Note 2 - Investments in and Advances To Local Partnerships: Schedule of Encumbrances and Investment Properties for Local Partnerships (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	$ 17,245
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	1,405
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	21,347
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	22,752
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	12,545
Lincoln Grove
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	2,047
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	185
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	4,025
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	4,210
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	2,242
Michigan Beach
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	9,073
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	843
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	8,222
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	9,065
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	3,967
Virginia Park Meadows
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	3,413
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	79
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	5,397
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	5,476
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	4,351
Jamestown Terrace
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	2,712
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	298
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	3,703
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	4,001
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,985