Cash Received for Accrued Investment Income Receivable

No definition available.

Name:	atax_CashReceivedforAccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	atax_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Property loan receivable, gross - Amount before allowance of loans held in portfolio. Includes principal only.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atax_PropertyLoanReceivableGross
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Interest, dividends, rents, ancillary and other revenues earned but not yet received by the entity on its investments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.3)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 3

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 4

-Article 7

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long-Term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. This does not include advances to clients.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04.2)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (c)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 2

-Article 6

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28360136&loc=d3e22054-111558

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

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-Subparagraph (aa)

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26610-111562

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2))

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of the sum of amounts due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services; and from note holders for outstanding loans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndNotesReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of loans and leases held in portfolio, including but not limited to, commercial and consumer loans. Includes loans held for sale. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(a))

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph a

-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of units in a real estate property owned as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the sale of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph (a),(b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3179-108585

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of expense related to estimated loss from loan and lease transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.11)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

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-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 11B

-Subparagraph (c)(2)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 11

-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of expense related to loss from loan transactions.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of real estate investment property which may include the following: (1) land available-for-sale; (2) land available-for-development; (3) investments in building and building improvements; (4) tenant allowances; (5) developments in-process; (6) rental properties; and (7) other real estate investments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(d))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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Namespace Prefix:
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Balance Type:
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- Details

Name:	dei_EntityByLocationAxis=atax_TheSuitesonPaseoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_EntityByLocationAxis=atax_FoundationforAffordableHousingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_EntityByLocationAxis=atax_VantageatHarlingenMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_EntityByLocationAxis=atax_AvistarPortolio2Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_EntityByLocationAxis=atax_AvistarPortfolioMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_EntityByLocationAxis=atax_CrossCreekMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_EntityByLocationAxis=atax_OhioPropertiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_EntityByLocationAxis=atax_AshleySquareMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	invest_InvestmentSecuritiesSeriesAxis=atax_SeriesAandBMember
Namespace Prefix:
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Period Type:

- Details

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Other Assets Narrative Tagging (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Other Assets Narrative Tagging (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Unit	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Unit	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	$ 28,247,980		$ 28,247,980		$ 70,601,045
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	25,193,081		25,193,081		65,538,068
Provision for loan loss			0		75,000
Loans Payable	19,161,532		19,161,532		15,990,439
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities			0	$ 35,483,230
Property loans receivable	24,995,110		24,995,110		22,191,515
Net increase in notes receivable			(2,803,595)	(138,693)
Provision for loss on receivables	0	$ 75,000	0	$ 75,000
Silver Moon [Member]
Loans Payable	2,819,183		2,819,183
Property loans receivable	$ 2,813,452		$ 2,813,452
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| Unit	151		151
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%		6.00%
The Suites on Paseo [Member]
Property loans receivable	$ 1,100,000		$ 1,100,000			$ 567,340
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	$ 43,400,000		$ 43,400,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| Unit	394		394
Cash Received for Accrued Investment Income Receivable						500,000
Accrued Investment Income Receivable						$ 674,000
Foundation for Affordable Housing [Member]
Loans Payable	$ 1,460,196		$ 1,460,196		1,562,288
Property loans receivable	$ 1,460,196		$ 1,460,196		1,560,553		$ 1,603,083
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| Unit	96		96
Net increase in notes receivable			$ 100,000
Vantage at Harlingen [Member]
Mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value					7,399,813
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis					6,692,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| Unit	288		288
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%		6.00%
Avistar Portolio-2 [Member]
Loans Payable	$ 290,724		$ 290,724		266,719
Property loans receivable	251,622		251,622		251,622
Avistar Portfolio [Member]
Loans Payable	317,153		317,153		290,966
Property loans receivable	274,496		274,496		274,496
Cross Creek [Member]
Loans Payable	3,619,116		3,619,116		3,528,615
Property loans receivable	7,066,588		7,066,588		6,976,087
Advances to Affiliate	90,500		90,500
Ohio Properties [Member]
Loans Payable	3,129,983		3,129,983		2,976,659
Property loans receivable	2,390,446		2,390,446		2,390,447
Ashley Square [Member]
Loans Payable	1,482,000		1,482,000		1,482,000
Property loans receivable	5,078,342		5,078,342		5,078,342
Series A and B [Member] \| The Suites on Paseo [Member]
Mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	41,000,000		41,000,000
Series B [Member] \| Silver Moon [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 500,000		$ 500,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	12.00%		12.00%
Series B [Member] \| Vantage at Harlingen [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 24,600,000		$ 24,600,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%		6.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Sep. 01, 2053
Series B [Member] \| Ohio Properties [Member]
Mortgage revenue bonds, at fair value	$ 4,269,219		$ 4,269,219		4,241,972
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,566,060		3,566,060		$ 3,573,430
Series A [Member] \| Silver Moon [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 8,000,000		$ 8,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%		6.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Aug. 01, 2055