CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Available cash distributions to advisors	$ 16,899	$ 14,620	$ 9,378

Represents the available cash distributions to advisors during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	cpa17_CashDistributionsToAdvisors
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration