CAI International (CAI) 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CAI International, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1388430
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$338.50
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,788,277
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash	$27,810		$31,141
Cash held by variable interest entities	26,011		14,600
Accounts receivable (owned fleet), net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $680 and $503 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	49,524		41,226
Accounts receivable (managed fleet)	8,498		10,646
Current portion of direct finance leases	18,150		12,998
Prepaid expenses	14,396		14,803
Other current assets	410		5,553
Total current assets	144,799		130,967
Restricted cash	8,232		9,253
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $274,333 and $210,165 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,564,777		1,465,092
Net investment in direct finance leases	76,814		68,210
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,019 and $1,697 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	945		1,390
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $4,817 and $4,638 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	273		677
Total assets	1,795,840	[1]	1,675,589	[1]
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	8,414		8,002
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	9,029		6,230
Due to container investors	12,984		14,815
Unearned revenue	7,172		6,862
Current portion of debt	203,199		74,080
Current portion of capital lease obligations	1,015		1,921
Rental equipment payable	7,381		45,181
Total current liabilities	249,194		157,091
Debt	1,058,754		1,058,628
Deferred income tax liability	43,419		41,378
Capital lease obligations	1,568		3,366
Total liabilities	1,352,935	[2]	1,260,463	[2]
Stockholders' equity
Common stock: par value $.0001 per share; authorized 84,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 20,788,277 and 22,240,673 shares at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 , respectively	2		2
Additional paid-in capital	154,894		184,263
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,677		-2,356
Retained earnings	292,897		232,623
Total CAI stockholders' equity	442,116		414,532
Non-controlling interest	789		594
Total stockholders' equity	442,905		415,126
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,795,840		$1,675,589
[1]	Total assets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include the following assets of certain variable interest entities (VIEs) that can only be used to settle the liabilities of those VIEs: Cash, $26,011 and $14,600; Net investment in direct finance leases, $156 and $137; and Rental equipment net of accumulated depreciation, $102,100 and $84,107, respectively.
[2]	Total liabilities at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include the following VIE liabilities for which the VIE creditors do not have recourse to CAI International, Inc.: Debt, $132,419 and $101,269, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts (owned fleet)	$680	$503
Accumulated depreciation on container rental equipment	274,333	210,165
Accumulated depreciation on furniture, fixtures and equipment	2,019	1,697
Accumulated amortization on intangible assets	4,817	4,638
Cash attributable to variable interest entities	26,011	14,600
Net investment in direct financial leases	156	137
Rental equipment attributable to variable interest entities, net of accumulated depreciation	102,100	84,107
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Collateralized financing obligations	$132,419	$101,269
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	84,000,000	84,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	20,788,277	22,240,673
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	20,788,277	22,240,673

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue
Rental revenue	$212,259	$196,591	$152,982
Management fee revenue	6,497	7,866	12,094
Gain on sale of equipment portfolios			1,256
Finance lease income	8,833	7,948	7,593
Total revenue	227,589	212,405	173,925
Operating expenses
Depreciation of rental equipment	77,976	67,109	48,352
Amortization of intangible assets	383	780	902
Gain on disposition of used rental equipment	-6,522	-7,356	-12,445
Storage, handling and other expenses	26,043	19,257	9,402
Marketing, general and administrative expenses	26,155	23,848	24,658
Loss on foreign exchange	367	82	170
Total operating expenses	124,402	103,720	71,039
Operating income	103,187	108,685	102,886
Interest expense	35,212	36,005	28,796
Write-off of deferred financing costs	406	1,108
Interest income	-7	-5	-9
Net interest expense	35,611	37,108	28,787
Net income before income taxes and non-controlling interest	67,576	71,577	74,099
Income tax expense	7,191	7,057	9,818
Net income	60,385	64,520	64,281
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	-111	-594	-816
Net income attributable to CAI common stockholders	$60,274	$63,926	$63,465
Net income per share attributable to CAI common stockholders
Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.91	$2.89	$3.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.85	$2.82	$3.18
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	20,732	22,157	19,495
Diluted (in shares)	21,155	22,672	19,945

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
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income	$60,385	$64,520	$64,281
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,321	561	464
Comprehensive income	57,064	65,081	64,745
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	-111	-594	-816
Comprehensive income attributable to CAI common stockholders	$56,953	$64,487	$63,929

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$2	$128,183	($3,381)	$105,232	$18,700	$248,736
Balances (shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	19,295,000
Net income				63,465	816	64,281
Foreign currency translation adjustments			464			464
Deconsolidation of non-controlling interest		49			-19,516	-19,467
Issuance of common stock, net of underwriting discount and offering expenses		51,543				51,543
Issuance of common stock, net of underwriting discount and offering expenses (in shares)	2,757,000					2,757,170
Stock based compensation		1,288				1,288
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	2	181,063	-2,917	168,697		346,845
Balances (shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	22,052,000
Net income				63,926	594	64,520
Foreign currency translation adjustments			561			561
Exercise of stock options		1,524				1,524
Exercise of stock options (shares)	160,000
Stock issuance costs		-155				-155
Stock based compensation -options		1,429				1,429
Stock based compensation - restricted stock		107				107
Stock based compensation - restricted stock (shares)	28,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation awards		295				295
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	2	184,263	-2,356	232,623	594	415,126
Balances (shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	22,240,000					22,240,673
Net income				60,274	111	60,385
Foreign currency translation adjustments			-3,321			-3,321
Repurchase of common stock		-31,395				-31,395
Repurchase of common stock (shares)	-1,483,000
Exercise of stock options		114				114
Exercise of stock options (shares)	7,000
Stock based compensation -options		1,627				1,627
Stock based compensation - restricted stock		258				258
Stock based compensation - restricted stock (shares)	24,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation awards		27				27
Contributions and other					84	84
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$2	$154,894	($5,677)	$292,897	$789	$442,905
Balances (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	20,788,000					20,788,277

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	$60,385	$64,520	$64,281
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	78,451	67,631	48,849
Amortization of debt issuance costs	3,165	3,780	2,643
Amortization of intangible assets	383	780	902
Stock-based compensation expense	1,885	1,536	1,288
Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign exchange	81	-282	244
Gain on sale of equipment portfolios			-1,256
Gain on disposition of used rental equipment	-6,522	-7,356	-12,445
Deferred income taxes	2,170	3,205	6,014
Bad debt expense (recovery)	248	-227	29
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-6,397	7,404	-10,492
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,256	-3,136	-1,814
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,046	-8,839	9,016
Due to container investors	-1,831	-3,774	-1,524
Unearned revenue	367	-1,056	1,095
Net cash provided by operating activities	139,687	124,186	106,830
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of rental equipment	-307,283	-312,144	-524,354
Net proceeds from sale of equipment portfolios			10,320
Net proceeds from disposition of used rental equipment	65,637	33,069	44,306
Purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment	-28	-60	-249
Receipt of principal payments from direct financing leases	16,319	12,329	8,758
Net cash used in investing activities	-225,355	-266,806	-461,219
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from debt	372,510	588,870	1,035,381
Principal payments on debt	-245,136	-406,961	-699,161
Repurchase of noncontrolling interest			-19,467
Debt issuance costs	-1,999	-6,595	-6,436
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	1,021	-4,877	-3,777
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock			51,543
Repurchase of stock	-31,395
Stock issuance costs		-155
Exercise of stock options	114	1,524
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation awards	27	295
Net cash provided by financing activities	95,142	172,101	358,083
Effect on cash of foreign currency translation	-1,394	-1,411	-101
Net increase in cash	8,080	28,070	3,593
Cash at beginning of the period	45,741	17,671	14,078
Cash at end of the period	53,821	45,741	17,671
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	852	5,122	3,312
Interest	32,774	32,267	24,087
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activity
Transfer of rental equipment to direct finance lease	30,178	32,001	56,426
Transfer of direct finance lease to rental equipment		30,118
Payment of revolving credit facility from term loan			$20,000

The_Company_And_Nature_Of_Oper

The Company And Nature Of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
The Company And Nature Of Operations [Abstract]
The Company And Nature Of Operations	(1)The Company and Nature of Operations
	CAI International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, CAI or the Company) is one of the world’s leading transportation finance and logistics companies. The Company purchases equipment, which it leases primarily to container shipping lines, freight forwarders and other transportation companies. The Company also manages equipment for third-party investors. In operating its fleet, the Company leases, re-leases and disposes of equipment and contracts for the repair, repositioning and storage of equipment. The Company’s equipment fleet consists primarily of intermodal marine containers. The Company also owns a small fleet of railcars, which it leases in North America.
	The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAP”. The Company’s corporate headquarters are located in San Francisco, California.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a)   Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and its 80% owned subsidiary, CAIJ, Inc. (CAIJ). The equity attributable to the minority interest in CAIJ is shown as a non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related net income is presented as net income attributable to non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.  The non-controlling interest in CAIJ was immaterial and not included in the consolidated financial statements for all prior periods. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company regularly performs a review of its container fund arrangements with investors to determine whether a fund is a variable interest entity (VIE) and whether the Company has a variable interest that provides it with a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of the VIE in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. If the fund is determined to be a VIE, a further analysis is performed to determine if the Company is a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meets both of the following criteria under Paragraph 14A of ASC 810:
		·		it has power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and
		·		it has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	If in the Company’s judgment both of the above criteria are met, the VIE’s financial statements are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as required under ASC 810. The equity attributable to the VIE is shown as a non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the after tax result attributable to its operations is shown as a net income or loss attributable to non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. (See Note 3).
	(b)   Use of Estimates
	Certain estimates and assumptions were made by the Company’s management that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include revenue recognition, allowances for receivables, the carrying amount of rental equipment, the residual values and lives of rental equipment, and income tax uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	(c)  Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
	Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and software, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of five years with no salvage value.  Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their useful lives or the respective lease life.
	(d)   Rental equipment
	The Company depreciates its rental equipment over its estimated useful life to its estimated fixed residual value using the straight line method of depreciation. The following table shows the residual values and depreciable lives for each type of equipment:
			Residual Value		Depreciable Life in Years
	20-ft. standard dry van container		$	1,050		13
	40-ft. standard dry van container		$	1,300		13
	40-ft. high cube dry van container		$	1,650		13
	20-ft. refrigerated container		$	2,750		12
	40-ft. high cube refrigerated container		$	3,500		12
	Other specialized equipment is depreciated to its estimated residual value, which ranges from $1,000 to $3,500, over its estimated useful life of between 12.5 years and 15 years.
	Railcar equipment is depreciated over its estimated useful life of between 40 and 43 years, to its estimated residual value using the straight-line method.
	(e)   Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	On at least an annual basis, the Company evaluates its rental equipment fleet to determine whether there have been any events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of all, or part, of its fleet may not be recoverable. Events which would trigger an impairment review include, among others, a significant decrease in the long-term average market value of rental equipment, a significant decrease in the utilization rate of rental equipment resulting in an inability to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods, or a change in market conditions resulting in a significant decrease in lease rates.
	When testing for impairment, equipment is generally grouped by rental type, and is tested separately from other groups of assets and liabilities. Potential impairment exists when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by an asset group, comprised of lease proceeds and residual values, less operating expenses, are less than the carrying value of that asset group. If potential impairment exists, the equipment is written down to its fair value. In determining the fair value of an asset group, the Company considers market trends, published value for similar assets, recent transactions of similar assets and in certain cases, quotes from third party appraisers. The Company currently does not consider any asset group to have a book value that is not recoverable, or close to being not recoverable, based on its expectation of future undiscounted cash flows.
	(f)   Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets with definite useful lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company amortizes intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
	Trademarks	1-10 years
	Contracts-owned equipment	5-7 years
	(g)   Finance Leases
	Interest on finance leases is recognized using the effective interest method. Lease income is recorded in decreasing amounts over the term of the contract, resulting in a level rate of return on the net investment in direct finance leases.
	(h)   Debt Fees
	To the extent that the Company is required to pay issuance fees or direct costs relating to its credit facilities, such fees are amortized over the lives of the related debt using the straight line method and reflected in interest expense.
	(i)   Foreign Currency Translation
	The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been converted at rates of exchange in effect at year-end for balance sheet accounts and average exchange rates for the year for income statement accounts. The effects of changes in exchange rates in translating foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements are included in stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income.
	(j)   Accounts Receivable (Owned Fleet)
	Amounts billed under operating leases for equipment owned by the Company are recorded in accounts receivable (owned fleet). The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable it does not consider fully collectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts is developed based on two key components: (1) specific reserves for receivables for which management believes full collection is doubtful; and (2) a general reserve for estimated losses inherent in the receivables. The general reserve is estimated by applying certain percentages to receivables that have not been specifically reserved, ranging from 1.0% on accounts that are one to thirty days overdue, to 100% on accounts that are one year overdue. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed regularly by management and is based on the risk profile of the receivables, credit quality indicators such as the level of past due amounts and non-performing accounts and economic conditions. Changes in economic conditions or other events may necessitate additions or deductions to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is intended to provide for losses inherent in the owned fleet’s accounts receivable, and requires the application of estimates and judgments as to the outcome of collection efforts and the realization of collateral, among other things.
	(k)   Accounts Receivable (Managed Fleet)
	Amounts billed under operating leases for equipment owned by third-party investors are recorded in accounts receivable (managed fleet) with a corresponding credit to due to container investors account. The credit risk on accounts receivable related to managed equipment is the responsibility of the third-party investors. Under the Company’s management agreements with investors, the third-party investors are obligated to reimburse the Company for any amounts the Company had previously paid to them in advance of receiving the amount from the equipment lessee if the Company is unable to ultimately collect any amount due from a managed equipment lessee.
	(l)   Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for using the asset-and-liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be recovered.
	The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. (See Note 9).
	(m)   Revenue Recognition
	The Company provides a range of services to its customers incorporating rental, sale and management of equipment. Revenue for all forms of service is recognized when earned following the guidelines under FASB ASC 605, Revenue Recognition and FASB ASC 840, Leases. Revenue is reported net of any related sales tax.
	Rental Revenue
	Rental revenue arises from renting equipment owned by the Company to various lessees. Rental agreements are typically leases with a fixed term of between one and eight years or short-term master lease agreements where there is no term and the equipment can be returned at any time without penalty. Revenue is recorded on an accrual basis for master lease agreements as these agreements have no fixed term. For long-term leases, revenue is recorded on a straight-line basis when earned according to the terms of the rental contracts. These contracts are classified as operating leases. Early termination of the rental contracts subjects the lessee to a penalty, which is included in rental revenue upon such termination.
	Included in rental revenue is revenue consisting primarily of fees charged to the lessee for handling, delivery, repairs, and fees relating to the Company’s damage protection plan, which are recognized as earned.
	Management Fee Revenue and Gain on Sale of Equipment Portfolios
	In addition to renting equipment, the Company sells leased equipment portfolios to third-party investor groups. After the date of sale, the Company generally manages the equipment sold to the investor group. The Company has determined that the two deliverables under the arrangements, the sale of the equipment and the management services, are separate units of accounting, thus revenue is recognized for each unit.
	In accordance with FASB ASU 2009-13, Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, the Company determines if revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be considered separate units of accounting if the deliverables meet both of the following criteria:
	a.The delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis, that is, it can be sold separately by any vendor or the customer could resell the delivered items on a standalone basis. In the context of the customer’s ability to resell the delivered items, this criterion does not require the existence of an observable market for the deliverable.
	b.If the arrangement includes a right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor.
	In applying the guidance, separate contracts entered into at or near the same time with the same entity or related parties are presumed to have been negotiated as a package and should be evaluated as a single arrangement in considering whether there are one or more units of accounting.
	The Company evaluates all deliverables in an arrangement at the inception of the arrangement and as each deliverable is delivered to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting. The criteria for dividing an arrangement into separate units of accounting are applied consistently to arrangements with similar characteristics and in similar circumstances.
	A delivered item that does not qualify as a separate unit of accounting within the arrangement is combined with other undelivered item(s) within the arrangement. The allocation of arrangement consideration and the recognition of revenue is determined for those combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting.
	If the Company concludes that the sale of equipment and the management services can be accounted for separately, the Company recognizes gain on sale of equipment portfolios when the sale of the equipment is completed. The gain is the difference between the sales price and the net book value of the equipment sold.
	The Company recognizes revenue from management fees earned under equipment management agreements as earned on a monthly basis. Management fees are typically a percentage of net operating income of each investor group’s fleet calculated on an accrual basis. Included in the Company’s balance sheet are accounts receivable from the managed fleet which are uncollected lease billings related to managed equipment. With the exception of equipment managed under pooling agreements, all direct costs (storage, repairs, repositioning etc.) are charged to investors on a specific-identification basis or allocated basis. The Company’s financial statements include accounts payable and accruals of expenses related to managed equipment. The net amount of rentals billed less expenses payable, less management fees, is recorded in amounts due to container investors on the balance sheet.
	(n)   Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has granted stock options and restricted stock to certain directors and employees under its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, which requires that compensation cost related to stock-based compensation be recognized in the financial statements.  The cost is measured at the date the award is granted based on the fair value of the award. The fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the grant on a straight-line basis. (See Note 8).
	(o)   Repairs and Maintenance
	The Company’s leases generally require the lessee to pay for any damage to the equipment beyond normal wear and tear at the end of the lease term. The Company accounts for repairs and maintenance expense on an accrual basis when an obligation to pay has been incurred.
	(p)   Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU No. 2014-09). This new standard will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate industry-specific guidance. Leasing revenue recognition is specifically excluded from this ASU, and therefore, the new standard will only apply to management fee revenue, sales of equipment portfolios and dispositions of used equipment. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application prohibited. Adoption of the guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation_Of_Variable_Inte

Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities As A Non-Controlling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities As A Non-Controlling Interest [Abstract]
Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities As A Non-Controlling Interest	(3)Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities as a Non-Controlling Interest
	The Company regularly performs a review of its container fund arrangements with investors to determine whether a fund is a variable interest entity (VIE) and whether the Company has a variable interest that provides it with a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of the VIE in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. If the fund is determined to be a VIE, a further analysis is performed to determine if the Company is a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meets both of the following criteria under Paragraph 14A of ASC 810:
		·	It has power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and
		·	It has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	If in the Company’s judgment both of the above criteria are met, the VIE’s financial statements are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as required under ASC 810. The equity attributable to the VIE is shown as a non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the after tax result attributable to its operations is shown as a net income or loss attributable to non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated statement of income.
	The Company currently enters into two types of container fund arrangements with investors which are reviewed under ASC 810, Consolidation. These arrangements include container funds that the Company manages for investors and container funds that have entered into financing arrangements with investors. Included among several of the funds that the Company manages, and all of the funds under financing arrangements, are Japanese container funds that were established by a related party under separate investment agreements allowed under Japanese commercial laws (see Note 12). Each of the funds is financed by unrelated Japanese third party investors.
	Managed Container Funds
	All container funds under management by the Company are considered VIEs because as manager of the funds, the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance including the leasing and managing of containers owned by the funds. With the exception of two specific Japanese funds established in September 2010, the fees earned for arranging, managing and establishing the funds are not significant to the expected returns of the funds so the Company does not have a variable interest in the funds. The rights to receive benefits and obligations to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the funds belong to the third party investors, so the Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the funds. The Company recognizes gain on sale of containers to the unconsolidated VIEs as sales in the ordinary course of business. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company sold $10.3 million of equipment portfolios to the Japanese VIEs and recognized gains on sale of $1.3 million.  No container portfolios were sold to the Japanese VIEs in the years ended December 13, 2014 and 2013.
	In September 2010, the Company transferred approximately $16.0 million of containers to two specific Japanese funds that were considered VIEs. The terms of the transaction included options for the Company to purchase the containers from the funds at a fixed price. As a result of the residual interest resulting from the fixed price call option, the Company concluded that it may absorb a significant amount of the variability associated with the funds’ anticipated economic performance and as a result the Company had a variable interest in the funds. As the Company had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted the economic performance of the VIEs and the variable interest provided the Company with the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the funds, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of these two specific VIEs and included the VIEs’ assets and liabilities, results of operations and cash flows in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The container equipment, cash held by the container funds and net investment in direct finance leases, were included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the offsetting equity related to the funds presented separately as non-controlling interest.
	During the third quarter of 2012, the Company terminated its management agreements with the two Japanese VIEs and purchased all the container equipment legally owned by them.  As the Company previously consolidated these two Japanese VIEs, the purchase of the containers was considered a repurchase of the non-controlling interest for accounting purposes.  The Company paid cash of $15.3 million and contributed cash and other assets from the two Japanese VIEs of $4.2 million in consideration for the non-controlling interest of $19.5 million. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company upon the repurchase of the non-controlling interest and subsequent deconsolidation of the two Japanese VIEs.   The results of the VIEs’ operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income until the date of deconsolidation.  Net income of $0.8 million,  attributable to the two Japanese funds, is presented as net income attributable to non-controlling interest in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Collateralized Financing Obligations
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company has transferred containers with a total net book value of $135.3 million at the time of transfer to Japanese investor funds while concurrently entering into lease agreements for the same containers, under which the Company leases the containers back from the Japanese investors.  In accordance with ASC 840, Sale-Leaseback Transactions, the Company concluded these were financing transactions under which sale-leaseback accounting was not applicable.
	The container funds under financing arrangements are considered VIEs under ASC 810 because as lessee of the funds, the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact each entity’s economic performance including the leasing and managing of containers owned by the funds. The terms of the transactions include options for the Company to purchase the containers from the funds at a fixed price. As a result of the residual interest resulting from the fixed price call option, the Company concluded that it may absorb a significant amount of the variability associated with the funds’ anticipated economic performance and as a result the Company has a variable interest in the funds. As the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs and the variable interest provides the Company with the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the funds, the Company determined that it is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and included the VIEs’ assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of the VIEs’ operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	The containers that were transferred to the Japanese investor funds had a net book value of $102.3  million as of December 31, 2014. The container equipment, together with $26.0 million of cash held by the investor funds, has been included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with offsetting liability related to the funds presented in the debt section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as collateralized financing obligations of $122.6 million and term loan held by VIE of $9.8 million. See Note 7(f) for additional information. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the initial consolidation of the VIEs.

Net_Investment_In_Direct_Finan

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases	(4)Net Investment in Direct Finance Leases
	The following table represents the components of the Company’s net investment in direct finance leases (in thousands):
			December 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Gross finance lease receivables (1)		$	116,992	$	103,887
	Unearned income (2)			-22,028		-22,679
	Net investment in direct finance leases		$	94,964	$	81,208
		-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.  There was no unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2014 and approximately $0.1 at December 31, 2013 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 cost of the equipment or carrying amount 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.
	In order to estimate the allowance for losses contained in the gross finance lease receivables, the Company reviews the credit worthiness of its customers on an ongoing basis. The review includes monitoring credit quality indicators, the aging of customer receivables and general economic conditions.
	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 that 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 the Company 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 down turns 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 or freight forwarders with less operating scale or 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 down turns. 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.
	Based on the above categories, the Company's gross finance lease receivables were as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Tier 1		$	89,960	$	85,990
	Tier 2			27,032		17,897
	Tier 3			-		-
			$	116,992	$	103,887
	Contractual maturities of the Company’s gross finance lease receivables subsequent to December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015				$	26,241
	2016					23,910
	2017					28,474
	2018					22,616
	2019					10,210
	2020 and thereafter					5,541
					$	116,992

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	(5)Intangible Assets
	The Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	31-Dec-14
	Trademarks	$	1,278	$	-1,084		$	194
	Contracts- owned equipment		3,812		-3,733			79
		$	5,090	$	-4,817		$	273
	31-Dec-13
	Trademarks	$	1,278	$	-962		$	316
	Contracts- owned equipment		4,037		-3,676			361
		$	5,315	$	-4,638		$	677
	Amortization recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.4 million, $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Estimated future amortization expenses are as follows (in thousands):
	2015				$	190
	2016					83
					$	273

Equipment_Leases

Equipment Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equipment Leases [Abstract]
Equipment Leases	(6)Equipment Leases
	The Company leases its equipment on either short-term operating leases through master lease agreements, long-term non-cancelable operating leases, or finance leases. The following represents future minimum rents receivable under long-term non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	136,751
	2016		116,874
	2017		92,394
	2018		72,712
	2019		35,733
	2020 and thereafter		44,841
		$	499,305
	See Note 4 for contractual maturities of the Company’s gross finance lease receivables.

