Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 140,622	$ 253,917
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments	2,267	4,544
Gain on interest rate swaps no longer designated as cash flow hedges	1,998
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on securities	(756)	(229)
Amortization of deferred gains and losses on settlement of swaps	(56)	(24)
Other-than-temporary impairments of securities related to fair value adjustments in excess of expected credit losses, net of amortization	387	3,850
Other comprehensive income	3,840	8,141
Comprehensive income	144,462	262,058
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(74,079)	668
Comprehensive income attributable to Capital Trust, Inc.	$ 70,383	$ 262,726