Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net (loss) income	$ 4,996,038	$ (1,673,163)	$ (604,191)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities	7,065,487	10,514,370	(3,023,351)
Comprehensive income (loss) allocated to [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners	691,312	152,359	28,532
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners	5,278,378	(1,106,742)	2,037,368
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	(1,522,846)	(1,289,539)	(2,466,260)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(549,194)	(570,759)	203,831
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities	7,065,487	10,514,370	(3,023,351)
Comprehensive income (loss) allocated to [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners	761,967	257,503	(1,702)
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners	12,273,210	9,302,484	(955,749)
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	(1,522,846)	(1,289,539)	(2,466,260)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	549,194	570,759	(203,831)
Comprehensive income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	$ 12,061,525	$ 8,841,207	$ (3,627,542)