Debt_And_Capital_Lease_Obligat

Debt And Capital Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt And Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Debt And Capital Lease Obligations	(7)Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
	Debt
	Details of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
			31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
			Outstanding				Average	Outstanding				Average	Agreement
	Reference		Current		Long-term		Interest	Current		Long-term		Interest	Terminates
	(a)(i)	Revolving credit facility	$	-	$	289,000	1.90%	$	-	$	235,000	1.90%	Mar-18
	(a)(ii)	Revolving credit facility - Rail		-		61,769	1.90%		-		54,469	2.40%	Jul-19
	(b)(i)	Term loan		1,800		25,500	2.20%		8,400		27,300	2.30%	Apr-18
	(b)(ii)	Term loan		9,000		138,750	1.80%		7,500		111,875	2.50%	Oct-19
	(b)(iii)	Term loan		9,940		109,380	1.90%		9,940		119,320	2.20%	Apr-17
	(c)	Senior secured notes		8,240		78,280	4.90%		8,240		86,520	4.90%	Sep-22
	(d)	Asset backed notes		40,000		282,875	3.40%		40,000		322,875	3.40%	Mar-28
	(e)	Collateralized financing obligations		57,390		65,184	0.80%		-		101,269	1.00%	Jun-19
	(f)	Term loans held by VIE		1,829		8,016	2.60%		-		-	-	Jun-19
	(g)	Short-term line of credit		75,000		-	1.50%		-		-	-	May-15
		Total Debt	$	203,199	$	1,058,754		$	74,080	$	1,058,628
		(a)		Revolving Credit Facilities
	Revolving credit facilities consist of the following:
	(i) On March 15, 2013, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement with a syndicate of banks to finance the acquisition of container rental equipment and for general working capital purposes. The Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement refinanced the Company’s prior revolving credit facility to reduce the interest rate, increase the facility commitment and revise certain covenants to provide the Company with additional flexibility. As of December 31, 2014, the maximum commitment under the revolving credit facility was $760.0 million, which may be increased to a maximum of $960.0 million, under certain conditions described in the agreement. There is a commitment fee on the unused amount of the total commitment, payable quarterly in arrears. The agreement provides that swing line loans (short-term borrowings of up to $10.0 million in the aggregate that are payable within 10 business days or at maturity date, whichever comes earlier) and standby letters of credit (up to $15.0 million in the aggregate) will be available to the Company. These credit commitments are part of, and not in addition to, the total commitment provided under the agreement. Borrowings under this credit facility bear interest at a variable rate. The interest rates vary depending upon whether the loans are characterized as Base Rate loans or Eurodollar rate loans, as defined in the revolving credit agreement. Interest rates are based on LIBOR for Eurodollar loans, and Base Rate for Based Rate loans. In addition to various financial and other covenants, the Company’s revolving credit facility also includes certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur other indebtedness or pay dividends to stockholders.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the revolving credit facility.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $470.9  million in availability under the revolving credit facility (net of $0.1 million in letters of credit) subject to its ability to meet the collateral requirements under the agreement governing the facility. The entire amount of the facility drawn at any time plus accrued interest and fees is callable on demand in the event of certain specified events of default.
	The Company’s revolving credit facility, including any amounts drawn on the facility, is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company (not otherwise used as security for its other credit facilities) including containers owned by the Company, which had a net book value of $565.3 million as of December 31, 2014, the underlying leases thereon and the Company’s interest in any money received under such contracts.
	On January 30, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement with a consortium of banks, pursuant to which the prior revolving credit facility was refinanced. The agreement was amended to extend the maturity date to March 15, 2020, reduce the interest rate, increase the commitment level from $760.0 million to $775.0 million, and revise certain of the covenants and restrictions under the prior facility to provide the Company with additional flexibility.
	(ii)  On July 25, 2014, the Company and CAI Rail Inc. (CAI Rail), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement with a consortium of banks to finance the acquisition of railcars.  As of December 31, 2014, the maximum credit commitment under the revolving line of credit was $250.0 million. CAI Rail’s revolving credit facility may be increased up to a maximum of $325.0 million, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, subject to certain conditions.
	Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at a variable rate. The interest rates vary depending upon whether the loans are characterized as Base Rate loans or Eurodollar rate loans, as defined in the revolving credit agreement.  Interest rates are based on LIBOR for Eurodollar loans, and Base Rate for Base Rate loans.
	As of December 31, 2014, CAI Rail had  $188.2  million in availability under the revolving credit facility, subject to its ability to meet the collateral requirements under the agreement governing the facility. The entire amount of the facility drawn at any time plus accrued interest and fees is callable on demand in the event of certain specified events of default.
	The agreement governing CAI Rail’s revolving credit facility contains various financial and other covenants. As of December 31, 2014, CAI Rail was in compliance with the terms of the revolving credit facility. CAI Rail’s revolving credit facility, including any amounts drawn on the facility, is secured by all of the assets of CAI Rail, which had a net book value of $83.7 million as of December 31, 2014, and is guaranteed by the Company.
		(b)		Term Loans
	Term loans consist of the following:
	(i) On March 22, 2013, the Company entered into a $30.0 million five-year loan agreement with Development Bank of Japan (DBJ). The loan is payable in 19 quarterly installments of $0.5 million starting July 31, 2013 and a final payment of $21.5 million on April 30, 2018. The loan bears interest at variable rates based on LIBOR. As of December 31, 2014, the loan has a balance of  $27.3 million.
	The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under these loans as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remains  2.2% through maturity of the loan.
	2015				$	2,403
	2016					2,363
	2017					2,321
	2018					22,143
						29,230
	Less: Amount representing interest					-1,930
	Term loan				$	27,300
	(ii) On December 20, 2010, the Company entered into a term loan agreement with a consortium of banks. Under this loan agreement, the Company was eligible to borrow up to $300.0 million, subject to certain borrowing conditions, which amount is secured by certain assets of the Company’s wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries.  The loan agreement is an amortizing facility with a term of six years.  The interest rates vary depending upon whether the loans are characterized as Base Rate loans or Eurodollar rate loans, as defined in the term loan agreement. The loan bears a variable interest rate based on LIBOR for Eurodollar loans, and Base Rate for Base Rate loans.
	On March 28, 2013, the term loan agreement was amended which reduced the principal balance of the loan from $249.4 million to $125.0 million through payment of $124.4 million from the proceeds of the $229.0 million fixed-rate asset-backed notes issued by the Company’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, CAL Funding II Limited (see paragraph (d) Asset-Backed Notes below).
	On October 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement with a consortium of banks, pursuant to which the prior loan agreement was refinanced. The amended and restated term loan agreement, which contains similar terms to the prior loan agreement, was amended to, among other things: (a) reduce the borrowing rates from LIBOR plus 2.25% to LIBOR plus 1.6% (per annum) for Eurodollar loans, (b) increase the outstanding loan commitment from $115.0 million to $150.0 million, (c) extend the maturity to October 1, 2019, and (d) revise certain of the covenants and restrictions under the prior loan agreement to provide the Company with additional flexibility. As of December 31, 2014, the term loan had a balance of $147.8 million.
	The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under this loan as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remains 1.8%  through maturity of the loan.
	2015				$	11,688
	2016					11,542
	2017					11,367
	2018					11,198
	2019					113,350
						159,145
	Less: Amount representing interest					-11,395
	Term loan				$	147,750
	(iii) On April 11, 2012, the Company entered into a term loan agreement with a consortium of banks. The agreement, which was amended on August 31, 2012, May 30, 2013, and July 25, 2014, provides for a five year term loan of up to $142.0 million, subject to certain borrowing conditions, which amount is secured by certain assets of the Company. The commitment under the loan may be increased to a maximum of $200.0 million under certain conditions described in the agreement. The outstanding principal amounts under the term loan bear interest based on LIBOR, amortized quarterly, and require quarterly payments equal to 1.75% multiplied by the outstanding principal amount at such time. The facility contains various financial and other covenants. The full $142.0 million has been drawn and was primarily used to repay outstanding amounts under the revolving credit facility. All unpaid amounts then outstanding are due and payable on April 11, 2017.  As of December 31, 2014, the loan had a balance of $119.3  million.
	The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under this loan as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remains 1.9% through maturity of the loan.
	2015				$	12,112
	2016					11,932
	2017					100,361
						124,405
	Less: Amount representing interest					-5,085
	Term loan				$	119,320
	The Company's term loans are secured by rental equipment owned by the Company, which had a net book value of $357.3 million as of December 31, 2014.
		(c)		Senior Secured Notes
	On September 13, 2012, Container Applications Limited (CAL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which CAL issued $103.0 million of its 4.90% Senior Secured Notes due September 13, 2022 (the Notes) to the investors. The Notes are guaranteed by the Company and secured by certain assets of CAL and the Company.
	The Notes bear interest at 4.9% per annum, due and payable semiannually on March 13 and September 13 of each year, commencing on March 13, 2013.  In addition, CAL is required to make certain principal payments on March 13 and September 13 of each year, commencing on March 13, 2013.  Any unpaid principal and interest is due and payable on September 13, 2022.  The Note Purchase Agreement provides that CAL may prepay at any time all or any part of the Notes in an amount not less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. As of December 31, 2014, the Notes had a balance of $86.5 million.
	The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under the Notes as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands). The payments were calculated based on the fixed interest rate of 4.9%.
	2015				$	12,379
2016					10,910
2017					9,519
2018					9,220
2019					8,921
2020 and thereafter					59,410
					110,359
Less: Amount representing interest					-23,839
Senior secured notes				$	86,520
The Company's senior secured notes are secured by rental equipment owned by the Company, which had a net book value of $109.2 million as of December 31, 2014.
	(d)		Asset-Backed Notes
On October 18, 2012, CAL Funding II Limited (CAL II), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of CAI, issued $171.0 million of 3.47% fixed rate asset-backed notes (Series 2012-1 Asset-Backed Notes).  Principal and interest on the Series 2012-1 Asset-Backed Notes is payable monthly commencing on November 26, 2012, and the Series 2012-1 Asset-Backed Notes mature in October 2027.  The proceeds from the Series 2012-1 Asset-Backed Notes were used to repay part of the Company’s borrowings under its revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2014, the Series 2012-1 Asset-Backed Notes had a balance of $134.0 million.
On March 28, 2013, CAL II issued $229.0 million of 3.35% fixed rate asset-backed notes (Series 2013-1 Asset-Backed Notes). Principal and interest on the Series 2013-1 Asset-Backed Notes is payable monthly commencing on April 25, 2013, and the Series 2013-1 Asset-Backed Notes mature in March 2028. The proceeds from the Series 2013-1 Asset-Backed Notes were used partly to reduce the balance of the Company’s term loan as described in Note 7 (b)(ii) above, and to partially pay down the Company’s senior revolving credit facility. The Series 2013-1 Asset-Backed Notes had a balance of $188.9 million as of December 31, 2014.
The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under the Asset-Backed Notes as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands). The payments were calculated based on the weighted average fixed interest rate of 3.4%.
2015				$	50,353
2016					48,993
2017					47,632
2018					46,272
2019					44,911
2020 and thereafter					129,482
					367,643
Less: Amount representing interest					-44,768
Asset-backed notes				$	322,875
The Company's asset-backed notes are secured by rental equipment owned by the Company, which had a net book value of $411.4 million as of December 31, 2014.
	(e)		Collateralized Financing Obligations
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had collateralized financing obligations of $122.6 million (see Note 3). The obligations had an average interest rate of 0.8% as of December 31, 2014 with maturity dates between June 2015 and June 2019.  The debt is secured by a pool of containers covered under the financing arrangements.
The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under the Company’s collateralized financing obligations as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands). The payments were calculated assuming an average interest rate of 0.8% through maturity of the obligations.
2015				$	58,846
2016					37,622
2017					18,656
2018					-
2019					10,880
					126,004
Less: Amount representing interest					-3,430
Collateralized financing obligations				$	122,574
	(f)		Term Loans Held by VIE
On June 25, 2014, one of the Japanese investor funds that is consolidated by the Company as a VIE (see Note 3) entered into a term loan agreement with a bank.   Under the terms of the agreement, the Japanese investor fund entered into two loans; a five year, amortizing loan of $9.2 million at a fixed interest rate of 2.7%, and a five year, non-amortizing loan of $1.6 million at a variable interest rate based on LIBOR.  The debt is secured by assets of the Japanese investor fund, and is subject to certain borrowing conditions set out in the loan agreement.   As of December 31, 2014, the term loans held by the Japanese investor fund totaled $9.8 million and had an average interest rate of  2.6%.
The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under this loan as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remains 2.6% through maturity of the loan.
2015				$	2,076
2016					2,029
2017					1,982
2018					1,935
2019					2,577
					10,599
Less: Amount representing interest					-754
Term loans held by VIE				$	9,845
The Company's term loans held by VIE are secured by rental equipment owned by the Company, which had a net book value of $20.1 million as of December 31, 2014.
(g)Short Term Line of Credit
On May 8, 2014, CAL entered into a short term uncommitted line of credit agreement.  Under this credit agreement, CAL is eligible to borrow up to $75.0 million, subject to certain borrowing conditions.  Loans made under the line of credit are repayable on the earlier of (a) 3 months after the loan is made, and (b) the facility termination date of May 8, 2015. Outstanding loans bear a variable interest rate based on LIBOR.  The full $75.0 million has been drawn and was primarily used to repay outstanding amounts under the Company’s senior revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2014, the loan had a balance of $75.0 million, which is due and payable on March 24, 2015.  The Company intends to renew the loan upon its maturity dates. Interest is charged on the outstanding loan at an annual rate of 1.5%.
The agreements relating to all of the Company’s debt contain various financial and other covenants. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.
Capital Lease Obligations
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had capital lease obligations of $2.6 million. The underlying obligations are denominated in U.S. Dollars and Euros at floating interest rates averaging  2.3%  as of December 31, 2014 with maturity dates between March 2015 and June 2019. The loans are secured by containers covered by the lease obligations, which had a net book value of $4.3 million as of December 31, 2014.
The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remains 2.3% through maturity of the loans.
2015				$	1,065
2016					623
2017					537
2018					364
2019					98
					2,687
Less: Amount representing interest					-104
Capital lease obligations				$	2,583

StockBased_Compensation_Plan

Stock-Based Compensation Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plan	(8)Stock–Based Compensation Plan
	Stock Options
	The Company grants stock options to certain employees and independent directors pursuant to its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (Plan) which was adopted on April 23, 2007 and amended on June 5, 2009, June 3, 2011 and June 8, 2012. Under the Plan, a maximum of 1,721,980 share awards may be granted.
	All of our stock options have a contractual term of ten years and vest over four years for the employees and one year for the independent directors.
	The following table summarizes the activity in the Company’s stock option plan for the three years ended December 31, 2014:
							Weighted
							Average
				Weighted			Remaining		Aggregate
				Average			Contractual		Intrinsic
		Number of		Exercise			Term		Value
		Shares		Price			(in years)		(in thousands)
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2011	1,192,680		$	12.89
	Options granted - employees	111,000		$	17.77
	Options granted - directors	40,000		$	17.77
	Options forfeited - employees	-8,000		$	17.77
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2012	1,335,680		$	13.41
	Options granted - employees	51,300		$	26.41
	Options granted - directors	40,000		$	26.41
	Options forfeited - employees	-3,501		$	14.87
	Options exercised - employees	-159,994		$	9.53
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2013	1,263,485		$	14.84
	Options granted - employees	120,000		$	22.09
	Options granted - directors	50,000		$	22.09
	Options forfeited - employees	-5,417		$	22.55
	Options exercised - employees	-7,319		$	15.60
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2014	1,420,749		$	15.67			5.4	$	11,270
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,169,312		$	14.28			4.6	$	10,887
	Expected to vest after December 31, 2014	251,437		$	22.16			8.9	$	382
	The aggregate intrinsic value represents the value by which the Company’s closing stock price of $23.20 per share on the last trading day of the year ended December 31, 2014 exceeds the exercise price of the stock multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable, excluding options that have a zero or negative intrinsic value. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during 2014 and 2013, based on the closing share price on the date each option was exercised, was less than $0.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
	The total fair value of stock options granted to the Company’s employees and independent directors at the time of grant was approximately $1.9 million, or $11.02 per share, $1.3 million, or $14.10 per share, and $1.3 million, or $8.36 per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model under the following weighted average assumptions:
		2014				2013			2012
	Stock price	$	22.09			$	26.41		$	17.77
	Exercise price	$	22.09			$	26.41		$	17.77
	Expected term:
	Employees		6.25 years				6.25 years			6.25 years
	Directors		5.5 years				5.5 years			5.5 years
	Expected volatility:
	Employees		53.50	%			56.70	%		49.50	%
	Directors		44.80	%			58.60	%		50.20	%
	Dividend yield		-	%			-	%		-	%
	Risk free rate:
	Employees		1.98	%			1.35	%		0.75	%
	Directors		1.79	%			1.16	%		0.75	%
	The expected option term is calculated using the simplified method in accordance with SEC guidance. Prior to 2013, in the absence of sufficient historical data, 50% of the assumed volatility was derived from the average volatility of common shares for similar companies over a period approximating the expected term of the options. The remaining 50% of the expected volatility was derived from the average volatility of the Company’s common shares since their initial public offering in 2007. Stock options granted since 2013 use 100% of the average volatility of the Company’s stock over a period approximating the expected term of the options. The risk-free rate is based on daily U.S. Treasury yield curve with a term approximating the expected term of the option. No forfeiture was estimated on all options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 as management believes that none of the grantees will leave the Company within the option vesting period.
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $1.6 million, $1.4 million and $1.3 million relating to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining unamortized stock-based compensation cost relating to stock options granted to the Company’s employees and independent directors was approximately $2.3 million which is to be recognized over the remaining average vesting period of 2.5 years.
	Restricted Stock
	The Company grants restricted stock to certain employees pursuant to the Company’s Plan. The restricted stock is valued based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and has a vesting period of four years. The following table summarizes the activity of restricted stock under the Company’s Plan:
						Weighted
						Average
				Restricted		Grant Date
				Share Units		Fair Value
	Share units outstanding, December 31, 2012			-		$	-
	Share units granted			28,150		$	26.11
	Share units outstanding, December 31, 2013			28,150		$	26.11
	Share units granted			23,500		$	22.09
	Share units vested			-7,648		$	26.13
	Share units forfeited			-1,500		$	26.41
	Share units outstanding, December 31, 2014			42,502		$	23.87
	The Company recognized $0.3 million and $0.1 million of stock compensation expense relating to restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and none for the year ended December 31, 2012. Unamortized stock compensation expense relating to restricted stock as of December 31, 2014 was $0.8 million to be recognized over the remaining average vesting period of 2.9 years.
	Stock-based compensation expense is recorded as a component of marketing, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of income with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(9)Income Taxes
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, net income before income taxes and non-controlling interest consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	U.S. operations	$	7,853	$	9,225	$	15,595
	Foreign operations		59,723		62,352		58,504
		$	67,576	$	71,577	$	74,099
	Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from operations consisted of (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Current
	Federal	$	3,005	$	2,032	$	1,557
	State		62		37		38
	Foreign		1,954		1,783		2,209
			5,021		3,852		3,804
	Deferred
	Federal		930		2,777		5,297
	State		247		-469		-257
	Foreign		993		897		974
			2,170		3,205		6,014
	Income tax expense	$	7,191	$	7,057	$	9,818
	The reconciliations between the Company’s income tax expense and the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Computed expected tax expense	$	23,651	$	25,052	$	25,935
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Foreign tax differential		-17,955		-19,046		-17,294
	State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit		55		-514		-66
	Subpart F income		1,106		1,255		1,404
	Increase (decrease) in uncertain tax positions		38		124		-78
	Non-deductible stock-based compensation		112		92		86
	Change in valuation allowance		167		-		-
	Other		17		94		-169
		$	7,191	$	7,057	$	9,818
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $72.6 million and $7.7 million of net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards available to offset future foreign and state taxable income, respectively. The NOL carry forwards will begin to expire in 2019 and 2029 for foreign and state income tax purposes, respectively.
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable (owned fleet)	$	63	$	44
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		114		105
	Unearned revenue		209		190
	Stock-based compensation		2,174		1,777
	Other		36		13
	Net operating loss carry forwards		2,602		1,488
	Gross deferred tax assets		5,198		3,617
	Valuation allowance		-167		-
	Net deferred tax assets		5,031		3,617
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets		68		112
	Depreciation and amortization		40,015		37,131
	Foreign deferred tax liabilities		2,953		3,325
	Deferred subpart F income		5,193		4,087
	Unrealized gain		39		29
	Gross deferred tax liabilities		48,268		44,684
	Net deferred tax liability	$	43,237	$	41,067
	The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company’s management considers the projected future taxable income for making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company’s management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of the deductible differences noted above.
	Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2014, the amount of such earnings totaled approximately $247.4 million. These earnings have been permanently reinvested and the Company does not plan to initiate any action that would precipitate the payment of income taxes thereon. The amount of income taxes that would have resulted had such earnings been repatriated is not practically determinable.
	The Company is required to recognize in the financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company has elected to record penalties and interest associated with uncertain tax position within income tax expense. The Company accrues for unrecognized tax benefits based upon its best estimate of the additional taxes to be paid. These estimates are updated over time as more definitive information becomes available from taxing authorities, completion of tax examinations, expiration of statute of limitations, or upon occurrence of other events.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
	Balance at January 1, 2013			$	182
	Increases related to prior year tax positions				116
	Increases related to current year tax positions				19
	Decreases related to lapsing of statute				-9
Decreases related to settlement				-168
Balance at December 31, 2013				140
Increases related to prior year tax positions				13
Increases related to current year tax positions				35
Balance at December 31, 2014			$	188
The unrecognized tax benefits of approximately  $0.2 million at December 31, 2014, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company accrued potential  interest and penalties of less than $0.1 million related to unrecognized tax benefits for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company does not believe the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit as of December 31, 2014 will increase or decrease significantly in the next twelve months.
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, as of December 31, 2014, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.  In June 2013, the Company received notification from the IRS that they had completed their examination for both 2008 and 2009, making changes to taxable income for those years. The changes did not materially alter the Company’s income tax for those years.

