Note 2 - Investment in and Advances To Local Partnerships: Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation of Local Partnerships (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Belleville Manor, Ltd.
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	$ 499
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	65
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	697
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	762
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	666
Clinton Apts.
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	120
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	50
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	479
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	529
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	507
Emporia, Ltd.
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	957
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	40
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	2,949
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	2,989
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	2,434
Williamson Towers, Ltd.
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	2,502
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	3,637
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	3,637
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	3,539
Total-December 31, 2012
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	4,078
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land	155
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements	7,762
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements	7,917
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation	$ 7,146

REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LTD/CA 10-K