
	The carrying value of the Company's MBS as of December 31, 2012 is as follows:
	Agency Rating of MBS (1)	Cost adjusted for amortization of premium				Unrealized Gain				Unrealized Loss			Estimated Fair Value
	"AAA"	$	13,127,402			$	—			$	(129,613	)	$	12,997,789
"AA"	19,407,675				—				(284,052		)	19,123,623
	$	32,535,077			$	—			$	(413,665	)	$	32,121,412
(1) MBS are reported based on the lowest rating issued by a Rating Agency, if more than one rating is issued on the security, at the date presented.

Real_Estate_Assets_Tables

Real Estate Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
			Partnership as of September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs as of September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination as of September 30, 2013				Total as of September 30, 2013
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	11,872,782			$	33,825			$	—			$	11,906,607
	Restricted cash		6,444,613				1,253,126				—				7,697,739
	Interest receivable		14,677,455				—				(6,665,032		)		8,012,423
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value		178,071,670				—				(23,157,533		)		154,914,137
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value		48,161,743				—				—				48,161,743
	Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value		61,793,516				—				—				61,793,516
	Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value		38,880,996				—				—				38,880,996
	Real estate assets:
	Land		9,241,515				3,250,044				—				12,491,559
	Buildings and improvements		83,656,608				32,324,747				—				115,981,355
	Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation		92,898,123				35,574,791				—				128,472,914
	Accumulated depreciation		(8,382,864		)		(14,755,919		)		—				(23,138,783		)
	Net real estate assets		84,515,259				20,818,872				—				105,334,131
	Other assets		22,418,827				597,081				(9,662,473		)		13,353,435
	Total Assets		$	466,836,861			$	22,702,904			$	(39,485,038	)		$	450,054,727
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		$	4,413,261			$	28,761,746			$	(28,014,528	)		$	5,160,479
	Distribution payable		5,400,622				—				—				5,400,622
	Debt financing		226,569,000				—				—				226,569,000
	Mortgages payable		51,802,031				23,960,000				(23,960,000		)		51,802,031
	Bond purchase commitment - fair market value adjustment		4,865,536				—				—				4,865,536
	Total Liabilities		293,050,450				52,721,746				(51,974,528		)		293,797,668
	Partners' Capital
	General Partner		84,551				—				—				84,551
	Beneficial Unit Certificate holders		173,711,521				—				8,368,259				182,079,780
	Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs		—				(30,018,842		)		4,121,231				(25,897,611		)
	Total Partners' Capital		173,796,072				(30,018,842		)		12,489,490				156,266,720
	Noncontrolling interest		(9,661		)		—				—				(9,661		)
	Total Capital		173,786,411				(30,018,842		)		12,489,490				156,257,059
	Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital		$	466,836,861			$	22,702,904			$	(39,485,038	)		$	450,054,727
			Partnership as of December 31, 2012				Consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination as of December 31, 2012				Total as of December 31, 2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	30,123,447			$	49,326			$	—			$	30,172,773
	Restricted cash		4,538,071				933,451				—				5,471,522
	Interest receivable		14,131,063				—				(5,657,703		)		8,473,360
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value		124,149,600				—				(24,615,518		)		99,534,082
	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value		45,703,294				—				—				45,703,294
	Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value		65,389,298				—				—				65,389,298
	Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value		32,121,412				—				—				32,121,412
	Real estate assets:
	Land		6,798,407				4,404,469				—				11,202,876
	Buildings and improvements		55,776,753				37,838,726				—				93,615,479
	Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation		62,575,160				42,243,195				—				104,818,355
	Accumulated depreciation		(5,458,961		)		(13,871,102		)		—				(19,330,063		)
	Net real estate assets		57,116,199				28,372,093				—				85,488,292
	Other assets		22,923,356				852,321				(15,559,382		)		8,216,295
	Assets of discontinued operations		32,580,427				—				—				32,580,427
	Total Assets		$	428,776,167			$	30,207,191			$	(45,832,603	)		$	413,150,755
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		$	2,330,852			$	28,529,405			$	(25,846,310	)		$	5,013,947
	Distribution payable		5,566,908				—				—				5,566,908
	Debt financing		177,948,000				—				—				177,948,000
	Mortgages payable		39,119,507				24,158,000				(24,158,000		)		39,119,507
	Liabilities of discontinued operations		1,531,462				—				—				1,531,462
	Total Liabilities		226,496,729				52,687,405				(50,004,310		)		229,179,824
	Partners' Capital
	General Partner		(430,087		)		—				—				(430,087		)
	Beneficial Unit Certificate holders		200,655,786				—				6,727,301				207,383,087
	Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs		—				(22,480,214		)		(2,555,594		)		(25,035,808		)
	Total Partners' Capital		200,225,699				(22,480,214		)		4,171,707				181,917,192
Noncontrolling interest		2,053,739				—				—				2,053,739
Total Capital		202,279,438				(22,480,214		)		4,171,707				183,970,931
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital		$	428,776,167			$	30,207,191			$	(45,832,603	)		$	413,150,755
The Woodland Park and Maples on 97th property purchase price allocation is disclosed pursuant to the accounting guidance on business combinations. A condensed balance sheet for each at the date of acquisitions is included below.
		Woodland Park 5/29/2013 (Date of Acquisition)
Other current assets		$	201,321
In-place lease assets		403,216
Real estate assets		15,258,784
Total Assets		$	15,863,321
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other		$	192,345
Net assets		15,670,976
Total liabilities and net assets		$	15,863,321
		Maples on 97th 8/29/2012 (Date of Acquisition)
Other current assets		$	44,534
In-place lease assets		428,865
Real estate assets		5,071,135
Total Assets		$	5,544,534
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other		$	69,120
Net assets		5,475,414
Total liabilities and net assets		$	5,544,534
Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Partnership For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues:
	Property revenues	$	3,074,115			$	1,225,261			$	—			$	4,299,376
	Investment income	5,623,450				—				(375,642		)		5,247,808
	Other interest income	216,993				—				—				216,993
	Total revenues	8,914,558				1,225,261				(375,642		)		9,764,177
	Expenses:
	Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	1,794,008				815,947				—				2,609,955
	Provision for loan loss	72,000				—				—				72,000
	Depreciation and amortization	1,409,847				363,137				(10,760		)		1,762,224
	Interest	2,325,372				832,719				(832,719		)		2,325,372
	General and administrative	985,778				—				—				985,778
	Total expenses	6,587,005				2,011,803				(843,479		)		7,755,329
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	2,327,553				(786,542		)		467,837				2,008,848
	Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,041,656)	1,342,498				—				—				1,342,498
	Net income (loss)	3,670,051				(786,542		)		467,837				3,351,346
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(59,913		)		—				—				(59,913		)
	Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	3,729,964			$	(786,542	)		$	467,837			$	3,411,259
		Partnership For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidated VIEs For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues:
	Property revenues	$	1,983,077			$	1,203,887			$	—			$	3,186,964
	Mortgage revenue bond investment income	3,490,431				—				(379,714		)		3,110,717
	Other interest income	15,224				—				—				15,224
	Total revenues	5,488,732				1,203,887				(379,714		)		6,312,905
	Expenses:
	Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	1,175,585				959,870				—				2,135,455
	Recovery of loss on receivables	(261,825		)		—				—				(261,825		)
	Depreciation and amortization	854,252				388,353				(10,876		)		1,231,729
	Interest	1,551,543				808,841				(808,841		)		1,551,543
	General and administrative	834,301				—				—				834,301
	Total expenses	4,153,856				2,157,064				(819,717		)		5,491,203
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,334,876				(953,177		)		440,003				821,702
	Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,277,976)	1,526,964				—				—				1,526,964
	Net income (loss)	2,861,840				(953,177		)		440,003				2,348,666
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	137,099				—				—				137,099
	Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	2,724,741			$	(953,177	)		$	440,003			$	2,211,567
		Partnership For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidated VIEs For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Consolidation -Elimination For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues:
	Property revenues	$	8,325,593			$	3,658,636			$	—			$	11,984,229
	Mortgage revenue bond investment income	18,689,649				—				(1,130,027		)		17,559,622
	Contingent tax-exempt interest income	6,497,160				—				—				6,497,160
	Other interest income	1,558,158				—				—				1,558,158
	Other income	250,000				—				—				250,000
	Total revenues	35,320,560				3,658,636				(1,130,027		)		37,849,169
	Expenses:
	Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	4,632,958				2,349,358				—				6,982,316
	Realized loss on taxable property loan	4,557,741				—				—				4,557,741
	Provision for loan loss	168,000				—				—				168,000
	Provision for loss on receivables	241,698				—				—				241,698
	Depreciation and amortization	3,963,628				1,073,423				(32,369		)		5,004,682
	Interest	5,287,994				2,477,348				(2,477,348		)		5,287,994
	General and administrative	3,097,713				—				—				3,097,713
	Total expenses	21,949,732				5,900,129				(2,509,717		)		25,340,144
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	13,370,828				(2,241,493		)		1,379,690				12,509,025
	Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $3,177,183)	3,442,404				—				—				3,442,404
	Net income (loss)	16,813,232				(2,241,493		)		1,379,690				15,951,429
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	263,584				—				—				263,584
	Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	16,549,648			$	(2,241,493	)		$	1,379,690			$	15,687,845
		Partnership For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidated VIEs For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Consolidation -Elimination For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012				Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues:
	Property revenues	$	5,404,772			$	3,598,541			$	—			$	9,003,313
	Investment income	8,912,856				—				(1,142,089		)		7,770,767
Other interest income	97,996				—				—				97,996
Gain on sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds	667,821				—				—				667,821
Total revenues	15,083,445				3,598,541				(1,142,089		)		17,539,897
Expenses:
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	3,096,677				2,399,206				—				5,495,883
Provision for loss on receivables	214,525				—				—				214,525
Depreciation and amortization	2,376,823				1,102,000				(32,712		)		3,446,111
Interest	4,317,329				2,411,676				(2,411,676		)		4,317,329
General and administrative	2,533,246				—				—				2,533,246
Total expenses	12,538,600				5,912,882				(2,444,388		)		16,007,094
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2,544,845				(2,314,341		)		1,302,299				1,532,803
Income from discontinued operations (including gain on sale of MF Properties of $1,277,976)	2,013,713				—				—				2,013,713
Net income (loss)	4,558,558				(2,314,341		)		1,302,299				3,546,516
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	398,469				—				—				398,469
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	4,160,089			$	(2,314,341	)		$	1,302,299			$	3,148,047
The table below shows the pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company as if Woodland Park and Maples on 97th had been acquired at the beginning of the periods presented:
	For Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				For Three Months Ended September 30, 2012				For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues	$	9,764,177			$	6,776,511			$	38,129,451			$	19,220,502
Net income	3,411,259				2,240,852				15,688,415				3,228,006
Net income allocated to unitholders	3,356,268				2,419,772				15,156,732				3,730,656
Unitholders' interest in net income per unit (basic and diluted)	$	0.08			$	0.06			$	0.35			$	0.1
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company consolidated the following properties owned by Consolidated VIEs in continuing operations as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
	Consolidated VIEs
	Property Name		Location		Number of Units			Land				Buildings and Improvements				Carrying Value at September 30, 2013
	Bent Tree Apartments		Columbia, SC		232			$	986,000			$	12,059,918			$	13,045,918
	Fairmont Oaks Apartments		Gainsville, FL		178			850,400				8,806,104				9,656,504
	Lake Forest Apartments		Daytona Beach, FL		240			1,396,800				11,475,569				12,872,369
																35,574,791
	Less accumulated depreciation (depreciation expense of approximately $1.0 million in 2013)															(14,755,919		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013															$	20,818,872
	Consolidated VIEs
	Property Name		Location		Number of Units			Land				Buildings and Improvements				Carrying Value at December 31, 2012
	Bent Tree Apartments		Columbia, SC		232			$	986,000			$	11,877,333			$	12,863,333
	Fairmont Oaks Apartments		Gainsville, FL		178			850,400				8,713,038				9,563,438
	Lake Forest Apartments		Daytona Beach, FL		240			1,396,800				11,352,854				12,749,654
	Maples on 97th		Omaha, NE		258			905,000				6,161,770				7,066,770
																42,243,195
	Less accumulated depreciation (depreciation expense of approximately $1.5 million in 2012)															(13,871,102		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012															$	28,372,093
Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company had the following investments in MF Properties as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
	MF Properties
	Property Name		Location		Number of Units			Land				Buildings and				Carrying Value at September 30, 2013
												Improvements
	Arboretum		Omaha, NE		145			$	1,720,740			$	19,095,681			$	20,816,421
	Eagle Village		Evansville, IN		511			564,726				12,332,870				12,897,596
	Glynn Place		Brunswick, GA		128			743,996				4,868,865				5,612,861
	Maples on 97th		Omaha, NE		258			905,000				7,580,483				8,485,483
	Meadowview		Highland Heights, KY		118			688,539				5,251,794				5,940,333
	Residences of DeCordova		Granbury, TX		110			680,852				8,408,997				9,089,849
	Residences of Weatherford		Weatherford, TX		76			533,000				7,087,500				7,620,500
	Woodland Park		Topeka, KS		236			946,205				14,335,421				15,281,626
	Construction work in process		Lincoln, NE		N/A			—				7,153,454				7,153,454
																92,898,123
	Less accumulated depreciation (depreciation expense of approximately $2.8 million in 2013)															(8,382,864		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013															$	84,515,259
	MF Properties
	Property Name		Location		Number of Units			Land				Buildings and				Carrying Value at December 31, 2012
												Improvements
	Arboretum		Omaha, NE		145			$	1,720,740			$	18,997,550			$	20,718,290
	Eagle Village		Evansville, IN		511			564,726				12,277,210				12,841,936
	Glynn Place		Brunswick, GA		128			743,996				4,750,267				5,494,263
	Meadowview		Highland Heights, KY		118			688,539				5,214,306				5,902,845
	Residences of DeCordova		Granbury, TX		110			680,852				8,389,721				9,070,573
	Residences of Weatherford		Weatherford, TX		76			533,000				7,077,420				7,610,420
	Construction work in process		Lincoln, NE		N/A			—				936,833				936,833
																62,575,160
	Less accumulated depreciation (depreciation expense of approximately $2.5 million in 2012)															(5,458,961		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012															$	57,116,199

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of the taxable property loans receivable, accrued interest and loan loss reserves on the amounts due at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively:
		September 30, 2013
		Outstanding Balance			Accrued Interest			Loan Loss Reserves			Net Taxable Property Loans
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge	$	191,264		$	9,837		$	—		$	201,101
	Ashley Square	5,058,342			1,973,781			(5,570,123		)	1,462,000
	Cross Creek	6,756,087			1,762,395			(5,134,867		)	3,383,615
	Greens Property	876,000			101,373			(264		)	977,109
	Ohio Properties	2,363,447			513,503			(158,894		)	2,718,056
		$	15,245,140		$	4,360,889		$	(10,864,148	)	$	8,741,881
		December 31, 2012
		Outstanding Balance			Accrued Interest			Loan Loss Reserves			Net Taxable Property Loans
	Arbors at Hickory Ridge	$	191,264		$	697		$	—		$	191,961
	Ashley Square	4,894,342			1,681,322			(5,277,664		)	1,298,000
	Cross Creek	6,588,087			1,578,288			(4,782,760		)	3,383,615
	Iona Lakes	7,741,118			2,856,290			(6,857,912		)	3,739,496
	Woodland Park	914,116			302,450			(1,216,566		)	—
		$	20,328,927		$	6,419,047		$	(18,134,902	)	$	8,613,072
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company had the following Other assets as of dates shown:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Taxable property loans receivable	$	15,245,140		$	20,328,927
	Less: Loan loss reserves	(10,864,148		)	(18,134,902		)
	Deferred financing costs - net	2,735,065			2,764,734
	Fair value of derivative contracts	867,643			378,729
	Taxable bonds at fair market value	4,139,878			1,524,873
	Other assets	1,229,857			1,353,934
	Total Other assets	$	13,353,435		$	8,216,295
Schedule of Credit Losses for Financing Receivables, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a detail of loan loss reserves for the nine months and year ended September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Balance, beginning of year	$	18,134,902		$	16,782,918
	Write-off of loan loss reserve related to Iona Lakes taxable property loan receivable	(7,216,484		)	—
	Provision for loan loss	168,000			—
	Foreclosure of Woodland Park bond	(1,278,124		)	—
	Accrued interest not recognized	1,055,854			1,351,984
	Balance, end of period	$	10,864,148		$	18,134,902

Discontined_Operations_Tables

Discontined Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following represents the components of the assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations at December 31, 2012.
			December 31, 2012
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	158,727
	Restricted cash		4,035,360
	Land		3,828,345
	Buildings and improvements		28,316,081
	Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation		32,144,426
	Accumulated depreciation		(5,208,176		)
	Net real estate assets		26,936,250
	Other assets		1,450,090
	Total assets from discontinued operations		32,580,427
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,531,462
	Total liabilities from discontinued operations		1,531,462
	Net assets of discontinued operations		$	31,048,965
	The following presents the revenues, expenses and income from discontinued operations:
		For three months ended September 30,						For nine months ended September 30,
		2013				2012		2013		2012
	Rental revenues	$	109,868			$	1,484,852	$	807,924	$	4,611,512
	Expenses	169,026				1,235,864		542,703		3,875,775
	(Loss) income from continuing operations of the discontinued operations	(59,158		)		248,988		265,221		735,737
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations	1,401,656				—		3,177,183		1,277,976
	Net income from discontinued operations	$	1,342,498			$	248,988	$	3,442,404	$	2,013,713

Debt_Financing_Tables

Debt Financing (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Financing [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Tender Option Bond Financings
	Description of the Tender Option Bond Financings	Outstanding Debt Financing at September 30, 2013		Stated Maturity
	PHC Trust Certificates	$	48,995,000	Jun-14
	Autumn Pines	9,850,000		Jul-14
	MBS - Trust 1	2,585,000		Apr-14
	MBS - Trust 2	4,090,000		Apr-14
	MBS - Trust 3	3,240,000		Apr-14
	MBS - Trust 4	5,960,000		Apr-14
	MBS - Trust 5	10,545,000		Apr-14
	Greens of Pine Glen	5,715,000		Dec-13
	Arbors of Hickory Ridge	7,000,000		Feb-14
	MBS - Trust 6	7,825,000		Feb-14
	Avistar Properties	20,000,000		Jun-14
	Total TOB Debt Financing	$	125,805,000
	Description of the Tender Option Bond Financings	Outstanding Debt Financing at December 31, 2012		Stated Maturity
	PHC Trust Certificates	$	48,995,000	Jul-13
	Autumn Pines	9,850,000		Jul-13
	MBS - Trust 1	2,585,000		Oct-13
	MBS - Trust 2	4,090,000		Oct-13
	MBS - Trust 3	3,890,000		Oct-13
	MBS - Trust 4	5,960,000		Oct-13
	MBS - Trust 5	8,590,000		Oct-13
	Total TOB Debt Financing	$	83,960,000
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	e Company’s debt financing as of September 30, 2013 contractually matures over the next five years and thereafter as follows:
	2013	$	6,000,000
	2014	128,673,000
	2015	1,139,000
	2016	1,192,000
	2017	89,565,000
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	226,569,000
	The Company’s mortgages payable as of September 30, 2013 contractually mature over the next five years and thereafter as follows:
	2013	$	43,790
	2014	36,207,342
	2015	6,318,264
	2016	7,269,386
	2017	1,963,249
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	51,802,031
Schedule of Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Table Text Block]	'
	The par value of the tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds included in this financing facility as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
	Description of Tax-Exempt	Outstanding Bond Par Amounts
	Mortgage Revenue Bonds	Sep-13		December 31, 2012		Financial Statement Presentation
	Ashley Square	$	5,224,000	$	5,260,000	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Bella Vista	6,545,000		6,600,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Bent Tree	7,560,000		7,614,000		Consolidated VIE
	Bridle Ridge	7,715,000		7,765,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Brookstone	9,358,555		9,416,794		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Cross Creek	8,515,959		8,568,409		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Fairmont Oaks	7,376,000		7,439,000		Consolidated VIE
	Lake Forest	9,024,000		9,105,000		Consolidated VIE
	Runnymede	10,565,000		10,605,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Southpark	13,900,000		13,900,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Woodlynn Village	4,443,000		4,460,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Ohio Series A Bond (1)	14,519,000		14,582,000		Consolidated MF Property
	Villages at Lost Creek	18,090,000		18,315,000		Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bond
	Total	$	122,835,514	$	124,648,502
	(

Mortgages_Payable_Tables

Mortgages Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Mortgages Payable [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	e Company’s debt financing as of September 30, 2013 contractually matures over the next five years and thereafter as follows:
	2013	$	6,000,000
	2014	128,673,000
	2015	1,139,000
	2016	1,192,000
	2017	89,565,000
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	226,569,000
	The Company’s mortgages payable as of September 30, 2013 contractually mature over the next five years and thereafter as follows:
	2013	$	43,790
	2014	36,207,342
	2015	6,318,264
	2016	7,269,386
	2017	1,963,249
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	51,802,031

Interest_Rate_Derivative_Agree1

Interest Rate Derivative Agreements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Rate Derivative Agreements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The terms of the derivative agreements are as follows:
		Date Purchased	Notional Amount		Effective Capped Rate		Maturity Date	Purchase Price		Counterparty
		September 2, 2010	$	31,936,667	3	%	September 1, 2017	$	921,000	Bank of New York Mellon
		September 2, 2010	$	31,936,667	3	%	September 1, 2017	$	845,600	Barclays Bank PLC
		September 2, 2010	$	31,936,667	3	%	September 1, 2017	$	928,000	Royal Bank of Canada
		August 15, 2013	$	93,305,000	1.5	%	September 1, 2017	$	793,000	Deutsche Bank

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	'
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
			Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
	Description		Assets at Fair Value				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets
	Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds		$	203,075,880			$	—			$	—			$	203,075,880
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates		61,793,516				—				—				61,793,516
	MBS Investments		38,880,996				—				38,880,996				—
	Taxable Bonds		4,139,878				—				—				4,139,878
	Interest Rate Derivatives		867,643				—				—				867,643
	Total Assets at Fair Value		$	308,757,913			$	—			$	38,880,996			$	269,876,917
			For Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
			Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds				Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates				Taxable Bonds				Interest Rate Derivatives			Total
	Beginning Balance July 1, 2013		$	199,115,593			$	62,759,268			$	3,083,579			$	514,975		$	265,473,415
	Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings		—				—				—				(440,331		)	(440,331		)
	Included in other comprehensive income		(15,995,937		)		(951,622		)		(226,701		)		—			(17,174,260		)
	Greens Property's bonds after sale recognition		9,465,000				—				—				—			9,465,000
	Purchases		10,542,000				—				1,283,000				—			11,825,000
	Purchase interest rate derivative		—				—				—				792,999			792,999
	Settlements		(50,776		)		(14,130		)		—				—			(64,906		)
	Ending Balance September 30, 2013		$	203,075,880			$	61,793,516			$	4,139,878			$	867,643		$	269,876,917
	Total amount of losses for the period included in earning attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2013		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(440,331	)	$	(440,331	)
			For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
			Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds				Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates				Taxable Bonds				Interest Rate Derivatives			Total
	Beginning Balance January 1, 2013		$	145,237,376			$	65,389,298			$	1,524,873			$	378,729		$	212,530,276
	Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings		—				—				—				(304,085		)	(304,085		)
	Included in other comprehensive income		(15,851,561		)		(3,553,392		)		(232,995		)		—			(19,637,948		)
	Ohio Properties' bonds after sale recognition		19,581,166				—				—				—			19,581,166
	Greens Property's bonds after sale recognition		9,465,000				—				—				—			9,465,000
	Purchases		72,752,000				—				2,918,000				—			75,670,000
	Purchase interest rate derivative		—				—				—				792,999			792,999
	Bond redemption		(16,052,849		)		—				—				—			(16,052,849		)
	Bond foreclosure		(11,581,266		)		—				—				—			(11,581,266		)
	Settlements		(473,986		)		(42,390		)		(70,000		)		—			(586,376		)
	Ending Balance September 30, 2013		$	203,075,880			$	61,793,516			$	4,139,878			$	867,643		$	269,876,917
	Total amount of losses for the period included in earning attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2013		$	—			—				$	—			$	(304,085	)	$	(304,085	)
			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	Description		Assets at Fair Value				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets
	Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds		$	145,237,376			$	—			$	—			$	145,237,376
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts		65,389,298				—				—				65,389,298
	MBS Investments		32,121,412				—				32,121,412				—
	Taxable Bonds		724,145				—				—				724,145
	Interest Rate Derivatives		378,729				—				—				378,729
	Total Assets at Fair Value		$	243,850,960			$	—			$	32,121,412			$	211,729,548
			For Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
			Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds				Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates				Taxable Bonds				Interest Rate Derivatives			Total
	Beginning Balance July 1, 2012		$	136,846,619			$	—			$	711,756			$	542,773		$	138,101,148
	Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings		—				—				—				(274,814		)	(274,814		)
	Included in other comprehensive income		1,917,241				192,206				12,389				—			2,121,836
	Purchases		472				65,985,913				—				—			65,986,385
	Settlements		37,732				(14,150		)		—				—			23,582
	Ending Balance September 30, 2012		$	138,802,064			$	66,163,969			$	724,145			$	267,959		$	205,958,137
	Total amount of losses for the period included in earning attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2012		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(274,814	)	$	(274,814	)
			For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Tax-exempt Mortgage Revenue Bonds				Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates				Taxable Bonds				Interest Rate Derivatives			Total
Beginning Balance January 1, 2012		$	135,695,352			$	—			$	774,946			$	1,323,270		$	137,793,568
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings		—				—				—				(1,055,311		)	(1,055,311		)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)		8,806,812				192,206				44,870				—			9,043,888
Purchases		10,165,287				65,985,913				—				—			76,151,200
Sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds		(15,625,000		)		—				—				—			(15,625,000		)
Settlements		(240,387		)		(14,150		)		(95,671		)		—			(350,208		)
Ending Balance September 30, 2012		$	138,802,064			$	66,163,969			$	724,145			$	267,959		$	205,958,137
Total amount of losses for the period included in earning attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2012		$	—			—				—				$	(1,055,311	)	$	(1,055,311	)
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	Below represents the fair market value of the debt held on the balance sheet for September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
		30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
		Carrying Amount				Fair Value				Carrying Amount				Fair Value
	Financial Liabilities:
	Debt financing	$	226,569,000			$	227,687,069			$	177,948,000			$	179,103,291
	Mortgages payable	$	51,802,031			$	52,738,681			$	39,119,517			$	40,203,943

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table details certain key financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 and as of December 31, 2012:
		For the Three Months Ended,						For the Nine Months Ended,
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Total revenues
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	4,599,998		$	2,696,267		$	23,371,043		$	8,869,285
	MF Properties	3,074,115			1,983,078			8,325,594			5,404,773
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	814,946			809,387			2,445,259			809,387
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	425,499			—			1,178,664			—
	Consolidated VIEs	1,225,261			1,203,887			3,658,636			3,598,541
	Consolidation/eliminations	(375,642		)	(379,714		)	(1,130,027		)	(1,142,089		)
	Total revenues	$	9,764,177		$	6,312,905		$	37,849,169		$	17,539,897
	Interest expense
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	1,307,397		$	1,054,649		$	2,426,721		$	3,019,963
	MF Properties	550,755			212,794			1,574,544			1,013,266
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	345,547			284,100			945,140			284,100
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	121,673			—			341,589			—
	Consolidated VIEs	832,719			808,841			2,477,348			2,411,676
	Consolidation/eliminations	(832,719		)	(808,841		)	(2,477,348		)	(2,411,676		)
	Total interest expense	$	2,325,372		$	1,551,543		$	5,287,994		$	4,317,329
	Depreciation expense
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	MF Properties	1,019,947			621,279			2,781,678			1,776,269
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	—			—			—			—
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	—			—			—			—
	Consolidated VIEs	354,756			379,881			1,048,210			1,076,522
	Consolidation/eliminations	—			—			—			—
	Total depreciation expense	$	1,374,703		$	1,001,160		$	3,829,888		$	2,852,791
	Income (loss) from continuing operations
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	2,066,800		$	931,478		$	12,333,200		$	2,680,910
	MF Properties	(478,460		)	(115,026		)	(1,205,151		)	(654,489		)
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	462,245			518,424			1,478,659			518,424
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	276,968			—			764,120			—
	Consolidated VIEs	(786,542		)	(953,177		)	(2,241,493		)	(2,314,341		)
	Consolidation/eliminations	467,837			440,003			1,379,690			1,302,299
	Income from continuing operations	$	2,008,848		$	821,702		$	12,509,025		$	1,532,803
	Net income (loss)
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	2,066,800		$	931,478		$	12,333,200		$	2,680,910
	MF Properties	923,951			1,274,839			1,973,669			960,755
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates	462,245			518,424			1,478,659			518,424
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	276,968			—			764,120			—
	Consolidated VIEs	(786,542		)	(953,177		)	(2,241,493		)	(2,314,341		)
	Consolidation/eliminations	467,837			440,003			1,379,690			1,302,299
	Net income - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L. P.	$	3,411,259		$	2,211,567		$	15,687,845		$	3,148,047
		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Total assets
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	375,480,859		$	357,606,420
	MF Properties	77,593,217			51,379,479
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts	62,302,209			65,811,361
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	39,490,422			32,488,363
	Discontinued Operations	—			32,580,427
	Consolidated VIEs	22,702,904			30,207,191
	Consolidation/eliminations	(127,514,884		)	(156,922,486		)
	Total assets	$	450,054,727		$	413,150,755
	Total partners' capital
	Tax-Exempt Bond Investments	$	190,505,904		$	221,665,286
	MF Properties	28,574,054			6,643,315
	Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts	13,194,530			16,720,915
	Mortgage-Backed Securities	5,077,770			7,334,399
	Consolidated VIEs	(30,018,842		)	(22,480,214		)
	Consolidation/eliminations	(51,066,696		)	(47,966,509		)
	Total partners' capital	$	156,266,720		$	181,917,192

Basis_of_Presentation_Percenta

Basis of Presentation Percentage of Ownership (Details) (Consolidated Properties [Member])	Sep. 30, 2013
	properties
Number of Real Estate Properties	9
Limited Partner [Member]	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	3

Partnership_Income_Expense_and1

Partnership Income, Expense and Cash Distributions Distributions (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
Percent of Regular Distributions	100.00%
Penalty on Outstanding Contingent Interest	0.90%
Limited Partner [Member]	'
Percent of Regular Distributions	99.00%
Special Distribution	75.00%
General Partner [Member]	'
Percent of Regular Distributions	1.00%
Special Distribution	25.00%

Partnership_Income_Expense_and2

Partnership Income, Expense and Cash Distributions MF Properties (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2010
			Consolidated Properties Subject to Sale [Member]	Series A [Member]	Series A [Member]	Series B [Member]	Series B [Member]
			Integer	Consolidated Properties Subject to Sale [Member]	Consolidated Properties Subject to Sale [Member]	Consolidated Properties Subject to Sale [Member]	Consolidated Properties Subject to Sale [Member]
			properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	'	'	3	'	'	'	'
series, securities, available for sale	'	'	2	'	'	'	'
percent of return, securities, available for sale	'	'	'	7.00%	'	10.00%	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	$48,161,743	$45,703,294	$18,300,000	'	$14,700,000	'	$3,600,000
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	'	'	30-Jun-50	'	'	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Asset Ownership	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'

Partnership_Income_Expense_and3

Partnership Income, Expense and Cash Distributions Limited Partner Contribution (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
					General Partner [Member]	Ohio Properties [Member]	Ohio Properties [Member]	Ohio Properties [Member]
								General Partner [Member]
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	'	'	'	'	'	$6,500,000	$6,500,000	'
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	'	'	3,177,183	1,277,976	'	1,800,000	'	'
Special Distribution	'	'	'	'	25.00%	'	'	25.00%
Investment Income, Interest	'	'	'	'	'	3,500,000	'	'
Interest Income, Operating	216,993	15,224	1,558,158	97,996	'	1,100,000	'	'
Other income	$0	$0	$250,000	$0	'	$250,000	'	'

Variable_Interest_Entities_Pro

Variable Interest Entities Property Asset Carrying Value and Maximum Exposure (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Ashley Square [Member]	'
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$12,256,123
Carrying Value	6,686,000
Ashley Square [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'
Maximum Exposure to Loss	5,224,000
Carrying Value	5,224,000
Ashley Square [Member] | Property Loan [Member]	'
Maximum Exposure to Loss	7,032,123
Carrying Value	1,462,000
Cross Creek [Member]	'
Maximum Exposure to Loss	9,416,932
Carrying Value	10,999,931
Cross Creek [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'
Maximum Exposure to Loss	6,033,317
Carrying Value	7,616,316
Cross Creek [Member] | Property Loan [Member]	'
Maximum Exposure to Loss	3,383,615
Carrying Value	$3,383,615

