National Property Investors 6 10-K 30 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL PROPERTY INVESTORS 6
Entity Central Index Key	708870
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Outstanding Limited Partnership Units	109,446

Balance_Sheets

Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$215,000	$261,000
Receivables and deposits	446,000	425,000
Other assets	631,000	651,000
Investment property:
Land	1,366,000	1,366,000
Buildings and related personal property	30,579,000	30,076,000
Total investment property	31,945,000	31,442,000
Less accumulated depreciation	-24,090,000	-23,203,000
Investment property, net	7,855,000	8,239,000
Total assets	9,147,000	9,576,000
Liabilities
Accounts payable	62,000	50,000
Tenant security deposit liabilities	218,000	184,000
Due to affiliates	11,782,000	10,938,000
Other liabilities	363,000	395,000
Mortgage notes payable	22,638,000	23,048,000
Total liabilities	35,063,000	34,615,000
Partners' Deficit
General partner	-806,000	-797,000
Limited partners	-25,110,000	-24,242,000
Total partners’ deficit	-25,916,000	-25,039,000
Total liabilities and partners’ deficit	$9,147,000	$9,576,000

Statements_of_Operations

Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Rental income	$4,680	$4,366
Other income	571	608
Total revenues	5,251	4,974
Expenses:
Operating	2,198	2,189
General and administrative	167	111
Depreciation	1,245	1,574
Interest	2,166	2,158
Property taxes	352	365
Total expenses	6,128	6,397
Net loss	-877	-1,423
Net loss allocated to general partner (1%)	-9	-14
Net loss allocated to limited partners (99%)	($868)	($1,409)
Net loss per limited partnership unit	($7.93)	($12.86)

Statement_of_Changes_in_Partne

Statement of Changes in Partners' Deficit (USD $)	Total	General Partner	Limited Partner
In Thousands
Partners' deficit at Dec. 31, 2012	($23,616)	($783)	($22,833)
Net loss for the year ended December 31	-1,423	-14	-1,409
Partners' deficit at Dec. 31, 2013	-25,039	-797	-24,242
Net loss for the year ended December 31	-877	-9	-868
Partners' deficit at Dec. 31, 2014	($25,916)	($806)	($25,110)

Statements_of_Cash_Flows

Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($877,000)	($1,423,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
Depreciation	1,245,000	1,574,000
Amortization of loan costs	39,000	39,000
Change in accounts:
Receivables and deposits	-21,000	-44,000
Other assets	-19,000	15,000
Accounts payable	15,000	-159,000
Tenant security deposit liabilities	34,000	12,000
Due to affiliates	294,000	365,000
Other liabilities	-32,000	80,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	678,000	459,000
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Property improvements and replacements	-864,000	-1,128,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on mortgage notes payable	-410,000	-384,000
Advances from affiliate	550,000	525,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	140,000	141,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-46,000	-528,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	261,000	789,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	215,000	261,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	1,669,000	1,581,000
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity:
Property improvements and replacements included in accounts payable	$15,000	$18,000

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note A – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization
	National Property Investors 6 (the "Partnership" or "Registrant") is a California limited partnership formed on October 15, 1982. The Partnership is engaged in the business of operating and holding one apartment property located in Towson, Maryland for investment. NPI Equity Investments, Inc., a Florida corporation, became the Partnership's managing general partner (the "Managing General Partner" or "NPI Equity") on June 21, 1991. The Managing General Partner is a subsidiary of Apartment Investment and Management Company ("Aimco"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The partnership agreement provides that the Partnership is to terminate on December 31, 2022.
	Subsequent Events
	The Partnership’s management evaluated subsequent events through the time this Annual Report on Form 10-K was filed.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2013 balances to conform to the 2014 presentation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Abandoned Units
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the number of limited partnership units (the “Units”) decreased by 50 and 28 Units, respectively, due to limited partners abandoning their Units. In abandoning his or her Units, a limited partner relinquishes all right, title and interest in the Partnership as of the date of the abandonment.
	Net Loss Per Limited Partnership Unit
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership had outstanding 109,446 and 109,496 Units, respectively. Net loss per Limited Partnership Unit is computed by dividing net loss allocated to the limited partners by the number of Units outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year. The number of Units used was 109,496 and 109,524 Units for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Allocation of Income, Loss and Distributions
	Net income, net loss and distributions of cash of the Partnership are allocated between the general and limited partners in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement.
	Note A – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
	Fair Value of Financial Statements
	Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 825, “Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value is defined as the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The Partnership is required to classify these fair value measurements into one of three categories, based on the nature of the inputs used in the fair value measurement. Level 1 of the hierarchy includes fair value measurements based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the Partnership can access at the measurement date. Level 2 includes fair value measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 includes fair value measurements based on unobservable inputs. The classification of fair value measurements is subjective and generally accepted accounting principles requires the Partnership to disclose more detailed information regarding those fair value measurements classified within the lower levels of the hierarchy. The Partnership believes that the carrying amount of its financial instruments (except for mortgage notes payable) approximates their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Partnership estimates the fair value of its mortgage notes payable by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with that currently believed to be available to the Partnership for similar term, mortgage notes payable. The Partnership has classified this fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Partnership's mortgage notes payable at the Partnership's incremental borrowing rate was approximately $25,657,000.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and cash in banks. At certain times, the amount of cash deposited at a bank may exceed the limit on insured deposits. Cash balances included approximately $215,000 and $261,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that are maintained by an affiliated management company on behalf of affiliated entities in cash concentration accounts.
	Tenant Security Deposits
	The Partnership requires security deposits from lessees for the duration of the lease and such deposits are included in receivables and deposits. The security deposits are refunded when the tenant vacates, provided the tenant has not damaged the space and is current on rental payments.
	Depreciation
	Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the apartment property and related personal property. For Federal income tax purposes, the modified accelerated cost recovery method is used for depreciation of
	(1) real property over 27.5 years and (2) personal property additions over 5 years.
	Deferred Costs
	Loan costs of approximately $649,000 at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, less accumulated amortization of approximately $427,000 and $388,000, respectively, are included in other assets and are amortized over the term of the related loan agreements. The total amortization expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $39,000 and is included in interest expense. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $39,000 for each of the years 2015 through 2018 and approximately $31,000 for 2019.
	Leasing commissions and other direct costs incurred in connection with successful leasing efforts are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related leases. Amortization of these costs is included in operating expenses.
	Note A – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
	Leases
	The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less. The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area. Rental income attributable to leases, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current residents and all receivables due from former residents.
	Investment Property
	Investment property consists of one apartment complex and is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, unless the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable. The Partnership capitalizes costs incurred in connection with capital additions activities, including redevelopment and construction projects, other tangible property improvements and replacements of existing property components. Included in these capitalized costs are payroll costs associated with time spent by site employees in connection with capital additions activities at the property level. The Partnership capitalizes interest, property taxes and insurance during periods in which redevelopment and construction projects are in progress. The Partnership did not capitalize any costs related to interest, property taxes or insurance during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Capitalized costs are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. The Partnership charges to expense as incurred costs including ordinary repairs, maintenance and resident turnover costs.
	If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable, the Partnership will make an assessment of its recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the Partnership’s estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated aggregate undiscounted future cash flows, the Partnership would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property. No adjustments for impairment of value were necessary for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Segment Reporting
	ASC Topic 280-10, “Segment Reporting”, established standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. ASC Topic 280-10 also established standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. As defined in ASC Topic 280-10, the Partnership has only one reportable segment.
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs of approximately $85,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were charged to expense as incurred and are included in operating expenses.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the International Accounting Standards Board issued their final standard on revenue from contracts with customers which was issued by the FASB as Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09.  ASU 2014-09, which establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, supersedes most current generally accepted accounting principles applicable to revenue recognition and converges U.S. and international accounting standards in this area. The core principle of the new guidance is that revenue shall only be recognized when an entity has transferred control of goods or services to a customer and for an amount reflecting the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled for such exchange.
	ASU 2014-09 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with no early adoption permitted, and allows for full retrospective adoption applied to all periods presented or modified retrospective adoption with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application.  The Partnership has not yet determined the effect ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements.
	Note A – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
	In August 2014, The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern, or ASU 2014-15. ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.
	This evaluation should include consideration of whether it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued, and should initially take into consideration the potential mitigating effect of management’s plans that have not been fully implemented as of the date that the financial statements are issued (e.g. plans to raise capital, borrow money, restructure debt, etc). Entities must disclose the principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, as well as management’s evaluation of those conditions and potential plans for mitigation.
	ASU 2014-15 is effective for all entities for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Partnership does not expect ASU 2014-15 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Notes

Mortgage Notes Payable (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage Notes Payable [Abstract]
Mortgage Notes Payable Disclosure [Text Block]	Note B – Mortgage Notes Payable
	The principal terms of mortgage notes payable are as follows:
		(in thousands)
		Property	Principal Balance at December 31, 2014		Principal Balance at December 31, 2013		Monthly Payment Including Interest		Stated Interest Rate	Maturity Date	Principal Balance Due at Maturity
		Colony at Kenilworth Apartments 1st mortgage	$	10,970	$	11,144	$	84	7.58%	7/1/21	$	9,451
		Colony at Kenilworth Apartments 2nd mortgage	11,668		11,904		78		5.93%	7/1/19	10,415
		Total	$	22,638	$	23,048	$	162			$	19,866
	The mortgage notes payable are fixed rate mortgages that are nonrecourse and are secured by pledge of the Partnership's investment property and by a pledge of revenue from the investment property. The mortgage notes payable include prepayment penalties if repaid prior to maturity. Further, the property may not be sold subject to existing indebtedness.
	Scheduled principal payments of the mortgage notes payable subsequent to December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	438
	2016	468
	2017	501
	2018	535
	2019	10,826
	Thereafter	9,870
		$	22,638

Income_Taxes_Notes

Income Taxes (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note C – Income Taxes
	The Partnership is classified as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes is made in the financial statements of the Partnership. Taxable income or loss of the Partnership is reported in the income tax returns of its partners.
	The following is a reconciliation of reported net loss and Federal taxable (loss) income (in thousands, except per unit data):
		2014			2013
	Net loss as reported	$	(877	)	$	(1,423	)
	(Deduct) add:
	Depreciation differences	400			363
	Prepaid rent	(3		)	9
	Other	(911		)	92
	Federal taxable loss	$	(1,391	)	$	(959	)
	Federal taxable (loss) income per limited partnership unit	$	(12.58	)	$	(0.77	)
	For 2014 and 2013, allocations under the Internal Revenue Code section 704(b) resulted in the limited partners being allocated a non-pro rata amount of taxable loss or income.
	The following is a reconciliation between the Partnership's reported amounts and Federal tax basis of net liabilities (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Net liabilities as reported	$	(25,916	)	$	(25,039	)
	Land and buildings	6,126			5,810
	Accumulated depreciation	(6,408		)	(5,488		)
	Syndication and distribution costs	6,295			6,295
	Prepaid rent	20			22
	Other	289			197
	Net liabilities - tax basis	$	(19,594	)	$	(18,203	)

Transactions_With_Affiliated_P

Transactions With Affiliated Parties (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Affiliates	Note D – Transactions with Affiliated Parties
	The Partnership has no employees and depends on the Managing General Partner and its affiliates for the management and administration of all Partnership activities. The Partnership Agreement provides for certain payments to affiliates for services and as reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.
	Affiliates of the Managing General Partner receive 5% of gross receipts from the Partnership's property as compensation for providing property management services. The Partnership paid to such affiliates approximately $260,000 and $247,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are included in operating expenses.
	Affiliates of the Managing General Partner charged the Partnership for reimbursement of accountable administrative expenses amounting to approximately $116,000 and $139,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses and investment property. The portion of these reimbursements included in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are construction management services provided by an affiliate of the Managing General Partner of approximately $80,000 and $103,000, respectively. At December 31, 2013, approximately $163,000 of reimbursements were due to the Managing General Partner and are included in due to affiliates.
	Note D – Transactions with Affiliated Parties (continued)
	For services relating to the administration of the Partnership and operation of the Partnership's property, the Managing General Partner is entitled to receive payment for non-accountable expenses up to a maximum of $150,000 per year, based upon the number of Partnership units sold, subject to certain limitations. No such reimbursements were made during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	As compensation for services rendered in managing the Partnership, the Managing General Partner is entitled to receive Partnership management fees in conjunction with distributions of cash from operations, subject to certain limitations. No such Partnership management fees were earned or paid during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	The Partnership may receive advances of funds from AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Managing General Partner and the holder of a majority of the beneficial interest of the Partnership. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, AIMCO Properties, L.P. advanced the Partnership approximately $550,000 and $525,000, respectively, to fund real estate taxes at the Partnership’s investment property. The advances bear interest at the prime rate plus 2% (5.25% at December 31, 2014) per annum. Interest expense was approximately $587,000 and $534,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Partnership paid $130,000 of accrued interest. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total advances and accrued interest owed to AIMCO Properties, L.P. was approximately $11,782,000 and $10,775,000, respectively, and is included in due to affiliates. The Partnership may receive additional advances of funds from AIMCO Properties, L.P. although AIMCO Properties, L.P. is not obligated to provide such advances. For more information on AIMCO Properties, L.P., including copies of its audited balance sheet, please see its reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
	Upon the sale of the Partnership’s property, NPI Equity will be entitled to an Incentive Compensation Fee equal to 3% of the difference between the sales price of the property and the appraised value for such property at February 1, 1992. Payment of the Incentive Compensation Fee is subordinated to the receipt by the limited partners, of: (a) distributions from capital transaction proceeds of an amount equal to their appraised investment in the Partnership at February 1, 1992, and (b) distributions from all sources (capital transactions as well as cash flow) of an amount equal to six percent (6%) per annum cumulative, non-compounded, on their appraised investment in the Partnership at February 1, 1992. Prior to 2013, these preferences were met.
	The Partnership insures its property up to certain limits through coverage provided by Aimco which is generally self-insured for a portion of losses and liabilities related to workers’ compensation, property casualty, general liability, and vehicle liability. The Partnership insures its property above the Aimco limits through insurance policies obtained by Aimco from insurers unaffiliated with the Managing General Partner. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership was charged by Aimco and its affiliates approximately $64,000 and $60,000, respectively, for insurance coverage and fees associated with policy claims administration.
	In addition to its indirect ownership of the Managing General Partner interest in the Partnership, Aimco and its affiliates owned 76,622 Units in the Partnership representing 70.01% of the outstanding Units at December 31, 2014. A number of these Units were acquired pursuant to tender offers made by Aimco or its affiliates. It is possible that Aimco or its affiliates will acquire additional Units in exchange for cash or a combination of cash and units in AIMCO Properties, L.P., the operating partnership of Aimco, either through private purchases or tender offers. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, Unit holders holding a majority of the Units are entitled to take action with respect to a variety of matters that include, but are not limited to, voting on certain amendments to the Partnership Agreement and voting to remove the Managing General Partner. As a result of its ownership of 70.01% of the outstanding Units, Aimco and its affiliates are in a position to influence all such voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. However, with respect to the 47,624 Units acquired on January 19, 1996, AIMCO IPLP, L.P. ("IPLP"), an affiliate of the Managing General Partner and of Aimco, agreed to vote such Units: (i) against any increase in compensation payable to the Managing General Partner or to its affiliates; and (ii) on all other matters submitted by it or its affiliates, in proportion to the vote cast by third party unitholders. Except for the foregoing, no other limitations are imposed on IPLP's, Aimco's or any other affiliates' right to vote each Unit held. Although the Managing General Partner owes fiduciary duties to the limited partners of the Partnership, the Managing General Partner also owes fiduciary duties to Aimco as its sole stockholder. As a result, the duties of the Managing General Partner, as Managing General Partner, to the Partnership and its limited partners may come into conflict with the duties of the Managing General Partner to Aimco as its sole stockholder.

Investment_Property_and_Accumu

Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Investment Property	Note E – Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation
					Initial Cost
					To Partnership
					(in thousands)
	Description	Encumbrances			Land			Buildings and Related Personal Property		Net Cost Capitalized
		(in thousands)								Subsequent to Acquisition
										(in thousands)
	Colony at Kenilworth Apartments	$	22,638		$	1,306		$	13,187	$	17,452
		Gross Amount At Which Carried
		At December 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Description	Land			Buildings And Related Personal Property			Total		Accumulated		Year of Construction	Date Acquired	Depreciable Life
										Depreciation
										(in thousands)
	Colony at Kenilworth Apartments	$	1,366		$	30,579		$	31,945	$	24,090	1967	Mar-84	5-30 yrs
	Reconciliation of “Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation” (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	Investment Property
	Balance at beginning of year	$	31,442			$	31,093
	Property improvements and replacements	861				672
	Retirement of assets	(358		)		(323		)
	Balance at end of year	$	31,945			$	31,442
	Accumulated Depreciation
	Balance at beginning of year	$	23,203			$	21,952
	Additions charged to expense	1,245				1,574
	Retirement of assets	(358		)		(323		)
	Balance at end of year	$	24,090			$	23,203
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership retired and wrote-off property improvements and replacements no longer being used that had a cost basis of approximately $358,000 and $323,000, respectively, and accumulated depreciation of approximately $358,000 and $323,000, respectively, which are included in the table above.
	The aggregate cost of the investment property for Federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is approximately $38,071,000 and $37,252,000, respectively. The accumulated depreciation taken for Federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is approximately $30,498,000 and $28,691,000, respectively.

Casualty_Event_Notes

Casualty Event (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]
Casualty Event	Note F – Casualty Event
	In April 2014, Colony at Kenilworth Apartments sustained damages from a fire which affected three apartment units. The estimated damages are approximately $160,000 and the Partnership expects to receive insurance proceeds. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Partnership incurred reconstruction costs of approximately $133,000 of which approximately $74,000 were repair and clean-up costs that are included in operating expenses. The Partnership does not expect to record a loss from this event.

Contingencies_Notes

Contingencies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Note G – Contingencies
	The Partnership is unaware of any pending or outstanding litigation matters involving it or its investment property that are not of a routine nature arising in the ordinary course of business.
	Various Federal, state and local laws subject apartment community owners or operators to liability for management, and the costs of removal or remediation, of certain potentially hazardous materials that may be present in the land or buildings of an apartment community. Potentially hazardous materials may include polychlorinated biphenyls, petroleum-based fuels, lead-based paint, or asbestos. Such laws often impose liability without regard to fault or whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such materials. The presence of, or the failure to manage or remediate properly, these materials may adversely affect occupancy at such apartment communities as well as the ability to sell or finance such apartment communities. In addition, governmental agencies may bring claims for costs associated with investigation and remediation actions, damages to natural resources and for potential fines or penalties in connection with such damage or with respect to the improper management of hazardous materials. Moreover, private plaintiffs may potentially make claims for personal injury, disease, disability or other infirmities related to the alleged presence of hazardous materials at an apartment community.

Subsequent_Event_Notes

Subsequent Event (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note H – Subsequent Event
	On February 2, 2015, the Partnership entered into a sale contract with a third party relating to the sale of Colony at Kenilworth Apartments. The sale is projected to close on March 31, 2015 with a sales price of $44,200,000. The Partnership has determined that certain held for sale criteria have not been met at December 31, 2014 and therefore continues to report the assets and liabilities of Colony at Kenilworth Apartments as held for investment and its operations as continuing operations.

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si1

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	Organization
	National Property Investors 6 (the "Partnership" or "Registrant") is a California limited partnership formed on October 15, 1982. The Partnership is engaged in the business of operating and holding one apartment property located in Towson, Maryland for investment. NPI Equity Investments, Inc., a Florida corporation, became the Partnership's managing general partner (the "Managing General Partner" or "NPI Equity") on June 21, 1991. The Managing General Partner is a subsidiary of Apartment Investment and Management Company ("Aimco"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The partnership agreement provides that the Partnership is to terminate on December 31, 2022.
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Subsequent Events
	The Partnership’s management evaluated subsequent events through the time this Annual Report on Form 10-K was filed.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2013 balances to conform to the 2014 presentation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Abandoned Units [Policy Text Block]	Abandoned Units
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the number of limited partnership units (the “Units”) decreased by 50 and 28 Units, respectively, due to limited partners abandoning their Units. In abandoning his or her Units, a limited partner relinquishes all right, title and interest in the Partnership as of the date of the abandonment.
Allocation Of Income Loss And Distributions [Policy Text Block]	Allocation of Income, Loss and Distributions
	Net income, net loss and distributions of cash of the Partnership are allocated between the general and limited partners in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Statements
	Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 825, “Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value is defined as the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The Partnership is required to classify these fair value measurements into one of three categories, based on the nature of the inputs used in the fair value measurement. Level 1 of the hierarchy includes fair value measurements based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the Partnership can access at the measurement date. Level 2 includes fair value measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 includes fair value measurements based on unobservable inputs. The classification of fair value measurements is subjective and generally accepted accounting principles requires the Partnership to disclose more detailed information regarding those fair value measurements classified within the lower levels of the hierarchy. The Partnership believes that the carrying amount of its financial instruments (except for mortgage notes payable) approximates their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Partnership estimates the fair value of its mortgage notes payable by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with that currently believed to be available to the Partnership for similar term, mortgage notes payable. The Partnership has classified this fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Partnership's mortgage notes payable at the Partnership's incremental borrowing rate was approximately $25,657,000.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and cash in banks. At certain times, the amount of cash deposited at a bank may exceed the limit on insured deposits. Cash balances included approximately $215,000 and $261,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that are maintained by an affiliated management company on behalf of affiliated entities in cash concentration accounts.
Tenant Security Deposits [Policy Text Block]	Tenant Security Deposits
	The Partnership requires security deposits from lessees for the duration of the lease and such deposits are included in receivables and deposits. The security deposits are refunded when the tenant vacates, provided the tenant has not damaged the space and is current on rental payments.
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]	Depreciation
	Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the apartment property and related personal property. For Federal income tax purposes, the modified accelerated cost recovery method is used for depreciation of
	(1) real property over 27.5 years and (2) personal property additions over 5 years.
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Costs
	Loan costs of approximately $649,000 at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, less accumulated amortization of approximately $427,000 and $388,000, respectively, are included in other assets and are amortized over the term of the related loan agreements. The total amortization expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $39,000 and is included in interest expense. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $39,000 for each of the years 2015 through 2018 and approximately $31,000 for 2019.
	Leasing commissions and other direct costs incurred in connection with successful leasing efforts are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related leases. Amortization of these costs is included in operating expenses.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Leases
	The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less. The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area. Rental income attributable to leases, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current residents and all receivables due from former residents.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investment Property
	Investment property consists of one apartment complex and is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, unless the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable. The Partnership capitalizes costs incurred in connection with capital additions activities, including redevelopment and construction projects, other tangible property improvements and replacements of existing property components. Included in these capitalized costs are payroll costs associated with time spent by site employees in connection with capital additions activities at the property level. The Partnership capitalizes interest, property taxes and insurance during periods in which redevelopment and construction projects are in progress. The Partnership did not capitalize any costs related to interest, property taxes or insurance during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Capitalized costs are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. The Partnership charges to expense as incurred costs including ordinary repairs, maintenance and resident turnover costs.
	If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable, the Partnership will make an assessment of its recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the Partnership’s estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated aggregate undiscounted future cash flows, the Partnership would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property. No adjustments for impairment of value were necessary for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Segment Reporting
	ASC Topic 280-10, “Segment Reporting”, established standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. ASC Topic 280-10 also established standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. As defined in ASC Topic 280-10, the Partnership has only one reportable segment.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs of approximately $85,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were charged to expense as incurred and are included in operating expenses.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the International Accounting Standards Board issued their final standard on revenue from contracts with customers which was issued by the FASB as Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09.  ASU 2014-09, which establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, supersedes most current generally accepted accounting principles applicable to revenue recognition and converges U.S. and international accounting standards in this area. The core principle of the new guidance is that revenue shall only be recognized when an entity has transferred control of goods or services to a customer and for an amount reflecting the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled for such exchange.
	ASU 2014-09 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with no early adoption permitted, and allows for full retrospective adoption applied to all periods presented or modified retrospective adoption with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application.  The Partnership has not yet determined the effect ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements.
	Note A – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
	In August 2014, The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern, or ASU 2014-15. ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.
	This evaluation should include consideration of whether it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued, and should initially take into consideration the potential mitigating effect of management’s plans that have not been fully implemented as of the date that the financial statements are issued (e.g. plans to raise capital, borrow money, restructure debt, etc). Entities must disclose the principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, as well as management’s evaluation of those conditions and potential plans for mitigation.
	ASU 2014-15 is effective for all entities for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Partnership does not expect ASU 2014-15 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Tables

