Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
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	Jun. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Units Outstanding	0