Variable_Interest_Entities_Con

Variable Interest Entities Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$11,906,607	$30,172,773	'	'
Restricted cash	7,697,739	5,471,522	'	'
Interest receivable	8,012,423	8,473,360	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value	154,914,137	99,534,082	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	48,161,743	45,703,294	'	'
Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value	61,793,516	65,389,298	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	38,880,996	32,121,412	'	'
Real Estate Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Land	12,491,559	11,202,876	'	'
Buildings and improvements	115,981,355	93,615,479	'	'
Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation	128,472,914	104,818,355	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-23,138,783	-19,330,063	'	'
Net real estate assets	105,334,131	85,488,292	'	'
Other assets	13,353,435	8,216,295	'	'
Assets of discontinued operations	0	32,580,427	'	'
Assets	450,054,727	413,150,755	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	5,160,479	5,013,947	'	'
Distribution payable	5,400,622	5,566,908	'	'
Debt financing	226,569,000	177,948,000	'	'
Mortgages payable	51,802,031	39,119,507	'	'
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	1,531,462	'	'
Bond Purchase Commitment - Fair Market Value Adjustment	4,865,536	0	'	'
Liabilities	293,797,668	229,179,824	'	'
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'
General Partner	84,551	-430,087	'	'
Beneficial Unit Certificate holders	182,079,780	207,383,087	'	'
Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs	-25,897,611	-25,035,808	'	'
Total Partners' Capital	156,266,720	181,917,192	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	-9,661	2,053,739	'	'
Total Capital	156,257,059	183,970,931	189,060,549	131,589,045
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital	450,054,727	413,150,755	'	'
Partnership [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	11,872,782	30,123,447	'	'
Restricted cash	6,444,613	4,538,071	'	'
Interest receivable	14,677,455	14,131,063	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value	178,071,670	124,149,600	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	48,161,743	45,703,294	'	'
Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value	61,793,516	65,389,298	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	38,880,996	32,121,412	'	'
Real Estate Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Land	9,241,515	6,798,407	'	'
Buildings and improvements	83,656,608	55,776,753	'	'
Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation	92,898,123	62,575,160	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,382,864	-5,458,961	'	'
Net real estate assets	84,515,259	57,116,199	'	'
Other assets	22,418,827	22,923,356	'	'
Assets of discontinued operations	'	32,580,427	'	'
Assets	466,836,861	428,776,167	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,413,261	2,330,852	'	'
Distribution payable	5,400,622	5,566,908	'	'
Debt financing	226,569,000	177,948,000	'	'
Mortgages payable	51,802,031	39,119,507	'	'
Liabilities of discontinued operations	'	1,531,462	'	'
Bond Purchase Commitment - Fair Market Value Adjustment	4,865,536	'	'	'
Liabilities	293,050,450	226,496,729	'	'
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'
General Partner	84,551	-430,087	'	'
Beneficial Unit Certificate holders	173,711,521	200,655,786	'	'
Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs	0	0	'	'
Total Partners' Capital	173,796,072	200,225,699	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	-9,661	2,053,739	'	'
Total Capital	173,786,411	202,279,438	'	'
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital	466,836,861	428,776,167	'	'
Consolidated VIEs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	33,825	49,326	'	'
Restricted cash	1,253,126	933,451	'	'
Interest receivable	0	0	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value	0	0	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	0	0	'	'
Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value	0	0	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	0	0	'	'
Real Estate Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Land	3,250,044	4,404,469	'	'
Buildings and improvements	32,324,747	37,838,726	'	'
Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation	35,574,791	42,243,195	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-14,755,919	-13,871,102	'	'
Net real estate assets	20,818,872	28,372,093	'	'
Other assets	597,081	852,321	'	'
Assets of discontinued operations	'	0	'	'
Assets	22,702,904	30,207,191	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	28,761,746	28,529,405	'	'
Distribution payable	0	0	'	'
Debt financing	0	0	'	'
Mortgages payable	23,960,000	24,158,000	'	'
Liabilities of discontinued operations	'	0	'	'
Bond Purchase Commitment - Fair Market Value Adjustment	0	'	'	'
Liabilities	52,721,746	52,687,405	'	'
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'
General Partner	0	0	'	'
Beneficial Unit Certificate holders	0	0	'	'
Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs	-30,018,842	-22,480,214	'	'
Total Partners' Capital	-30,018,842	-22,480,214	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	0	0	'	'
Total Capital	-30,018,842	-22,480,214	'	'
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital	22,702,904	30,207,191	'	'
Consolidations, Eliminations for VIEs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Restricted cash	0	0	'	'
Interest receivable	-6,665,032	-5,657,703	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value	-23,157,533	-24,615,518	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	0	0	'	'
Public housing capital fund trusts, at fair value	0	0	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	0	0	'	'
Real Estate Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Land	0	0	'	'
Buildings and improvements	0	0	'	'
Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation	0	0	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	0	0	'	'
Net real estate assets	0	0	'	'
Other assets	-9,662,473	-15,559,382	'	'
Assets of discontinued operations	'	0	'	'
Assets	-39,485,038	-45,832,603	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-28,014,528	-25,846,310	'	'
Distribution payable	0	0	'	'
Debt financing	0	0	'	'
Mortgages payable	-23,960,000	-24,158,000	'	'
Liabilities of discontinued operations	'	0	'	'
Bond Purchase Commitment - Fair Market Value Adjustment	0	'	'	'
Liabilities	-51,974,528	-50,004,310	'	'
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'
General Partner	0	0	'	'
Beneficial Unit Certificate holders	8,368,259	6,727,301	'	'
Unallocated deficit of Consolidated VIEs	4,121,231	-2,555,594	'	'
Total Partners' Capital	12,489,490	4,171,707	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	0	0	'	'
Total Capital	12,489,490	4,171,707	'	'
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital	($39,485,038)	($45,832,603)	'	'

Variable_Interest_Entities_Con1

Variable Interest Entities Consolidating Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Property revenues	$4,299,376	$3,186,964	$11,984,229	$9,003,313	'
Investment income	5,247,808	3,110,717	17,559,622	7,770,767	'
Contingent Interest Income	0	0	6,497,160	0	'
Interest Income, Operating	216,993	15,224	1,558,158	97,996	'
Other income	0	0	250,000	0	'
Gain on sale and retirement of bonds	0	0	0	667,821	'
Revenues	9,764,177	6,312,905	37,849,169	17,539,897	'
Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	2,609,955	2,135,455	6,982,316	5,495,883	'
Realized loss on taxable loans	0	0	4,557,741	0	'
Provision for Loan Losses Expensed	72,000	0	168,000	0	0
Provision for loss on receivables	0	-261,825	241,698	214,525	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,762,224	1,231,729	5,004,682	3,446,111	'
Interest	2,325,372	1,551,543	5,287,994	4,317,329	'
General and administrative	985,778	834,301	3,097,713	2,533,246	'
Total expenses	7,755,329	5,491,203	25,340,144	16,007,094	'
Income (loss) from operations	2,008,848	821,702	12,509,025	1,532,803	'
Income from discontinued operations	1,342,498	1,526,964	3,442,404	2,013,713	'
Net income (loss)	3,351,346	2,348,666	15,951,429	3,546,516	'
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-59,913	137,099	263,584	398,469	'
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	3,411,259	2,211,567	15,687,845	3,148,047	'
Partnership [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Property revenues	3,074,115	1,983,077	8,325,593	5,404,772	'
Investment income	5,623,450	3,490,431	18,689,649	8,912,856	'
Contingent Interest Income	'	'	6,497,160	'	'
Interest Income, Operating	216,993	15,224	1,558,158	97,996	'
Other income	'	'	250,000	'	'
Gain on sale and retirement of bonds	'	'	'	667,821	'
Revenues	8,914,558	5,488,732	35,320,560	15,083,445	'
Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	1,794,008	1,175,585	4,632,958	3,096,677	'
Realized loss on taxable loans	'	'	-4,557,741	'	'
Provision for Loan Losses Expensed	72,000	'	168,000	'	'
Provision for loss on receivables	'	-261,825	241,698	214,525	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,409,847	854,252	3,963,628	2,376,823	'
Interest	2,325,372	1,551,543	5,287,994	4,317,329	'
General and administrative	985,778	834,301	3,097,713	2,533,246	'
Total expenses	6,587,005	4,153,856	21,949,732	12,538,600	'
Income (loss) from operations	2,327,553	1,334,876	13,370,828	2,544,845	'
Income from discontinued operations	1,342,498	1,526,964	3,442,404	2,013,713	'
Net income (loss)	3,670,051	2,861,840	16,813,232	4,558,558	'
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-59,913	137,099	263,584	398,469	'
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	3,729,964	2,724,741	16,549,648	4,160,089	'
Consolidated VIEs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Property revenues	1,225,261	1,203,887	3,658,636	3,598,541	'
Investment income	0	0	0	0	'
Contingent Interest Income	'	'	0	'	'
Interest Income, Operating	0	0	0	0	'
Other income	'	'	0	'	'
Gain on sale and retirement of bonds	'	'	'	0	'
Revenues	1,225,261	1,203,887	3,658,636	3,598,541	'
Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	815,947	959,870	2,349,358	2,399,206	'
Realized loss on taxable loans	'	'	0	'	'
Provision for Loan Losses Expensed	0	'	0	'	'
Provision for loss on receivables	'	0	0	0	'
Depreciation and amortization	363,137	388,353	1,073,423	1,102,000	'
Interest	832,719	808,841	2,477,348	2,411,676	'
General and administrative	0	0	0	0	'
Total expenses	2,011,803	2,157,064	5,900,129	5,912,882	'
Income (loss) from operations	-786,542	-953,177	-2,241,493	-2,314,341	'
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0	'
Net income (loss)	-786,542	-953,177	-2,241,493	-2,314,341	'
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	'
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	-786,542	-953,177	-2,241,493	-2,314,341	'
Consolidations, Eliminations for VIEs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Property revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Investment income	-375,642	-379,714	-1,130,027	-1,142,089	'
Contingent Interest Income	'	'	0	'	'
Interest Income, Operating	0	0	0	0	'
Other income	'	'	0	'	'
Gain on sale and retirement of bonds	'	'	'	0	'
Revenues	-375,642	-379,714	-1,130,027	-1,142,089	'
Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate operating (exclusive of items shown below)	0	0	0	0	'
Realized loss on taxable loans	'	'	0	'	'
Provision for Loan Losses Expensed	0	'	0	'	'
Provision for loss on receivables	'	0	0	0	'
Depreciation and amortization	-10,760	-10,876	-32,369	-32,712	'
Interest	-832,719	-808,841	-2,477,348	-2,411,676	'
General and administrative	0	0	0	0	'
Total expenses	-843,479	-819,717	-2,509,717	-2,444,388	'
Income (loss) from operations	467,837	440,003	1,379,690	1,302,299	'
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0	'
Net income (loss)	467,837	440,003	1,379,690	1,302,299	'
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	'
Net income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	$467,837	$440,003	$1,379,690	$1,302,299	'

Variable_Interest_Entities_VIE

Variable Interest Entities VIE Considerations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013
	installments	limited
Available-for-Sale Securities, Ownership Percentage	'	100.00%
Number of Variable Interest Entities	'	5
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'	'
Number of Variable Interest Entities	'	2
Total Owners [Member]	'	'
Number of Owners	'	4
Related party owner [Member]	'	'
Number of Owners	'	2
Ashley Square [Member]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Ownership Percentage	'	100.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	'	99.00%
Cross Creek [Member]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Ownership Percentage	'	100.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	'	99.00%
Number of Partners	'	3
Partners' Capital Account, Contributions	$2,200,000	'
Number of Installments of Contributed Capital	3	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	'	1.00%
First Installment [Member] | Cross Creek [Member]	'	'
Partners' Capital Account, Contributions	$563,000	'

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds2

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dublin [Member]

Kingswood [Member] [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]

Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]

Ashley Square [Member]

Ashley Square [Member]

Autumn Pines [Member]

Autumn Pines [Member]

Bella Vista [Member]

Bella Vista [Member]

Bridle Ridge [Member]

Bridle Ridge [Member]

Brookstone [Member]

Brookstone [Member]

Cross Creek [Member]

Cross Creek [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Lost Creek [Member]

Lost Creek [Member]

Runnymede [Member]

Runnymede [Member]

Southpark [Member]

Southpark [Member]

Woodlynn Village [Member]

Woodlynn Village [Member]

Iona Lakes [Member]

Vantage at Judson [Member]

Waterford [Member]

Rennaisance [Member]

Woodland Park [Member]

Vantage at Judson [Member]

Vantage at Judson [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Dublin [Member]

Kingswood [Member] [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Avistar at Chase Hill [Member]

Avistar at Chase Hill [Member]

Avistar at the Crest [Member]

Avistar at the Crest [Member]

Waterford [Member]

Avistar on the Boulevard [Member]

Avistar on the Boulevard [Member]

Rennaisance [Member]

Dublin [Member]

Kingswood [Member] [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Avistar at Chase Hill [Member]

Avistar at Chase Hill [Member]

Avistar at the Crest [Member]

Avistar at the Crest [Member]

Vantage at Judson [Member]

Waterford [Member]

Avistar on the Boulevard [Member]

Avistar on the Boulevard [Member]

Vantage at Judson [Member]

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]

'

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Cost adjusted for pay-downs, held in trust

$155,031,704

$88,257,386

'

'

'

$11,577,528

[1]

'

$5,224,000

[2]

$5,260,000

[2]

$12,247,713

[1]

$12,217,004

[1]

$6,545,000

[2]

$6,600,000

[2]

$7,715,000

[2]

$7,765,000

[2]

$7,461,514

[2]

$7,453,246

[2]

$6,033,317

[2]

$6,004,424

[2]

$9,404,291

[1]

$15,853,185

[2]

$15,987,744

[2]

$10,565,000

[2]

$10,605,000

[2]

$11,964,156

[2]

$11,904,968

[2]

$4,443,000

[2]

$4,460,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,519,000

[2]

$8,960,000

[1]

'

$8,759,000

[1]

'

'

$13,760,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost adjusted for pay-downs

50,907,980

48,827,485

8,354,000

5,389,000

'

'

11,581,485

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,535,000

6,692,000

7,192,000

6,725,000

15,662,000

6,049,000

6,049,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,585,980

2,005,000

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

3,216,000

'

'

Unrealized Gain, held in trust

5,740,744

11,277,142

'

'

'

270,693

[1]

'

0

[2]

246,981

[2]

0

[1]

953,024

[1]

0

[2]

93,324

[2]

0

[2]

108,632

[2]

857,067

[2]

1,459,408

[2]

1,582,999

[2]

1,994,911

[2]

0

[1]

2,000,560

[2]

3,467,182

[2]

0

[2]

491,330

[2]

1,029,425

[2]

2,462,350

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

0

[1]

'

0

[1]

'

'

0

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized Gain

225,478

1,165,695

0

0

'

'

610,785

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

554,910

0

0

108,776

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

116,702

0

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

Unrealized Loss, held in trust

-5,858,311

-446

'

'

'

0

[1]

'

0

[2]

0

[2]

-196,097

[1]

0

[1]

-514,568

[2]

0

[2]

-455,108

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

-305,540

[1]

0

[2]

0

[2]

-419,853

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

-396,227

[2]

-446

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

-962,394

[1]

'

-1,300,361

[1]

'

'

-1,308,163

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized Loss

-2,971,715

-4,289,886

-829,866

-534,256

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-210,196

-658,575

0

-4,289,039

-191,025

-847

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-158,696

'

-134,555

'

-1,800,000

'

-254,546

'

-2,000,000

Estimated Fair Value, held in trust

154,914,137

99,534,082

'

'

'

11,848,221

[1]

'

5,224,000

[2]

5,506,981

[2]

12,051,616

[1]

13,170,028

[1]

6,030,432

[2]

6,693,324

[2]

7,259,892

[2]

7,873,632

[2]

8,318,581

[2]

8,912,654

[2]

7,616,316

[2]

7,999,335

[2]

9,098,751

[1]

17,853,745

[2]

19,454,926

[2]

10,145,147

[2]

11,096,330

[2]

12,993,581

[2]

14,367,318

[2]

4,046,773

[2]

4,459,554

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,519,000

[2]

7,997,606

[1]

'

7,458,639

[1]

'

'

12,451,837

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Fair Value

$48,161,743

$45,703,294

$7,524,134

$4,854,744

$19,800,000

'

$12,192,270

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,089,910

$6,481,804

$6,533,425

$6,833,776

$11,372,961

$5,857,975

$6,048,153

$5,900,000

$3,100,000

'

'

$9,000,000

'

$8,800,000

$5,500,000

'

$13,800,000

$8,600,000

$2,500,000

$2,300,000

$3,702,682

$1,846,304

$2,000,000

$1,565,445

$1,700,000

'

$1,700,000

$2,961,454

$3,200,000

'

[1]

Bond held by Deutsche Bank in a secured financing transaction, Note

[2]

Bonds owned by ATAX TEBS I, LLC, Note

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds3

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Effective earning (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended							9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Effective rate - maximum [Member]	Effective rate - maximum [Member]	Effective rate - minimum [Member]	Effective rate - minimum [Member]	10% adverse [Member]	10% adverse [Member]	Minimum [Member]
						Effective rate - maximum [Member]	Effective rate - minimum [Member]	Woodlynn Village [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Adverse change rate	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effective rate	'	9.80%	8.40%	6.30%	5.70%	10.80%	6.90%	'
10% unrealized loss	$16.10	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized Loss Position for Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'12 months

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds4

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Arbors of Hickory Ridge Purchase (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
				Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]	Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]	Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]
				Unit
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'	$10,000,000	$11,500,000	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	'	'	'	348	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities, Asset Ownership	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	'
Property loans receivable	15,245,140	'	20,328,927	'	191,264	191,264
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities	$72,752,000	$10,165,287	'	$10,200,000	$1,041,000	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	'	6.25%	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	'	'	'	'	1-Dec-49	'

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds5

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Ohio Sale (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
			Ohio Properties [Member]	Ohio Properties [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	'	'	$6,500,000	$6,500,000
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	$48,161,743	$45,703,294	'	$19,800,000

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds6

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Vantage at Judson (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
			Unit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-For-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss MTM	$4,289,886	$2,971,715	'
Vantage at Judson [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-For-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss MTM	847	191,025	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Feb-53	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%	'	'
Contingent Interest Percentage	3.00%	'	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	'	'	288
Series C [Member] | Vantage at Judson [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	6,049,000	'	'
Series D [Member] | Vantage at Judson [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	934,000	'	'
Series B [Member] | Vantage at Judson [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-For-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss MTM	'	2,000,000	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Series B [Member] | Vantage at Judson [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	20,638,000	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Series B [Member] | Vantage at Judson [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	$26,687,000	'	'

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds7

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Avistar Portfolio (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Avistar on the Boulevard [Member]

Avistar at Chase Hill [Member]

Avistar at the Crest [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series C [Member]

Series C [Member]

Unit

Unit

Unit

Avistar on the Boulevard [Member]

Avistar at Chase Hill [Member]

Avistar at the Crest [Member]

Avistar Portfolio [Member]

Avistar Portfolio [Member]

Avistar on the Boulevard [Member]

Avistar on the Boulevard [Member]

Avistar at Chase Hill [Member]

Avistar at Chase Hill [Member]

Avistar at the Crest [Member]

Avistar at the Crest [Member]

Avistar Portfolio [Member]

Avistar Portfolio [Member]

Avistar Portfolio [Member]

Avistar Portfolio [Member]

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value

$48,161,743

$45,703,294

'

'

'

$13,800,000

$9,000,000

$8,800,000

'

'

$2,961,454

$3,200,000

$1,846,304

$2,000,000

$1,565,445

$1,700,000

'

'

'

'

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

'

'

344

232

200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.00%

9.00%

9.00%

Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Mar-50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-50

'

1-Apr-50

'

Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$804,000

$804,000

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds8

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Iona Lakes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	$21,935,343	$16,829,960
Contingent Interest Income	0	0	6,497,160	0
Realized loss on taxable property loan	0	0	-4,557,741	0
Iona Lakes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	22,000,000	'	'	'
Contingent Interest Income	6,500,000	'	'	'
Realized loss on taxable property loan	$4,600,000	'	'	'

Investments_in_TaxExempt_Bonds9

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Dublin, Kingswood and Waterford (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Kingswood [Member] [Member]

Kingswood [Member] [Member]

Kingswood [Member] [Member]

Waterford [Member]

Waterford [Member]

Waterford [Member]

Dublin, Kingswood and Waterford [Member]

Dublin, Kingswood and Waterford [Member]

Dublin, Kingswood and Waterford [Member]

Dublin [Member]

Dublin [Member]

Dublin [Member]

Unit

Series A [Member]

Series B [Member]

Unit

Series A [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series A [Member]

Series B [Member]

Series C [Member]

Unit

Series A [Member]

Series B [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value

$48,161,743

$45,703,294

$4,854,744

$3,100,000

$2,300,000

$6,533,425

$5,500,000

$1,700,000

'

'

'

$7,524,134

$5,900,000

$2,500,000

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

'

'

129

'

'

133

'

'

'

'

'

156

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.00%

9.00%

9.00%

'

'

'

Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Aug-50

1-Sep-50

1-Sep-50

'

'

'

Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$831,000

'

'

'

Recovered_Sheet1

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Rennaisance Gateway (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Rennaisance [Member]	Series A [Member]	Series B [Member]	Series A and B [Member]	Series C [Member]
			Unit	Rennaisance [Member]	Rennaisance [Member]	Rennaisance [Member]	Rennaisance [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	'	'	208	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	'	'	'	$2,600,000	$1,300,000	'	$2,900,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	6.00%	12.00%	'	12.00%
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	'	'	'	'	'	1-Jun-30	1-Jun-15
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	48,161,743	45,703,294	6,833,776	8,600,000	'	'	'
Available-For-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss MTM	$2,971,715	$4,289,886	$0	'	'	$567,000	'

Recovered_Sheet2

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Vantage at Harlingen (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Vantage at Harlingen [Member]	Series C [Member]	Series D [Member]	Series B [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
			Unit	Vantage at Harlingen [Member]	Vantage at Harlingen [Member]	Vantage at Harlingen [Member]	Series B [Member]	Series B [Member]
							Vantage at Harlingen [Member]	Vantage at Harlingen [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	'	'	288	'	'	'	'	'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	$48,161,743	$45,703,294	$6,481,804	$6,700,000	'	'	$18,000,000	$24,700,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	9.00%	'	6.00%	'	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	'	'	1-Aug-53	1-Aug-53	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	'	'	'	1,300,000	1,300,000	'	'	'
Available-For-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss MTM	$2,971,715	$4,289,886	$210,196	'	'	$1,800,000	'	'

Recovered_Sheet3

Investments in Tax-Exempt Bonds Greens of Pine Glen (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value	$154,914,137		$99,534,082
Greens of Pine Glen [Member]	'		'
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	800,000		961,000
Greens of Pine Glen [Member]	'		'
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	800,000		'
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value	$9,098,751	[1]	'
[1]	Bond held by Deutsche Bank in a secured financing transaction, Note

Public_Housing_Capital_Fund_Tr2

Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts Narrative Tagging (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

Integer

Integer

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

TOB Financing

'

'

'

'

'

$16,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Available for Sale Securities, Public Housing Authorities

'

'

3

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available for Sale Securities, not Including Premiums

'

65,264,703

'

65,264,703

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available-for-Sale Securities, Ownership Percentage

100.00%

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.30%

5.70%

4.20%

4.60%

9.80%

8.40%

5.40%

5.90%

'

6.90%

5.90%

10.80%

7.20%

Adverse change rate

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized Loss

'

($4,121,727)

($568,335)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,900,000

'

'

'

'

Public_Housing_Capital_Fund_Tr3

Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts Information Table on Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts (Details) (Public housing capital fund trusts [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Public Housing Capital Fund Trust I [Member]	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust II [Member]	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust III [Member]	Standard & Poor's, AA- Rating [Member]	Standard & Poor's, AA- Rating [Member]	Standard & Poor's, BBB Rating [Member]
						Public Housing Capital Fund Trust I [Member]	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust II [Member]	Public Housing Capital Fund Trust III [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Lives (Years)	'	'	'	'	'	'12 years 9 months 0 days	'12 years 3 months 18 days	'13 years 3 months 18 days
Investment Rating	'	'	'	'	'	'AA-	'AA-	'BBB
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	'	'	5.33%	4.24%	5.41%	'	'	'
Principal Outstanding September 30, 2012	$65,264,703	$65,264,703	$26,406,558	$17,959,713	$20,898,432	'	'	'

Public_Housing_Capital_Fund_Tr4

Public Housing Capital Fund Trusts Mark to Market PHC (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	$61,793,516	$65,389,298
Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost adjusted for amortization of premium and discounts	65,915,243	65,957,633
Unrealized Gain	0	0
Unrealized Loss	-4,121,727	-568,335
Estimated Fair Value	61,793,516	65,389,298
Public Housing Capital Fund Trust I [Member] | Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost adjusted for amortization of premium and discounts	28,014,439	28,119,176
Unrealized Gain	0	0
Unrealized Loss	-1,540,808	-48,477
Estimated Fair Value	26,473,631	28,070,699
Public Housing Capital Fund Trust II [Member] | Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost adjusted for amortization of premium and discounts	17,475,769	17,442,860
Unrealized Gain	0	0
Unrealized Loss	-1,169,068	-109,223
Estimated Fair Value	16,306,701	17,333,637
Public Housing Capital Fund Trust III [Member] | Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost adjusted for amortization of premium and discounts	20,425,035	20,395,597
Unrealized Gain	0	0
Unrealized Loss	-1,411,851	-410,635
Estimated Fair Value	$19,013,184	$19,984,962

MortgageBacked_Securities_Term

Mortgage-Backed Securities Terms of MBS (Details) (Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.20%		1.30%
Available for Sale Securities, not Including Premiums	$43,310,000		31,600,000
Standard & Poor's, AA Rating [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Weighted Average Maturity Date	18-Jan-36		'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.00%		'
Debt Instrument, Credit Rating	'"AA"	[1]	'"AA"	[1]
Available for Sale Securities, not Including Premiums	20,600,000		'
Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Weighted Average Maturity Date	14-Jan-36		'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.22%		'
Debt Instrument, Credit Rating	'"AAA"	[1]	'"AAA"	[1]
Available for Sale Securities, not Including Premiums	$22,710,000		'
[1]	(1) MBS are reported based on the lowest rating issued by a Rating Agency, if more than one rating is issued on the security, at the date presented.

