TAL International Inactive 10-K19 Feb 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 12, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	TAL International Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1331745
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,253,190
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$1,461

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS:
Leasing equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and allowances of $1,055,864 and $910,713	$3,674,031	$3,414,904
Net investment in finance leases, net of allowances of $1,056 and $1,057	219,872	257,176
Equipment held for sale	59,861	58,042
Revenue earning assets	3,953,764	3,730,122
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	79,132	68,875
Restricted cash	35,649	29,126
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $978 and $948	85,681	74,174
Goodwill	74,523	74,523
Deferred financing costs	32,937	29,087
Other assets	11,400	11,898
Fair value of derivative instruments	1,898	27,491
Total assets	4,274,984	4,045,296
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Equipment purchases payable	88,336	112,268
Fair value of derivative instruments	10,394	1,900
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	57,877	63,022
Net deferred income tax liability	411,007	358,255
Debt	3,040,842	2,817,933
Total liabilities	3,608,456	3,353,378
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 37,006,283 and 36,858,778 shares issued respectively	37	37
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,829,928 and 3,011,843 shares	-71,917	-37,535
Additional paid-in capital	504,891	498,854
Accumulated earnings	246,766	220,492
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-13,249	10,070
Total stockholders' equity	666,528	691,918
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$4,274,984	$4,045,296

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Leasing equipment, accumulated depreciation and allowances	$1,055,864	$910,713
Net investment in finance leases, allowances	1,056	1,057
Accounts receivable, allowances	$978	$948
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	37,006,283	36,858,778
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	3,829,928	3,011,843

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leasing revenues:
Operating leases	$573,778	$552,640	$511,189
Finance leases	18,355	14,728	13,781
Other revenues	1,873	2,485	3,227
Total leasing revenues	594,006	569,853	528,197
Equipment trading revenues	56,436	73,004	60,975
Equipment trading expenses	-49,246	-62,726	-53,431
Gross Profit	7,190	10,278	7,544
Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	6,987	26,751	44,509
Operating expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	224,753	205,073	193,466
Direct operating expenses	33,076	27,142	25,039
Administrative expenses	45,399	44,197	43,991
Provision (reversal) for doubtful accounts	212	2,827	-208
Total operating expenses	303,440	279,239	262,288
Operating income	304,743	327,643	317,962
Other expenses:
Interest and debt expense	109,265	111,725	114,629
Write-off of deferred financing costs	5,192	4,000	0
Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps	780	-8,947	2,469
Total other expenses	115,237	106,778	117,098
Income before income taxes	189,506	220,865	200,864
Income tax expense	65,461	77,699	70,732
Net income	$124,045	$143,166	$130,132
Net income per common sharebBasic (in dollars per share)	$3.70	$4.28	$3.92
Net income per common sharebDiluted (in dollars per share)	$3.68	$4.25	$3.87
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$2.88	$2.68	$2.35
Weighted average number of common shares outstandingbBasic (in shares)	33,482	33,483	33,224
Dilutive stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	182	211	399
Weighted average number of common shares outstandingbDiluted (in shares)	33,664	33,694	33,623

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$124,045	$143,166	$130,132
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (net of income tax effect of $(18,248), $6,380 and $(625), respectively)	-33,814	11,643	-1,145
Reclassification of realized loss on interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges (net of income tax effect of $4,789, $2,626 and $0, respectively)	9,106	4,844	0
Amortization of net loss on terminated derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (net of income tax effect of $875, $1,067 and $1,162, respectively)	1,604	1,953	2,128
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-215	60	203
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-23,319	18,500	1,186
Comprehensive income	$100,726	$161,666	$131,318

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in Fair Value Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges, Income Tax Effect	($18,248)	$6,380	($625)
Reclassification of Realized Loss on Interest Rate Swap Agreements Designated as Cash Flow Hedges, Income Tax Effect	4,789	2,626	0
Amortization of Loss on Terminated Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges, Income Tax Effect	$875	$1,067	$1,162

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation	Comprehensive Income [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]		Foreign Currency Translation	Comprehensive Income [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2011		$36	($37,535)	$489,468	$120,449	($8,464)	($1,152)	($9,616)
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2011		36,412,659	3,011,843
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		142,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		1		3,706
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures					0
Exercised (in shares)		142,707
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised				282	-3,212
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	0
Net income	130,132				130,132
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax							203	203
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	-1,145					-1,145		-1,145
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	0
Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	2,128					2,128		2,128
Common stock dividends declared					-78,922
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2012		37	-37,535	493,456	168,447	-7,481	-949	-8,430
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2012		36,697,366	3,011,843
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		142,944
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		0		5,216
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures					-176
Exercised (in shares)		18,468
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised				182	-241
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	0
Net income	143,166				143,166
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax							60	60
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	11,643					11,643	0	11,643
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	4,844					4,844	0	4,844
Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,953					1,953	0	1,953
Common stock dividends declared					-90,704
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2013	691,918	37	-37,535	498,854	220,492	10,959	-889	10,070
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2013		36,858,778	3,011,843
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		144,555
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures		0		5,984
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures					-287
Exercised (in shares)	2,950	2,950
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised				53	0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	818,085		818,085
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-34,382		-34,382
Net income	124,045				124,045
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax							-215	-215
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	-33,814					-33,814	0	-33,814
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	9,106					9,106	0	9,106
Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,604					1,604	0	1,604
Common stock dividends declared					-97,484
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2014	$666,528	$37	($71,917)	$504,891	$246,766	($12,145)	($1,104)	($13,249)
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014		37,006,283	3,829,928

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Change in Fair Value Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges, Income Tax Effect	($18,248)	$6,380	($625)
Reclassification of Realized Loss on Interest Rate Swap Agreements Designated as Cash Flow Hedges, Income Tax Effect	4,789	2,626	0
Amortization of net loss on terminated derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of income tax effect of	$875	$1,067	$1,162

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$124,045	$143,166	$130,132
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	224,753	205,073	193,466
Amortization of deferred financing costs	7,729	7,260	5,827
Amortization of net loss on terminated derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	2,479	3,020	3,290
Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment	-6,987	-26,751	-44,509
Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps	780	-8,947	2,469
Write-off of deferred financing costs	5,192	4,000	0
Deferred income taxes	65,461	77,699	70,428
Stock compensation charge	5,984	5,216	3,706
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Net equipment (purchased) sold for resale activity	-6,671	-11,186	7,832
Net realized loss on interest rate swaps terminated prior to their contractual maturities	-4,953	-24,235	-49,124
Accounts receivable	-11,507	-2,811	-14,872
Net (deferred revenue)	-4,462	-1,572	-9,048
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	-720	-3,982	3,145
Income taxes payable	67	-220	-119
Other assets	-2,383	958	7,587
Net cash provided by operating activities	398,807	366,688	310,210
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases	-670,529	-660,492	-831,826
Proceeds from sale of equipment, net of selling costs	165,990	140,724	133,367
Cash collections on finance lease receivables, net of income earned	47,607	39,470	35,326
Other	-253	84	219
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-457,185	-480,214	-662,914
Cash flows from financing activities:
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-34,382	0	0
Stock options exercised and stock related activity	-234	-235	-2,930
Financing fees paid under debt facilities	-16,702	-13,897	-8,249
Borrowings under debt facilities	1,828,545	1,206,735	672,404
Payments under debt facilities and capital lease obligations	-1,605,666	-993,011	-304,094
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-6,523	6,711	-1,371
Common stock dividends paid	-96,403	-89,745	-78,090
Net cash provided by financing activities	68,635	116,558	277,670
Net increase (decrease) in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	10,257	3,032	-75,034
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	68,875	65,843	140,877
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period	79,132	68,875	65,843
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid	99,895	101,535	104,834
Income taxes (refunded) paid	-67	225	-147
Supplemental non-cash investing activities:
Accrued and unpaid purchases of equipment	$88,336	$112,268	$111,176

Description_of_the_Business_Ba

Description of the Business, Basis of Presentation and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of the Business, Basis of Presentation, Business Combination	Description of the Business, Basis of Presentation, Business Combination
	A. Description of the Business
	TAL International Group, Inc. ("TAL" or the "Company") leases intermodal transportation equipment, primarily maritime containers, and provides maritime container management services, through a worldwide network of offices, third party depots and other facilities. The Company operates in both international and domestic markets. The majority of the Company's business is derived from leasing its containers to shipping line customers through a variety of long-term (including finance leases) and short-term contractual lease arrangements. The Company also sells its own containers and containers purchased from third parties for resale. TAL also enters into management agreements with third party container owners under which the Company manages the leasing and selling of containers on behalf of the third party owners.
	B. Basis of Presentation
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying prior period financial statements and notes to conform to the current year's presentation.
	In the second quarter of 2014, the Company revised the Income Statement presentation by removing the line item “Total revenues” and moving “Equipment trading revenues” and “Equipment trading expenses” line items together and adding a line for “Trading margin”. The Company believes that this new presentation better highlights the trends in leasing revenues and the relative size and contribution of the Equipment trading segment.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and highly liquid investments having original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based upon a review of the collectability of its receivables. This review is based on the risk profile of the receivables, credit quality indicators such as the level of past-due amounts, and economic conditions. Generally, the Company does not require collateral on accounts receivable balances. An account is considered past due when a payment has not been received in accordance with the contractual terms. Accounts are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collection of the full principal balance is in doubt. Changes in economic conditions or other events may necessitate additions or deductions to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is intended to provide for losses inherent in the receivables, and requires the application of estimates and judgments as to the outcome of collection efforts and the realization of collateral, among other things. The Company believes its allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to provide for credit losses inherent in its existing receivables.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company's equipment lease and trade receivables subject it to potential credit risk. The Company extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of each customer's financial condition and credit history. The Company's largest customer is CMA CGM, which accounted for 16%, 17%, and 16% of the Company's leasing revenues in 2014, 2013, and 2012. No other customer exceeded 10% of the Company's leasing revenues in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
	Net Investment in Finance Leases
	The amounts reported as net investment in finance leases are recorded at the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments, including any purchase options granted to customers, less allowances for uncollectible amounts. Allowances are provided based upon a review of the collectability of gross finance lease receivables, including the underlying collateral, and considers the risk profile of the receivables, credit quality indicators such as the level of past due amounts, if any, and economic conditions. Finance lease receivables are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collection of the full principal balance is in doubt. Interest from these leases is recognized over the term of the lease using the effective interest method as a component of leasing revenues.
	Leasing Equipment
	In general, the Company purchases new equipment from equipment manufacturers for the purpose of leasing such equipment to customers. The Company also purchases used equipment with the intention of selling such equipment in one or more years from the date of purchase. Used units are typically purchased with an existing lease in place or were previously owned by one of the Company's third party owner investors.
	Leasing equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated to an estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives and residual values of the Company's leasing equipment are based on historical disposal experience and the Company's expectations for future used container sale prices. The Company reviews its depreciation policies on a regular basis to determine whether changes have taken place that would suggest that a change in its depreciation policies, useful lives of its equipment or the assigned residual values is warranted.
	In 2012, after conducting its regular depreciation policy review, the Company decided to increase the estimated residual values used in its equipment depreciation policy. The new residual value estimates were put into effect beginning October 1, 2012. Based on the Company's fleet as of December 31, 2012, the increase in assigned residual values resulted in a decrease in future depreciation expense of approximately $19.3 million annually ($12.5 million after-tax or $0.37 per diluted share).
	The estimated useful lives and residual values for the majority of the Company's leasing equipment purchased new from the factory are as follows:


					Residual Values ($)
			Useful Lives (Years)		Effective October 1, 2012				Prior to October 1, 2012
	Dry containers
	20 foot		13		$	1,000			$	900

	40 foot		13		$	1,200			$	1,100

	40 foot high cube		13		$	1,400			$	1,200

	Refrigerated containers
	20 foot		12		$	2,500			$	2,500

	40 foot high cube		12		$	3,500			$	3,400

	Special containers
	40 foot flat rack		14		$	1,500			$	1,200

	40 foot open top		14		$	2,300			$	2,100

	Tank containers		20		$	3,000			$	3,000

	Chassis		20		$	1,200			$	1,200

	Depreciation on leasing equipment starts on the date of initial on-hire.
	For leasing equipment acquired through sale-leaseback transactions, we often adjust our estimates for remaining useful life and residual values based on current conditions in the sale market for older containers and our expectations for how long the equipment will remain on-hire to the current lessee.
	Costs incurred to place new equipment into service, including costs to transport the equipment to its initial on-hire location, are capitalized. The Company charges to expense inspection costs on new equipment and repair and maintenance costs that do not extend the lives of the assets at the time the costs are incurred, and includes these costs in direct operating expenses.


	Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
	If indicators of impairment are present, a determination is made as to whether the carrying value of the Company's fleet exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows. Leasing equipment is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recovered. Key indicators of impairment on leasing equipment include, among other factors, a sustained low level of operating profitability, sustained low level of utilization, or indications of technological obsolescence.
	When testing for impairment, leasing equipment is generally grouped by equipment type, and is tested separately from other groups of assets and liabilities. Some of the significant estimates and assumptions used to determine future undiscounted cash flows and the measurement for impairment are the remaining useful life, expected utilization, expected future lease rates and expected disposal prices of the equipment. The Company considers the assumptions on expected utilization and the remaining useful life to have the greatest impact on its estimate of future undiscounted cash flows. These estimates are principally based on the Company's historical experience and management's judgment of market conditions.
	The net book value of the Company's leasing equipment by equipment type as of the dates indicated was (in thousands):


			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Dry container units		$	2,563,183			$	2,352,069

	Refrigerated container units		637,115				647,090

	Special container units		208,841				191,939

	Tank container units		172,871				161,224

	Chassis		92,021				62,582

		$	3,674,031			$	3,414,904

Included in the amounts above are units not on lease at December 31, 2014 and 2013 with a total net book value of $261.8 million and $306.5 million, respectively. Amortization on equipment purchased under capital lease obligations is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statements of income.
The Company provides an allowance recorded in the provision for doubtful accounts for equipment on lease to customers considered to be non-performing. The allowance is based on a percentage of the net book value of equipment on-hire to those customers that, based on historical experience, the Company believes will ultimately not be recovered. In certain cases, the equipment allowance includes an accrual for costs expected to be incurred for the portion of units on-hire that the Company believes it will recover. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's allowance for equipment on lease was $0.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Equipment Held for Sale
When leasing equipment is returned off lease, the Company makes a determination of whether to repair and re-lease the equipment or sell the equipment. At the time the Company determines that equipment will be sold, it reclassifies the appropriate amounts previously recorded as leasing equipment to equipment held for sale. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment ("ASC 360"), equipment held for sale is carried at the lower of its estimated fair value, based on current transactions, less costs to sell, or carrying value; depreciation on such assets is halted and disposals generally occur within 90 days. Subsequent changes to the fair value of those assets, either increases or decreases, are recorded as adjustments to the carrying value of the equipment held for sale; however, any such adjustments may not exceed the respective equipment's carrying value at the time it was initially classified as held for sale. Initial write downs of assets held for sale are recorded as an impairment charge and are included in net gain on sale of leasing equipment. Realized gains and losses resulting from the sale of equipment held for sale are recorded as net gain on sale of leasing equipment, and cash flows associated with the disposal of equipment held for sale are classified as cash flows from investing activities.
Equipment Held for Resale—Trading Activity
On an opportunistic basis, the Company purchases equipment with markings or specifications different from its own equipment for purposes of reselling it for a net profit. Equipment purchased for resale is reported as equipment held for sale when the timeframe between when the equipment is purchased and when it is sold is expected to be short, generally less than one year. Cash flows associated with equipment purchased for resale having a short expected holding period are classified as cash flows from operating activities. Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds from the sale of this equipment, while Equipment trading expenses include the cost of equipment sold, any costs to sell such equipment, including administrative costs, and costs associated with the related inventory of equipment, such as storage and handling charges.
Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Equipment purchased for resale is reported as leasing equipment when the timeframe between when the equipment is purchased and leased back to the seller, and when it is sold is expected to be one year or greater. Cash flows associated with equipment purchased for resale having a long expected holding period are classified as cash flows from investing activities.
Goodwill
The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"). ASC 350 requires goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives to be reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. In connection with the acquisition that occurred in 2004, the Company recorded $71.9 million of goodwill. Effective July 1, 2013, the Company acquired the assets and business of Martec Leasing (a worldwide supplier of rolltrailers) where the Company recorded $2.6 million of goodwill. Management determined that the Company has two reporting units, Equipment leasing and Equipment trading, and allocated $73.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, to each reporting unit. The Company has elected to bypass the qualitative approach permitted under ASC 350 for testing goodwill for impairment, but may elect to perform the qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment in future periods. The annual impairment test is conducted by comparing the Company's carrying amount to the fair value of the Company using a market capitalization approach. Market capitalization of the entity is compared to the carrying value of the entity since virtually all of the goodwill is allocated to, and nearly all of the market capitalization is attributable to, the Equipment leasing reporting unit. If the carrying value of the entity exceeds its market capitalization, then a second step would be performed that compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. The determination of the implied fair value of goodwill would require management to compare the estimated fair value of the reporting units to the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting units. Any excess fair value represents the implied fair value of goodwill. To the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded. The Company's annual review of goodwill, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2014, indicated that no impairment of goodwill existed.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs represent the fees incurred in connection with the Company's debt obligations, and are amortized using the effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the related obligation, depending on the type of debt obligation to which they relate. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written off when the related debt obligations are refinanced or extinguished prior to maturity, and are determined to be an extinguishment of debt.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, equipment purchases payable, and accounts payable approximated their fair value as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Fair value represents the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company utilizes the following fair value hierarchy when selecting inputs for its valuation techniques, with the highest priority given to Level 1:

•	Level 1—Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets (unadjusted).

•	Level 2—Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on observable inputs such as (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; or (iii) model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

•	Level 3—Financial assets and liabilities whose values are derived from valuation techniques based on one or more significant unobservable inputs.







Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The Company does not measure gross net investment in finance leases or debt at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets. The fair value, which was measured using Level 2 inputs, and the carrying value of the Company's gross net investment in finance leases and debt are listed in the table below as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands).


	December 31,				December 31,
	2014				2013
Assets
Net investment in finance leases - carrying value	$	220,928			$	258,233

Net investment in finance leases - fair value	$	223,455			$	265,745

Liabilities
Debt—carrying value	$	3,040,842			$	2,817,933

Debt—estimated fair value	$	3,060,790			$	2,787,582

The Company estimated the fair value of its net investment in finance leases and debt instruments based on the net present value of its future receipts or payments, using a discount rate which reflects the Company's estimate of current market interest rates and spreads as of the balance sheet date.
Revenue Recognition
Operating Leases with Customers
The Company enters into long-term leases and service leases with ocean carriers, principally as lessor in operating leases, for marine cargo equipment. Long-term leases provide our customers with specified equipment for a specified term. The Company's leasing revenues are based upon the number of equipment units leased, the applicable per diem rate and the length of the lease. Long-term leases typically have initial contractual terms ranging from three to eight years. Revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective lease. Advance billings are deferred and recognized in the period earned. Service leases do not specify the exact number of equipment units to be leased or the term that each unit will remain on-hire, but allow the lessee to pick-up and drop-off units at various locations specified in the lease agreement. Under a service lease, rental revenue is based on the number of equipment units on-hire for a given period. Revenue for customers considered to be non-performing is deferred and recognized when the amounts are received.
In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 605, Revenue Recognition ("ASC 605"), the Company recognizes billings to customers for damages and certain other operating costs as leasing revenue as it is earned based on the terms of the contractual agreements with the customer. As principal, the Company is responsible for fulfillment of the services, supplier selection and service specifications, and has ultimate responsibility to pay the supplier for the services whether or not it collects the amount billed to the lessee.
Finance Leases with Customers
The Company enters into finance leases as lessor for some of the equipment in its fleet. The net investment in finance leases represents the receivables due from lessees, net of unearned income. Unearned income is recognized on a level yield basis over the lease term and is recorded as leasing revenue. Finance leases are usually long-term in nature, typically ranging for a period of five to ten years and typically include an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for an amount determined to be a bargain.
Other Revenues
The Company manages equipment which is owned by third parties and it earns management fees based on the income earned by the leasing and sales of such equipment. Management fees are recognized as services are provided. The Company collects amounts billed and pays operating costs as agent on behalf of the third parties that own such equipment. These billings and operating costs are not included in revenue and expense; instead, the net amounts owed to these equipment owners are reflected as accrued expenses in the Company's financial statements until paid as required by our contracts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $2.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively, was reflected in accounts payable and other accrued expenses, which represent unpaid net earnings owed to third party owners of managed equipment.
Other revenues also includes fee income for third party positioning of equipment.


Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Equipment Trading Revenues and Expenses
Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds from the sale of equipment purchased for resale and are recognized as units are sold and delivered to the customer. The related expenses represent the cost of equipment sold as well as other selling costs that are recognized as incurred and are reflected as equipment trading expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Direct Operating Expenses
Direct operating expenses are directly related to the Company's equipment under and available for lease. These expenses primarily consist of the Company's costs to repair and maintain the equipment, to reposition the equipment, to store the equipment when it is not on lease and to inspect newly manufactured equipment. These costs are recognized when incurred. Certain positioning costs may be capitalized when incurred to place new equipment on an initial lease.
Derivative Instruments
The Company uses derivatives in the management of its interest rate exposure on its long-term borrowings and its foreign currency rate exposure on certain of its foreign currency based finance lease receivables. The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). ASC 815 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value and establishes criteria for both the designation and effectiveness of hedging activities.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740") using the asset and liability method, which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
If applicable, the Company accrues income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions by evaluating whether the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained in an audit and measures the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Potential interest and penalties associated with such uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no liabilities related to uncertain tax positions.
Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement
The net assets and operations of foreign subsidiaries included in the consolidated financial statements are attributable primarily to the Company's U.K. subsidiary. The accounts of this subsidiary have been converted at rates of exchange in effect at year end as to balance sheet accounts and at the weighted average of exchange rates for the year as to statements of income accounts. The effects of changes in exchange rates in translating foreign subsidiaries' financial statements are included in stockholders' equity as accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.
The Company also has certain cash accounts, certain finance lease receivables and certain obligations that are denominated in currencies other than the Company's functional currency. These assets and liabilities are generally denominated in Euros or British Pounds, and are remeasured at each balance sheet date at the exchange rates in effect as of those dates. The impact of changes in exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities are included in administrative expenses.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation ("ASC 718") which requires that compensation costs relating to stock-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award).
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes net income, net gains and losses and related amortization, net of income taxes, on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, and foreign currency translation adjustments.


Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, utilizing the treasury stock method.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This new standard will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. Leasing revenue recognition is specifically excluded from this ASU, and therefore, the new standard will only apply to Equipment Trading revenues and sales of leasing equipment. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application prohibited. ASU 2014-09 allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is evaluating the transition method that will be elected and the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2014-09.

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15 ("ASU 2014-15"), Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This standard requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that financial statements are issued and to disclose those conditions if management has concluded that substantial doubt exists. Subsequent to adoption, this guidance will need to be applied by management at the end of each annual period and interim period therein to determine what, if any, impact there will be on the Consolidated Financial Statements in a given reporting period. These changes become effective for the Company for the 2016 annual period. Management has determined that the adoption of these changes will not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements as this standard is disclosure only.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):


		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Asset backed securitization (ABS) term notes	$	1,504,183	$	1,303,128

	Term loan facilities	858,973		865,089

	Asset backed warehouse facility	420,000		83,000

	Revolving credit facilities	160,000		450,000

	Capital lease obligations	97,686		116,716

	Total Debt	$	3,040,842	$	2,817,933

	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $1,603.4 million of debt outstanding on facilities with fixed interest rates. These fixed rate facilities had a weighted average effective interest rate of 4.16% in 2014, are scheduled to mature between 2015 and 2024, and had a weighted average remaining term of 4.4 years as of December 31, 2014.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $1,437.4 million of debt outstanding on facilities with interest rates based on floating rate indices (primarily LIBOR). These floating rate facilities had a weighted average effective interest rate of 2.25% in 2014, are scheduled to mature between 2016 and 2021, and had a weighted average remaining term of 4.0 years as of


	Note 3—Debt (Continued)
	December 31, 2014. Including the impact of our interest rate swaps, the weighted average effective interest rate on our floating rate facilities was 3.25% in 2014.
	The Company economically hedges the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates on a portion of its floating rate borrowings by entering into interest rate swap agreements that convert a portion of its floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had interest rate swaps in place with a net notional amount of $1,135.0 million and a weighted average remaining term of 7.6 years to fix the floating interest rates on a portion of its floating rate debt obligations. These interest rate swaps had a weighted average fixed leg interest rate of 2.00% in 2014 (see Note 4 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swap agreements).
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $2,738.4 million of debt which is at fixed rates or is effectively fixed due to interest rate swap contracts. This accounts for 90.1% of total debt. These facilities had a weighted average remaining term of 5.7 years.
	Asset Backed Securitization Term Notes
	The Company’s Asset Backed Securitization (“ABS”) facilities have been used to finance its existing container fleet and new container purchases. Under the facilities, indirect wholly‑owned subsidiaries of the Company issue asset backed notes. The issuance of asset backed notes is the primary business objective of those subsidiaries.
	The Company’s borrowings under the ABS facilities amortize in monthly installments. The borrowing capacity under the ABS facilities is determined by applying an advance rate against the sum of the net book values of designated eligible containers and accounts receivable for sold equipment not outstanding more than 60 days plus 100% of restricted cash. The net book values for purposes of calculating the Company’s borrowing capacity is the original equipment cost depreciated over 13, 12, and 20 years to between 15% to 40% of original equipment cost, depending on the type of equipment. Advance rates under the ABS facilities range from 76% to 87%. The Company is required to maintain restricted cash balances on deposit in designated bank accounts equal to five to nine months of interest expense depending on the type of facility.
	Term Loan Facilities
	The Company utilizes its term loan facilities as an important funding source for the purchase of containers and other equipment. The term loan facilities generally amortize in monthly installments. Two of the term loans have revolving periods, the first with an initial two year revolving period followed by a three year term period with a maturity date of November 7, 2019 and a second with an initial one year revolving period followed by a five year term period with a maturity date of December 19, 2020.
	The borrowing capacity under the term loan facilities is determined by applying an advance rate in the range of 80% to 90% against the net book values of designated eligible containers, which is determined under the terms of each facility.
	Asset Backed Warehouse Facility
	The asset backed warehouse facility has a maximum borrowing capacity of $650.0 million. Under the facility, funds are available on a revolving basis until October 10, 2017, after which if the facility is not refinanced, the notes will convert to term notes with a maturity date of October 10, 2021. The term notes will amortize on a level basis over the four year term period to 60% of the outstanding balance. We primarily use the proceeds of this facility to finance the acquisition of equipment.
	The borrowing capacity under the asset backed warehouse facility is determined by applying the advance rate of 81% against the sum of the net book values of designated eligible containers and accounts receivable for sold containers not outstanding more than 60 days plus 100% of restricted cash. The net book value for purposes of calculating the Company's borrowing capacity is the original equipment cost depreciated over 13, 12, and 20 years to 40%, 25%, and 15% of original equipment cost for dry containers, refrigerated containers, and tank containers, respectively. The Company is required to maintain restricted cash balances on deposit in a designated bank account equal to three months of interest expense.


	Note 3—Debt (Continued)
	Revolving Credit Facilities
	The Company’s revolving credit facilities have a maximum borrowing capacity of $550.0 million with maturity dates on November 30, 2016 and March 12, 2018. These facilities generally provide for an advance rate against eligible assets defined by the terms of their respective agreements.
	Debt maturities excluding capital lease obligations (amounts in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	340,661

	2016	301,623

	2017	272,162

	2018	430,196

	2019	498,605

	2020 and thereafter	1,099,909

	Total	$	2,943,156

	Capital Lease Obligations
	The Company has entered into a series of lease transactions with various financial institutions to finance chassis and containers. Each lease is accounted for as a capital lease, with interest expense recognized on a level yield basis over the period preceding early purchase options, if any, which is generally five to ten years from the transaction date.
	At December 31, 2014, future lease payments under these capital leases were as follows (in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
2015	$	39,717

2016	29,923

2017	18,771

2018	17,818

Total future payments	106,229

Less: amount representing interest	(8,543		)
Capital lease obligations	$	97,686

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments
	Interest Rate Swaps
	The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk exposure. The majority of interest rate swap agreements utilized by TAL effectively modify the Company's exposure to interest rate risk by converting a portion of its floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense. Such agreements involve the receipt of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed rate interest payments over the lives of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amounts. In limited instances, the Company has also entered into interest rate swap agreements that involve the receipt of fixed rate amounts in exchange for floating rate interest payments. The counterparties to the Company's interest rate swap agreements are highly rated financial institutions. In the unlikely event that the counterparties fail to meet the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, the Company's exposure is limited to the interest rate differential on the notional amount at each monthly settlement period over the life of the agreements. The Company does not anticipate any non-performance by the counterparties. Substantially all of the assets of certain indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company have been pledged as collateral for the underlying indebtedness and the amounts payable under the interest rate swap agreements for each of these entities. In addition, certain assets of TAL International Container Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, are pledged as collateral for various credit facilities and the amounts payable under certain interest rate swap agreements.
	Note 4—Derivative Instruments (Continued)
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had net interest rate swap agreements in place to fix the floating interest rates on a portion of the borrowings under its debt facilities as summarized below:


	Net Notional		Weighted Average		Weighted Average
	Amount(1)		Fixed Leg (Pay) Interest Rate(2)		Remaining Term(2)
	$1,135 Million		2.00%		7.6 years
	_______________________________________________________________________________


	-1	As of December 31, 2014, the net notional amount outstanding on the Company's interest rate swap agreements is comprised of $1,285 million of pay-fixed rate/receive-floating rate agreements and $150.0 million of pay-floating rate/receive-fixed rate agreements. The Company entered into the pay-floating rate/receive-fixed rate agreements at the parent company level to offset the cash flows on certain pay-fixed rate/receive-floating rate agreements of certain wholly owned subsidiaries. The pay-floating rate/receive-fixed rate and pay-fixed rate/receive-floating rate agreements have terms that offset each other.


	-2	The calculations of weighted average fixed (pay) leg interest rate and weighted average remaining term on the Company's interest rate swap agreements reflect the impact of the pay-floating rate/receive-fixed rate agreements and the pay-fixed rate/receive-floating rate agreements which offset.

	In 2014, the Company terminated certain interest rate swap agreements and entered into new swap agreements with longer maturities. The Company designated these interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges at their inception. There was no material ineffectiveness associated with these cash flow hedges in the period from designation through December 31, 2014. The Company made net payments of $5.0 million to terminate its interest rate swap counterparties related to the termination of those agreements.
	The following table represents pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income related to interest rate swap agreements (in millions) expected to be recognized in income over the next 12 months:


		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Unrealized loss on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$	(17.9	)
	Amortization of loss on terminated derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$	(2.6	)

	Amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to these terminated interest rate swap agreements may be recognized in earnings immediately in conjunction with a termination of the related debt balances.











	Note 4—Derivative Instruments (Continued)
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
	Under the criteria established by ASC 820, the Company has elected to use the income approach to value its interest rate swap and foreign currency rate swap agreements, using observable Level 2 market expectations at the measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount (discounted) assuming that participants are motivated, but not compelled to transact. The Level 2 inputs for the interest rate swap and forward valuations are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts and spot currency rates) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically forward currency points, LIBOR cash and swap rates, basis swap adjustments and credit risk at commonly quoted intervals).
	Location of Derivative Instruments in Financial Statements


		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		(In Millions)
		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
		December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013					December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Derivative Instrument	Balance		Fair			Balance		Fair			Balance	Fair		Balance	Fair
		Sheet		Value			Sheet		Value			Sheet	Value		Sheet	Value
		Location					Location					Location			Location
	Interest rate swap contracts, designated as cash flow hedges	Fair value of derivative instruments		$	1.7		Fair value of derivative instruments		$	27		Fair value of derivative instruments	$	9.4	Fair value of derivative instruments	$	1.4
		Fair value of derivative instruments		$	1.7		Fair value of derivative instruments		$	27		Fair value of derivative instruments	$	9.4	Fair value of derivative instruments	$	1.4
	Interest rate swap contracts, not designated	Fair value of derivative instruments		0.1			Fair value of derivative instruments		0.3			Fair value of derivative instruments	1		Fair value of derivative instruments	0.5
	Interest rate swap contracts, not designated	Fair value of derivative instruments		0.1			Fair value of derivative instruments		0.3			Fair value of derivative instruments	1		Fair value of derivative instruments	0.5
	Foreign exchange contracts, not designated	Fair value of derivative instruments		0.1			Fair value of derivative instruments		0.2			Fair value of derivative instruments	—		Fair value of derivative instruments	—
	Foreign exchange contracts, not designated	Fair value of derivative instruments		0.1			Fair value of derivative instruments		0.2			Fair value of derivative instruments	—		Fair value of derivative instruments	—
	Total derivatives			$	1.9				$	27.5			$	10.4		$	1.9
	Total derivatives			$	1.9				$	27.5			$	10.4		$	1.9


		Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and
		Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
		(In Millions)
			Year Ended December 31,
	Location of Loss (Gain) on Derivative Instruments		Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013				2012
			2014			2013				2012
Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense		$	15.1		$	12.3			$	22
Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense		$	15.1		$	12.3			$	22
Amortization of realized net loss on terminated derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges	Interest expense		2.5			3				3.3
	Interest expense		2.5			3				3.3
Change in fair value of derivatives, designated as cash flow hedges	Other comprehensive income		52.1			(18.0		)		1.8
	Other comprehensive income		52.1			(18.0		)		1.8
Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps, not designated	Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps		0.8			(8.9		)		2.5
Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps, not designated	Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps		0.8			(8.9		)		2.5
Foreign exchange agreements, not designated	Administrative expenses		0.1			0.3				0.3
Foreign exchange agreements, not designated	Administrative expenses		0.1			0.3				0.3

Net_Investment_in_Finance_Leas

Net Investment in Finance Leases	12 Months Ended
Net Investment in Finance Leases	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases, Capital [Abstract]
Net Investment in Finance Leases	Net Investment in Finance Leases
	The following table represents the components of the net investment in finance leases (in thousands):


		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Gross finance lease receivables (1)	$	267,720			$	320,149
	Gross finance lease receivables (1)	$	267,720			$	320,149
	Allowance on gross finance lease receivables	(1,056		)		(1,057		)
	Gross finance lease receivables, net of allowance	266,664				319,092
	Gross finance lease receivables, net of allowance	266,664				319,092
	Unearned income (2)	(46,792		)		(61,916		)
	Net investment in finance leases (3)	$	219,872			$	257,176
	Net investment in finance leases (3)	$	219,872			$	257,176

	-1	At the inception of the lease, the Company records the total minimum lease payments, executory costs, if any, and unguaranteed residual value as gross finance lease receivables. The gross finance lease receivable is reduced as customer payments are received. The unguaranteed residual value is generally equal to the purchase option at the end of the lease. Approximately $5.6 million and $5.0 million of unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

	-2	The difference between the gross finance lease receivable and the fair value of the equipment at the lease inception is recorded as unearned income. Unearned income together with initial direct costs, are amortized to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return. There were no unamortized initial direct costs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

	-3	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately 48% and 44%, respectively, of the Company's net investment in finance leases were with Hapag Lloyd AG, and approximately 19% and 21%, respectively, of the Company’s net investment in finance leases were with Mediterranean Shipping Company.
	Contractual maturities of the Company’s gross finance lease receivables subsequent to December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	59,523
	2015	$	59,523
	2016	50,271
	2016	50,271
	2017	39,606
	2017	39,606
	2018	33,863
	2018	33,863
	2019	31,529
	2019	31,529
	2020 and thereafter	52,928
	2020 and thereafter	52,928
	Total	$	267,720
	Total	$	267,720
	The Company evaluates potential losses in its finance lease portfolio by regularly reviewing the specific receivables in the portfolio and analyzing historical loss experience. The Company's historical loss experience on its gross finance lease receivables, after considering equipment recoveries, was less than 1%. Net investment in finance lease receivables is generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collection of the full balance is remote.
	In order to estimate its allowance for losses contained in the gross finance lease receivables, the Company categorizes the credit worthiness of the receivables in the portfolio based on internal customer credit ratings, which are reviewed and updated, as appropriate, on an ongoing basis. The internal customer credit ratings are developed based on a review of the financial performance and condition, operating environment, geographical location and trade routes of our customers.
	Note 5—Net Investment in Finance Leases (Continued)
	The categories of gross finance lease receivables based on the Company's internal customer credit ratings can be described as follows:
	Tier 1—These customers are typically large international shipping lines who have been in business for many years and have world class operating capabilities and significant financial resources. In most cases, the Company has had a long commercial relationship with these customers and currently maintains regular communication with them at several levels of management, which provides TAL with insight into the customer's current operating and financial performance. In the Company's view, these customers have the greatest ability to withstand cyclical downturns and would likely have greater access to needed capital than lower rated customers. The Company views the risk of default for Tier 1 customers to range from minimal to modest.
	Tier 2—These customers are typically either smaller shipping lines with less operating scale or shipping lines with a high degree of financial leverage, and accordingly the Company views these customers as subject to higher volatility in financial performance over the business cycle. The Company generally expects these customers to have less access to capital markets or other sources of financing during cyclical downturns. The Company views the risk of default for Tier 2 customers as moderate.
	Tier 3—Customers in this category exhibit volatility in payments on a regular basis, thus they are considered non-performing. The Company has initiated or implemented plans to recover equipment on lease to these customers and believes that default is likely, or has already occurred.
	Based on the above categories, the Company's gross finance lease receivables are as follows (in thousands):


		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Tier 1	$	244,136			$	283,172
	Tier 1	$	244,136			$	283,172
	Tier 2	23,584				36,977
	Tier 2	23,584				36,977
	Tier 3	—				—
	Tier 3	—				—
	Gross finance lease receivables	$	267,720			$	320,149
	Gross finance lease receivables	$	267,720			$	320,149
	The Company considers an account past due when a payment has not been received in accordance with the terms of the related lease agreement. As of December 31, 2014, approximately $0.3 million of the Company's Tier 2 gross finance lease receivables were past due, substantially all of which were aged approximately 31 days. As of December 31, 2014, none of the Company's gross finance lease receivables were in non-accrual status. The Company categorizes customers as non-accrual based on the credit ratings described above and recognizes income on gross finance lease receivables in non-accrual status as collections are made.
	The following table represents the activity of the Company's allowance on gross finance lease receivables for the periods presented (in thousands):


		Beginning				Additions/				Other (a)			Ending
		Balance				(Reversals)				Other (a)			Balance
Finance Lease—Allowance for doubtful accounts:
For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	1,057			$	—			$	(1	)	$	1,056
For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	1,057			$	—			$	(1	)	$	1,056
For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	897			$	159			$	1		$	1,057
For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	897			$	159			$	1		$	1,057
For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	1,073			$	(177	)		$	1		$	897
For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	1,073			$	(177	)		$	1		$	897
_______________________________________________________________________________
(a) Primarily relates to the effect of foreign currency translation.

Capital_Stock_and_Stock_Option

Capital Stock and Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock and Stock Options	Capital Stock and Stock Options
	Dividends
	We paid the following quarterly dividends during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 on our issued and outstanding common stock:


	Record Date	Payment Date		Aggregate		Per Share
				Payment		Payment
	2-Dec-14	23-Dec-14		$23.8 Million		$0.72
	3-Sep-14	24-Sep-14		$24.2 Million		$0.72
	3-Jun-14	24-Jun-14		$24.2 Million		$0.72
	3-Mar-14	March 24, 2014		$24.2 Million		$0.72
	2-Dec-13	23-Dec-13		$23.4 Million		$0.70
	3-Sep-13	24-Sep-13		$22.8 Million		$0.68
	4-Jun-13	25-Jun-13		$22.1 Million		$0.66
	March 7, 2013	March 28, 2013		$21.4 Million		$0.64
	Treasury Stock
	On March 13, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized a stock buyback program for the repurchase of Company’s common stock. The stock repurchase program, as now amended, authorizes the Company to repurchase up to 4.0 million shares of its common stock. During 2014, TAL repurchased 818,085 shares at an average price of $42.01 for a total amount of $34.4 million. There were no material purchases of treasury stock during the years ended 2013 and 2012. As of December 31, 2014, a total of 170,072 shares may yet be repurchased under the stock repurchase program.
	Stock Based Compensation Plans
	In October 2005, the Company adopted the TAL International Group, Inc. 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”), which provides for the issuance of awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock. A total of 2,500,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2005 Plan.
	The Company records compensation cost relating to stock based payment transactions in accordance with ASC 718. The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award) on a straight-line basis.
	The Company recognized $6.0 million, $5.2 million, and $3.7 million of compensation costs that were reported in administrative expenses for the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which relate to the Company’s stock based compensation plans as a result of restricted shares granted during the years 2010 through 2014.
	Total unrecognized compensation cost of approximately $5.8 million as of December 31, 2014 related to restricted shares granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of approximately 1.7 years.
	No further grants will be made under the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan but the terms of the 2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan will continue to apply to awards previously granted under the plan.
	On March 14, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors adopted and on April 22, 2014, the Company's shareholders approved the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. No grants have been made and no shares have been issued under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2014.

	Note 6—Capital Stock and Stock Options (Continued)
	Stock option activity under the Plans for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:


		Options		Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
				Average		Average		Intrinsic
				Exercise		Remaining		Value
				Price		Life (Yrs)		($ in 000’s)
	Outstanding: January 1, 2014	30,841		$18.00		1.8		$1,214
	Granted	—		—		—		—
	Exercised	-2,950		$18.00		—		$78
	Canceled	—		—		—		—
	Outstanding: December 31, 2014	27,891		$18.00		0.8		$713
	Exercisable: December 31, 2014	27,891		$18.00		0.8		$713

	Restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:


		Number of		Weighted
		shares		Average
		outstanding		Grant date
				fair value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014	354,500		$36.28
	Granted	151,250		44.17
	Vested(1)(2)	-133,250		34.47
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	372,500		$40.13
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)The fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during 2014 was $7.2 million.
	(2) Plan participants tendered 6,695 shares of common stock, all of which were subsequently retired by the Company, to satisfy payment, in certain instances, of withholding taxes, for a portion of the restricted stock vested during the year ended December 31, 2014.


	Note 6—Capital Stock and Stock Options (Continued)
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands and net of tax effects):


		Cash Flow				Foreign				Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		Hedges				Currency
						Translation
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(7,481	)		$	(949	)		$	(8,430	)
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	11,643				—				11,643

Reclassification of realized loss on interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	4,844				—				4,844

Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,953				—				1,953

Foreign currency translation adjustment	—				60				60

Other comprehensive income (loss)	18,440				60				18,500

Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	10,959			$	(889	)		$	10,070



	Cash Flow				Foreign				Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	Hedges				Currency
					Translation
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	10,959			$	(889	)		$	10,070

Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(33,814		)		—				(33,814		)

Reclassification of realized loss on interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	9,106				—				9,106

Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,604				—				1,604

Foreign currency translation adjustment	—				(215		)		(215		)

Other comprehensive income (loss)	(23,104		)		(215		)		(23,319		)
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(12,145	)		$	(1,104	)		$	(13,249	)
The following table presents reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the period indicated (in thousands):


	Balance as of December 31, 2014				Balance as of December 31, 2013				Affected Line Item
									in the Consolidated
									Statements of Income
Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges	$	13,895			$	7,470			Interest and debt expense

Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	2,479				3,020				Interest and debt expense

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income before income tax	16,374				10,490				Income before income taxes

Income tax (benefit)	(5,664		)		(3,693		)		Income tax expense
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	10,710			$	6,797			Net income

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Information	Segment and Geographic Information
	Industry Segment Information
	The Company’s operations include the acquisition, leasing, re-leasing and subsequent sale of multiple types of intermodal containers and chassis. Intermodal containers are large, standardized steel boxes used to transport freight by ship, rail or truck. Chassis are used for the transportation of containers domestically. The Company leases five types of equipment: (1) dry freight containers, which are used for general cargo such as manufactured component parts, consumer staples, electronics and apparel, (2) refrigerated containers, which are used for perishable items such as fresh and frozen foods, (3) special containers, which are used for heavy and oversized cargo such as marble slabs, building products and machinery, (4) tank containers which are used to transport bulk liquid products such as chemicals, and (5) chassis, which are used for the transportation of containers domestically.
	The Company conducts its business activities in one industry, intermodal transportation equipment, and has two reporting segments:

	•	Equipment leasing—the Company owns, leases and ultimately disposes of containers and chassis from its lease fleet, as well as manages leasing activities for containers owned by third parties.


	•	Equipment trading—the Company purchases containers from shipping line customers, and other sellers of containers, and resells these containers to container retailers and users of containers for storage or one-way shipment. Included in the Equipment trading segment revenues are leasing revenues from equipment purchased for resale that is currently on lease until the containers are dropped off.

	The following tables show segment information for the periods indicated and the consolidated totals reported (dollars in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31, 2014	Equipment			Equipment			Totals
		Leasing			Trading
	Total leasing revenues	$	581,421		$	12,585		$	594,006

	Trading margin	—			7,190			7,190

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	6,987			—			6,987

	Depreciation and amortization expense	223,487			1,266			224,753

	Interest and debt expense	107,050			2,215			109,265

	Income before income taxes(1)	180,356			15,122			195,478

	Equipment held for sale at December 31	28,906			30,955			59,861

	Goodwill at December 31	73,523			1,000			74,523

	Total assets at December 31	4,208,149			66,835			4,274,984

	Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases(2)	668,028			2,501			670,529

	Note 7—Segment and Geographic Information (Continued)



	Year Ended December 31, 2013	Equipment			Equipment			Totals
		Leasing			Trading
	Total leasing revenues	$	556,690		$	13,163		$	569,853

	Trading margin	—			10,278			10,278

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	26,751			—			26,751

	Depreciation and amortization expense	203,157			1,916			205,073

	Interest and debt expense	109,175			2,550			111,725

	Income before income taxes(1)	198,210			17,708			215,918

	Equipment held for sale at December 31	33,132			24,910			58,042

	Goodwill at December 31	73,523			1,000			74,523

	Total assets at December 31	3,966,762			78,534			4,045,296

	Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases(2)	644,288			16,204			660,492




Year Ended December 31, 2012	Equipment			Equipment			Totals
	Leasing			Trading
Total leasing revenues	$	519,860		$	8,337		$	528,197

Trading margin	—			7,544			7,544

Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	44,509			—			44,509

Depreciation and amortization expense	189,710			3,756			193,466

Interest and debt expense	111,598			3,031			114,629

Income before income taxes(1)	195,166			8,167			203,333

Equipment held for sale at December 31	16,936			30,203			47,139

Goodwill at December 31	70,898			1,000			71,898

Total assets at December 31	3,620,228			80,966			3,701,194

Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases(2)	822,698			9,128			831,826


_______________________________________________________________________________

-1	Segment income before income taxes excludes net losses on interest rate swaps of $0.8 million, net gains on interest rate swaps of $8.9 million, and net losses on interest swaps of $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the write-off of deferred financing costs of $5.2 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. There was no write-off of deferred financing costs in 2012.


-2	Represents cash disbursements for purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance lease as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods indicated, but excludes cash flows associated with the purchase of equipment held for resale.
There are no intercompany revenues or expenses between segments. Additionally, certain administrative expenses have been allocated between segments based on an estimate of services provided to each segment. A portion of the Company's equipment purchased for resale was purchased through certain sale-leaseback transactions with our shipping line customers. Due to the expected longer term nature of these transactions, these purchases are reflected as leasing equipment as opposed to equipment held for sale and the cash flows associated with these transactions are and will be reflected as purchases of leasing equipment and proceeds from the sale of equipment in investing activities in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows.
Note 7—Segment and Geographic Information (Continued)
Geographic Segment Information
The Company earns its revenues from international containers which are deployed by its customers in a wide variety of global trade routes. Substantially all of the Company's leasing related revenue is denominated in U.S. dollars.
The following table represents the geographic allocation of equipment leasing revenues for the periods indicated based on customers' primary domicile (in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Total revenues:
United States of America	$	34,206		$	32,506		$	36,831

Asia	274,467			247,353			213,552

Europe	263,723			265,845			252,795

Other International	21,610			24,149			25,019

Total	$	594,006		$	569,853		$	528,197

As all of the Company's containers are used internationally, where no one container is domiciled in one particular place for a prolonged period of time, substantially all of the Company's long-lived assets are considered to be international.
The following table represents the geographic allocation of equipment trading revenues for the periods indicated based on the location of sale (in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Total revenues:
United States of America	$	8,724		$	7,719		$	7,036

Asia	26,794			39,965			38,568

Europe	17,946			11,964			7,385

Other International	2,972			13,356			7,986

Total	$	56,436		$	73,004		$	60,975

Net_Gain_on_Sale_of_Leasing_Eq

Net Gain on Sale of Leasing Equipment (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived [Abstract]
Net Gain on Sale of Leasing Equipment	Net Gain on Sale of Leasing Equipment
	The net gain on sale of leasing equipment consists of the following (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Impairment (loss) on equipment held for sale	$	(4,326	)	$	(1,838	)	$	(247	)
	Gain on sale of equipment-net of selling costs	11,313			28,589			44,756

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	$	6,987		$	26,751		$	44,509

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The following table sets forth the income tax expense for the periods indicated (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Current taxes:
	Federal	$	—			$	—			$	—

	State	—				—				—

	Foreign	—				—				304

		—				—				304

	Deferred taxes:
	Federal	65,020				76,761				69,804

	State	587				1,105				998

	Foreign	(146		)		(167		)		(374		)
		65,461				77,699				70,428

	Total	$	65,461			$	77,699			$	70,732

	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is provided below:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal income taxes at the statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes (net of Federal income tax benefit)	0.2			0.3			0.3

	Foreign income taxed at other than the Federal statutory rate	(0.1	)		(0.1	)		—

	Change in enacted tax rates(1)(2)	(0.6	)		(0.1	)		(0.2	)
	Effect of permanent differences and other, net	—			0.1			0.1

	Effective income tax rate	34.5	%		35.2	%		35.2	%
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1) Several states have enacted changes to their apportionment factors. These changes resulted in a decrease in the Company’s overall effective tax rate for 2014. The Company adjusts its deferred tax assets and liabilities through income tax expense on the date which rate changes are enacted. Accordingly, the Company recorded a reduction of $1.2 million in 2014 in income tax expense to reflect the impact of these changes in state apportionment factors.
	(2) Effective April 2014, 2013, and 2012 income tax rate reductions were enacted in the U.K. reducing the corporate tax rate from 23% to 21%, from 24% to 23%, and from 26% to 24%, respectively. Accordingly, the Company recorded reductions of an immaterial amount, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in its income tax expense to reflect the impact of these rate changes on the Company’s net deferred income tax liability related to its U.K. operations.
	Note 9—Income Taxes (Continued)
	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	134,329			$	113,599

	Allowance for losses	959				1,706

	Derivative instruments	7,556				4,007

	Deferred income	9,230				9,587

	Accrued liabilities and other	99				99

		152,173				128,998

	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Accelerated depreciation	542,447				457,098

Goodwill amortization	16,720				16,401

Derivative instruments	673				9,501

Other	3,340				4,253

	563,180				487,253

Net deferred income tax liability	$	411,007			$	358,255

The Company has U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of nearly $400 million at December 31, 2014. These losses will expire in 2026 through 2035. The Company has unrecognized excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation costs of $5.7 million that it expects to credit to stockholders’ equity in future periods. The Company expects to fully utilize these losses to offset future taxable income that will be generated by the reversal of temporary differences, mainly accelerated depreciation, prior to their expiration. The Company continues to monitor changes in its stock ownership which can potentially trigger annual limitations to the amount of net operating losses that may be utilized in future years under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not believe any of its net operating loss carryforwards are currently subject to Section 382 limitations.
The Company does not provide for U.S. federal income taxes on undistributed earnings from its U.K. subsidiary because it is the Company’s policy to permanently reinvest its foreign earnings outside of the U.S. These foreign earnings could become subject to additional tax if they are loaned to the Company, remitted as dividends, or if the Company sells the stock of its U.K. subsidiary. It is not practicable to estimate the amount or timing of the additional tax, if any, that eventually might be paid on these foreign earnings. As of December 31, 2014 the Company’s cumulative undistributed earnings were $6.2 million.
In accordance with the requirement to determine if the Company has any unrecognized tax benefits, the Company has continued to evaluate all tax positions and has determined that the cumulative effect of any uncertain tax positions and resulting unrecognized tax benefits did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position. As of January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any material unrecognized tax benefits. There were no increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits during the year resulting from prior period tax positions, current period tax positions, settlements with tax authorities or the lapse of any statute of limitations, and no material changes in unrecognized tax benefits are expected over the next twelve months. Accordingly, there is no impact to the Company’s effective tax rate. Estimated interest and penalties related to potential underpayment on any unrecognized tax benefits would be classified as a component of tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company has not recorded any interest or penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits. The 2012, 2013, and 2014 tax years remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

Savings_Plan_Notes

Savings Plan (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Savings Plan (Notes)	Dec. 31, 2014
Savings Plan [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Savings Plan
	The Company’s employees participate in a defined contribution plan generally covering all of its U.S. salaried employees. Under the provisions of the Plan, an employee is fully vested with respect to Company contributions after four years of service. The Company matches employee contributions up to 3% of qualified compensation and may, at its discretion, make voluntary contributions. Contributions for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were approximately $0.3 million.

Rental_Income_under_Operating_

Rental Income under Operating Leases (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
Operating Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block]	Rental Income under Operating Leases
	The following are the minimum future rentals at December 31, 2014 due to TAL under non-cancelable operating leases of the Company’s equipment (in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	379,684

	2016	280,982

	2017	198,147

	2018	148,588

	2019	88,707

	2020 and thereafter	107,668

	Total	$	1,203,776

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease Commitments
	The Company has cancelable and non-cancelable operating lease agreements principally for facilities and for equipment used in the Company’s operations. Total rent expense was $2.1 million, $2.1 million, and $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	1,587

	2016	1,369

	2017	1,185

	2018	1,102

	2019 and thereafter	1,937

	Total	$	7,180

	Note 12—Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
	Residual Value Guarantees
	During 2008, the Company entered into commitments for equipment residual value guarantees in connection with certain finance leases that were sold or brokered to financial institutions. The guarantees represent the Company's commitment that these assets will be worth a specified amount at the end of certain lease terms (if the lessee does not default on the lease) which expire in 2016. At December 31, 2014, the maximum potential amount of the guarantees under which the Company could be required to perform was approximately $27.1 million. The carrying values of the guarantees of $1.1 million have been deferred and are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Under the criteria established by ASC 820, the Company performed fair value measurements of the guarantees at origination using Level 2 inputs, which were based on significant other observable inputs other than quoted prices, either on a direct or indirect basis. The Company accounts for the residual value guarantees under Accounting Standards Codification 460, Guarantees. The Company expects that the market value of the equipment covered by the guarantees will equal or exceed the value of the guarantees and therefore, no contingent loss has been provided as of December 31, 2014.
	Purchase Commitments
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had commitments to purchase equipment in the amount of $169.1 million payable in 2015.
	Contingencies
	The Company is party to various pending or threatened legal or regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business. Based upon information presently available, management of the Company does not expect any liabilities arising from these matters to have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
	Indemnities
	The revolving credit facility, ABS facilities, asset backed warehouse facility and term loan facilities contain standard provisions present in loans of these types which obligate the Company to reimburse the lenders thereunder for any increased costs associated with continuing to hold the loans thereunder on its books which arise as a result of broadly defined regulatory changes, including changes in reserve requirements and bank capital requirements. These indemnities would have the practical effect of increasing the interest rate on the Company’s debt if they were to be triggered. In all cases, the Company has the right to repay the applicable loan and avoid the increased costs. The term of these indemnities matches the length of the related term of the applicable loan.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following table sets forth certain key interim financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:


		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Total leasing revenues	$	144,767	$	144,723	$	150,524	$	153,992

	Trading margin	$	1,648	$	2,215	$	1,713	$	1,614

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	$	3,096	$	2,461	$	870	$	560

	Net income	$	30,011	$	29,362	$	32,617	$	32,055

	Net income per basic common share	$	0.89	$	0.87	$	0.97	$	0.97

	Net income per diluted common share	$	0.89	$	0.87	$	0.97	$	0.96

	2013
	Total leasing revenues	$	137,789	$	140,181	$	144,444	$	147,439

	Trading margin	$	2,675	$	4,287	$	2,007	$	1,309

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	$	10,261	$	8,026	$	4,293	$	4,171

	Net income (1)	$	37,520	$	37,876	$	34,661	$	33,109

	Net income per basic common share	$	1.12	$	1.13	$	1.04	$	0.99

	Net income per diluted common share	$	1.12	$	1.12	$	1.03	$	0.98

	_______________________________________________________________________________


	-1	Net income for 2013 reflects net gains on interest rate swaps of $3.2 million ($2.0 million on an after-tax basis), $5.3 million ($3.4 million on an after-tax basis), and $0.8 million ($0.5 million on an after-tax basis) in the first, second, and fourth quarters, respectively. Net losses on interest rate swaps of $0.3 million ($0.2 million on an after-tax basis) are reflected in the third quarter.

Foreign_Currency_Activities

Foreign Currency Activities	12 Months Ended
Foreign Currency Activities	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign Currency Activites [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Disclosure [Text Block]	Foreign Currency Activities
Foreign Currency Disclosure [Text Block]	The Company recorded net foreign currency exchange losses of $0.9 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The net foreign currency exchange losses resulted primarily from fluctuations in exchange rates related to the Company’s Euro and Pound Sterling transactions and related assets and liabilities.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	Quarterly Dividend
	On February 11, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved and declared a $0.72 per share quarterly cash dividend on its issued and outstanding common stock, payable on March 24, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2015.
	From January 1, 2015 through February 10, 2015, TAL repurchased an additional 81,915 shares at an average price of $41.40 under TAL's 2006 stock repurchase program. On February 11, 2015, TAL's Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to 3.0 million of its outstanding shares. These shares augment the remaining 88,157 shares authorized for purchase under TAL's existing stock repurchase program. Repurchases will be made from time to time at TAL's discretion, based on ongoing assessments of the capital needs of the business, the market price of TAL's common stock and general market and other conditions. No time limit was set for the completion of the repurchase program.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	SCHEDULE II
	TAL International Group, Inc.
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(In thousands)


		Beginning		Additions/			(Write-offs)			Other(a)			Ending
		Balance		(Reversals)			Reversals						Balance
	Finance Lease-Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	1,057	$	—		$	—		$	(1	)	$	1,056

	For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	897	$	159		$	—		$	1		$	1,057

	For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	1,073	$	(177	)	$	—		$	1		$	897

	Accounts Receivable-Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	948	$	131		$	(99	)	$	(2	)	$	978

	For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	692	$	299		$	(44	)	$	1		$	948

	For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	667	$	40		$	(16	)	$	1		$	692

	Allowance for equipment loss:
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	1,348	$	89		$	(866	)	$	—		$	571

	For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	21	$	2,369		$	(1,046	)	$	4		$	1,348

	For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	156	$	(72	)	$	(62	)	$	(1	)	$	21

	_______________________________________________________________________________


	(a)	Primarily relates to the effect of foreign currency translation.

Description_of_the_Business_Ba1

Description of the Business, Basis of Presentation, Business Combinations (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying prior period financial statements and notes to conform to the current year's presentation.
	In the second quarter of 2014, the Company revised the Income Statement presentation by removing the line item “Total revenues” and moving “Equipment trading revenues” and “Equipment trading expenses” line items together and adding a line for “Trading margin”. The Company believes that this new presentation better highlights the trends in leasing revenues and the relative size and contribution of the Equipment trading segment.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and highly liquid investments having original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based upon a review of the collectability of its receivables. This review is based on the risk profile of the receivables, credit quality indicators such as the level of past-due amounts, and economic conditions. Generally, the Company does not require collateral on accounts receivable balances. An account is considered past due when a payment has not been received in accordance with the contractual terms. Accounts are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collection of the full principal balance is in doubt. Changes in economic conditions or other events may necessitate additions or deductions to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is intended to provide for losses inherent in the receivables, and requires the application of estimates and judgments as to the outcome of collection efforts and the realization of collateral, among other things. The Company believes its allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to provide for credit losses inherent in its existing receivables.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company's equipment lease and trade receivables subject it to potential credit risk. The Company extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of each customer's financial condition and credit history. The Company's largest customer is CMA CGM, which accounted for 16%, 17%, and 16% of the Company's leasing revenues in 2014, 2013, and 2012. No other customer exceeded 10% of the Company's leasing revenues in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Net Investment in Finance Leases	Net Investment in Finance Leases
	The amounts reported as net investment in finance leases are recorded at the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments, including any purchase options granted to customers, less allowances for uncollectible amounts. Allowances are provided based upon a review of the collectability of gross finance lease receivables, including the underlying collateral, and considers the risk profile of the receivables, credit quality indicators such as the level of past due amounts, if any, and economic conditions. Finance lease receivables are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collection of the full principal balance is in doubt. Interest from these leases is recognized over the term of the lease using the effective interest method as a component of leasing revenues.
Leasing Equipment	Leasing Equipment
	In general, the Company purchases new equipment from equipment manufacturers for the purpose of leasing such equipment to customers. The Company also purchases used equipment with the intention of selling such equipment in one or more years from the date of purchase. Used units are typically purchased with an existing lease in place or were previously owned by one of the Company's third party owner investors.
	Leasing equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated to an estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives and residual values of the Company's leasing equipment are based on historical disposal experience and the Company's expectations for future used container sale prices. The Company reviews its depreciation policies on a regular basis to determine whether changes have taken place that would suggest that a change in its depreciation policies, useful lives of its equipment or the assigned residual values is warranted.
	In 2012, after conducting its regular depreciation policy review, the Company decided to increase the estimated residual values used in its equipment depreciation policy. The new residual value estimates were put into effect beginning October 1, 2012. Based on the Company's fleet as of December 31, 2012, the increase in assigned residual values resulted in a decrease in future depreciation expense of approximately $19.3 million annually ($12.5 million after-tax or $0.37 per diluted share).
	The estimated useful lives and residual values for the majority of the Company's leasing equipment purchased new from the factory are as follows:


					Residual Values ($)
			Useful Lives (Years)		Effective October 1, 2012				Prior to October 1, 2012
	Dry containers
	20 foot		13		$	1,000			$	900

	40 foot		13		$	1,200			$	1,100

	40 foot high cube		13		$	1,400			$	1,200

	Refrigerated containers
	20 foot		12		$	2,500			$	2,500

	40 foot high cube		12		$	3,500			$	3,400

	Special containers
	40 foot flat rack		14		$	1,500			$	1,200

	40 foot open top		14		$	2,300			$	2,100

	Tank containers		20		$	3,000			$	3,000

	Chassis		20		$	1,200			$	1,200

	Depreciation on leasing equipment starts on the date of initial on-hire.
	For leasing equipment acquired through sale-leaseback transactions, we often adjust our estimates for remaining useful life and residual values based on current conditions in the sale market for older containers and our expectations for how long the equipment will remain on-hire to the current lessee.
	Costs incurred to place new equipment into service, including costs to transport the equipment to its initial on-hire location, are capitalized. The Company charges to expense inspection costs on new equipment and repair and maintenance costs that do not extend the lives of the assets at the time the costs are incurred, and includes these costs in direct operating expenses.


	Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
	If indicators of impairment are present, a determination is made as to whether the carrying value of the Company's fleet exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows. Leasing equipment is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recovered. Key indicators of impairment on leasing equipment include, among other factors, a sustained low level of operating profitability, sustained low level of utilization, or indications of technological obsolescence.
	When testing for impairment, leasing equipment is generally grouped by equipment type, and is tested separately from other groups of assets and liabilities. Some of the significant estimates and assumptions used to determine future undiscounted cash flows and the measurement for impairment are the remaining useful life, expected utilization, expected future lease rates and expected disposal prices of the equipment. The Company considers the assumptions on expected utilization and the remaining useful life to have the greatest impact on its estimate of future undiscounted cash flows. These estimates are principally based on the Company's historical experience and management's judgment of market conditions.
	The net book value of the Company's leasing equipment by equipment type as of the dates indicated was (in thousands):


			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Dry container units		$	2,563,183			$	2,352,069

	Refrigerated container units		637,115				647,090

	Special container units		208,841				191,939

	Tank container units		172,871				161,224

	Chassis		92,021				62,582

			$	3,674,031			$	3,414,904

	Included in the amounts above are units not on lease at December 31, 2014 and 2013 with a total net book value of $261.8 million and $306.5 million, respectively. Amortization on equipment purchased under capital lease obligations is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company provides an allowance recorded in the provision for doubtful accounts for equipment on lease to customers considered to be non-performing. The allowance is based on a percentage of the net book value of equipment on-hire to those customers that, based on historical experience, the Company believes will ultimately not be recovered. In certain cases, the equipment allowance includes an accrual for costs expected to be incurred for the portion of units on-hire that the Company believes it will recover. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's allowance for equipment on lease was $0.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Equipment Held for Sale	Equipment Held for Sale
	When leasing equipment is returned off lease, the Company makes a determination of whether to repair and re-lease the equipment or sell the equipment. At the time the Company determines that equipment will be sold, it reclassifies the appropriate amounts previously recorded as leasing equipment to equipment held for sale. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment ("ASC 360"), equipment held for sale is carried at the lower of its estimated fair value, based on current transactions, less costs to sell, or carrying value; depreciation on such assets is halted and disposals generally occur within 90 days. Subsequent changes to the fair value of those assets, either increases or decreases, are recorded as adjustments to the carrying value of the equipment held for sale; however, any such adjustments may not exceed the respective equipment's carrying value at the time it was initially classified as held for sale. Initial write downs of assets held for sale are recorded as an impairment charge and are included in net gain on sale of leasing equipment. Realized gains and losses resulting from the sale of equipment held for sale are recorded as net gain on sale of leasing equipment, and cash flows associated with the disposal of equipment held for sale are classified as cash flows from investing activities.
Equipment Held for ResalebTrading Activity	Equipment Held for Resale—Trading Activity
	On an opportunistic basis, the Company purchases equipment with markings or specifications different from its own equipment for purposes of reselling it for a net profit. Equipment purchased for resale is reported as equipment held for sale when the timeframe between when the equipment is purchased and when it is sold is expected to be short, generally less than one year. Cash flows associated with equipment purchased for resale having a short expected holding period are classified as cash flows from operating activities. Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds from the sale of this equipment, while Equipment trading expenses include the cost of equipment sold, any costs to sell such equipment, including administrative costs, and costs associated with the related inventory of equipment, such as storage and handling charges.
	Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
	Equipment purchased for resale is reported as leasing equipment when the timeframe between when the equipment is purchased and leased back to the seller, and when it is sold is expected to be one year or greater. Cash flows associated with equipment purchased for resale having a long expected holding period are classified as cash flows from investing activities.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"). ASC 350 requires goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives to be reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. In connection with the acquisition that occurred in 2004, the Company recorded $71.9 million of goodwill. Effective July 1, 2013, the Company acquired the assets and business of Martec Leasing (a worldwide supplier of rolltrailers) where the Company recorded $2.6 million of goodwill. Management determined that the Company has two reporting units, Equipment leasing and Equipment trading, and allocated $73.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, to each reporting unit. The Company has elected to bypass the qualitative approach permitted under ASC 350 for testing goodwill for impairment, but may elect to perform the qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment in future periods. The annual impairment test is conducted by comparing the Company's carrying amount to the fair value of the Company using a market capitalization approach. Market capitalization of the entity is compared to the carrying value of the entity since virtually all of the goodwill is allocated to, and nearly all of the market capitalization is attributable to, the Equipment leasing reporting unit. If the carrying value of the entity exceeds its market capitalization, then a second step would be performed that compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. The determination of the implied fair value of goodwill would require management to compare the estimated fair value of the reporting units to the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting units. Any excess fair value represents the implied fair value of goodwill. To the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded. The Company's annual review of goodwill, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2014, indicated that no impairment of goodwill existed.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs represent the fees incurred in connection with the Company's debt obligations, and are amortized using the effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the related obligation, depending on the type of debt obligation to which they relate. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written off when the related debt obligations are refinanced or extinguished prior to maturity, and are determined to be an extinguishment of debt.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, equipment purchases payable, and accounts payable approximated their fair value as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Fair value represents the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company utilizes the following fair value hierarchy when selecting inputs for its valuation techniques, with the highest priority given to Level 1:

	•	Level 1—Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets (unadjusted).

	•	Level 2—Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on observable inputs such as (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; or (iii) model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

	•	Level 3—Financial assets and liabilities whose values are derived from valuation techniques based on one or more significant unobservable inputs.







	Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
	The Company does not measure gross net investment in finance leases or debt at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets. The fair value, which was measured using Level 2 inputs, and the carrying value of the Company's gross net investment in finance leases and debt are listed in the table below as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands).


		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Assets
	Net investment in finance leases - carrying value	$	220,928			$	258,233

	Net investment in finance leases - fair value	$	223,455			$	265,745

	Liabilities
	Debt—carrying value	$	3,040,842			$	2,817,933

	Debt—estimated fair value	$	3,060,790			$	2,787,582

	The Company estimated the fair value of its net investment in finance leases and debt instruments based on the net present value of its future receipts or payments, using a discount rate which reflects the Company's estimate of current market interest rates and spreads as of the balance sheet date.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Operating Leases with Customers
	The Company enters into long-term leases and service leases with ocean carriers, principally as lessor in operating leases, for marine cargo equipment. Long-term leases provide our customers with specified equipment for a specified term. The Company's leasing revenues are based upon the number of equipment units leased, the applicable per diem rate and the length of the lease. Long-term leases typically have initial contractual terms ranging from three to eight years. Revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective lease. Advance billings are deferred and recognized in the period earned. Service leases do not specify the exact number of equipment units to be leased or the term that each unit will remain on-hire, but allow the lessee to pick-up and drop-off units at various locations specified in the lease agreement. Under a service lease, rental revenue is based on the number of equipment units on-hire for a given period. Revenue for customers considered to be non-performing is deferred and recognized when the amounts are received.
	In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 605, Revenue Recognition ("ASC 605"), the Company recognizes billings to customers for damages and certain other operating costs as leasing revenue as it is earned based on the terms of the contractual agreements with the customer. As principal, the Company is responsible for fulfillment of the services, supplier selection and service specifications, and has ultimate responsibility to pay the supplier for the services whether or not it collects the amount billed to the lessee.
	Finance Leases with Customers
	The Company enters into finance leases as lessor for some of the equipment in its fleet. The net investment in finance leases represents the receivables due from lessees, net of unearned income. Unearned income is recognized on a level yield basis over the lease term and is recorded as leasing revenue. Finance leases are usually long-term in nature, typically ranging for a period of five to ten years and typically include an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for an amount determined to be a bargain.
	Other Revenues
	The Company manages equipment which is owned by third parties and it earns management fees based on the income earned by the leasing and sales of such equipment. Management fees are recognized as services are provided. The Company collects amounts billed and pays operating costs as agent on behalf of the third parties that own such equipment. These billings and operating costs are not included in revenue and expense; instead, the net amounts owed to these equipment owners are reflected as accrued expenses in the Company's financial statements until paid as required by our contracts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $2.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively, was reflected in accounts payable and other accrued expenses, which represent unpaid net earnings owed to third party owners of managed equipment.
	Other revenues also includes fee income for third party positioning of equipment.


	Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
	Equipment Trading Revenues and Expenses
	Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds from the sale of equipment purchased for resale and are recognized as units are sold and delivered to the customer. The related expenses represent the cost of equipment sold as well as other selling costs that are recognized as incurred and are reflected as equipment trading expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Direct Operating Expenses	Direct Operating Expenses
	Direct operating expenses are directly related to the Company's equipment under and available for lease. These expenses primarily consist of the Company's costs to repair and maintain the equipment, to reposition the equipment, to store the equipment when it is not on lease and to inspect newly manufactured equipment. These costs are recognized when incurred. Certain positioning costs may be capitalized when incurred to place new equipment on an initial lease.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments
	The Company uses derivatives in the management of its interest rate exposure on its long-term borrowings and its foreign currency rate exposure on certain of its foreign currency based finance lease receivables. The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). ASC 815 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value and establishes criteria for both the designation and effectiveness of hedging activities.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740") using the asset and liability method, which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	If applicable, the Company accrues income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions by evaluating whether the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained in an audit and measures the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Potential interest and penalties associated with such uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no liabilities related to uncertain tax positions.
Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement	Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement
	The net assets and operations of foreign subsidiaries included in the consolidated financial statements are attributable primarily to the Company's U.K. subsidiary. The accounts of this subsidiary have been converted at rates of exchange in effect at year end as to balance sheet accounts and at the weighted average of exchange rates for the year as to statements of income accounts. The effects of changes in exchange rates in translating foreign subsidiaries' financial statements are included in stockholders' equity as accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.
	The Company also has certain cash accounts, certain finance lease receivables and certain obligations that are denominated in currencies other than the Company's functional currency. These assets and liabilities are generally denominated in Euros or British Pounds, and are remeasured at each balance sheet date at the exchange rates in effect as of those dates. The impact of changes in exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities are included in administrative expenses.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation ("ASC 718") which requires that compensation costs relating to stock-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award).
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income includes net income, net gains and losses and related amortization, net of income taxes, on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, utilizing the treasury stock method.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This new standard will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. Leasing revenue recognition is specifically excluded from this ASU, and therefore, the new standard will only apply to Equipment Trading revenues and sales of leasing equipment. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application prohibited. ASU 2014-09 allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is evaluating the transition method that will be elected and the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2014-09.

