Basis of Presentation (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	$ 490,675	$ 180,726	$ 146,782	$ 162,745
Other Assets attributable to consolidated VIEs	107,037	86,176
Total assets not attributable to VIE	3,751,221	3,045,812
Liabilities:
Distributions payable not attributable to consolidated VIE	(41,712)	(32,288)
Liabilities	(1,574,362)	(1,318,353)
Total CPA 17 Global Shareholders
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	4,217	7,585
Other Assets attributable to consolidated VIEs	736	2,811
Total assets not attributable to VIE	4,953	10,396
Liabilities:
Due to affiliates not attributable to consolidated VIE	(2,662)	(1,044)
Distributions payable not attributable to consolidated VIE	(41,712)	(32,288)
Liabilities	$ (44,374)	$ (33,332)