Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)
Revenues	$ 91,619	$ 68,141	$ 267,337	$ 200,470
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	12,002	18,580	55,927	55,449
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(6,515)	(6,634)	(21,734)	(19,160)
Net income attributable to CPA 17 - Global stockholders	5,026	12,295	32,653	37,684
Assets
Long-lived assets	3,929,525		3,929,525		3,599,188
Non-recourse debt	1,795,336		1,795,336		1,633,452
Domestic
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)
Revenues	64,343	47,312	190,195	137,041
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	8,667	9,936	32,389	29,012
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(6,401)	(6,488)	(21,219)	(18,639)
Net income attributable to CPA 17 - Global stockholders	3,888	3,614	11,277	12,029
Assets
Long-lived assets	2,673,786		2,673,786		2,510,238
Non-recourse debt	1,267,108		1,267,108		1,135,321
International
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)
Revenues	27,276	20,829	77,142	63,429
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	3,335	8,644	23,538	26,437
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(114)	(146)	(515)	(521)
Net income attributable to CPA 17 - Global stockholders	1,138	8,681	21,376	25,655
Assets
Long-lived assets	1,255,739		1,255,739		1,088,950
Non-recourse debt	$ 528,228		$ 528,228		$ 498,131