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	(10)Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The Company’s collateralized financing obligations of $122.6  million as of December 31, 2014 were estimated to have fair values of approximately $120.4 million based on the fair value of estimated future payments calculated using the prevailing interest rates. The fair value of these financial instruments would be categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Management believes that the balances of the Company’s revolving credit facilities of $350.8 million, term loans totaling $294.4 million, senior secured notes of $86.5 million, asset-backed notes of $322.9 million, term loans held by VIE of $9.8 million, capital lease obligations of $2.6 million and net investment in direct finance leases of $95.0 million approximate their fair values as of December 31, 2014. The fair value of these financial instruments would be categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	(11)Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company utilizes certain office facilities and office equipment under non-cancelable operating lease agreements which generally have original terms of up to five years. Future minimum lease payments required under non-cancellable operating leases having an original term of more than one year as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Office
		Facilities
		and
		Equipment
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	1,431
	2016		1,174
	2017		967
	2018		104
	2019		48
		$	3,724
	Office facility expense was $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and was included in marketing, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had one outstanding letter of credit of $0.1 million. The letter of credit guarantees the Company’s obligations under certain operating lease agreements.
	In addition to the rental equipment payable of $7.4 million, the Company had commitments to purchase approximately $122.5  million of container equipment as of December 31, 2014.
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company executes contracts involving indemnifications standard in the industry and indemnifications specific to a transaction such as an assignment and assumption agreement. These indemnifications might include claims related to tax matters, governmental regulations, and contractual relationships. Performance under these indemnities would generally be triggered by a breach of terms of a contract or by a third-party claim. The Company regularly evaluates the probability of having to incur costs associated with these indemnifications and as of December 31, 2014 there were no claims outstanding under such indemnifications and the Company believes that no claims are probable of occurring in the future.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	(12)Related Party Transactions
	The Company has transferred legal ownership of certain containers to Japanese container funds which were established by Japan Investment Adviser Co., Ltd. (JIA) and CAIJ, Inc. (CAIJ). CAIJ is an 80%-owned subsidiary of CAI with the remaining 20% owned by JIA. Prior to September 30, 2013, JIA was owned and controlled by the Managing Director of CAIJ.  Prior to the transfer of containers from the Company, the container funds received contributions from unrelated Japanese investors, under separate Japanese investment agreements allowed under Japanese commercial laws. The contributions were used to purchase container equipment from the Company. Under the terms of the agreements, the CAI-related Japanese entities manage the activities of certain Japanese entities but may outsource all or part of each operation to a third party. Pursuant to its services agreements with investors, the Japanese container funds have outsourced the general management of their operations to CAIJ. The Japanese container funds have also entered into equipment management service agreements and financing arrangements whereby the Company manages the leasing activity of containers owned by the Japanese container funds.
	As described in Note 3, the Japanese managed container funds and financing arrangements are considered VIEs. However, with the exception of two specific Japanese funds and the financing arrangements described in Note 3, the Company does not consider its interest in the managed Japanese container funds to be a variable interest. As such, the Company did not consolidate the assets and liabilities, results of operations or cash flows in its consolidated financial statements.  The sale of containers to the unconsolidated Japanese VIEs has been recorded on the Company’s books as a sale in the ordinary course of business.
	As described in Note 3, the Company has included in its consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities, results of operations, and cash flows of the financing arrangements, in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. The Company has also included the results of operations and cash flows of the two specific Japanese container funds up to the date of their deconsolidation, in accordance with ASC 810.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased, and subsequently cancelled, 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from Mr. Hiromitsu Ogawa, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, pursuant to the Company’s share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors on February 27, 2014. The shares were purchased for proceeds totaling $8.8 million, at an average price of $21.92, which represented a modest discount to the closing share price on the dates of purchase.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Capital Stock	(13)Capital Stock
	On April 29, 2014, the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC which was declared effective by the SEC on June 19, 2014. Under this shelf registration statement, the Company may sell various debt and equity securities, or a combination thereof, to be offered from time-to-time up to an aggregate offering price of $300.0 million for all securities, and the selling stockholders may sell up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock in one or more offerings. Pursuant to a previously filed registration statement on Form S-3, the Company sold 2,757,170 shares of its common stock in December 2012 at $19.85 per share. The Company received $51.5 million (net of commissions and other expenses related to the offering) from the sale of its common stock.

401K_Savings_Plan

401K Savings Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
401K Savings Plan [Abstract]
401K Savings Plan	(14)401(k) Savings Plan
	The Company established a 401(k) plan in January 1995 for certain eligible employees. Company contribution to this plan was entirely at the Company’s discretion. On October 1, 2007, the Company enhanced the plan to cover all of its U.S. employees. Under the enhanced provisions of the plan, an employee may contribute up to the statutory limit of his or her salary into the plan. The Company matches employee contributions up to 4% of qualified compensation. The Company’s contribution vests immediately.  Company contribution to the plan was $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Segment_And_Geographic_Informa

Segment And Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment And Geographic Information [Abstract]
Segment And Geographic Information	(15)Segment and Geographic Information
	The Company operates in one industry segment, equipment leasing. Prior to the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had two reportable business segments, equipment leasing and equipment management. The Company determined that equipment management no longer meets the requirements of a reportable segment and, as such, no longer discloses separate segments.
	Geographic Data
	The Company earns its revenue from international containers which are deployed by its customers in a wide variety of global trade routes. Virtually all of the Company’s containers are used internationally and typically no container is domiciled in one particular place for a prolonged period of time. As such, substantially all of the Company’s container assets are considered to be international with no single country of use.
	The Company’s railcars, with a net book value of  $84.0  million as of December 31, 2014, are used primarily to transport cargo within North America.

Revenue_Concentration

Revenue Concentration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Concentration [Abstract]
Revenue Concentration	(16)Revenue Concentration
	Revenue from the Company’s ten largest lessees represented  55.4%,  56.6% and 54.0% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Revenue from the Company’s single largest lessee accounted for 11.4%, or $25.9 million, 11.2 %, or $23.8 million, and 11.7%, or $20.3 million, of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The largest lessees of the Company’s owned fleet are often among the largest lessees of its managed fleet. The largest lessees of our managed fleet are responsible for a significant portion of the billings that generate our management fee revenue.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(17)Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income attributable to CAI common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock; however, potential common equivalent shares are excluded if their effect is anti-dilutive.
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator
	Net income attributable to CAI common stockholders used in the calculation
	of basic and diluted earnings per share	$	60,274	$	63,926	$	63,465
	Denominator
	Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share		20,732		22,157		19,495
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and restricted stock		423		515		450
	Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share		21,155		22,672		19,945
	Net income per share attributable to CAI common stockholders:
	Basic	$	2.91	$	2.89	$	3.26
	Diluted	$	2.85	$	2.82	$	3.18
	The denominator used in the calculation of diluted income per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 excluded options for  600,450 shares, 271,300 shares and 363,000 shares, respectively, of common stock granted to employees and directors because their effect would have been antidilutive.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	(18)Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following table sets forth key interim financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amount):
		2014 Quarters Ended								2013 Quarters Ended
		Dec. 31		Sept. 30		30-Jun		Mar. 31		Dec. 31		Sept. 30		30-Jun		Mar. 31
	Revenue	$	58,810	$	59,203	$	55,312	$	54,264	$	54,561	$	53,898	$	52,987	$	50,959
	Operating expenses		31,575		32,024		30,968		29,835		27,770		27,695		25,144		23,111
	Operating income		27,235		27,179		24,344		24,429		26,791		26,203		27,843		27,848
	Net income attributable to CAI
	common stockholders		16,162		16,395		13,446		14,271		15,591		15,337		16,931		16,067
	Basic and diluted earnings per share
	available to CAI common stockholders:
	Basic:	$	0.78	$	0.78	$	0.61	$	0.64	$	0.70	$	0.69	$	0.76	$	0.73
	Diluted:	$	0.76	$	0.77	$	0.60	$	0.63	$	0.69	$	0.68	$	0.75	$	0.71

Schedule_II_Valuation_Accounts

Schedule II Valuation Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule II Valuation Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II Valuation Accounts	Schedule II
	Valuation Accounts
	(In thousands)
		Balance at		Net Additions				Balance at
		Beginning		(Reductions)				End of
		of Period		to Expense		(Deductions)*		Period
	31-Dec-12
	Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$	819	$	29	$	-54	$	794
	31-Dec-13
	Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$	794	$	-227	$	-64	$	503
	31-Dec-14
	Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$	503	$	248	$	-71	$	680
	*Primarily consists of write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	(a)   Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and its 80% owned subsidiary, CAIJ, Inc. (CAIJ). The equity attributable to the minority interest in CAIJ is shown as a non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related net income is presented as net income attributable to non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.  The non-controlling interest in CAIJ was immaterial and not included in the consolidated financial statements for all prior periods. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company regularly performs a review of its container fund arrangements with investors to determine whether a fund is a variable interest entity (VIE) and whether the Company has a variable interest that provides it with a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of the VIE in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. If the fund is determined to be a VIE, a further analysis is performed to determine if the Company is a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meets both of the following criteria under Paragraph 14A of ASC 810:
		·		it has power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and
		·		it has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	If in the Company’s judgment both of the above criteria are met, the VIE’s financial statements are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as required under ASC 810. The equity attributable to the VIE is shown as a non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the after tax result attributable to its operations is shown as a net income or loss attributable to non-controlling interest on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. (See Note 3).
Use Of Estimates	(b)   Use of Estimates
	Certain estimates and assumptions were made by the Company’s management that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include revenue recognition, allowances for receivables, the carrying amount of rental equipment, the residual values and lives of rental equipment, and income tax uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Furniture, Fixtures, And Equipment	(c)  Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
	Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and software, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of five years with no salvage value.  Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their useful lives or the respective lease life.
Rental Equipment	(d)   Rental equipment
	The Company depreciates its rental equipment over its estimated useful life to its estimated fixed residual value using the straight line method of depreciation. The following table shows the residual values and depreciable lives for each type of equipment:
			Residual Value		Depreciable Life in Years
	20-ft. standard dry van container		$	1,050		13
	40-ft. standard dry van container		$	1,300		13
	40-ft. high cube dry van container		$	1,650		13
	20-ft. refrigerated container		$	2,750		12
	40-ft. high cube refrigerated container		$	3,500		12
	Other specialized equipment is depreciated to its estimated residual value, which ranges from $1,000 to $3,500, over its estimated useful life of between 12.5 years and 15 years.
	Railcar equipment is depreciated over its estimated useful life of between 40 and 43 years, to its estimated residual value using the straight-line method.
Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets	(e)   Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	On at least an annual basis, the Company evaluates its rental equipment fleet to determine whether there have been any events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of all, or part, of its fleet may not be recoverable. Events which would trigger an impairment review include, among others, a significant decrease in the long-term average market value of rental equipment, a significant decrease in the utilization rate of rental equipment resulting in an inability to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods, or a change in market conditions resulting in a significant decrease in lease rates.
	When testing for impairment, equipment is generally grouped by rental type, and is tested separately from other groups of assets and liabilities. Potential impairment exists when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by an asset group, comprised of lease proceeds and residual values, less operating expenses, are less than the carrying value of that asset group. If potential impairment exists, the equipment is written down to its fair value. In determining the fair value of an asset group, the Company considers market trends, published value for similar assets, recent transactions of similar assets and in certain cases, quotes from third party appraisers. The Company currently does not consider any asset group to have a book value that is not recoverable, or close to being not recoverable, based on its expectation of future undiscounted cash flows.
Intangible Assets	(f)   Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets with definite useful lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company amortizes intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
	Trademarks	1-10 years
	Contracts-owned equipment	5-7 years
Finance Leases	(g)   Finance Leases
	Interest on finance leases is recognized using the effective interest method. Lease income is recorded in decreasing amounts over the term of the contract, resulting in a level rate of return on the net investment in direct finance leases.
Debt Fees
	(h)   Debt Fees
	To the extent that the Company is required to pay issuance fees or direct costs relating to its credit facilities, such fees are amortized over the lives of the related debt using the straight line method and reflected in interest expense.
Foreign Currency Translation
	(i)   Foreign Currency Translation
	The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been converted at rates of exchange in effect at year-end for balance sheet accounts and average exchange rates for the year for income statement accounts. The effects of changes in exchange rates in translating foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements are included in stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income.
Accounts Receivable (Owned Fleet)	(j)   Accounts Receivable (Owned Fleet)
	Amounts billed under operating leases for equipment owned by the Company are recorded in accounts receivable (owned fleet). The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable it does not consider fully collectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts is developed based on two key components: (1) specific reserves for receivables for which management believes full collection is doubtful; and (2) a general reserve for estimated losses inherent in the receivables. The general reserve is estimated by applying certain percentages to receivables that have not been specifically reserved, ranging from 1.0% on accounts that are one to thirty days overdue, to 100% on accounts that are one year overdue. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed regularly by management and is based on the risk profile of the receivables, credit quality indicators such as the level of past due amounts and non-performing accounts and economic conditions. Changes in economic conditions or other events may necessitate additions or deductions to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is intended to provide for losses inherent in the owned fleet’s accounts receivable, and requires the application of estimates and judgments as to the outcome of collection efforts and the realization of collateral, among other things.
Accounts Receivable (Managed Fleet)	(k)   Accounts Receivable (Managed Fleet)
	Amounts billed under operating leases for equipment owned by third-party investors are recorded in accounts receivable (managed fleet) with a corresponding credit to due to container investors account. The credit risk on accounts receivable related to managed equipment is the responsibility of the third-party investors. Under the Company’s management agreements with investors, the third-party investors are obligated to reimburse the Company for any amounts the Company had previously paid to them in advance of receiving the amount from the equipment lessee if the Company is unable to ultimately collect any amount due from a managed equipment lessee.
Income Taxes	(l)   Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for using the asset-and-liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be recovered.
	The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. (See Note 9).
Revenue Recognition	(m)   Revenue Recognition
	The Company provides a range of services to its customers incorporating rental, sale and management of equipment. Revenue for all forms of service is recognized when earned following the guidelines under FASB ASC 605, Revenue Recognition and FASB ASC 840, Leases. Revenue is reported net of any related sales tax.
	Rental Revenue
	Rental revenue arises from renting equipment owned by the Company to various lessees. Rental agreements are typically leases with a fixed term of between one and eight years or short-term master lease agreements where there is no term and the equipment can be returned at any time without penalty. Revenue is recorded on an accrual basis for master lease agreements as these agreements have no fixed term. For long-term leases, revenue is recorded on a straight-line basis when earned according to the terms of the rental contracts. These contracts are classified as operating leases. Early termination of the rental contracts subjects the lessee to a penalty, which is included in rental revenue upon such termination.
	Included in rental revenue is revenue consisting primarily of fees charged to the lessee for handling, delivery, repairs, and fees relating to the Company’s damage protection plan, which are recognized as earned.
	Management Fee Revenue and Gain on Sale of Equipment Portfolios
	In addition to renting equipment, the Company sells leased equipment portfolios to third-party investor groups. After the date of sale, the Company generally manages the equipment sold to the investor group. The Company has determined that the two deliverables under the arrangements, the sale of the equipment and the management services, are separate units of accounting, thus revenue is recognized for each unit.
	In accordance with FASB ASU 2009-13, Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, the Company determines if revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be considered separate units of accounting if the deliverables meet both of the following criteria:
	a.The delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis, that is, it can be sold separately by any vendor or the customer could resell the delivered items on a standalone basis. In the context of the customer’s ability to resell the delivered items, this criterion does not require the existence of an observable market for the deliverable.
	b.If the arrangement includes a right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor.
	In applying the guidance, separate contracts entered into at or near the same time with the same entity or related parties are presumed to have been negotiated as a package and should be evaluated as a single arrangement in considering whether there are one or more units of accounting.
	The Company evaluates all deliverables in an arrangement at the inception of the arrangement and as each deliverable is delivered to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting. The criteria for dividing an arrangement into separate units of accounting are applied consistently to arrangements with similar characteristics and in similar circumstances.
	A delivered item that does not qualify as a separate unit of accounting within the arrangement is combined with other undelivered item(s) within the arrangement. The allocation of arrangement consideration and the recognition of revenue is determined for those combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting.
	If the Company concludes that the sale of equipment and the management services can be accounted for separately, the Company recognizes gain on sale of equipment portfolios when the sale of the equipment is completed. The gain is the difference between the sales price and the net book value of the equipment sold.
	The Company recognizes revenue from management fees earned under equipment management agreements as earned on a monthly basis. Management fees are typically a percentage of net operating income of each investor group’s fleet calculated on an accrual basis. Included in the Company’s balance sheet are accounts receivable from the managed fleet which are uncollected lease billings related to managed equipment. With the exception of equipment managed under pooling agreements, all direct costs (storage, repairs, repositioning etc.) are charged to investors on a specific-identification basis or allocated basis. The Company’s financial statements include accounts payable and accruals of expenses related to managed equipment. The net amount of rentals billed less expenses payable, less management fees, is recorded in amounts due to container investors on the balance sheet.
Stock-Based Compensation	(n)   Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has granted stock options and restricted stock to certain directors and employees under its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, which requires that compensation cost related to stock-based compensation be recognized in the financial statements.  The cost is measured at the date the award is granted based on the fair value of the award. The fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the grant on a straight-line basis. (See Note 8).
Repairs And Maintenance	(o)   Repairs and Maintenance
	The Company’s leases generally require the lessee to pay for any damage to the equipment beyond normal wear and tear at the end of the lease term. The Company accounts for repairs and maintenance expense on an accrual basis when an obligation to pay has been incurred.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	(p)   Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU No. 2014-09). This new standard will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate industry-specific guidance. Leasing revenue recognition is specifically excluded from this ASU, and therefore, the new standard will only apply to management fee revenue, sales of equipment portfolios and dispositions of used equipment. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application prohibited. Adoption of the guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Residual Values And Depreciable Lives For Each Type Of Equipment
			Residual Value		Depreciable Life in Years
	20-ft. standard dry van container		$	1,050		13
	40-ft. standard dry van container		$	1,300		13
	40-ft. high cube dry van container		$	1,650		13
	20-ft. refrigerated container		$	2,750		12
	40-ft. high cube refrigerated container		$	3,500		12
Estimated Useful Lives
	Trademarks	1-10 years
	Contracts-owned equipment	5-7 years

