Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 12,900	$ 8,256	$ 156,873	$ 268,399
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments	2,103	(633)	5,853	2,912
Gain on interest rate swaps not designated as cash flow hedges		1,246	2,481	4,447
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on securities	(4)	413	(770)	(93)
Amortization of deferred gains and losses on settlement of swaps		(28)	(56)	(75)
Other-than-temporary impairments of securities related to fair value adjustments in excess of expected credit losses, net of amortization	206	270	419	4,236
Other comprehensive income	2,305	1,268	7,927	11,427
Comprehensive income	15,205	9,524	164,800	279,826
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,901)	5,466	(81,048)	(1,935)
Comprehensive income attributable to Capital Trust, Inc.	$ 9,304	$ 14,990	$ 83,752	$ 277,891