Mortgage Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage Notes Payable [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
		(in thousands)
		Property	Principal Balance at December 31, 2014		Principal Balance at December 31, 2013		Monthly Payment Including Interest		Stated Interest Rate	Maturity Date	Principal Balance Due at Maturity
		Colony at Kenilworth Apartments 1st mortgage	$	10,970	$	11,144	$	84	7.58%	7/1/21	$	9,451
		Colony at Kenilworth Apartments 2nd mortgage	11,668		11,904		78		5.93%	7/1/19	10,415
		Total	$	22,638	$	23,048	$	162			$	19,866
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
	2015	$	438
	2016	468
	2017	501
	2018	535
	2019	10,826
	Thereafter	9,870
		$	22,638

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Book Income Loss To Fed Taxable Income Loss [Table Text Block]
		2014			2013
	Net loss as reported	$	(877	)	$	(1,423	)
	(Deduct) add:
	Depreciation differences	400			363
	Prepaid rent	(3		)	9
	Other	(911		)	92
	Federal taxable loss	$	(1,391	)	$	(959	)
	Federal taxable (loss) income per limited partnership unit	$	(12.58	)	$	(0.77	)
Reconciliation Of Book Net Assets Liabilities To Tax Basis Net Assets [Table Text Block]
		2014			2013
	Net liabilities as reported	$	(25,916	)	$	(25,039	)
	Land and buildings	6,126			5,810
	Accumulated depreciation	(6,408		)	(5,488		)
	Syndication and distribution costs	6,295			6,295
	Prepaid rent	20			22
	Other	289			197
	Net liabilities - tax basis	$	(19,594	)	$	(18,203	)

Investment_Property_and_Accumu1

Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Investment Property Initial Cost And Associated Debt [Table Text Block]
					Initial Cost
					To Partnership
					(in thousands)
	Description	Encumbrances			Land			Buildings and Related Personal Property		Net Cost Capitalized
		(in thousands)								Subsequent to Acquisition
										(in thousands)
	Colony at Kenilworth Apartments	$	22,638		$	1,306		$	13,187	$	17,452
Investment Property And Accumulated Depreciation [Table Text Block]
		Gross Amount At Which Carried
		At December 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Description	Land			Buildings And Related Personal Property			Total		Accumulated		Year of Construction	Date Acquired	Depreciable Life
										Depreciation
										(in thousands)
	Colony at Kenilworth Apartments	$	1,366		$	30,579		$	31,945	$	24,090	1967	Mar-84	5-30 yrs
Reconciliation Of Investment Property And Accumulated Depreciation [Table Text Block]
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	Investment Property
	Balance at beginning of year	$	31,442			$	31,093
	Property improvements and replacements	861				672
	Retirement of assets	(358		)		(323		)
	Balance at end of year	$	31,945			$	31,442
	Accumulated Depreciation
	Balance at beginning of year	$	23,203			$	21,952
	Additions charged to expense	1,245				1,574
	Retirement of assets	(358		)		(323		)
	Balance at end of year	$	24,090			$	23,203

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si2

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Abandoned Units	50	28

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si3

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Outstanding Limited Partnership Units	109,446	109,496
Limited Partnership Units outstanding at beginning of year - per unit calculations	109,496	109,524

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si4

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fair value mortgage notes - Level 2	$25,657,000

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si5

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$215,000	$261,000	$789,000

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si6

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	27 years 6 months
Personal Property [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si7

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Finance Costs [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Gross	$649,000	$649,000
Accumulated Amortization, Deferred Finance Costs	427,000	388,000
Amortization of loan costs	39,000	39,000
Expected to be incurred 2019 [Member]
Deferred Finance Costs [Line Items]
Amortization of loan costs	31,000
Expected to be incurred 2015 to 2018 [Member]
Deferred Finance Costs [Line Items]
Amortization of loan costs	$39,000

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si8

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Threshold Period Past Due for Write-off of Trade Accounts Receivable	30 days

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si9

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 8)	Dec. 31, 2014
	Property
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Real Estate Properties	1

