Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES In the opinion of the management of Owens Mortgage Investment Fund, a California Limited Partnership, (the “Partnership”) the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial information included therein. Certain information and footnote disclosures presented in the Partnership’s annual consolidated financial statements are not included in these interim financial statements. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Partnership’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2012. The Partnership evaluates subsequent events up to the date it files its Form 10-Q with the SEC. Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and its majority- and wholly-owned limited liability companies (see notes 5 and 6). All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Partnership is in the business of providing mortgage lending services and manages its business as one operating segment. Due to foreclosure activity, the Partnership also owns and manages real estate assets. Certain reclassifications, not affecting previously reported net income or total partner capital, have been made to the previously issued consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. Management Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Such estimates relate principally to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, including the valuation of impaired loans, the valuation of real estate held for sale and investment, and the estimate of the environmental remediation liability (see notes 3, 4, 11 and 12). Fair value estimates are derived from information available in the real estate markets including similar property and often require the experience and judgment of third parties such as real estate appraisers and brokers. The estimates figure materially in calculating the value of the property at acquisition, the level of charge to the allowance for loan losses and any subsequent valuation reserves or write-downs. Such estimates are inherently imprecise and actual results could differ significantly from such estimates. Significant Accounting Policies Loans Secured by Trust Deeds Loans secured by trust deeds are stated at the principal amount outstanding. The Partnership’s portfolio consists primarily of commercial real estate loans generally collateralized by first, second and third deeds of trust. Interest income on loans is accrued by the simple interest method. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the borrowers are past due greater than ninety days or when full payment of principal and interest is not expected. When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, interest accruals discontinue and all past due interest remains accrued until the loan becomes current, is paid off or is foreclosed upon. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. Cash receipts on nonaccrual loans are used to reduce any outstanding accrued interest, and then are recorded as interest income, except when such payments are specifically designated as principal reduction or when management does not believe the Partnership’s investment in the loan is fully recoverable. Allowance for Loan Losses Loans and the related accrued interest and advances are analyzed by management on a periodic basis for ultimate recovery. The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of credit losses inherent in the Partnership’s loan portfolio that have been incurred as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance after credit losses and loan growth. Credit exposures determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance. The overall allowance consists of two primary components, specific reserves related to impaired loans and general reserves for inherent losses related to loans that are not impaired. Regardless of a loan type, a loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Partnership will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the original agreement. All loans determined to be impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. When a loan is impaired, management estimates impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, it may measure impairment based on a loan's observable market price, or estimates of the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A loan is collateral dependent if the repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. These valuations are generally updated during the fourth quarter but may be updated during interim periods if deemed appropriate by management. A restructuring of a debt constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) if the Partnership, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Restructured loans typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to perform according to the original contractual terms. Loans that are reported as TDR’s are considered impaired and measured for impairment as described above. The determination of the general reserve for loans that are not impaired is also based on estimates made by management, to include, but not limited to, consideration of historical losses by portfolio segment, internal asset classifications, and qualitative factors to include economic trends in the Partnership’s service areas, industry experience and trends, geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, the Partnership’s underwriting policies, the character of the loan portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio taken as a whole. The Partnership maintains a separate allowance for each portfolio segment (loan type). These portfolio segments include commercial real estate, improved and unimproved land, condominium, and single-family (1-4 units) loans. The allowance for loan losses attributable to each portfolio segment, which includes both impaired loans and loans that are not impaired, is combined to determine the Partnership’s overall allowance, which is included on the consolidated balance sheet. The reserve for loans that are not impaired consists of reserve factors that are based on management’s assessment of the following for each portfolio segment: (1) inherent credit risk, (2) historical losses, and (3) other qualitative factors. These reserve factors are inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk associated with each portfolio segment described below. Improved and Unimproved Land – These loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments. A major risk arises from the necessity to complete projects within specified costs and time lines. Trends in the construction industry significantly impact the credit quality of these loans as demand drives construction activity. In addition, trends in real estate values significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as