Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,351	$ 6,224	$ 143,973	$ 260,140
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments	1,965	(999)	3,749	3,545
Gain on interest rate swaps not designated as cash flow hedges		3,201	2,481	3,201
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on securities	(8)	(277)	(765)	(506)
Amortization of deferred gains and losses on settlement of swaps		(23)	(56)	(47)
Other-than-temporary impairments of securities related to fair value adjustments in excess of expected credit losses, net of amortization	(174)	116	213	3,966
Other comprehensive income	1,783	2,018	5,622	10,159
Comprehensive income	5,134	8,242	149,595	270,299
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,068)	(8,068)	(75,147)	(7,400)
Comprehensive income attributable to Capital Trust, Inc.	$ 4,066	$ 174	$ 74,448	$ 262,899