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