Statement of Financial Position (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets:
Real estate at cost attributable to consolidated VIEs	$ 2,155,379	$ 2,105,772
Operating real estate, at cost	275,914	254,805
Accumulated depreciation	(112,630)	(85,002)
Real estate under construction attributable to consoldiated VIEs	74,499	71,285
Net investments in direct financing leases	475,076	475,872
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	626,804	652,330
In-place lease intangible assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	414,187	423,084
Other intangible assets, net	84,654	78,239
Other assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	125,886	124,781
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt attributable to consolidated VIEs	1,729,294	1,633,452
Accounts payable attributable to consolidated VIEs	71,247	74,384
Prepaid And Deferred Rental Income And Security Deposits attributable to VIEs	121,776	118,017
Due to affiliates	20,087	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	316,557,850	310,548,664
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	311,933,180	306,903,020
Treasury Stock Shares	4,624,670	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	150,378	133,472
Operating real estate, at cost	12,557	0
Accumulated depreciation	(6,273)	(3,801)
Real estate under construction attributable to consoldiated VIEs	11,223	12,629
Net investments in direct financing leases	243,151	242,175
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	778	1,529
In-place lease intangible assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	17,747	6,040
Other assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	15,444	14,780
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt attributable to consolidated VIEs	142,284	123,413
Accounts payable attributable to consolidated VIEs	2,764	2,249
Prepaid And Deferred Rental Income And Security Deposits attributable to VIEs	$ 5,168	$ 5,710