Represents the average estimated minimum lease payments of a limited partnership the Company is a party to.

No definition available.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The average percentage of acquisition fees payable to the advisor with respect to long-term net lease investments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of entity's common stock shares held by the advisor.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying value of the stock warrants at the time of acquisition.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The per share dealer revenue earned in connection with raising funds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The interest rate of the loan from an affiliate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The price per share on shares issued to the advisor for asset management fees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cpa17_NetAssetValuePerShare
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of offering proceeds that the company is obligated to reimburse to the advisor for bon fide due diligence expenses.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	cpa17_OrganizationAndOfferingExpensesAbstract
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of interest owned in entities and jointly-controlled tenancy-in-common interests in properties.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount paid to the advisor for deferred acquisition fee installments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of the entity's common stock owned by the advisor.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage limit of the gross proceeds from offering for total organization and offering expenses.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cpa17_PercentageLimitOnOfferingAndOrgExp
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The current portion of the average percentage of acquisition fees payable to the advisor with respect to long-term net lease investments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The deferred portion of the average percentage of acquisition fees payable to the advisor with respect to long-term net lease investments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum percentage of available cash generated from operations, excluding capital proceeds, as reduced by operating expenses and debt service, excluding prepayments and balloon payments, of the operating partnership that is paid to the advisor for service fees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage guideline for when the advisor is required to reimburse the amount of operating expenses that exceeds percentage of average invested asset.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage guideline for when the advisor is required to reimburse the amount of operating expenses that exceeds percentage of net income.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cpa17_PercentageOfNetIncome
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage fee paid to the advisor for asset management.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the percentage of revenue to be earned based on the aggregate purchase price of all investments and loans with no deferred acquisition revenue being earned.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cpa17_PercentageOfRevenueEarnedOnInitialAcquisition
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage overage of gross offering proceeds for the advisor agrees to be responsible for the payment of organization and offering proceeds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cpa17_PercentageOverageAdvisorPaysForOrgAndOfferingExp
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	cpa17_PersonnelAndOfficeRentReimbursementAbstract
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The advisor's preferred non-compounded cumulative distribution return per annum based on invested capital for structuring and negotiating investments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cpa17_PreferredReturn
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount reimbursed related to costs paid by the advisor and its affiliates in connection with the organization and offering of our securities as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	cpa17_RelatedPartyAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The per share commission rate earned in connection with raising funds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cpa17_SellingCommissionPerShareSold
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage fee charged by the advisor to provide services in connection with a disposition.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	cpa17_TransactionFeesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	cpa17_TransactionWithAffiliatesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The limit on underwriting compensation prescribed by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cpa17_UnderwritingCompensationLimit
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The per share wholesaling revenue earned in connection with raising funds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Specific incremental costs directly attributable to a proposed or actual offering of securities which are deferred at the end of the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 340

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955238&loc=d3e105025-122735

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section A

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Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due all related parties. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of such liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 57

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(a))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19

-Subparagraph a

-Article 5

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 850

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph k

-Subparagraph 1

-Article 4

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
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- Definition

Difference between amount at which an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting is carried (reported) on the balance sheet and amount of underlying equity in net assets the reporting Entity has in the investee.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph a(3)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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- Definition

The net amount of operating interest income (expense).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.10)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 10

-Article 9

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- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the purchase of or advances to an equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3213-108585

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 17

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	May 31, 2011 CPA 14/16 Merger	Dec. 31, 2011 C1000 Logistiek Vastgooed B.V	Dec. 31, 2012 Maximum	Dec. 31, 2012 Minimum
Asset Management Fees
Percentage of asset management fees						1.75%	0.50%
Offering price on shares for asset management fees	$ 10.0
Number of shares held by advisor	3,953,319
Advisor owned percentage of common stock	1.30%
Percentage of Available cash distribution to advisor	10.00%
Personnel And Office Rent Reimbursement [Abstract]
Percentage of average invested asset guideline	2.00%
Percentage of net income guideline	25.00%
Transaction Fees [Abstract]
Preferred return by advisor	5.00%
Average percentage of acquisition fees payable	4.50%
Average percentage of acquisition fees payable current	2.50%
Average percentage of acquisition fees payable deferred	2.00%
Percentage of inital acquisition fees						1.75%	0.00%
Payment of deferred acquisition fees to advisors	$ 15,700,000	$ 14,500,000	$ 7,200,000
Subordinated disposition fees percentage	3.00%
Organization And Offering Expenses [Abstract]
Percentage limit on O&O	15.00%
Selling commission per share sold	$ 0.65
Dealer revenue per share sold	$ 0.20
Wholesaling revenue per share sold	$ 0.15
Underwriting compensation percentage limit	10.00%
Due diligence expense reimbursement percentage	0.50%
Percentage overage advisor pay O&O	4.00%
Reimbursed offering costs	20,500,000
Deferred offering costs	20,100,000
Related party additional disclosures
Average estimated minimum lease payment	800,000
Ownership interest in joint ventures						85.00%	12.00%
Transaction With Affiliates [Abstract]
Payment to acquire equity method investments	73,656,000	228,519,000	10,648,000	55,700,000
Basis differences on equity method investments				27,400,000
Cost of stock warrants acquired				1,600,000
Loan borrowed from advisor					90,000,000
Interest rate on loan from affiliate					1.15%
Interest paid on loan from advisor					$ 200,000