Note 2 - Investments in and Advances To Local Limited Partnerships: Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation of Local Limited Partnerships (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	$ 1,740
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	336
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	4,237
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	4,573
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	3,032
Better Housing Assoc. LP
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	859
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	296
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	2,736
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	3,032
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	1,773
Oakridge Park Apts. I
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	881
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	40
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	1,501
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	1,541
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,259