Statement of Financial Position (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets:
Real estate at cost attributable to consolidated VIEs	$ 2,138,923	$ 2,105,772
Accumulated depreciation	(97,815)	(85,002)
Real estate under construction attributable to consoldiated VIEs	60,883	71,285
Net investments in direct financing leases attributable to consolidated VIEs of $242,704 and $242,175, respectively)	474,018	475,872
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	690,439	652,330
In-place lease intangible assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	416,196	423,084
Other assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	128,261	124,781
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt attributable to consolidated VIEs	1,704,986	1,633,452
Accounts payable attributable to consolidated VIEs	74,152	74,384
Prepaid And Deferred Rental Income And Security Deposits attributable to VIEs	122,487	118,017
Due to affiliates	24,986	29,527
CPA:17 Global shareholders equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001
Common Stock Shares Authorized	900,000,000
Common Stock Shares Issued	313,448,326	310,548,664
Treasury Stock Shares	4,196,724	3,645,644
Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	50,000,000
Preferred Stock Shares Issued	0
Variable Interest Entity Primary Beneficiary Member
Assets:
Real estate at cost attributable to consolidated VIEs	159,346	133,472
Accumulated depreciation	(5,181)	(3,801)
Real estate under construction attributable to consoldiated VIEs	9,926	12,629
Net investments in direct financing leases attributable to consolidated VIEs of $242,704 and $242,175, respectively)	242,704	242,175
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	1,184	1,529
In-place lease intangible assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	17,982	6,040
Other assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	15,838	14,780
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt attributable to consolidated VIEs	148,066	123,413
Accounts payable attributable to consolidated VIEs	2,774	2,249
Prepaid And Deferred Rental Income And Security Deposits attributable to VIEs	$ 5,213	$ 5,710