MortgageBacked_Securities_Carr

Mortgage-Backed Securities Carrying Value of Asset (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$50,907,980		$48,827,485
Unrealized Gain	225,478		1,165,695
Unrealized Loss	-2,971,715		-4,289,886
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	38,880,996		32,121,412
Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	44,292,716		32,535,077
Unrealized Gain	0		0
Unrealized Loss	-5,411,720		-413,665
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	38,880,996		32,121,412
Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member] | Standard & Poor's, AA Rating [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Credit Rating	'"AA"	[1]	'"AA"	[1]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	21,109,784		19,407,675
Unrealized Gain	0		0
Unrealized Loss	-2,815,054		-284,052
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	18,294,730		19,123,623
Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member] | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Credit Rating	'"AAA"	[1]	'"AAA"	[1]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	23,182,932		13,127,402
Unrealized Gain	0		0
Unrealized Loss	-2,596,666		-129,613
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure, Mortgage-backed Securities	$20,586,266		$12,997,789
[1]	(1) MBS are reported based on the lowest rating issued by a Rating Agency, if more than one rating is issued on the security, at the date presented.

MortgageBacked_Securities_Narr

Mortgage-Backed Securities Narrative Tagging (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

10% adverse [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

Georgia MBS Bonds [Member]

Georgia MBS Bonds [Member]

Integer

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

Effective rate - minimum [Member]

Effective rate - maximum [Member]

Integer

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Available-for-Sale Securities, Ownership Percentage

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

Tolerable Range of Difference in Valuation

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective rate

'

'

6.30%

5.70%

9.80%

8.40%

'

'

'

3.60%

5.40%

6.90%

10.80%

'

4.40%

5.60%

'

'

'

'

'

Adverse change rate

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized Loss

($2,971,715)

($4,289,886)

'

'

'

'

($413,665)

($5,411,720)

'

'

'

'

'

($2,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Available for Sale Securities, Mortgage Backed Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

Available for Sale Securities, not Including Premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,600,000

43,310,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

TOB Financing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$24,500,000

$2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000

$6,500,000

'

$2,200,000

Real_Estate_Assets_Fair_Value_

Real Estate Assets Fair Value of Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Real estate assets	$105,334,131	$85,488,292
Total assets	450,054,727	413,150,755
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	5,160,479	5,013,947
Partners' Capital	156,266,720	181,917,192
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital	450,054,727	413,150,755
Woodland Park [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Other current assets	201,321	'
In-place lease assets	403,216	'
Real estate assets	15,258,784	'
Total assets	15,863,321	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	192,345	'
Partners' Capital	15,670,976	'
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital	15,863,321	'
Maples on 97th [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Other current assets	44,534	'
In-place lease assets	428,865	'
Real estate assets	5,071,135	'
Total assets	5,544,534	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	69,120	'
Partners' Capital	5,475,414	'
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital	$5,544,534	'

Real_Estate_Assets_Business_Co

Real Estate Assets Business Combination, Proforma Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) allocated to unitholders	$3,356,268	$2,390,780	$15,156,168	$3,651,497
Unitholders' interest in net income (loss) per unit (basic and diluted)	$0.08	$0.06	$0.35	$0.10
Maples on 97th and Woodland Park [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	9,764,177	6,776,511	38,129,451	19,220,502
Net Income (loss)	3,411,259	2,240,852	15,688,415	3,228,006
Net income (loss) allocated to unitholders	$3,356,268	$2,419,772	$15,156,732	$3,730,656
Unitholders' interest in net income (loss) per unit (basic and diluted)	$0.08	$0.06	$0.35	$0.10

Real_Estate_Assets_MF_Properti

Real Estate Assets MF Properties (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Land	$12,491,559	$11,202,876
Buildings and improvements	115,981,355	93,615,479
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	128,472,914	104,818,355
MF Property, Plant and Equipment	92,898,123	62,575,160
Accumulated Depreciation - MF Properties	-8,382,864	-5,458,961
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	84,515,259	57,116,199
Arboretum [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	145	145
Land	1,720,740	1,720,740
Buildings and improvements	19,095,681	18,997,550
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	20,816,421	20,718,290
Eagle Village [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	511	511
Land	564,726	564,726
Buildings and improvements	12,332,870	12,277,210
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	12,897,596	12,841,936
Glynn Place [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	128	128
Land	743,996	743,996
Buildings and improvements	4,868,865	4,750,267
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	5,612,861	5,494,263
Maples on 97th [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	258	'
Land	905,000	'
Buildings and improvements	7,580,483	'
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	8,485,483	'
Meadowview [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	118	118
Land	688,539	688,539
Buildings and improvements	5,251,794	5,214,306
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	5,940,333	5,902,845
Residences at DeCordova [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	110	110
Land	680,852	680,852
Buildings and improvements	8,408,997	8,389,721
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	9,089,849	9,070,573
Residences at Weatherford [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	76	76
Land	533,000	533,000
Buildings and improvements	7,087,500	7,077,420
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	7,620,500	7,610,420
Woodland Park [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	236	'
Land	946,205	'
Buildings and improvements	14,335,421	'
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	15,281,626	'
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Land	0	0
Buildings and improvements	7,153,454	936,833
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	$7,153,454	$936,833

Real_Estate_Assets_Parenthetic

Real Estate Assets Parenthetical for Depreciation Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					Consolidated Entities [Member]	Consolidated Entities [Member]	Consolidated VIEs [Member]	Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	$1,374,703	$1,001,160	$3,829,888	$2,852,791	$2,800,000	$2,500,000	$1,000,000	$1,500,000

Real_Estate_Assets_RE_MF_Prope

Real Estate Assets RE MF Properties (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Limited Liability Company [Member]	General Partner [Member]	Consolidated Properties [Member]	Consolidated Properties [Member]	Woodland Park [Member]	Maples on 97th [Member]	Construction in Progress [Member]	Construction in Progress [Member]
		properties		properties	Limited Partner [Member]		Unit	Unit	Unit
					properties			parkingstalls	parkingstalls
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$100
Number of Parking Stalls	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,605	1,605
Number of Real Estate Properties	'	'	'	9	3	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	25.00%	'	1.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure	'	'	'	'	'	15,700,000	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	'	100.00%	'	'	99.00%	'	'	'	'
Number of Limited Liability Companies	'	6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	'	'	'	'	'	'	258	475	475
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,500,000	'	'
Third Party Contribution to Building	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16,700,000	'
Estimated Total Cost of Construction	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,000,000
Construction Comepletion Date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1-Aug-14
Estimated Debt of Construction	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29,800,000
Proceeds from Construction Loans Payable	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,800,000

Real_Estate_Assets_Variable_In

Real Estate Assets Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Land	$12,491,559	$11,202,876
Buildings and improvements	115,981,355	93,615,479
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	128,472,914	104,818,355
VIE Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	35,574,791	42,243,195
Accumulated Depreciation - VIES	-14,755,919	-13,871,102
VIE Property Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	20,818,872	28,372,093
Bent Tree [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	232	232
Land	986,000	986,000
Buildings and improvements	12,059,918	11,877,333
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	13,045,918	12,863,333
Fairmont Oaks [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	178	178
Land	850,400	850,400
Buildings and improvements	8,806,104	8,713,038
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	9,656,504	9,563,438
Lake Forest [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	240	240
Land	1,396,800	1,396,800
Buildings and improvements	11,475,569	11,352,854
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	12,872,369	12,749,654
EAT (Maples on 97th [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Units	'	258
Land	'	905,000
Buildings and improvements	'	6,161,770
Carrying Value at September 30, 2012	'	$7,066,770

Other_Assets_Other_Assets_Deta

Other Assets Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Property loans receivable	$15,245,140	$20,328,927
Less: Loan loss reserves	-10,864,148	-18,134,902
Deferred Finance Costs, Net	2,735,065	2,764,734
Fair value of derivative contracts	867,643	378,729
Taxable bonds at fair market value	4,139,878	1,524,873
Other assets	1,229,857	1,353,934
Total other assets	$13,353,435	$8,216,295

Other_Assets_Advances_Details

Other Assets Advances (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Provision for Loan Losses Expensed	$72,000	$0	$168,000	$0	$0
Ashley Square [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Advances to Affiliate	164,000	'	164,000	'	'
Cross Creek [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Advances to Affiliate	168,000	'	168,000	'	'
Provision for Loan Losses Expensed	'	'	168,000	'	'
Greens of Pine Glen [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Advances to Affiliate	26,000	'	26,000	'	'
Ohio Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Advances to Affiliate	$44,000	'	$44,000	'	'

Other_Assets_Loan_Receivable_a

Other Assets Loan Receivable and Allowance (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Property loan receivable, outstanding balance	$15,245,140	$20,328,927
Accrued interest	4,360,889	6,419,047
Loan loss reserves	-10,864,148	-18,134,902
Net taxable loans	8,741,881	8,613,072
Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Property loan receivable, outstanding balance	191,264	191,264
Accrued interest	9,837	697
Loan loss reserves	0	0
Net taxable loans	201,101	191,961
Ashley Square [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Property loan receivable, outstanding balance	5,058,342	4,894,342
Accrued interest	1,973,781	1,681,322
Loan loss reserves	-5,570,123	-5,277,664
Net taxable loans	1,462,000	1,298,000
Cross Creek [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Property loan receivable, outstanding balance	6,756,087	6,588,087
Accrued interest	1,762,395	1,578,288
Loan loss reserves	-5,134,867	-4,782,760
Net taxable loans	3,383,615	3,383,615
Greens of Pine Glen [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Property loan receivable, outstanding balance	876,000	'
Accrued interest	101,373	'
Loan loss reserves	-264	'
Net taxable loans	977,109	'
Iona Lakes [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Property loan receivable, outstanding balance	'	7,741,118
Accrued interest	'	2,856,290
Loan loss reserves	'	-6,857,912
Net taxable loans	'	3,739,496
Ohio Properties [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Property loan receivable, outstanding balance	2,363,447	'
Accrued interest	513,503	'
Loan loss reserves	-158,894	'
Net taxable loans	2,718,056	'
Woodland Park [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Property loan receivable, outstanding balance	'	914,116
Accrued interest	'	302,450
Loan loss reserves	'	-1,216,566
Net taxable loans	'	$0

