Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 70,446	$ 45,787	$ 2,180
Other Comprehensive Loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(12,753)	(7,438)	(682)
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument	(5,219)	(4,375)	(468)
Change in unrealized appreciation on marketable securities	(15)	0	0
Impairment loss on CMBS	0	0	(1,505)
Total other comprehensive loss	(17,987)	(11,813)	(2,655)
Comprehensive income (loss)	52,459	33,974	(475)
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(20,791)	(15,333)	(9,881)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	220	778	(166)
Change in unrealized loss on derivative instruments	109	994	207
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(20,462)	(13,561)	(9,840)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to CPA 17 Global Shareholders	$ 31,997	$ 20,413	$ (10,315)