property values determine the economic viability of construction projects. Commercial Real Estate and Condominiums – These loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments, except improved and unimproved land. Adverse economic developments or an overbuilt market impact commercial and condominium real estate projects and may result in troubled loans. Trends in vacancy rates of properties impact the credit quality of these loans. High vacancy rates reduce operating revenues and the ability for properties to produce sufficient cash flow to service debt obligations. Real Estate Operations Revenue Recognition The Partnership leases multifamily rental units under operating leases with terms of generally one year or less. Rental revenue is recognized, net of rental concessions, on a straight-line method over the related lease term. Rental income on commercial property is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of each operating lease. Recognition of gains on the sale of real estate is dependent upon the transaction meeting certain criteria related to the nature of the property and the terms of the sale including potential seller financing. Real Estate Held for Sale Real estate held for sale includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally through foreclosure that is being marketed for sale. Real estate held for sale is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, inclusive of any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell, as applicable. Any excess of the recorded investment in the loan over the net realizable value is charged against the allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of property are capitalized to the extent they do not cause the recorded value to exceed the net realizable value, whereas costs relating to holding and disposition of the property are expensed as incurred. After acquisition, real estate held for sale is analyzed periodically for changes in fair values and any subsequent write down is charged to impairment losses on real estate properties. Any recovery in the fair value subsequent to such a write down is recorded (not to exceed the net realizable value at acquisition) as an offset to impairment losses on real estate properties. Recognition of gains on the sale of real estate is dependent upon the transaction meeting certain criteria related to the nature of the property and the terms of the sale including potential seller financing. Real Estate Held for Investment Real estate held for investment includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally through foreclosure that is not being marketed for sale and is either being operated, such as rental properties; is being managed through the development process, including obtaining appropriate and necessary entitlements, permits and construction; or are idle properties awaiting more favorable market conditions. Real estate held for investment is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, plus any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, as applicable. After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized, whereas costs relating to operating or holding the property are expensed. Subsequent to acquisition, management periodically compares the carrying value of real estate to expected undiscounted future cash flows for the purpose of assessing the recoverability of the recorded amounts. If the carrying value exceeds future undiscounted cash flows, the assets are reduced to estimated fair value. Depreciation of real estate properties held for investment is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives of buildings and improvements (5-39 years). Depreciation of tenant improvements is provided on the straight-line method over the lives of the related leases. The Partnership reclassifies real estate properties from held for investment to held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met: 1) Management commits to a plan to sell the property; 2) The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition; 3) An active program to locate a buyer has been initiated; 4) The sale of the property is probable and the transfer of the property is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year; and 5) Actions required to complete the plan indicate it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or the plan will be withdrawn. If circumstances arise that previously were considered unlikely, and, as a result, the Partnership decides not to sell a real estate property classified as held for sale, the property is reclassified to held for investment. The property is then measured individually at the lower of its carrying amount, adjusted for depreciation or amortization expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held for investment or its fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. Environmental Remediation Liability Liabilities related to future environmental remediation costs are recorded when remediation or monitoring or both are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The Partnership’s environmental remediation liability related to the property located in Santa Clara, California (held within 1850 De La Cruz, LLC – see Notes 4 and 12) was recorded based on a third party consultant’s estimate of the costs required to remediate and monitor the contamination. Income Taxes No provision for federal and state income taxes is made in the consolidated financial statements since the Partnership is not a taxable entity. Accordingly, any income or loss is included in the tax returns of the partners. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10, a tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Partnership has elected to record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in other expenses. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at September 30, 2012 is zero. The amount of tax benefits that would impact the effective rate, if recognized, is expected to be zero. The Partnership does not anticipate any significant changes with respect to unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. With few exceptions, the Partnership is no longer subject to federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards ASU No. 2011-04 In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)”. The amendments in this ASU result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. Overall, the guidance is consistent with existing U.S. accounting principles; however, there are some amendments that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance resulted in expanded disclosures of the fair value hierarchy for all financial instruments and descriptions of unobservable inputs and were effective in the Partnership’s interim period ended March 31, 2012.

In the opinion of the management of Owens Mortgage Investment Fund, a California Limited Partnership, (the “Partnership”) the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial information included therein. Certain information and footnote disclosures presented in the Partnership’s annual consolidated financial statements are not included in these interim financial statements. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Partnership’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2012. The Partnership evaluates subsequent events up to the date it files its Form 10-Q with the SEC.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and its majority- and wholly-owned limited liability companies (see notes 5 and 6). All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Partnership is in the business of providing mortgage lending services and manages its business as one operating segment. Due to foreclosure activity, the Partnership also owns and manages real estate assets.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Such estimates relate principally to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, including the valuation of impaired loans, the valuation of real estate held for sale and investment, and the estimate of the environmental remediation liability (see notes 3, 4, 11 and 12). Fair value estimates are derived from information available in the real estate markets including similar property and often require the experience and judgment of third parties such as real estate appraisers and brokers. The estimates figure materially in calculating the value of the property at acquisition, the level of charge to the allowance for loan losses and any subsequent valuation reserves or write-downs. Such estimates are inherently imprecise and actual results could differ significantly from such estimates.

Loans secured by trust deeds are stated at the principal amount outstanding. The Partnership’s portfolio consists primarily of commercial real estate loans generally collateralized by first, second and third deeds of trust. Interest income on loans is accrued by the simple interest method. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the borrowers are past due greater than ninety days or when full payment of principal and interest is not expected. When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, interest accruals discontinue and all past due interest remains accrued until the loan becomes current, is paid off or is foreclosed upon. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. Cash receipts on nonaccrual loans are used to reduce any outstanding accrued interest, and then are recorded as interest income, except when such payments are specifically designated as principal reduction or when management does not believe the Partnership’s investment in the loan is fully recoverable.

Loans and the related accrued interest and advances are analyzed by management on a periodic basis for ultimate recovery. The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of credit losses inherent in the Partnership’s loan portfolio that have been incurred as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance after credit losses and loan growth. Credit exposures determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. Cash received on previously charged off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance. The overall allowance consists of two primary components, specific reserves related to impaired loans and general reserves for inherent losses related to loans that are not impaired.

Regardless of a loan type, a loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Partnership will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the original agreement. All loans determined to be impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. When a loan is impaired, management estimates impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, it may measure impairment based on a loan's observable market price, or estimates of the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A loan is collateral dependent if the repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. These valuations are generally updated during the fourth quarter but may be updated during interim periods if deemed appropriate by management.

A restructuring of a debt constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) if the Partnership, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Restructured loans typically present an elevated level of credit risk as the borrowers are not able to perform according to the original contractual terms. Loans that are reported as TDR’s are considered impaired and measured for impairment as described above.

The determination of the general reserve for loans that are not impaired is also based on estimates made by management, to include, but not limited to, consideration of historical losses by portfolio segment, internal asset classifications, and qualitative factors to include economic trends in the Partnership’s service areas, industry experience and trends, geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, the Partnership’s underwriting policies, the character of the loan portfolio, and probable losses inherent in the portfolio taken as a whole.

The Partnership maintains a separate allowance for each portfolio segment (loan type). These portfolio segments include commercial real estate, improved and unimproved land, condominium, and single-family (1-4 units) loans. The allowance for loan losses attributable to each portfolio segment, which includes both impaired loans and loans that are not impaired, is combined to determine the Partnership’s overall allowance, which is included on the consolidated balance sheet. The reserve for loans that are not impaired consists of reserve factors that are based on management’s assessment of the following for each portfolio segment: (1) inherent credit risk, (2) historical losses, and (3) other qualitative factors. These reserve factors are inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk associated with each portfolio segment described below.

Improved and Unimproved Land – These loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments. A major risk arises from the necessity to complete projects within specified costs and time lines. Trends in the construction industry significantly impact the credit quality of these loans as demand drives construction activity. In addition, trends in real estate values significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as property values determine the economic viability of construction projects.

