Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ 6,046,726	$ 8,494,077
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities	18,041,725	2,800,619
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(3,489,237)
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners	742,055	511,751
Net income (loss) allocated to unitholders	5,417,545	8,050,634
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	(112,771)	(240,959)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	103	(172,651)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Net income (loss)	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities	18,041,725	2,800,619
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(3,489,237)
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners	957,364	539,757
Net income (loss) allocated to unitholders	26,733,198	10,823,247
Unallocated loss of Consolidated VIEs	(112,771)	(240,959)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(103)	172,651
Comprehensive income - America First Tax Exempt Investors, L.P.	27,577,688	11,294,696
Mortgage revenue bonds [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities	(18,041,725)	2,800,619
Commitments [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(1,400,000)
Commitments [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	$ (3,489,237)	$ 0