Equity Investment in Real Estate and the Managed REITs (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments in REITs
Equity method investments	$ 559,361	$ 565,626
Managed REITs
Investments in REITs
Equity method investments	354,278	353,145
Managed REITs | CPA: 16 - Global
Investments in REITs
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	18.553%	18.33%
Equity method investments	293,498	296,301
Managed REITs | CPA:16 - Global operating partnership
Investments in REITs
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	0.015%	0.015%
Equity method investments	11,140	17,140
Managed REITs | CPA: 17 - Global
Investments in REITs
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	1.586%	1.29%
Equity method investments	48,072	38,977
Managed REITs | CPA:17 - Global operating partnership
Investments in REITs
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	0.015%	0.015%
Managed REITs | CWI
Investments in REITs
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	0.407%	0.40%
Equity method investments	1,615	774
Managed REITs | CWI operating partnership
Investments in REITs
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	0.015%	0.015%
Equity method investments	$ (47)	$ (47)