Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net (loss) income	$ 17,976,842	$ 4,996,038	$ (1,673,163)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities	(27,062,400)	7,065,487	10,514,370
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(4,852,177)
Comprehensive income (loss) allocated to [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners	1,416,296	691,312	152,359
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners	17,414,885	5,278,378	(1,106,742)
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	(1,116,262)	(1,522,846)	(1,289,539)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(261,923)	(549,194)	(570,759)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Net (loss) income	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities	(27,062,400)	7,065,487	10,514,370
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(4,852,177)
Comprehensive income (loss) allocated to [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners	1,097,150	761,967	257,503
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners	(14,180,546)	12,273,210	9,302,484
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	(1,116,262)	(1,522,846)	(1,289,539)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	261,923	549,194	570,759
Comprehensive income (loss) - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	(13,937,735)	12,061,525	8,841,207
Commitments [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	$ (4,852,177)	$ 0	$ 0