Lease Rental Revenues and Flight Equipment Held for Lease (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Net book value of flight equipment attributable to individual countries
Net Book Value	$ 4,532,445		$ 4,387,986
Net Book Value %	10.00%
China [Member]
Net book value of flight equipment attributable to individual countries
Net Book Value	521,715		526,008
Net Book Value %	11.00%		12.00%
Number of Lessees	4		4
Russia [Member]
Net book value of flight equipment attributable to individual countries
Net Book Value			453,695	[1]
Net Book Value %	10.00%	[1]	10.00%	[1]
Number of Lessees			8	[1]
UNITED STATES
Net book value of flight equipment attributable to individual countries
Net Book Value	$ 492,530	[1]
Net Book Value %	11.00%	[1]	10.00%	[1]
Number of Lessees	5,000	[1]

[1] The net book value of flight equipment attributable to Russia was less than 10% as of September 30, 2012.