CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Available cash distributions to advisors	$ 4,590	$ 4,847	$ 9,269	$ 9,124

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