	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15 ("ASU 2014-15"), Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This standard requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that financial statements are issued and to disclose those conditions if management has concluded that substantial doubt exists. Subsequent to adoption, this guidance will need to be applied by management at the end of each annual period and interim period therein to determine what, if any, impact there will be on the Consolidated Financial Statements in a given reporting period. These changes become effective for the Company for the 2016 annual period. Management has determined that the adoption of these changes will not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements as this standard is disclosure only.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of estimated useful lives and residual values for the majority of the Company's leasing equipment	The estimated useful lives and residual values for the majority of the Company's leasing equipment purchased new from the factory are as follows:


					Residual Values ($)
			Useful Lives (Years)		Effective October 1, 2012				Prior to October 1, 2012
	Dry containers
	20 foot		13		$	1,000			$	900

	40 foot		13		$	1,200			$	1,100

	40 foot high cube		13		$	1,400			$	1,200

	Refrigerated containers
	20 foot		12		$	2,500			$	2,500

	40 foot high cube		12		$	3,500			$	3,400

	Special containers
	40 foot flat rack		14		$	1,500			$	1,200

	40 foot open top		14		$	2,300			$	2,100

	Tank containers		20		$	3,000			$	3,000

	Chassis		20		$	1,200			$	1,200

Schedule of net book value of the Company's leasing equipment by equipment type	The net book value of the Company's leasing equipment by equipment type as of the dates indicated was (in thousands):


			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Dry container units		$	2,563,183			$	2,352,069

	Refrigerated container units		637,115				647,090

	Special container units		208,841				191,939

	Tank container units		172,871				161,224

	Chassis		92,021				62,582

			$	3,674,031			$	3,414,904

Schedule of fair value, which was measured using Level 2 inputs, and the carrying value of the Company's debt	The fair value, which was measured using Level 2 inputs, and the carrying value of the Company's gross net investment in finance leases and debt are listed in the table below as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands).


		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Assets
	Net investment in finance leases - carrying value	$	220,928			$	258,233

	Net investment in finance leases - fair value	$	223,455			$	265,745

	Liabilities
	Debt—carrying value	$	3,040,842			$	2,817,933

	Debt—estimated fair value	$	3,060,790			$	2,787,582

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt instruments	Debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):


		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Asset backed securitization (ABS) term notes	$	1,504,183		$	1,303,128

	Term loan facilities	858,973			865,089

	Asset backed warehouse facility	420,000			83,000

	Revolving credit facilities	160,000			450,000

	Capital lease obligations	97,686			116,716

	Total Debt	$	3,040,842		$	2,817,933

Schedule of debt maturities (excluding capital lease obligations)	Debt maturities excluding capital lease obligations (amounts in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	340,661

	2016	301,623

	2017	272,162

	2018	430,196

	2019	498,605

	2020 and thereafter	1,099,909

	Total	$	2,943,156

Schedule of future lease payments under these capital leases	At December 31, 2014, future lease payments under these capital leases were as follows (in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	39,717

	2016	29,923

	2017	18,771

	2018	17,818

	Total future payments	106,229

	Less: amount representing interest	(8,543		)
	Capital lease obligations	$	97,686

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table represents pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income related to interest rate swap agreements (in millions) expected to be recognized in income over the next 12 months:


		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Unrealized loss on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$	(17.9	)
	Amortization of loss on terminated derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$	(2.6	)
Schedule of interest rate swap contracts	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had net interest rate swap agreements in place to fix the floating interest rates on a portion of the borrowings under its debt facilities as summarized below:


	Net Notional		Weighted Average		Weighted Average
	Amount(1)		Fixed Leg (Pay) Interest Rate(2)		Remaining Term(2)
	$1,135 Million		2.00%		7.6 years
	_______________________________________________________________________________


	-1	As of December 31, 2014, the net notional amount outstanding on the Company's interest rate swap agreements is comprised of $1,285 million of pay-fixed rate/receive-floating rate agreements and $150.0 million of pay-floating rate/receive-fixed rate agreements. The Company entered into the pay-floating rate/receive-fixed rate agreements at the parent company level to offset the cash flows on certain pay-fixed rate/receive-floating rate agreements of certain wholly owned subsidiaries. The pay-floating rate/receive-fixed rate and pay-fixed rate/receive-floating rate agreements have terms that offset each other.


	-2	The calculations of weighted average fixed (pay) leg interest rate and weighted average remaining term on the Company's interest rate swap agreements reflect the impact of the pay-floating rate/receive-fixed rate agreements and the pay-fixed rate/receive-floating rate agreements which offset.
Schedule of fair value of derivative instruments	Location of Derivative Instruments in Financial Statements


		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		(In Millions)
		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013						December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Derivative Instrument	Balance		Fair		Balance		Fair				Balance	Fair		Balance	Fair
		Sheet		Value		Sheet		Value				Sheet	Value		Sheet	Value
		Location				Location						Location			Location
	Interest rate swap contracts, designated as cash flow hedges	Fair value of derivative instruments		$	1.7	Fair value of derivative instruments		$	27			Fair value of derivative instruments	$	9.4	Fair value of derivative instruments	$	1.4
		Fair value of derivative instruments		$	1.7	Fair value of derivative instruments		$	27			Fair value of derivative instruments	$	9.4	Fair value of derivative instruments	$	1.4
	Interest rate swap contracts, not designated	Fair value of derivative instruments		0.1		Fair value of derivative instruments		0.3				Fair value of derivative instruments	1		Fair value of derivative instruments	0.5
	Interest rate swap contracts, not designated	Fair value of derivative instruments		0.1		Fair value of derivative instruments		0.3				Fair value of derivative instruments	1		Fair value of derivative instruments	0.5
	Foreign exchange contracts, not designated	Fair value of derivative instruments		0.1		Fair value of derivative instruments		0.2				Fair value of derivative instruments	—		Fair value of derivative instruments	—
	Foreign exchange contracts, not designated	Fair value of derivative instruments		0.1		Fair value of derivative instruments		0.2				Fair value of derivative instruments	—		Fair value of derivative instruments	—
	Total derivatives			$	1.9			$	27.5				$	10.4		$	1.9
	Total derivatives			$	1.9			$	27.5				$	10.4		$	1.9
Schedule of derivatives instruments and their effect on consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of comprehensive income

		Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and
		Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
		(In Millions)
				Year Ended December 31,
		Location of Loss (Gain) on Derivative Instruments		Year Ended December 31,
				2014		2013				2012
				2014		2013				2012
	Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense		$	15.1	$	12.3			$	22
	Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense		$	15.1	$	12.3			$	22
	Amortization of realized net loss on terminated derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges	Interest expense		2.5		3				3.3
		Interest expense		2.5		3				3.3
	Change in fair value of derivatives, designated as cash flow hedges	Other comprehensive income		52.1		(18.0		)		1.8
		Other comprehensive income		52.1		(18.0		)		1.8
	Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps, not designated	Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps		0.8		(8.9		)		2.5
	Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps, not designated	Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps		0.8		(8.9		)		2.5
	Foreign exchange agreements, not designated	Administrative expenses		0.1		0.3				0.3
	Foreign exchange agreements, not designated	Administrative expenses		0.1		0.3				0.3

Net_Investment_in_Finance_Leas1

Net Investment in Finance Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Net Investment in Finance Leases (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases, Capital [Abstract]
Schedule of components of the net investment in finance leases	The following table represents the components of the net investment in finance leases (in thousands):


		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Gross finance lease receivables (1)	$	267,720		$	320,149
	Gross finance lease receivables (1)	$	267,720		$	320,149
	Allowance on gross finance lease receivables	(1,056		)	(1,057		)
	Gross finance lease receivables, net of allowance	266,664			319,092
	Gross finance lease receivables, net of allowance	266,664			319,092
	Unearned income (2)	(46,792		)	(61,916		)
	Net investment in finance leases (3)	$	219,872		$	257,176
	Net investment in finance leases (3)	$	219,872		$	257,176

	-1	At the inception of the lease, the Company records the total minimum lease payments, executory costs, if any, and unguaranteed residual value as gross finance lease receivables. The gross finance lease receivable is reduced as customer payments are received. The unguaranteed residual value is generally equal to the purchase option at the end of the lease. Approximately $5.6 million and $5.0 million of unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

	-2	The difference between the gross finance lease receivable and the fair value of the equipment at the lease inception is recorded as unearned income. Unearned income together with initial direct costs, are amortized to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return. There were no unamortized initial direct costs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

	-3	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately 48% and 44%, respectively, of the Company's net investment in finance leases were with Hapag Lloyd AG, and approximately 19% and 21%, respectively, of the Company’s net investment in finance leases were with Mediterranean Shipping Company.
Schedule of contractual maturities of the Companybs gross finance lease receivables	Contractual maturities of the Company’s gross finance lease receivables subsequent to December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	59,523
	2015	$	59,523
	2016	50,271
	2016	50,271
	2017	39,606
	2017	39,606
	2018	33,863
	2018	33,863
	2019	31,529
	2019	31,529
	2020 and thereafter	52,928
	2020 and thereafter	52,928
	Total	$	267,720
	Total	$	267,720
Schedule of categories of gross finance lease receivables based on the Company's internal customer credit ratings	Based on the above categories, the Company's gross finance lease receivables are as follows (in thousands):


		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Tier 1	$	244,136		$	283,172
	Tier 1	$	244,136		$	283,172
	Tier 2	23,584			36,977
	Tier 2	23,584			36,977
	Tier 3	—			—
	Tier 3	—			—
	Gross finance lease receivables	$	267,720		$	320,149
	Gross finance lease receivables	$	267,720		$	320,149
Schedule of activity of allowance on gross finance lease receivables	The following table represents the activity of the Company's allowance on gross finance lease receivables for the periods presented (in thousands):


		Beginning			Additions/			Other (a)			Ending
		Balance			(Reversals)			Other (a)			Balance
	Finance Lease—Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	1,057		$	—		$	(1	)	$	1,056
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	$	1,057		$	—		$	(1	)	$	1,056
	For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	897		$	159		$	1		$	1,057
	For the year ended December 31, 2013	$	897		$	159		$	1		$	1,057
	For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	1,073		$	(177	)	$	1		$	897
	For the year ended December 31, 2012	$	1,073		$	(177	)	$	1		$	897
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(a) Primarily relates to the effect of foreign currency translation.

Capital_Stock_and_Stock_Option1

Capital Stock and Stock Options (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Dividends Paid	We paid the following quarterly dividends during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 on our issued and outstanding common stock:


	Record Date	Payment Date		Aggregate	Per Share
				Payment	Payment
	2-Dec-14	23-Dec-14		$23.8 Million	$0.72
	3-Sep-14	24-Sep-14		$24.2 Million	$0.72
	3-Jun-14	24-Jun-14		$24.2 Million	$0.72
	3-Mar-14	March 24, 2014		$24.2 Million	$0.72
	2-Dec-13	23-Dec-13		$23.4 Million	$0.70
	3-Sep-13	24-Sep-13		$22.8 Million	$0.68
	4-Jun-13	25-Jun-13		$22.1 Million	$0.66
	March 7, 2013	March 28, 2013		$21.4 Million	$0.64
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	Stock option activity under the Plans for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:


		Options		Weighted	Weighted		Aggregate
				Average	Average		Intrinsic
				Exercise	Remaining		Value
				Price	Life (Yrs)		($ in 000’s)
	Outstanding: January 1, 2014	30,841		$18.00	1.8		$1,214
	Granted	—		—	—		—
	Exercised	-2,950		$18.00	—		$78
	Canceled	—		—	—		—
	Outstanding: December 31, 2014	27,891		$18.00	0.8		$713
	Exercisable: December 31, 2014	27,891		$18.00	0.8		$713

Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	Restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:


		Number of		Weighted
		shares		Average
		outstanding		Grant date
				fair value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014	354,500		$36.28
	Granted	151,250		44.17
	Vested(1)(2)	-133,250		34.47
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	372,500		$40.13
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1)The fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during 2014 was $7.2 million.
	(2) Plan participants tendered 6,695 shares of common stock, all of which were subsequently retired by the Company, to satisfy payment, in certain instances, of withholding taxes, for a portion of the restricted stock vested during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands and net of tax effects):


		Cash Flow			Foreign			Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		Hedges			Currency
					Translation
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(7,481	)	$	(949	)	$	(8,430	)
	Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	11,643			—			11,643

	Reclassification of realized loss on interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	4,844			—			4,844

	Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,953			—			1,953

	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			60			60

	Other comprehensive income (loss)	18,440			60			18,500

	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	10,959		$	(889	)	$	10,070



		Cash Flow			Foreign			Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		Hedges			Currency
					Translation
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	10,959		$	(889	)	$	10,070

	Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(33,814		)	—			(33,814		)

	Reclassification of realized loss on interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	9,106			—			9,106

	Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,604			—			1,604

	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			(215		)	(215		)

	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(23,104		)	(215		)	(23,319		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(12,145	)	$	(1,104	)	$	(13,249	)
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	The following table presents reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the period indicated (in thousands):


		Balance as of December 31, 2014			Balance as of December 31, 2013			Affected Line Item
								in the Consolidated
								Statements of Income
	Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges	$	13,895		$	7,470		Interest and debt expense

	Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	2,479			3,020			Interest and debt expense

	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income before income tax	16,374			10,490			Income before income taxes

	Income tax (benefit)	(5,664		)	(3,693		)	Income tax expense
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	10,710		$	6,797		Net income

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment information	The following tables show segment information for the periods indicated and the consolidated totals reported (dollars in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31, 2014	Equipment			Equipment			Totals
		Leasing			Trading
	Total leasing revenues	$	581,421		$	12,585		$	594,006

	Trading margin	—			7,190			7,190

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	6,987			—			6,987

	Depreciation and amortization expense	223,487			1,266			224,753

	Interest and debt expense	107,050			2,215			109,265

	Income before income taxes(1)	180,356			15,122			195,478

	Equipment held for sale at December 31	28,906			30,955			59,861

	Goodwill at December 31	73,523			1,000			74,523

	Total assets at December 31	4,208,149			66,835			4,274,984

	Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases(2)	668,028			2,501			670,529

	Note 7—Segment and Geographic Information (Continued)



	Year Ended December 31, 2013	Equipment			Equipment			Totals
		Leasing			Trading
	Total leasing revenues	$	556,690		$	13,163		$	569,853

	Trading margin	—			10,278			10,278

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	26,751			—			26,751

	Depreciation and amortization expense	203,157			1,916			205,073

	Interest and debt expense	109,175			2,550			111,725

	Income before income taxes(1)	198,210			17,708			215,918

	Equipment held for sale at December 31	33,132			24,910			58,042

	Goodwill at December 31	73,523			1,000			74,523

	Total assets at December 31	3,966,762			78,534			4,045,296

	Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases(2)	644,288			16,204			660,492




	Year Ended December 31, 2012	Equipment			Equipment			Totals
		Leasing			Trading
	Total leasing revenues	$	519,860		$	8,337		$	528,197

	Trading margin	—			7,544			7,544

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	44,509			—			44,509

	Depreciation and amortization expense	189,710			3,756			193,466

Interest and debt expense	111,598			3,031			114,629

Income before income taxes(1)	195,166			8,167			203,333

Equipment held for sale at December 31	16,936			30,203			47,139

Goodwill at December 31	70,898			1,000			71,898

Total assets at December 31	3,620,228			80,966			3,701,194

Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases(2)	822,698			9,128			831,826


_______________________________________________________________________________

-1	Segment income before income taxes excludes net losses on interest rate swaps of $0.8 million, net gains on interest rate swaps of $8.9 million, and net losses on interest swaps of $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the write-off of deferred financing costs of $5.2 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. There was no write-off of deferred financing costs in 2012.


-2	Represents cash disbursements for purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance lease as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods indicated, but excludes cash flows associated with the purchase of equipment held for resale.
Geographic allocation of revenues for the periods indicated based on the customers primary domicile and allocates equipment trading revenue based on the location of sale	The following table represents the geographic allocation of equipment leasing revenues for the periods indicated based on customers' primary domicile (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Total revenues:
	United States of America	$	34,206		$	32,506		$	36,831

	Asia	274,467			247,353			213,552

	Europe	263,723			265,845			252,795

	Other International	21,610			24,149			25,019

	Total	$	594,006		$	569,853		$	528,197

	The following table represents the geographic allocation of equipment trading revenues for the periods indicated based on the location of sale (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Total revenues:
	United States of America	$	8,724		$	7,719		$	7,036

	Asia	26,794			39,965			38,568

	Europe	17,946			11,964			7,385

	Other International	2,972			13,356			7,986

	Total	$	56,436		$	73,004		$	60,975

Net_Gain_on_Sale_of_Leasing_Eq1

Net Gain on Sale of Leasing Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Leasing Equipment	Net Gain on Sale of Leasing Equipment
	The net gain on sale of leasing equipment consists of the following (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Impairment (loss) on equipment held for sale	$	(4,326	)	$	(1,838	)	$	(247	)
	Gain on sale of equipment-net of selling costs	11,313			28,589			44,756

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	$	6,987		$	26,751		$	44,509

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the income tax expense for the periods indicated (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Current taxes:
	Federal	$	—			$	—			$	—

	State	—				—				—

	Foreign	—				—				304

		—				—				304

	Deferred taxes:
	Federal	65,020				76,761				69,804

	State	587				1,105				998

	Foreign	(146		)		(167		)		(374		)
		65,461				77,699				70,428

	Total	$	65,461			$	77,699			$	70,732

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is provided below:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal income taxes at the statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes (net of Federal income tax benefit)	0.2			0.3			0.3

	Foreign income taxed at other than the Federal statutory rate	(0.1	)		(0.1	)		—

	Change in enacted tax rates(1)(2)	(0.6	)		(0.1	)		(0.2	)
	Effect of permanent differences and other, net	—			0.1			0.1

	Effective income tax rate	34.5	%		35.2	%		35.2	%
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	(1) Several states have enacted changes to their apportionment factors. These changes resulted in a decrease in the Company’s overall effective tax rate for 2014. The Company adjusts its deferred tax assets and liabilities through income tax expense on the date which rate changes are enacted. Accordingly, the Company recorded a reduction of $1.2 million in 2014 in income tax expense to reflect the impact of these changes in state apportionment factors.
	(2) Effective April 2014, 2013, and 2012 income tax rate reductions were enacted in the U.K. reducing the corporate tax rate from 23% to 21%, from 24% to 23%, and from 26% to 24%, respectively. Accordingly, the Company recorded reductions of an immaterial amount, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in its income tax expense to reflect the impact of these rate changes on the Company’s net deferred income tax liability related to its U.K. operations.
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	134,329			$	113,599

	Allowance for losses	959				1,706

	Derivative instruments	7,556				4,007

	Deferred income	9,230				9,587

	Accrued liabilities and other	99				99

		152,173				128,998

	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Accelerated depreciation	542,447				457,098

	Goodwill amortization	16,720				16,401

	Derivative instruments	673				9,501

	Other	3,340				4,253

		563,180				487,253

	Net deferred income tax liability	$	411,007			$	358,255

Rental_Income_under_Operating_1

Rental Income under Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Schedule of Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Table Text Block]	The following are the minimum future rentals at December 31, 2014 due to TAL under non-cancelable operating leases of the Company’s equipment (in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	379,684

	2016	280,982

	2017	198,147

	2018	148,588

	2019	88,707

	2020 and thereafter	107,668

	Total	$	1,203,776

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):


	Years ending December 31,
	2015	$	1,587

	2016	1,369

	2017	1,185

	2018	1,102

	2019 and thereafter	1,937

	Total	$	7,180

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	The following table sets forth certain key interim financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:


		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Total leasing revenues	$	144,767	$	144,723	$	150,524	$	153,992

	Trading margin	$	1,648	$	2,215	$	1,713	$	1,614

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	$	3,096	$	2,461	$	870	$	560

	Net income	$	30,011	$	29,362	$	32,617	$	32,055

	Net income per basic common share	$	0.89	$	0.87	$	0.97	$	0.97

	Net income per diluted common share	$	0.89	$	0.87	$	0.97	$	0.96

	2013
	Total leasing revenues	$	137,789	$	140,181	$	144,444	$	147,439

	Trading margin	$	2,675	$	4,287	$	2,007	$	1,309

	Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	$	10,261	$	8,026	$	4,293	$	4,171

	Net income (1)	$	37,520	$	37,876	$	34,661	$	33,109

	Net income per basic common share	$	1.12	$	1.13	$	1.04	$	0.99

	Net income per diluted common share	$	1.12	$	1.12	$	1.03	$	0.98

	_______________________________________________________________________________


	-1	Net income for 2013 reflects net gains on interest rate swaps of $3.2 million ($2.0 million on an after-tax basis), $5.3 million ($3.4 million on an after-tax basis), and $0.8 million ($0.5 million on an after-tax basis) in the first, second, and fourth quarters, respectively. Net losses on interest rate swaps of $0.3 million ($0.2 million on an after-tax basis) are reflected in the third quarter.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Credit Risk (Details) (CMACGN, Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue, Credit Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CMACGN \| Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue \| Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	16.00%	17.00%	16.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Leasing Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 02, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 02, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net book value of leasing equipment	$3,674,031,000		$3,414,904,000
Property Available for Operating Lease, Net	261,800,000		306,500,000
Allowance for Equipment Loss	600,000		1,300,000
Unpaid Net Earnings Owed to Third Party Owners of Managed Equipment Reflected in Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Expenses	2,200,000		3,000,000
Projection Without Change in Policy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect Pre Tax	19,300,000
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect after Tax	12,500,000
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect Per Share	$0.37
Dry Container Units 20 Foot [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		13 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		1,000		900
Dry Container Units 40 Foot [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		13 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		1,200		1,100
Dry containers, 40 foot high cube
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		13 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		1,400		1,200
Refrigerated containers, 20 foot
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		12 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		2,500		2,500
Refrigerated containers, 40 foot high cube
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		12 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		3,500		3,400
Special containers, 40 foot flat rack
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		14 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		1,500		1,200
Special containers, 40 foot open top
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		14 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		2,300		2,100
Dry container units
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net book value of leasing equipment	2,563,183,000		2,352,069,000
Refrigerated container units
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net book value of leasing equipment	637,115,000		647,090,000
Special container units
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net book value of leasing equipment	208,841,000		191,939,000
Tank containers
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		20 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		3,000		3,000
Net book value of leasing equipment	172,871,000		161,224,000
Chassis
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives		20 years
Residual values from date of manufacture		1,200		1,200
Net book value of leasing equipment	$92,021,000		$62,582,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2004
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$74,523,000	$74,523,000	$71,898,000	$71,898,000
Goodwill acquired	2,600,000
Equipment leasing
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		73,523,000	73,523,000	70,898,000
Equipment trading
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill		$1,000,000	$1,000,000	$1,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt	$3,040,842	$2,817,933
Reported value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net investment in finance leases	220,928	258,233
Debt	3,040,842	2,817,933
Level 2 \| Estimate of fair value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net investment in finance leases	223,455	265,745
Debt	$3,060,790	$2,787,582

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unpaid Net Earnings Owed to Third Party Owners of Managed Equipment Reflected in Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Expenses	$2.20	$3

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt
Total Debt	$3,040,842,000	$2,817,933,000
Debt outstanding on facilities with fixed interest rates	1,603,400,000
Debt Instrument Interest Rate During Period Fixed Rate Debt	4.16%
Long Term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest Rate Remaining Term	4 years 5 months 12 days
Debt outstanding on facilities with interest rates based on floating rate indices	1,437,400,000
Debt Instrument Interest Rate During Period Variable Rate Debt	2.25%
Long Term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest Rate Remaining Term	4 years 0 months
Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives	90.10%
Hedged Portion of Debt Average Remaining Maturity	5 years 8 months
LineOfCreditFacilityAmortizationPeriodOfConvertedTermNotes	4 years
LineOfCreditFacilityPercentageOfConvertedTermNotesOutstandingBalanceAmortized	60.00%
Debt maturities (excluding capital lease obligations)
2015	340,661,000
2016	301,623,000
2017	272,162,000
2018	430,196,000
2019	498,605,000
2020 and thereafter	1,099,909,000
Total	2,943,156,000
Future lease payments under these capital leases
2015	39,717,000
2016	29,923,000
2017	18,771,000
2018	17,818,000
Total future payments	106,229,000
Less: amount representing interest	-8,543,000
Capital lease obligations	97,686,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt
Net notional amount	1,135,000,000
Interest Rate Swaps Average Remaining Maturity	7 years 7 months
Interest Rate Swaps Derivative Average Fixed Pay Interest Rate	2.00%
Asset backed securitization (ABS) term notes
Debt
Total Debt	1,504,183,000	1,303,128,000
Borrowing capacity	650,000,000
Debt Instrument, Period of Accounts Receivable, Outstanding Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	60 days
Debt Instrument, Percentage of Restricted Cash Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Advance Rate Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	81.00%
Term loan facilities
Debt
Total Debt	858,973,000	865,089,000
Asset backed warehouse facility
Debt
Total Debt	420,000,000	83,000,000
Debt Instrument, Period of Accounts Receivable, Outstanding Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	60 days
Debt Instrument, Percentage of Restricted Cash Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	100.00%
DebtInstrumentCovenantNumberOfInterestExpensePeriodsMaintainedAsRestrictedCashBalanceRequirementOne	3 months
Revolving credit facilities
Debt
Total Debt	160,000,000	450,000,000
Borrowing capacity	550,000,000
Capital lease obligations
Debt
Total Debt	97,686,000	116,716,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt
Total Debt	$2,738,400,000
Debt Instrument Interest Rate During Period Variable Rate Debt	3.25%
Minimum [Member]
Future lease payments under these capital leases
CapitalLeasePeriodOverWhichInterestExpenseRecognizedPrecedingEarlyPurchaseOption	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Future lease payments under these capital leases
CapitalLeasePeriodOverWhichInterestExpenseRecognizedPrecedingEarlyPurchaseOption	10 years
Term Notes \| Minimum [Member]
Debt
Debt Instrument, Advance Rate Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	80.00%
Term Notes \| Maximum [Member]
Debt
Debt Instrument, Advance Rate Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	90.00%
Asset backed securitization (ABS) term notes
Debt
DebtInstrumentNetBookValuePercentageOfOriginalEquipmentCostRemainingAfterDepreciationUsedInCalculatingBorrowingCapacityConditionOne	15.00%
DebtInstrumentNetBookValuePercentageOfOriginalEquipmentCostRemainingAfterDepreciationUsedInCalculatingBorrowingCapacityConditionTwo	40.00%
DebtInstrumentCovenantNumberOfInterestExpensePeriodsMaintainedAsRestrictedCashBalanceRequirementOne	5 months
DebtInstrumentCovenantNumberOfInterestExpensePeriodsMaintainedAsRestrictedCashBalanceRequirementTwo	9 months
Asset backed securitization (ABS) term notes \| Minimum [Member]
Debt
Debt Instrument, Advance Rate Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	76.00%
Asset backed securitization (ABS) term notes \| Maximum [Member]
Debt
Debt Instrument, Advance Rate Used in Calculating Borrowing Capacity	87.00%
Dry container units \| Asset backed warehouse facility
Debt
DebtInstrumentNetBookValuePeriodOfOriginalEquipmentCostDepreciatedUsedInCalculatingBorrowingCapacity	13 years
DebtInstrumentNetBookValuePercentageOfOriginalEquipmentCostRemainingAfterDepreciationUsedInCalculatingBorrowingCapacityConditionOne	40.00%
Refrigerated container units \| Asset backed warehouse facility
Debt
DebtInstrumentNetBookValuePeriodOfOriginalEquipmentCostDepreciatedUsedInCalculatingBorrowingCapacity	12 years
DebtInstrumentNetBookValuePercentageOfOriginalEquipmentCostRemainingAfterDepreciationUsedInCalculatingBorrowingCapacityConditionOne	25.00%
Tank containers \| Asset backed warehouse facility
Debt
DebtInstrumentNetBookValuePeriodOfOriginalEquipmentCostDepreciatedUsedInCalculatingBorrowingCapacity	20 years
DebtInstrumentNetBookValuePercentageOfOriginalEquipmentCostRemainingAfterDepreciationUsedInCalculatingBorrowingCapacityConditionOne	15.00%

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	$0
Payments to Terminate Derivatives	4,953,000	24,235,000	49,124,000
Amortization of Net Loss on Terminated Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	2,479,000	3,020,000	3,290,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments
Net Notional Amount of Interest Rate Swaps	1,135,000,000
Weighted average fixed leg (Pay) interest rate (as a percent)	2.00%
Interest Rate Swaps Average Remaining Maturity	7 years 7 months
Interest Rate Swap Pay Floating Rate Receive Fixed Rate [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments
Notional Amount of Fixed Rate Interest Rate Swaps	150,000,000
Interest Rate Swap Pay Fixed Rate Receive Floating Rate [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments
Notional Amount of Fixed Rate Interest Rate Swaps	1,285,000,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments
Unamortized pre-tax balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to interest rate swap which is expected to be amortized over the next 12 months	-17,900,000
Amortization of Loss on Terminated Derivative Instruments Designated as Cashflow Hedges [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments
Unamortized pre-tax balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to interest rate swap which is expected to be amortized over the next 12 months	($2,600,000)

Derivative_Instruments_Details1

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Fair value of derivative instruments (assets)	$1,898	$27,491
Fair value of derivative instruments (liabilities)	10,394	1,900
Interest rate swap agreements \| Designated as cash flow hedges
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Fair value of derivative instruments (assets)	1,700	27,000
Fair value of derivative instruments (liabilities)	9,400	1,400
Interest rate swap agreements \| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Fair value of derivative instruments (assets)	100	300
Fair value of derivative instruments (liabilities)	1,000	500
Foreign exchange agreements \| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Fair value of derivative instruments (assets)	100	200
Fair value of derivative instruments (liabilities)	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Details2

Derivative Instruments (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps, not designated	$800,000	($300,000)	$5,300,000	$3,200,000	($780,000)	$8,947,000	($2,469,000)
Interest rate swap agreements \| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps, not designated					800,000	-8,900,000	2,500,000
Interest rate swap agreements \| Designated as cash flow hedges \| Other comprehensive income
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Change in fair value of derivatives, designated as cash flow hedges					52,100,000	-18,000,000	1,800,000
Interest rate swap agreements \| Designated as cash flow hedges \| Interest expense
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements					15,100,000	12,300,000	22,000,000
Foreign exchange agreements \| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Administrative expenses
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Foreign exchange agreements, not designated					100,000	300,000	300,000
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net					$2,479,000	$3,020,000	$3,291,000

Net_Investment_in_Finance_Leas2

Net Investment in Finance Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Net Investment in Finance Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Executory Costs	0	0
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Unguaranteed Residual Values of Leased Property	5,600,000	5,000,000
Components of the net investment in finance leases
Gross finance lease receivables (1)	267,720,000	320,149,000
Allowance on gross finance lease receivables	-1,056,000	-1,057,000
Gross finance lease receivables, net of allowance	266,664,000	319,092,000
Unearned income (2)	-46,792,000	-61,916,000
Net investment in finance leases (3)	219,872,000	257,176,000
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Initial Direct Costs	0	0
HapagLloyd [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	48.00%	44.00%
Mediterranean Shipping Company
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	19.00%	21.00%

Net_Investment_in_Finance_Leas3

Net Investment in Finance Leases (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	132 Months Ended
Net Investment in Finance Leases (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gross finance lease receivables based on the company's internal customer credit rating
Capital Leases Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases Percentage of Historical Loss Experience on Minimum Payments to be Received		1.00%
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Next Twelve Months	$59,523,000	$59,523,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Two Years	50,271,000	50,271,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Three Years	39,606,000	39,606,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Four Years	33,863,000	33,863,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Five Years	31,529,000	31,529,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable Due Thereafter	52,928,000	52,928,000
Gross finance lease receivables (1)	267,720,000	267,720,000	320,149,000
Number of days gross finance lease were past due	31 days
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0	0
Tier 1
Gross finance lease receivables based on the company's internal customer credit rating
Gross finance lease receivables (1)	244,136,000	244,136,000	283,172,000
Tier 2
Gross finance lease receivables based on the company's internal customer credit rating
Gross finance lease receivables (1)	23,584,000	23,584,000	36,977,000
Gross finance lease receivables past due	300,000	300,000
Tier 3
Gross finance lease receivables based on the company's internal customer credit rating
Gross finance lease receivables (1)	$0	$0	$0

Net_Investment_in_Finance_Leas4

Net Investment in Finance Leases (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 02, 2013	Jan. 02, 2012
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts
Beginning Balance				$1,073
Additions/ (Reversals)	-177
Other	1
Ending Balance	897			1,073
Finance Lease - Allowance for doubtful accounts
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts
Beginning Balance	1,073	1,057	897		1,057	897
Additions/ (Reversals)	-177	0	159
Other	1	-1	1
Ending Balance	$897	$1,056	$1,057		$1,057	$897

Capital_Stock_and_Stock_Option2

Capital Stock and Stock Options (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended								1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			111 Months Ended
	Dec. 23, 2014	Sep. 24, 2014	Jun. 24, 2014	Mar. 24, 2014	Dec. 23, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013	Jun. 25, 2013	Mar. 28, 2013	Feb. 10, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock based compensation plans
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock	$23,800,000	$24,200,000	$24,200,000	$24,200,000	$23,400,000	$22,800,000	$22,100,000	$21,400,000		$96,403,000	$89,745,000	$78,090,000
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.72	$0.72	$0.72	$0.72	$0.70	$0.68	$0.66	$0.64		$2.88	$2.68	$2.35
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased										4,000,000			4,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares									81,915	818,085	0	0
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share										$42.01
Treasury Stock, Value										-34,382,000	0	0
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased										170,072			170,072
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues													2,500,000
Stock based compensation										6,000,000	5,200,000	3,700,000
Stock compensation charge										5,984,000	5,216,000	3,706,000
Exercised (in shares)										2,950
Restricted stock
Stock based compensation plans
Total unrecognized compensation cost										$5,800,000			5,800,000
Weighted-average vesting period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized										1 year 8 months

Capital_Stock_and_Stock_Option3

Capital Stock and Stock Options (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	$10,070
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (net of income tax effect of $(18,248), $6,380 and $(625), respectively)	-33,814	11,643	-1,145
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	9,106	4,844	0
Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,604	1,953	2,128
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-215	60	203
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-23,319	18,500	1,186
Balance at the end of the period	-13,249	10,070
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	10,959	-7,481
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (net of income tax effect of $(18,248), $6,380 and $(625), respectively)	-33,814	11,643	-1,145
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	9,106	4,844
Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,604	1,953	2,128
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-23,104	18,440
Balance at the end of the period	-12,145	10,959	-7,481
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	-889	-949
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (net of income tax effect of $(18,248), $6,380 and $(625), respectively)	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	0	0
Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-215	60
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-215	60
Balance at the end of the period	-1,104	-889
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	10,070	-8,430
Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (net of income tax effect of $(18,248), $6,380 and $(625), respectively)	-33,814	11,643
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	9,106	4,844
Amortization of net loss on derivative instruments previously designated as cash flow hedges	1,604	1,953
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-215	60
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-23,319	18,500
Balance at the end of the period	($13,249)	$10,070

Capital_Stock_and_Stock_Option4

Capital Stock and Stock Options (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Capital Stock and Stock Options (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2014
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	27,891				30,841				27,891	30,841
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18								$18			$18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term									0 years 9 months 8 days	1 year 9 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$713,000								$713,000			$1,214,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	372,500				354,500				372,500	354,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period									0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price									$0
Exercised (in shares)									-2,950
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price									$18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value									78,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period									0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price									$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	27,891								27,891
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18								$18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term									0 years 9 months 8 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	713,000								713,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$40.13				$36.28				$40.13	$36.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period									151,250
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value									$44.17
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period									-133,250
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value									$34.47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value									7,200,000
Number of Shares Tendered by Plan Participants in Connection with Option Exercises									6,695
Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges									109,265,000	111,725,000	114,629,000
Income tax (benefit)									65,461,000	77,699,000	70,732,000
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	-32,055,000	-32,617,000	-29,362,000	-30,011,000	-33,109,000	-34,661,000	-37,876,000	-37,520,000	-124,045,000	-143,166,000	-130,132,000
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
Realized loss on interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges									13,895,000	7,470,000
Amortization of net loss on terminated derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges									2,479,000	3,020,000	3,291,000
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income before income tax									16,374,000	10,490,000
Income tax (benefit)									-5,664,000	-3,693,000
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income									$10,710,000	$6,797,000

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa2

Segment and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2004
									industry
									segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue	$153,992	$150,524	$144,723	$144,767	$147,439	$144,444	$140,181	$137,789	$594,006	$569,853	$528,197
Number of Industries in which Business Activities Conducted									1
Number of Reportable Segments									2
Gross Profit	1,614	1,713	2,215	1,648	1,309	2,007	4,287	2,675	7,190	10,278	7,544
Equipment trading expenses									-49,246	-62,726	-53,431
Depreciation and amortization expense									224,753	205,073	193,466
Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment	-560	-870	-2,461	-3,096	-4,171	-4,293	-8,026	-10,261	-6,987	-26,751	-44,509
Interest and debt expense									109,265	111,725	114,629
Income before income taxes									195,478	215,918	203,333
Equipment held for sale	59,861				58,042				59,861	58,042	47,139
Goodwill at the end of the period	74,523				74,523				74,523	74,523	71,898	71,898
Total assets at the end of the period	4,274,984				4,045,296				4,274,984	4,045,296	3,701,194
Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases									670,529	660,492	831,826
Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps					-800	300	-5,300	-3,200	780	-8,947	2,469
Write-off of deferred financing costs									5,192	4,000	0
Costs and Expenses									303,440	279,239	262,288
Equipment leasing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue									581,421	556,690	519,860
Gross Profit									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization expense									223,487	203,157	189,710
Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment									-6,987	-26,751	-44,509
Interest and debt expense									107,050	109,175	111,598
Income before income taxes									180,356	198,210	195,166
Equipment held for sale	28,906				33,132				28,906	33,132	16,936
Goodwill at the end of the period	73,523				73,523				73,523	73,523	70,898
Total assets at the end of the period	4,208,149				3,966,762				4,208,149	3,966,762	3,620,228
Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases									668,028	644,288	822,698
Equipment trading
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue									12,585	13,163	8,337
Gross Profit									7,190	10,278	7,544
Depreciation and amortization expense									1,266	1,916	3,756
Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment									0	0	0
Interest and debt expense									2,215	2,550	3,031
Income before income taxes									15,122	17,708	8,167
Equipment held for sale	30,955				24,910				30,955	24,910	30,203
Goodwill at the end of the period	1,000				1,000				1,000	1,000	1,000
Total assets at the end of the period	66,835				78,534				66,835	78,534	80,966
Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases									2,501	16,204	9,128
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									0	0	0
Costs and Expenses									$0	$0	$0

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa3

Segment and Geographic Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Equipment trading revenues									$56,436	$73,004	$60,975
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue	153,992	150,524	144,723	144,767	147,439	144,444	140,181	137,789	594,006	569,853	528,197
United States of America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Equipment trading revenues									8,724	7,719	7,036
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue									34,206	32,506	36,831
Asia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Equipment trading revenues									26,794	39,965	38,568
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue									274,467	247,353	213,552
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Equipment trading revenues									17,946	11,964	7,385
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue									263,723	265,845	252,795
Other international
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Equipment trading revenues									2,972	13,356	7,986
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue									$21,610	$24,149	$25,019

Net_Gain_on_Sale_of_Leasing_Eq2

Net Gain on Sale of Leasing Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived [Abstract]
Impairment (loss) on equipment held for sale									($4,326)	($1,838)	($247)
Gain on sale of equipment-net of selling costs									11,313	28,589	44,756
Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	$560	$870	$2,461	$3,096	$4,171	$4,293	$8,026	$10,261	$6,987	$26,751	$44,509

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Cur

Income Taxes Components of Current and Deferred (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$0	$0	$0
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	0	0
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	0	304
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	0	304
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	65,020	76,761	69,804
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	587	1,105	998
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-146	-167	-374
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	65,461	77,699	70,428
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$65,461	$77,699	$70,732

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec

Income Taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income taxes at the statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes (net of Federal income tax benefit)	0.20%	0.30%	0.30%
Foreign income taxed at other than the Federal statutory rate	-0.10%	-0.10%	0.00%
Change in enacted tax rates(1)(2)	-0.60%	-0.10%	-0.20%
Effect of permanent differences and other, net	0.00%	0.10%	0.10%
Effective income tax rate	34.50%	35.20%	35.20%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	$134,329	$113,599
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other	959	1,706
Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments	7,556	4,007
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income	9,230	9,587
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities	99	99
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	152,173	128,998
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	542,447	457,098
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill	16,720	16,401
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives	673	9,501
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	3,340	4,253
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	563,180	487,253
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$411,007	$358,255

Income_Taxes_Level_4_Tags_Deta

Income Taxes Level 4 Tags (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Income Taxes Level 4 Tags (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrealized Excess Tax Benefits related to Restricted Stock Compensation Costs [Abstract]
IncomeTaxChangeInEnactedTaxRate,Amount				($1,200,000)
ForeignStatutoryIncomeTaxRateBeforeEnactmentOfIncomeTaxRateReduction	23.00%	24.00%	26.00%
ForeignStatutoryIncomeTaxRateAfterEnactmentOfIncomeTaxRateReduction	21.00%	23.00%	24.00%
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net				5,700,000
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries				6,200,000
IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate1				$0	$100,000	$300,000

Income_Taxes_Net_Operating_Los

Income Taxes Net Operating Loss CarryForwards (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$400

Savings_Plan_Details

Savings Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Savings Plan [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	3.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$0.30	$0.30	$0.30

Rental_Income_under_Operating_2

Rental Income under Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
2015	$379,684
2016	280,982
2017	198,147
2018	148,588
2019	88,707
2020 and thereafter	107,668
Total	$1,203,776

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$1,587,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	1,369,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	1,185,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	1,102,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years and Thereafter	1,937,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	7,180,000
Guarantee obligations
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	2,100,000	2,100,000	2,200,000
Residual value guarantees
Guarantee obligations
Maximum potential amount of guarantees	27,100,000
Carrying value of guarantees	$1,100,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Purchase commitment payable in 2014	$169.10

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Operating and Capital Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue	$153,992,000	$150,524,000	$144,723,000	$144,767,000	$147,439,000	$144,444,000	$140,181,000	$137,789,000	$594,006,000	$569,853,000	$528,197,000
Gross Profit	1,614,000	1,713,000	2,215,000	1,648,000	1,309,000	2,007,000	4,287,000	2,675,000	7,190,000	10,278,000	7,544,000
Net gain on sale of leasing equipment	560,000	870,000	2,461,000	3,096,000	4,171,000	4,293,000	8,026,000	10,261,000	6,987,000	26,751,000	44,509,000
Net loss (gain) on interest rate swaps, not designated					800,000	-300,000	5,300,000	3,200,000	-780,000	8,947,000	-2,469,000
Net income	32,055,000	32,617,000	29,362,000	30,011,000	33,109,000	34,661,000	37,876,000	37,520,000	124,045,000	143,166,000	130,132,000
Net income per common sharebBasic (in dollars per share)	$0.97	$0.97	$0.87	$0.89	$0.99	$1.04	$1.13	$1.12	$3.70	$4.28	$3.92
Net income per common sharebDiluted (in dollars per share)	$0.96	$0.97	$0.87	$0.89	$0.98	$1.03	$1.12	$1.12	$3.68	$4.25	$3.87
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net after Tax					$500,000	($200,000)	$3,400,000	$2,000,000

Foreign_Currency_Activities_De

Foreign Currency Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign Currency Activites [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	($0.90)	($0.40)	($0.30)

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			94 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 10, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 11, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	81,915	818,085	0	0
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		4,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount					$88,157
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend approved and declared (in dollars per share)						$0.72
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased						3,000,000

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 02, 2013	Jan. 02, 2012
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				$1,073
Additions/ (Reversals)	-177
Other	1
Ending Balance	897			1,073
Finance Lease - Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,073	1,057	897		1,057	897
Additions/ (Reversals)	-177	0	159
(Write-offs) Reversals	0	0	0
Other	1	-1	1
Ending Balance	897	1,056	1,057		1,057	897
Accounts Receivable-Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	667	948	692
Additions/ (Reversals)	40	131	299
(Write-offs) Reversals	-16	-99	-44
Other	1	-2	1
Ending Balance	692	978	948
Allowance for equipment loss:
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	156	1,348	21
Additions/ (Reversals)	-72	89	2,369
(Write-offs) Reversals	-62	-866	-1,046
Other	-1	0	4
Ending Balance	$21	$571	$1,348