Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated depreciation on flight equipment held for lease	$ 1,424,057	$ 1,305,064
Borrowings from secured financings	1,581,118	1,848,034
Common shares, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	80,776,975	68,639,729
Common shares, shares outstanding	80,776,975	68,639,729
Preference shares, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preference shares, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preference shares, shares issued
Preference shares, shares outstanding
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | ACS Ireland
Borrowings from secured financings	$ 168,107	$ 207,926