<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>HtmlAndXml</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>356</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>326</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>94</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>11</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000100 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R1.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000200 - Statement - Statement of Financial Position</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/StatementStatementOfFinancialPosition</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Financial Position</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R2.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000250 - Statement - Statement of Financial Position (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/StatementStatementOfFinancialPositionParentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Financial Position (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R3.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000300 - Statement - Statement of Earnings</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/StatementStatementOfEarnings</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Earnings</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R4.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000400 - Statement - Statement of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/StatementStatementOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R5.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000500 - Statement - Statement of Shareholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/StatementStatementOfShareholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Shareholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R6.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000550 - Statement - Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/StatementOfShareholdersEquityParentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R7.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000600 - Statement - Statement of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/StatementStatementOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R8.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000650 - Disclosure - Statement of Cash Flows Supplemental Data</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureStatementOfCashFlowsSupplementalData</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Cash Flows Supplemental Data</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R9.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010010 - Disclosure - Organization and Offering</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOffering</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Offering</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R10.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010020 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/BasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R11.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010030 - Disclosure - Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureAgreementsAndTransactionsWithRelatedParties</Role>
      <ShortName>Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R12.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010040 - Disclosure - Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureNetInvestmentsInPropertiesAndRealEstateUnderConstruction</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R13.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010050 - Disclosure - Finance Receivables</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureFinanceReceivables</Role>
      <ShortName>Finance Receivables</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R14.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010060 - Disclosure - Equity Investments in Real Estate</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureEquityInvestmentsInRealEstate</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Investments in Real Estate</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R15.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010080 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Liabilities</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R16.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010090 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R17.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010100 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/RiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R18.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010110 - Disclosure - Non Recourse and Limited Recourse Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/NonRecourseAndLimitedRecourseDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Non Recourse and Limited Recourse Debt</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R19.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010120 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R20.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010140 - Disclosure - Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/Equity</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R21.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010190 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R22.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>020000 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R23.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030005 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/BasisOfPresentationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentations (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R24.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030110 - Disclosure - Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureAgreementsAndTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R25.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030120 - Disclosure - Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureNetInvestmentsInPropertiesAndRealEstateUnderConstructionTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R26.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030125 - Disclosure - Finance Receivables (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureFinanceReceivablesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Finance Receivables (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R27.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030130 - Disclosure - Equity Investments in Real Estate (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureEquityInvestmentsInRealEstateTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Investments in Real Estate (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R28.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030140 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R29.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030150 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R30.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030160 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureRiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R31.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030170 - Disclosure - Non-Recourse and Limited Recourse Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/NonRecourseAndLimitedRecourseDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Non-Recourse and Limited Recourse Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R32.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030172 - Disclosure - Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/EquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R33.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040000 - Disclosure - Statement of Cash Flows Supplemental Data (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureStatementOfCashFlowsSupplementalDataNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Statement of Cash Flows Supplemental Data (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R34.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040005 - Disclosure - Organization and Offering (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndOfferingNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Offering (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R35.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040015 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R36.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040020 - Disclosure - Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureAgreementsAndTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R37.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040030 - Disclosure - Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureAgreementsAndTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R38.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040040 - Disclosure - Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureNetInvestmentsInPropertiesAndRealEstateUnderConstructionNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R39.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040050 - Disclosure - Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureNetInvestmentsInPropertiesAndRealEstateUnderConstructionDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R40.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040054 - Statement - Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/StatementNetInvestmentsInPropertiesAndRealEstateUnderConstructionDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R41.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040055 - Disclosure - Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/NetInvestmentsInPropertiesAndRealEstateUnderConstructionDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Details 5)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R42.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040060 - Disclosure - Finance Receivables (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureFinanceReceivablesNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Finance Receivables (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R43.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040070 - Disclosure - Finance Receivables (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/FinanceReceivablesDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Finance Receivables (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R44.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040080 - Disclosure - Equity Investments in Real Estate (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureEquityInvestmentsInRealEstateNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Investments in Real Estate (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R45.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040082 - Disclosure - Equity Investments in Real Estate (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureEquityInvestmentsInRealEstateDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Investments in Real Estate (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R46.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040100 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R47.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040105 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R48.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040110 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R49.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040115 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R50.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040119 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R51.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040135 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R52.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040140 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R53.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040150 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureRiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R54.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040160 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureRiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R55.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040170 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureRiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R56.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040172 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureRiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R57.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040174 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureRiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R58.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040180 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/DisclosureRiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 5)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R59.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040182 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 6)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/RiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails6</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 6)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R60.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040184 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 7)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/RiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails7</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 7)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R61.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040190 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 8)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/RiskManagementAndUseOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails8</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 8)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R62.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040200 - Disclosure - Non-Recourse Debt (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/NonRecourseDebtNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Non-Recourse Debt (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R63.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040210 - Disclosure - Non-Recourse Debt (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/NonRecourseDebtDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Non-Recourse Debt (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R64.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040217 - Disclosure - Equity (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/EquityDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R65.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040240 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Narratives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.cpa17global.com/role/SubsequentEventsNarrativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Narratives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R66.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element cpa17_ConstructionInProgressPlacedIntoService had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element cpa17_ForeignCurrencyExchangeRate had a mix of decimals attribute values: 3 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element cpa17_PercentageOfRealEstateAssetsManagementFeePaidToAdvisor had a mix of decimals attribute values: 3 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element cpa17_TransactionFeesIncurred had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DerivativeCapPrice had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DerivativeFloorPrice had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_FairValueInputsProbabilityOfDefault had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateMaximumInterestRateInRange had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateMinimumInterestRateInRange had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '040000 - Disclosure - Statement of Cash Flows Supplemental Data (Narratives) (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '040005 - Disclosure - Organization and Offering (Narratives) (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '040040 - Disclosure - Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Narratives) (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '040060 - Disclosure - Finance Receivables (Narratives) (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '040080 - Disclosure - Equity Investments in Real Estate (Narratives) (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '040150 - Disclosure - Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments (Narratives) (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '040200 - Disclosure - Non-Recourse Debt (Narratives) (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '040240 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Narratives) (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 000200 - Statement - Statement of Financial Position</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 000250 - Statement - Statement of Financial Position (Parentheticals)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Jan. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 000300 - Statement - Statement of Earnings</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 000400 - Statement - Statement of Comprehensive Income</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 000550 - Statement - Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 000600 - Statement - Statement of Cash Flows</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 040054 - Statement - Net Investments in Properties and Real Estate Under Construction (Details 4)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>cpa17-20130630.xml</File>
    <File>cpa17-20130630.xsd</File>
    <File>cpa17-20130630_cal.xml</File>
    <File>cpa17-20130630_def.xml</File>
    <File>cpa17-20130630_lab.xml</File>
    <File>cpa17-20130630_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