Recovered_Sheet1

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 9) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	$85,000	$85,000

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Details

Mortgage Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$22,638	$23,048
Monthly Payment Including Interest	162
Stated Interest Rate	5.25%
Principal Balance Due At Maturity	19,866
First Mortgage [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	10,970	11,144
Monthly Payment Including Interest	84
Stated Interest Rate	7.58%
Maturity Date	1-Jul-21
Principal Balance Due At Maturity	9,451
Second Mortgage [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	11,668	11,904
Monthly Payment Including Interest	78
Stated Interest Rate	5.93%
Maturity Date	1-Jul-19
Principal Balance Due At Maturity	$10,415

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Details1

Mortgage Notes Payable (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage Notes Payable [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, 2015	$438
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2016	468
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2017	501
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2018	535
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in 2019	10,826
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Thereafter	9,870
Other Long-term Debt	$22,638

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net loss	($877)	($1,423)
Depreciation differences	400	363
Prepaid rent	-3	9
Other	-911	92
Federal taxable loss	($1,391)	($959)
Federal taxable (loss) income per limited partnership unit	($12.58)	($0.77)

Income_Taxes_Details_2_Details

Income Taxes Details 2 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net liabilities as reported	($25,916)	($25,039)
Land and buildings	6,126	5,810
Accumulated depreciation	-6,408	-5,488
Syndication and distribution costs	6,295	6,295
Prepaid rent	20	22
Other	289	197
Net liabilities - tax basis	($19,594)	($18,203)

Transactions_With_Affiliated_P1

Transactions With Affiliated Parties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Property management fee percentage - Related Party	5.00%
Property management fees - Related Party	$260,000	$247,000
Accountable administrative expense reimbursement - Related Party	116,000	139,000
Construction management service reimbursements capitalized - Related Party	80,000	103,000
Unpaid reimbursements owed - Related Party		163,000
Maximum general partner reimbursement fee	150,000
General partner reimbursement fees during period	0
Partnership management fees earned or paid to managing general partner	0
Advances of funds from affiliate of managing general partner	550,000	525,000
Basis Spread on advances from affiliate of Managing General Partner	2.00%
Stated Interest Rate	5.25%
Interest expense on advances - Related Party	587,000	534,000
Accrued interest paid during reporting period	130,000
Unpaid advances & accrued interest - Related Party	11,782,000	10,775,000
Incentive Compensation Fee percentage	3.00%
Percentage of cumulative, non-compounded interest on the appraised investment for incentive management fee	6.00%
Insurance expense - Related Party	$64,000	$60,000
Limited Partnership Units Owned By Affiliates	76,622
Limited Partnership Percentage Owned By Affiliates	70.01%
Limited Partnership Units Owned By Affiliates With Voting Restrictions	47,624

Investment_Property_and_Accumu2

Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Encumbrances (in thousands)	$22,638
Land	1,306
Buildings and Related Personal Property	13,187
Net Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (in thousands)	$17,452

Investment_Property_and_Accumu3

Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	$1,366
Buildings And Related Personal Property	30,579
Total	31,945
Accumulated Depreciation (in thousands)	$24,090
Year of Construction	1-Jan-67
Date Acquired	1-Mar-84
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	30 years

Investment_Property_and_Accumu4

Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$31,945	$31,442
Property improvements and replacements	861	672
Retirement of assets	-358	-323
Balance at end of year	31,442	31,093
Balance at beginning of year	24,090	23,203
Depreciation	1,245	1,574
Retirement of assets	-358	-323
Balance at end of year	$23,203	$21,952

Investment_Property_and_Accumu5

Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Retired Property Improvements And Replacements Cost Basis	$358,000	$323,000
Retired Property Improvements And Replacements Accumulated Depreciation	358,000	323,000
Investment Property Gross Cost Federal Tax Basis	38,071,000	37,252,000
Investment Property Accumulated Depreciation Federal Tax Basis	$30,498,000	$28,691,000

Casualty_Event_Details

Casualty Event (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Units
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]
Number of apartment units affected by casualty loss	3
Estimated damages of fire casualty event	$160,000
Clean-up costs related to casualty event	133,000
Repair and clean-up costs related to casualty event	$74,000

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	Feb. 02, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sales price of real estate	$44,200,000