Commercial Real Estate and Condominiums – These loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than other real estate portfolio segments, except improved and unimproved land. Adverse economic developments or an overbuilt market impact commercial and condominium real estate projects and may result in troubled loans. Trends in vacancy rates of properties impact the credit quality of these loans. High vacancy rates reduce operating revenues and the ability for properties to produce sufficient cash flow to service debt obligations.

The Partnership leases multifamily rental units under operating leases with terms of generally one year or less. Rental revenue is recognized, net of rental concessions, on a straight-line method over the related lease term. Rental income on commercial property is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of each operating lease. Recognition of gains on the sale of real estate is dependent upon the transaction meeting certain criteria related to the nature of the property and the terms of the sale including potential seller financing.

Real estate held for sale includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally through foreclosure that is being marketed for sale. Real estate held for sale is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, inclusive of any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell, as applicable. Any excess of the recorded investment in the loan over the net realizable value is charged against the allowance for loan losses.

After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of property are capitalized to the extent they do not cause the recorded value to exceed the net realizable value, whereas costs relating to holding and disposition of the property are expensed as incurred. After acquisition, real estate held for sale is analyzed periodically for changes in fair values and any subsequent write down is charged to impairment losses on real estate properties. Any recovery in the fair value subsequent to such a write down is recorded (not to exceed the net realizable value at acquisition) as an offset to impairment losses on real estate properties. Recognition of gains on the sale of real estate is dependent upon the transaction meeting certain criteria related to the nature of the property and the terms of the sale including potential seller financing.

Real estate held for investment includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations generally through foreclosure that is not being marketed for sale and is either being operated, such as rental properties; is being managed through the development process, including obtaining appropriate and necessary entitlements, permits and construction; or are idle properties awaiting more favorable market conditions. Real estate held for investment is recorded at acquisition at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan, plus any senior indebtedness, or at the property’s estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, as applicable.

After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized, whereas costs relating to operating or holding the property are expensed. Subsequent to acquisition, management periodically compares the carrying value of real estate to expected undiscounted future cash flows for the purpose of assessing the recoverability of the recorded amounts. If the carrying value exceeds future undiscounted cash flows, the assets are reduced to estimated fair value.

Depreciation of real estate properties held for investment is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives of buildings and improvements (5-39 years). Depreciation of tenant improvements is provided on the straight-line method over the lives of the related leases.

The Partnership reclassifies real estate properties from held for investment to held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met: 1) Management commits to a plan to sell the property; 2) The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition; 3) An active program to locate a buyer has been initiated; 4) The sale of the property is probable and the transfer of the property is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year; and 5) Actions required to complete the plan indicate it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or the plan will be withdrawn.

If circumstances arise that previously were considered unlikely, and, as a result, the Partnership decides not to sell a real estate property classified as held for sale, the property is reclassified to held for investment. The property is then measured individually at the lower of its carrying amount, adjusted for depreciation or amortization expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held for investment or its fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.

Liabilities related to future environmental remediation costs are recorded when remediation or monitoring or both are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The Partnership’s environmental remediation liability related to the property located in Santa Clara, California (held within 1850 De La Cruz, LLC – see Notes 4 and 12) was recorded based on a third party consultant’s estimate of the costs required to remediate and monitor the contamination.

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10, a tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Partnership has elected to record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in other expenses. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at September 30, 2012 is zero. The amount of tax benefits that would impact the effective rate, if recognized, is expected to be zero. The Partnership does not anticipate any significant changes with respect to unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. With few exceptions, the Partnership is no longer subject to federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)”. The amendments in this ASU result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. Overall, the guidance is consistent with existing U.S. accounting principles; however, there are some amendments that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance resulted in expanded disclosures of the fair value hierarchy for all financial instruments and descriptions of unobservable inputs and were effective in the Partnership’s interim period ended March 31, 2012.