Note 2 - Investments in and Advances To Local Limited Partnerships: Reconciliation of accumulated depreciation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Material Investee
Accumulated Depreciation balance at beginning of year	$ 5,635	$ 5,412
Depreciation	224	223
Accumulated Depreciation balance at end of year	5,859	5,635
Unaudited Investee
Accumulated Depreciation balance at beginning of year	5,316	5,216
Depreciation	76	100
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Sale or Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment	(639)
Accumulated Depreciation balance at end of year	4,753	5,316
Total of Investees
Accumulated Depreciation balance at beginning of year	10,951	10,628
Depreciation	300	323
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Sale or Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment	(639)
Accumulated Depreciation balance at end of year	$ 10,612	$ 10,951