Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CAI International, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001388430
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 405.7
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,240,673
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2013