Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Available Cash Distributions	$ 5,789	$ 4,590	$ 11,853	$ 9,269

Amount of cash generated from operations, excluding capital proceeds, as reduced by operating expenses and debt service, exluding prepayments and lump-sum or "balloon" payments, that is available to distribute to the advisor.

No definition available.

Name:	cpa17_DistributionsOfAvailableCash
Namespace Prefix:	cpa17_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration