Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note A - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization Century Properties Fund XIX, LP (the "Partnership" or "Registrant"), is a California Limited Partnership organized in August 1982, to acquire, operate and ultimately sell residential apartment complexes. At December 31, 2011, the Partnership operated four residential apartment complexes located throughout the United States. The general partner of the Partnership is Fox Partners II, a California general partnership. The general partners of Fox Partners II are Fox Capital Management Corporation ("FCMC" or the "Managing General Partner"), a California corporation and Fox Realty Investors ("FRI"), a California general partnership. The Managing General Partner is a subsidiary of Apartment Investment and Management Company ("Aimco"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The capital contributions of $89,292,000 ($1,000 per unit) were made by the limited partners, including 100 Limited Partnership Units purchased by FCMC. The term of the Partnership is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2024. On July 28, 2011, the Partnership entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with AIMCO Properties, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and AIMCO CPF XIX Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company of which AIMCO Properties, L.P. is the sole member (the “Merger Subsidiary”), pursuant to which the Merger Subsidiary was to be merged with and into the Partnership, with the Partnership as the surviving entity (the “Merger”). On December 29, 2011, AIMCO Properties, L.P. decided to not proceed with the merger and terminated the Merger Agreement. Subsequent Events The Partnership’s management evaluated subsequent events through the time this Annual Report on Form 10-K was filed. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Abandoned Units During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the number of limited partnership units (the “Units”) decreased by 39 and 2 Units, respectively, due to limited partners abandoning their Units. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Partnership had outstanding 89,235 and 89,274 Units, respectively. In abandoning his or her Units, a limited partner relinquishes all right, title and interest in the Partnership as of the date of the abandonment. Net Loss Per Limited Partnership Unit Net loss per Limited Partnership Unit is computed by dividing net loss allocated to the limited partners by the number of Units outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year. The number of Units used was 89,274 and 89,276 Units for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Allocation of Income, Loss and Distribution Net income, net loss and distributions of cash of the Partnership are allocated between general and limited partners in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 825, “Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value is defined as the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The Partnership believes that the carrying amount of its financial instruments (except for mortgage notes payable) approximates their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Partnership estimates the fair value of its mortgage notes payable by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with that currently believed to be available to the Partnership for similar term, mortgage notes payable. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of the Partnership's mortgage notes payable at the Partnership's incremental borrowing rate was approximately $58,131,000. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in banks. At certain times, the amount of cash deposited at a bank may exceed the limit on insured deposits. Cash balances include approximately $228,000 and $83,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, that are maintained by an affiliated management company on behalf of affiliated entities in cash concentration accounts. Tenant Security Deposits The Partnership requires security deposits from lessees for the duration of the lease and such deposits are included in receivables and deposits. Deposits are refunded when the tenant vacates, provided the tenant has not damaged the space and is current on rental payments. Investment Properties Investment properties consist of four apartment complexes and are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, unless the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable. The Partnership capitalizes costs incurred in connection with capital additions activities, including redevelopment and construction projects, other tangible property improvements and replacements of existing property components. Included in these capitalized costs are payroll costs associated with time spent by site employees in connection with the planning, execution and control of all capital additions activities at the property level. The Partnership capitalizes interest, property taxes and insurance during periods in which redevelopment and construction projects are in progress. The Partnership did not capitalize any costs related to interest, property taxes or insurance during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. Capitalized costs are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. The Partnership charges to expense as incurred costs that do not relate to capital additions activities, including ordinary repairs, maintenance and resident turnover costs. If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a property may not be recoverable, the Partnership will make an assessment of its recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the Partnership’s estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated aggregate undiscounted future cash flows, the Partnership would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property. No adjustments for impairment of value were necessary for the years ending December 31, 2011 and 2010. Depreciation Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the apartment properties and related personal property. For Federal income tax purposes, the modified accelerated cost recovery method is used for depreciation of (1) real property additions over 27 1/2 years and (2) personal property additions over 5 years. Leases The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less. The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area. Rental income attributable to leases, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current tenants and all receivables due from former tenants. Advertising Costs The Partnership expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising costs of approximately $228,000 and $241,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are included in operating expense. Deferred Costs Loan costs of approximately $864,000 and $1,159,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, less accumulated amortization of approximately $328,000 and $653,000, respectively, are included in other assets. The loan costs are amortized over the terms of the related loan agreements and with respect to Greenspoint at Paradise Valley, through the first call date in May of 2012. The total amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $118,000 and $169,000, respectively, and is included in interest expense. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $69,000 for 2012 and approximately $55,000 for each of the years 2013 through 2016. Leasing commissions and other direct costs incurred in connection with successful leasing efforts are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related leases. Amortization of these costs is included in operating expenses. Segment Reporting ASC Topic 280-10, “Segment Reporting”, established standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. ASC Topic 280-10 also established standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. As defined in ASC Topic 280-10, the Partnership has only one reportable segment.

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note A - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization

Century Properties Fund XIX, LP (the "Partnership" or "Registrant"), is a California Limited Partnership organized in August 1982, to acquire, operate and ultimately sell residential apartment complexes. At December 31, 2011, the Partnership operated four residential apartment complexes located throughout the United States. The general partner of the Partnership is Fox Partners II, a California general partnership. The general partners of Fox Partners II are Fox Capital Management Corporation ("FCMC" or the "Managing General Partner"), a California corporation and Fox Realty Investors ("FRI"), a California general partnership. The Managing General Partner is a subsidiary of Apartment Investment and Management Company ("Aimco"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The capital contributions of $89,292,000 ($1,000 per unit) were made by the limited partners, including 100 Limited Partnership Units purchased by FCMC. The term of the Partnership is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2024.

On July 28, 2011, the Partnership entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with AIMCO Properties, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and AIMCO CPF XIX Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company of which AIMCO Properties, L.P. is the sole member (the “Merger Subsidiary”), pursuant to which the Merger Subsidiary was to be merged with and into the Partnership, with the Partnership as the surviving entity (the “Merger”). On December 29, 2011, AIMCO Properties, L.P. decided to not proceed with the merger and terminated the Merger Agreement.

Subsequent Events

The Partnership’s management evaluated subsequent events through the time this Annual Report on Form 10-K was filed.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Abandoned Units

During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the number of limited partnership units (the “Units”) decreased by 39 and 2 Units, respectively, due to limited partners abandoning their Units. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Partnership had outstanding 89,235 and 89,274 Units, respectively. In abandoning his or her Units, a limited partner relinquishes all right, title and interest in the Partnership as of the date of the abandonment.

Net Loss Per Limited Partnership Unit

Net loss per Limited Partnership Unit is computed by dividing net loss allocated to the limited partners by the number of Units outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year. The number of Units used was 89,274 and 89,276 Units for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Allocation of Income, Loss and Distribution

Net income, net loss and distributions of cash of the Partnership are allocated between general and limited partners in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 825, “Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value is defined as the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The Partnership believes that the carrying amount of its financial instruments (except for mortgage notes payable) approximates their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Partnership estimates the fair value of its mortgage notes payable by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with that currently believed to be available to the Partnership for similar term, mortgage notes payable. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of the Partnership's mortgage notes payable at the Partnership's incremental borrowing rate was approximately $58,131,000.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in banks. At certain times, the amount of cash deposited at a bank may exceed the limit on insured deposits. Cash balances include approximately $228,000 and $83,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, that are maintained by an affiliated management company on behalf of affiliated entities in cash concentration accounts.

Tenant Security Deposits

The Partnership requires security deposits from lessees for the duration of the lease and such deposits are included in receivables and deposits. Deposits are refunded when the tenant vacates, provided the tenant has not damaged the space and is current on rental payments.

Investment Properties

Investment properties consist of four apartment complexes and are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, unless the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable. The Partnership capitalizes costs incurred in connection with capital additions activities, including redevelopment and construction projects, other tangible property improvements and replacements of existing property components. Included in these capitalized costs are payroll costs associated with time spent by site employees in connection with the planning, execution and control of all capital additions activities at the property level. The Partnership capitalizes interest, property taxes and insurance during periods in which redevelopment and construction projects are in progress. The Partnership did not capitalize any costs related to interest, property taxes or insurance during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. Capitalized costs are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. The Partnership charges to expense as incurred costs that do not relate to capital additions activities, including ordinary repairs, maintenance and resident turnover costs.

If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a property may not be recoverable, the Partnership will make an assessment of its recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the Partnership’s estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated aggregate undiscounted future cash flows, the Partnership would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property. No adjustments for impairment of value were necessary for the years ending December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Depreciation

Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the apartment properties and related personal property. For Federal income tax purposes, the modified accelerated cost recovery method is used for depreciation of (1) real property additions over 27 1/2 years and (2) personal property additions over 5 years.

Leases

The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less. The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area. Rental income attributable to leases, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current tenants and all receivables due from former tenants.

Advertising Costs

The Partnership expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising costs of approximately $228,000 and $241,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are included in operating expense.

Deferred Costs

Loan costs of approximately $864,000 and $1,159,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, less accumulated amortization of approximately $328,000 and $653,000, respectively, are included in other assets. The loan costs are amortized over the terms of the related loan agreements and with respect to Greenspoint at Paradise Valley, through the first call date in May of 2012. The total amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $118,000 and $169,000, respectively, and is included in interest expense. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $69,000 for 2012 and approximately $55,000 for each of the years 2013 through 2016.

Leasing commissions and other direct costs incurred in connection with successful leasing efforts are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related leases. Amortization of these costs is included in operating expenses.

Segment Reporting

ASC Topic 280-10, “Segment Reporting”, established standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. ASC Topic 280-10 also established standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. As defined in ASC Topic 280-10, the Partnership has only one reportable segment.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure, and significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. May be provided in more than one note to the financial statements, as long as users are provided with an understanding of (1) the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise in determining whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement with a VIE, (2) the nature of restrictions on a consolidated VIE's assets reported by an enterprise in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets, (3) the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with an enterprise's involvement with the VIE, and (4) how an enterprise's involvement with the VIE affects the enterprise's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Describes procedure if disclosures are provided in more than one note to the financial statements.

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