CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Available cash distributions to advisors	$ 4,679	$ 4,227

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