Other_Assets_Schedule_of_Loan_

Other Assets Schedule of Loan Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loan Receivable beginning of period	'	'	$18,134,902	'	'	$16,782,918
Provision for Loan Losses Expensed	72,000	0	168,000	0	0	'
Foreclosure of Available-for-Sale Securities	'	'	-4,080,734	'	'	'
Accrued interest not recognized	'	'	1,055,854	'	'	1,351,984
Loan receivable end of period	'	'	10,864,148	'	'	18,134,902
Iona Lakes [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	'	'	-7,216,484	'	0	'
Woodland Park [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreclosure of Available-for-Sale Securities	'	'	($1,278,124)	'	$0	'

Other_Assets_Property_Loans_De

Other Assets Property Loans (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Vantage at Harlingen [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Aug-53	'
Vantage at Harlingen [Member] | Series C [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	$1,300,000	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Aug-53	'
Avistar Portolio-2 [Member] | Series C [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	831,000	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Sep-50	'
Avistar Portfolio [Member] | Series C [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	$804,000	$804,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%	9.00%
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Apr-50	'

Other_Assets_Iona_Lakes_Sales_

Other Assets Iona Lakes Sales (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	$21,935,343	$16,829,960
Contingent Interest Income	0	0	6,497,160	0
Realized loss on taxable property loan	0	0	-4,557,741	0
Iona Lakes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	22,000,000	'	'	'
Contingent Interest Income	6,500,000	'	'	'
Realized loss on taxable property loan	$4,600,000	'	'	'

Discontined_Operations_Discont

Discontined Operations Discontinued Operations Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$0	$158,727	$78,541	$126,572
Total assets from discontinued operations	0	32,580,427	'	'
Total liabilities from discontinued operations	0	1,531,462	'	'
Greens of Pine Glen [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets from discontinued operations	'	12,200,000	'	'
Churchland, Eagle Ridge, Greens of Pine Glen and OHIO Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	158,727	'	'
Restricted cash	'	4,035,360	'	'
Land	'	3,828,345	'	'
Buildings and improvements	'	28,316,081	'	'
Real estate assets before accumulated depreciation	'	32,144,426	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	'	-5,208,176	'	'
Net real estate assets	'	26,936,250	'	'
Other assets	'	1,450,090	'	'
Total assets from discontinued operations	'	32,580,427	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	1,531,462	'	'
Total liabilities from discontinued operations	'	1,531,462	'	'
Net equity of discontinued operations	'	$31,048,965	'	'

Discontined_Operations_Discont1

Discontined Operations Discontinued Operations Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	'	'	$3,177,183	$1,277,976
Income from discontinued operations	1,342,498	1,526,964	3,442,404	2,013,713
Greens of Pine Glen [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Rental revenues	109,868	'	807,924	'
Expenses	169,026	'	542,703	'
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	-59,158	6,000	265,221	32,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	1,401,656	'	3,177,183	'
Income from discontinued operations	3,442,404	'	1,342,498	'
Churchland, Eagle Ridge, Greens of Pine Glen and OHIO Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Rental revenues	'	1,484,852	'	4,611,512
Expenses	'	1,235,864	'	3,875,775
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	'	248,988	'	735,737
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	'	0	'	1,300,000
Income from discontinued operations	'	$2,013,713	'	$248,988

Discontined_Operations_Discont2

Discontined Operations Discontinued Operations Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	$0	'	$0	'	$32,580,427
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	'	'	3,177,183	1,277,976	'
Interest Income, Operating	216,993	15,224	1,558,158	97,996	'
Other income	0	0	250,000	0	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,342,498	1,526,964	3,442,404	2,013,713	'
churchland [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	'	-62,000	'	-198,000	'
Eagle Ridge [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	'	-40,000	'	-106,000	'
Greens of Pine Glen [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	800,000	'	800,000	'	961,000
Available-for-Sale Securities, Asset Ownership	'	'	'	'	100.00%
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	'	'	'	'	1-Oct-47
Loans Payable	'	'	'	'	850,000
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	'	'	'	'	12,200,000
business disposal, sales price	'	'	'	'	7,300,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	1,401,656	'	3,177,183	'	'
Investment Income, Interest	500,000	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	3,442,404	'	1,342,498	'	'
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	59,158	-6,000	-265,221	-32,000	'
Greens of Pine Glen [Member] | Boston Capital Limited Partners [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners	'	'	'	'	2
Greens of Pine Glen [Member] | Series A [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	'	6.50%
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	'	'	'	'	8,500,000
Greens of Pine Glen [Member] | Series B [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	'	12.00%
Available-for-sale Securities, at Par Value	'	'	'	'	950,000
Ohio Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	6,500,000	'	6,500,000	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	1,775,527	'	'	'	'
Investment Income, Interest	3,500,000	'	'	'	'
Interest Income, Operating	1,100,000	'	'	'	'
Other income	250,000	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'	$142,000	'	$400,000	'

Debt_Financing_Details

Debt Financing (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	$122,835,514		$124,648,502
Ashley Square [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	5,224,000		5,260,000
Bella Vista [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	6,545,000		6,600,000
Bent Tree [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	7,560,000		7,614,000
Bridle Ridge [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	7,715,000		7,765,000
Brookstone [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	9,358,555		9,416,794
Cross Creek [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	8,515,959		8,568,409
Fairmont Oaks [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	7,376,000		7,439,000
Lake Forest [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	9,024,000		9,105,000
Runnymede [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	10,565,000		10,605,000
Southpark [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	13,900,000		13,900,000
Woodlynn Village [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	4,443,000		4,460,000
Ohio Properties [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	14,519,000	[1]	14,582,000	[1]
Lost Creek [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Available for Sale Securities at Par Value	$18,090,000		$18,315,000
[1]	(1) Collateralized by Crescent Village, Postwoods, and Willow Bend (Note 2 and Note 9)

Debt_Financing_Footnote_XBRL_d

Debt Financing Footnote XBRL details (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Avistar Portfolio [Member]

Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]

Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

TOB Facility-1 [Member]

TOB facility-2 [Member]

TEB Facility [Member]

TEB Facility [Member]

Class A TEBS Certificates [Member]

Class B TEBS Certificates [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Mortgage Backed Security Trust 5 [Member] [Member]

Mortgage Backed Security Trust 5 [Member] [Member]

Mortgage Backed Security Trust 5 [Member] [Member]

Mortgage Backed Security Trust 5 [Member] [Member]

Mortgage Backed Security Trust 5 [Member] [Member]

Mortgage Backed Security Trust 6 [Member]

Five Points Bank [Member]

Omaha State Bank [Member]

Integer

TEB Facility [Member]

TEB Facility [Member]

Georgia MBS Bonds [Member]

SPEARS [Member]

SPEARS [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

TOB Facility-1 [Member]

TOB Facility-1 [Member]

TOB facility-2 [Member]

TOB facility-2 [Member]

SPEARS [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]

Georgia MBS Bonds [Member]

Georgia MBS Bonds [Member]

SPEARS [Member]

LIFERS [Member]

TOB facility-3 [Member]

TOB facility-3 [Member]

TOB facility-3 [Member]

Debt financing

$226,569,000

$177,948,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$93,300,000

'

$95,800,000

$20,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$125,805,000

$83,960,000

$9,850,000

$9,850,000

$48,995,000

$48,995,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,545,000

$8,590,000

$7,825,000

'

'

Available for Sale Securities, not Including Premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,600,000

43,310,000

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,264,703

65,264,703

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

TOB Financing

'

'

20,000,000

7,000,000

'

6,000,000

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,500,000

2,500,000

'

25,100,000

7,800,000

500,000

6,500,000

2,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,000,000

16,000,000

2,500,000

2,000,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest Rate

'

'

2.10%

2.10%

'

2.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.90%

0.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.90%

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

0.40%

0.50%

'

0.50%

'

'

'

1.90%

'

'

'

0.40%

0.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.30%

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

6.25%

'

'

'

'

'

0.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

'

'

2.50%

2.60%

'

2.60%

'

1.00%

2.30%

'

2.00%

'

'

1.30%

1.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.20%

'

'

Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Available for Sale Securities, Held in a Trust

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

6,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7,500,000

'

Long Term Debt, Maturity date at a point in time

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25-Feb-14

Debt_Financing_Contractual_Mat

Debt Financing Contractual Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Financing, Current Maturities	$6,000,000	'
Debt Financing, Maturities, Repayment of Principal in Year Two	128,673,000	'
Debt Financing, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	1,139,000	'
Debt Financing, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	1,192,000	'
Debt Financing, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	89,565,000	'
Debt Financing, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	0	'
Debt financing	$226,569,000	$177,948,000

Debt_Financing_Total_Debt_Fina

Debt Financing Total Debt Financing (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	$226,569,000	$177,948,000
Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	125,805,000	83,960,000
Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-2 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	48,995,000	48,995,000
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Jun-14	1-Jul-13
Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB Facility-1 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	9,850,000	9,850,000
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Jul-14	1-Jul-13
Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-7 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	20,000,000	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Jun-14	'
Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-5 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	5,715,000	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Dec-13	'
Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-6 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	7,000,000	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Feb-14	'
Mortgage Backed Security Trust 1 [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-3 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	2,585,000	2,585,000
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Apr-14	1-Oct-13
Mortgage Backed Security Trust 2 [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-3 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	4,090,000	4,090,000
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Apr-14	1-Oct-13
Mortgage Backed Security Trust 3 [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-3 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	3,240,000	3,890,000
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Apr-14	1-Oct-13
Mortgage Backed Security Trust 4 [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-3 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	5,960,000	5,960,000
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Apr-14	1-Oct-13
Mortgage Backed Security Trust 5 [Member] [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-3 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	10,545,000	8,590,000
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Apr-14	1-Oct-13
Mortgage Backed Security Trust 6 [Member] | Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Trading Securities [Member] | TOB facility-3 [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	$7,825,000	'
Available-for-sale Security, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Feb-14	'

Mortgages_Payable_Details

Mortgages Payable (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Mortgages Payable [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$43,790	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	36,207,342	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	6,318,264	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	7,269,386	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	1,963,249	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	0	'
Mortgages Payable	$51,802,031	$39,119,507

Mortgages_Payable_Footnote_Tag

Mortgages Payable Footnote Tagging (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Consolidated Properties [Member]	Consolidated Properties [Member]	Woodland Park [Member]	Maples on 97th [Member]	Maples on 97th [Member]	5 year term [Member]	3 year term [Member]	Construction in Progress [Member]
								Construction in Progress [Member]	Construction in Progress [Member]
Mortgages payable	$51,802,031	$39,119,507	$51,802,031	$39,100,000	'	$7,500,000	'	'	'	'
Notes Payable, Current	'	'	'	'	7,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Notes Payable	'	'	'	'	6,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,300,000	25,500,000	29,800,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	'	2.80%	4.40%	3.60%	4.70%	'	'
Short-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest Rate	'	'	'	'	0.20%	'	'	'	'	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	'	'	'	'	3.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Construction Loans Payable	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,800,000
Long Term Debt, Maturity date at a point in time	'	'	'	'	'	10-Feb-16	'	'	'	'

Transactions_with_Related_Part1

Transactions with Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
rate for administration fees	'	'	0.45%	'
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Administrative Fees, Amount Paid	$33,000	$33,000	$99,000	$100,000
Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Administrative Fees, Amount Paid	$388,000	$265,000	$1	$643,000

Transactions_with_Related_Part2

Transactions with Related Parties Acquisition Fees (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]	Arbors at Hickory Ridge [Member]
				Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fees and Commissions, Other	$338,000	$1	$653,000	$100,000

Transactions_with_Related_Part3

Transactions with Related Parties Mangement fees (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management Fees Revenue	$300,000	$288,000	$907,000	$879,000

Transactions_with_Related_Part4

Transactions with Related Parties Related Party Ownership (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
	properties
Number of Variable Interest Entities	5
Total Owners [Member]	'
Number of Owners	4
Consolidated VIEs [Member]	'
Number of Variable Interest Entities	3
Consolidated VIEs [Member] | Total Owners [Member]	'
Number of Variable Interest Entities	3
Related party owner [Member] | Total Owners [Member]	'
Number of Owners	2

Transactions_with_Related_Part5

Transactions with Related Parties Developer and Construction Mgmt Fees (Details) (UNL Project [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
UNL Project [Member]	'
Fees and Commissions	$588,000

Issuances_of_Additional_Benefi1

Issuances of Additional Beneficial Certificate Units (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock shares, issued	12,650,000	'	12,650,000
Sale Price of Common Stock per Share	$5.06	'	$5.06
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	$59,948,265	$0	$59,948,265
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs	$4,000,000	'	'

Interest_Rate_Derivative_Agree2

Interest Rate Derivative Agreements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.00%
Derivative, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Sep-17
Deriviative at purchase price	$800,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	93,300,000
Bank of New York Mellon [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Purchase Date	2-Sep-10
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.00%
Derivative, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Sep-17
Deriviative at purchase price	921,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	31,936,667
Barclays Bank PLC [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Purchase Date	2-Sep-10
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.00%
Derivative, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Sep-17
Deriviative at purchase price	845,600
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	31,936,667
Royal Bank of Canada [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Purchase Date	2-Sep-10
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.00%
Derivative, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Sep-17
Deriviative at purchase price	928,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	31,936,667
Deutsche Bank [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	1.50%
Derivative, Maturity Date at a point in time	1-Sep-17
Deriviative at purchase price	793,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$93,305,000

Interest_Rate_Derivative_Agree3

Interest Rate Derivative Agreements Footnote Tagging (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$93,300,000	'	$93,300,000	'
Number of Derivatives	'	'	4	'
Derivative, Loss on Derivative	440,000	275,000	304,000	1,100,000
Derivative, Maturity Date at a point in time	'	'	1-Sep-17	'
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.00%	'	3.00%	'
Deriviative at purchase price	800,000	'	800,000	'
Deutsche Bank [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	93,305,000	'	93,305,000	'
Derivative, Maturity Date at a point in time	'	'	1-Sep-17	'
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	1.50%	'	1.50%	'
Deriviative at purchase price	$793,000	'	$793,000	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Availa

Fair Value Measurements Available for sale securities (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Ohio Properties [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Greens of Pine Glen [Member]

Iona Lakes [Member]

Iona Lakes [Member]

Iona Lakes [Member]

Iona Lakes [Member]

Iona Lakes [Member]

Iona Lakes [Member]

Woodland Park [Member]

Woodland Park [Member]

Woodland Park [Member]

Woodland Park [Member]

Woodland Park [Member]

Woodland Park [Member]

Woodland Park [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Trust Portfolio--MBS Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]

Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]

Taxable Bonds [Member]

Interest rate derivatives [Member]

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]

'

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'

'

Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value

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'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

'

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'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring/Nonrecurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

Assets, Fair Value Disclosure

243,850,960

'

'

203,075,880

145,237,376

61,793,516

65,389,298

38,880,996

32,121,412

4,139,878

724,145

867,643

378,729

'

138,101,148

212,530,276

137,793,568

265,473,415

'

'

136,846,619

145,237,376

135,695,352

199,115,593

'

'

0

65,389,298

0

62,759,268

'

'

'

'

711,756

1,524,873

774,946

3,083,579

'

'

542,773

378,729

1,323,270

514,975

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

Total gains (lossses) (realized/unrealized) [Abstract]

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'

'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (Loss) on Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-440,331

-274,814

-304,085

-1,055,311

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

-440,331

-274,814

-304,085

-1,055,311

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

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'

'

'

Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,174,260

2,121,836

-19,637,948

9,043,888

'

'

-15,995,937

1,917,241

-15,851,561

8,806,812

'

'

-951,622

192,206

-3,553,392

192,206

'

'

'

'

-226,701

12,389

-232,995

44,870

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds held in trust, at fair value

154,914,137

'

99,534,082

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,465,000

'

9,465,000

'

'

'

9,465,000

'

9,465,000

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,581,166

19,581,166

0

0

0

9,098,751

[1]

9,465,000

9,465,000

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deriviative at purchase price

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

792,999

'

792,999

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

792,999

'

792,999

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreclosure of Available-for-Sale Securities

4,080,734

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,278,124

0

-11,581,266

-11,581,266

0

0

0

Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value

48,161,743

'

45,703,294

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

792,999

'

792,999

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,089,910

-16,052,849

-16,052,849

0

0

0

'

11,372,961

'

'

'

'

'

Assets, Fair Value Disclosure

308,757,913

'

'

203,075,880

145,237,376

61,793,516

65,389,298

38,880,996

32,121,412

4,139,878

724,145

867,643

378,729

269,876,917

205,958,137

269,876,917

205,958,137

265,473,415

'

203,075,880

138,802,064

203,075,880

138,802,064

199,115,593

'

61,793,516

66,163,969

61,793,516

66,163,969

62,759,268

'

'

'

4,139,878

724,145

4,139,878

724,145

3,083,579

'

867,643

267,959

867,643

267,959

514,975

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value Observable inputs (level 2)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,880,996

32,121,412

0

0

0

0

38,880,996

32,121,412

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,825,000

65,986,385

75,670,000

76,151,200

'

'

10,542,000

472

72,752,000

10,165,287

'

'

0

65,985,913

0

65,985,913

'

'

'

'

1,283,000

0

2,918,000

0

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-64,906

23,582

-586,376

-350,208

'

'

-50,776

37,732

-473,986

-240,387

'

'

-14,130

-14,150

-42,390

-14,150

'

'

'

'

0

0

-70,000

-95,671

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities

1,776,418

666,458

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15,625,000

'

'

'

'

'

-15,625,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$269,876,917

'

$269,876,917

'

'

$211,729,548

$203,075,880

'

$203,075,880

'

'

$145,237,376

$61,793,516

'

$61,793,516

'

'

$65,389,298

$0

$0

$4,139,878

'

$4,139,878

'

'

$724,145

$867,643

'

$867,643

'

'

$378,729

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Bond held by Deutsche Bank in a secured financing transaction, Note

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_M

Fair Value Measurements Fair Market Value of Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	$226,569,000	$177,948,000
Mortgages payable	51,802,031	39,119,507
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	226,569,000	177,948,000
Mortgages payable	51,802,031	39,119,517
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Debt financing	227,687,069	179,103,291
Mortgages payable	$52,738,681	$40,203,943

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements Narrative Footnote (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
			Commitments [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	($29,501,541)	$9,043,887	$4,865,535

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Ohio Ownership (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
		Ohio Properties [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	25.00%	'
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum	'	$4,900,000
Percentage of Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum	'	75.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Greens of Pine Glen Ownership (Details) (Greens of Pine Glen [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Greens of Pine Glen [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$1,300,000
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	$800,000
Percentage of Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum	75.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies UNL Construction (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	parkingstalls
Construction in Progress [Member]	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$100
Number of Parking Stalls	1,605
Estimated Total Cost of Construction	34,000,000
Possible Penalty on Construction	6,000
Construction in Progress [Member] | 3 year term [Member]	'
Estimated Debt of Construction	25,500,000
Construction in Progress [Member] | 5 year term [Member]	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.70%
Estimated Debt of Construction	4,300,000
Construction in Progress [Member]	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	100
Number of Parking Stalls	1,605
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	475
Estimated Total Cost of Construction	34,000,000
Estimated Debt of Construction	29,800,000
Proceeds from Construction Loans Payable	$1,800,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies Forward Bond Purchase (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	'	'	$8,000,000	$500,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	6.00%	12.00%
Available-For-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss MTM	$2,971,715	$4,289,886	$560,000	'

Subsequent_Events_Footnote_Tag

Subsequent Events Footnote Tagging (Details) (Avistar Portolio-2 [Member], Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Avistar Portolio-2 [Member] | Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
TOB Financing	$13,200,000
Short-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest Rate	1.90%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.40%
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.30%

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$9,764,177	$6,312,905	$37,849,169	$17,539,897	'
Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	2,325,372	1,551,543	5,287,994	4,317,329	'
Depreciation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	1,374,703	1,001,160	3,829,888	2,852,791	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	2,008,848	821,702	12,509,025	1,532,803	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	3,411,259	2,211,567	15,687,845	3,148,047	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	450,054,727	'	450,054,727	'	413,150,755
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'	'
Partners' Capital	156,266,720	'	156,266,720	'	181,917,192
Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,599,998	2,696,267	23,371,043	8,869,285	'
Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	1,307,397	1,054,649	2,426,721	3,019,963	'
Depreciation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	0	0	0	0	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	2,066,800	931,478	12,333,200	2,680,910	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	2,066,800	931,478	12,333,200	2,680,910	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	375,480,859	'	375,480,859	'	357,606,420
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'	'
Partners' Capital	190,505,904	'	190,505,904	'	221,665,286
MF Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	3,074,115	1,983,078	8,325,594	5,404,773	'
Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	550,755	212,794	1,574,544	1,013,266	'
Depreciation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	1,019,947	621,279	2,781,678	1,776,269	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-478,460	-115,026	-1,205,151	-654,489	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	923,951	1,274,839	1,973,669	960,755	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	77,593,217	'	77,593,217	'	51,379,479
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'	'
Partners' Capital	28,574,054	'	28,574,054	'	6,643,315
Public Housing Capital Fund Trust Certificates [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	814,946	809,387	2,445,259	809,387	'
Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	345,547	284,100	945,140	284,100	'
Depreciation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	0	0	0	0	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	462,245	518,424	1,478,659	518,424	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	462,245	518,424	1,478,659	518,424	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	62,302,209	'	62,302,209	'	65,811,361
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'	'
Partners' Capital	13,194,530	'	13,194,530	'	16,720,915
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	425,499	0	1,178,664	0	'
Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	121,673	0	341,589	0	'
Depreciation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	0	0	0	0	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	276,968	0	764,120	0	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	276,968	0	764,120	0	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	39,490,422	'	39,490,422	'	32,488,363
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'	'
Partners' Capital	5,077,770	'	5,077,770	'	7,334,399
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	0	'	0	'	32,580,427
Consolidated VIEs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	1,225,261	1,203,887	3,658,636	3,598,541	'
Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	832,719	808,841	2,477,348	2,411,676	'
Depreciation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	354,756	379,881	1,048,210	1,076,522	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-786,542	-953,177	-2,241,493	-2,314,341	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	-786,542	-953,177	-2,241,493	-2,314,341	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	22,702,904	'	22,702,904	'	30,207,191
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'	'
Partners' Capital	-30,018,842	'	-30,018,842	'	-22,480,214
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-375,642	-379,714	-1,130,027	-1,142,089	'
Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-832,719	-808,841	-2,477,348	-2,411,676	'
Depreciation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	0	0	0	0	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	467,837	440,003	1,379,690	1,302,299	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	467,837	440,003	1,379,690	1,302,299	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	-127,514,884	'	-127,514,884	'	-156,922,486
Partners' Capital	'	'	'	'	'
Partners' Capital	($51,066,696)	'	($51,066,696)	'	($47,966,509)

Segment_Reporting_Footnote_Tag

Segment Reporting Footnote Tagging (Details)	9 Months Ended							9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	segments	Integer	Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds [Member]	MF Properties [Member]	Consolidated VIEs [Member]	Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]	Public housing capital fund trusts [Member]	Unconsolidated Available for Sale Securities [Member]	Consolidated VIEs [Member]	Consolidated Properties [Member]	Consolidated Properties [Member]
	properties		Unit	Unit	Integer	Integer	Integer	Integer	Integer	properties	MF Properties [Member]
					Unit						entities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Reportable Segments	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Available for Sale Securities	'	35	'	'	'	'	'	32	3	'	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	'	'	4,488	1,582	650	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Available for Sale Securities, Public Housing Authorities	'	'	'	'	'	3	3	'	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9	8
Number of Variable Interest Entities	5	'	'	'	3	'	'	'	'	'	'