6. Investment in Local Partnerships: Combined Statements of Operations of the Local Partnerships (Details) (Combined Statements of Operations, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Combined Statements of Operations
Rental	$ 10,039,996	$ 10,035,427	$ 11,849,345
Interest and other	189,456	172,769	180,725
TOTAL REVENUE	10,229,452	10,208,196	12,030,070
Administrative	2,562,054	2,379,941	2,749,706
Utilities	1,235,631	1,320,327	1,523,217
Operating and maintenance	2,606,779	2,710,888	2,675,614
Taxes and Insurance	1,009,534	902,812	1,025,220
Financial	1,550,580	1,480,459	1,907,533
Depreciation and amortization	2,955,443	2,949,334	3,427,773
TOTAL EXPENSES	11,920,021	11,743,761	13,309,063
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE GAIN ON SALE OF PROPERTY	(1,690,569)	(1,535,565)	(1,278,993)
GAIN ON SALE OF PROPERTY		1,380,000
NET LOSS	(1,690,569)	(155,565)	(1,278,993)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable To American Tax Credit Properties III L.P.			99,594
Net Income (Loss) Attributable To General partners and other limited partners (includes $1,562,247, $1,339,092 and $1,418,241 of Partnership losses in excess of investment and specially allocated income of $177,070, $1,452,815 and $172,288)	$ (1,690,569)	$ (155,565)	$ (1,378,587)