Net_Investment_In_Direct_Finan1

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]
Components Of Entity's Net Investment In Finance Leases
			December 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Gross finance lease receivables (1)		$	116,992	$	103,887
	Unearned income (2)			-22,028		-22,679
	Net investment in direct finance leases		$	94,964	$	81,208
		-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.  There was no unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2014 and approximately $0.1 at December 31, 2013 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 cost of the equipment or carrying amount 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.
Gross Finance Lease Receivables By Categories Of Customers
			December 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Tier 1		$	89,960	$	85,990
	Tier 2			27,032		17,897
	Tier 3			-		-
			$	116,992	$	103,887
Contractual Maturities Of Gross Finance Lease Receivables
	2015				$	26,241
	2016					23,910
	2017					28,474
	2018					22,616
	2019					10,210
	2020 and thereafter					5,541
					$	116,992

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	31-Dec-14
	Trademarks	$	1,278	$	-1,084		$	194
	Contracts- owned equipment		3,812		-3,733			79
		$	5,090	$	-4,817		$	273
	31-Dec-13
	Trademarks	$	1,278	$	-962		$	316
	Contracts- owned equipment		4,037		-3,676			361
		$	5,315	$	-4,638		$	677
Estimated Future Amortization Expenses
	2015				$	190
	2016					83
					$	273

Equipment_Leases_Tables

Equipment Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equipment Leases [Abstract]
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rents Receivable
	2015	$	136,751
	2016		116,874
	2017		92,394
	2018		72,712
	2019		35,733
	2020 and thereafter		44,841
		$	499,305

Recovered_Sheet1

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Details Of Debt
			31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
			Outstanding				Average	Outstanding				Average	Agreement
	Reference		Current		Long-term		Interest	Current		Long-term		Interest	Terminates
	(a)(i)	Revolving credit facility	$	-	$	289,000	1.90%	$	-	$	235,000	1.90%	Mar-18
	(a)(ii)	Revolving credit facility - Rail		-		61,769	1.90%		-		54,469	2.40%	Jul-19
	(b)(i)	Term loan		1,800		25,500	2.20%		8,400		27,300	2.30%	Apr-18
	(b)(ii)	Term loan		9,000		138,750	1.80%		7,500		111,875	2.50%	Oct-19
	(b)(iii)	Term loan		9,940		109,380	1.90%		9,940		119,320	2.20%	Apr-17
	(c)	Senior secured notes		8,240		78,280	4.90%		8,240		86,520	4.90%	Sep-22
	(d)	Asset backed notes		40,000		282,875	3.40%		40,000		322,875	3.40%	Mar-28
	(e)	Collateralized financing obligations		57,390		65,184	0.80%		-		101,269	1.00%	Jun-19
	(f)	Term loans held by VIE		1,829		8,016	2.60%		-		-	-	Jun-19
	(g)	Short-term line of credit		75,000		-	1.50%		-		-	-	May-15
		Total Debt	$	203,199	$	1,058,754		$	74,080	$	1,058,628
Schedule Of Future Principal And Interest Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations
	2015				$	1,065
	2016					623
	2017					537
	2018					364
	2019					98
						2,687
	Less: Amount representing interest					-104
	Capital lease obligations				$	2,583
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-term Debt
	2015				$	12,379
	2016					10,910
	2017					9,519
	2018					9,220
	2019					8,921
	2020 and thereafter					59,410
						110,359
	Less: Amount representing interest					-23,839
	Senior secured notes				$	86,520
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-term Debt
	2015				$	50,353
	2016					48,993
	2017					47,632
	2018					46,272
	2019					44,911
	2020 and thereafter					129,482
						367,643
	Less: Amount representing interest					-44,768
	Asset-backed notes				$	322,875
Collateralized Financing Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-term Debt
	2015				$	58,846
	2016					37,622
	2017					18,656
	2018					-
	2019					10,880
						126,004
	Less: Amount representing interest					-3,430
	Collateralized financing obligations				$	122,574
Term Loans Held By VIE [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Future Principal And Interest Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations
	2015				$	2,076
	2016					2,029
	2017					1,982
	2018					1,935
	2019					2,577
						10,599
	Less: Amount representing interest					-754
	Term loans held by VIE				$	9,845
Development Bank of Japan [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-term Debt
	2015				$	2,403
	2016					2,363
	2017					2,321
	2018					22,143
						29,230
	Less: Amount representing interest					-1,930
	Term loan				$	27,300
Consortium of Banks [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-term Debt
	2015				$	11,688
	2016					11,542
	2017					11,367
	2018					11,198
	2019					113,350
						159,145
	Less: Amount representing interest					-11,395
	Term loan				$	147,750
Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-term Debt
	2015				$	12,112
	2016					11,932
	2017					100,361
						124,405
	Less: Amount representing interest					-5,085
	Term loan				$	119,320

StockBased_Compensation_Plan_T

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary Of Fair Value Assumptions
		2014				2013			2012
	Stock price	$	22.09			$	26.41		$	17.77
	Exercise price	$	22.09			$	26.41		$	17.77
	Expected term:
	Employees		6.25 years				6.25 years			6.25 years
	Directors		5.5 years				5.5 years			5.5 years
	Expected volatility:
	Employees		53.50	%			56.70	%		49.50	%
	Directors		44.80	%			58.60	%		50.20	%
	Dividend yield		-	%			-	%		-	%
	Risk free rate:
	Employees		1.98	%			1.35	%		0.75	%
	Directors		1.79	%			1.16	%		0.75	%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary Of Stock Option Plan And Restricted Stock Activity
							Weighted
							Average
				Weighted			Remaining		Aggregate
				Average			Contractual		Intrinsic
		Number of		Exercise			Term		Value
		Shares		Price			(in years)		(in thousands)
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2011	1,192,680		$	12.89
	Options granted - employees	111,000		$	17.77
	Options granted - directors	40,000		$	17.77
	Options forfeited - employees	-8,000		$	17.77
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2012	1,335,680		$	13.41
	Options granted - employees	51,300		$	26.41
	Options granted - directors	40,000		$	26.41
	Options forfeited - employees	-3,501		$	14.87
	Options exercised - employees	-159,994		$	9.53
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2013	1,263,485		$	14.84
	Options granted - employees	120,000		$	22.09
	Options granted - directors	50,000		$	22.09
	Options forfeited - employees	-5,417		$	22.55
	Options exercised - employees	-7,319		$	15.60
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2014	1,420,749		$	15.67			5.4	$	11,270
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,169,312		$	14.28			4.6	$	10,887
	Expected to vest after December 31, 2014	251,437		$	22.16			8.9	$	382
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary Of Stock Option Plan And Restricted Stock Activity
						Weighted
						Average
				Restricted		Grant Date
				Share Units		Fair Value
	Share units outstanding, December 31, 2012			-		$	-
	Share units granted			28,150		$	26.11
	Share units outstanding, December 31, 2013			28,150		$	26.11
	Share units granted			23,500		$	22.09
	Share units vested			-7,648		$	26.13
	Share units forfeited			-1,500		$	26.41
	Share units outstanding, December 31, 2014			42,502		$	23.87

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	U.S. operations	$	7,853	$	9,225	$	15,595
	Foreign operations		59,723		62,352		58,504
		$	67,576	$	71,577	$	74,099
Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Current
	Federal	$	3,005	$	2,032	$	1,557
	State		62		37		38
	Foreign		1,954		1,783		2,209
			5,021		3,852		3,804
	Deferred
	Federal		930		2,777		5,297
	State		247		-469		-257
	Foreign		993		897		974
			2,170		3,205		6,014
	Income tax expense	$	7,191	$	7,057	$	9,818
Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Computed expected tax expense	$	23,651	$	25,052	$	25,935
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Foreign tax differential		-17,955		-19,046		-17,294
	State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit		55		-514		-66
	Subpart F income		1,106		1,255		1,404
	Increase (decrease) in uncertain tax positions		38		124		-78
	Non-deductible stock-based compensation		112		92		86
	Change in valuation allowance		167		-		-
	Other		17		94		-169
		$	7,191	$	7,057	$	9,818
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Deferred Tax Liabilities
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable (owned fleet)	$	63	$	44
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		114		105
	Unearned revenue		209		190
	Stock-based compensation		2,174		1,777
	Other		36		13
	Net operating loss carry forwards		2,602		1,488
	Gross deferred tax assets		5,198		3,617
	Valuation allowance		-167		-
	Net deferred tax assets		5,031		3,617
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets		68		112
	Depreciation and amortization		40,015		37,131
	Foreign deferred tax liabilities		2,953		3,325
	Deferred subpart F income		5,193		4,087
	Unrealized gain		39		29
	Gross deferred tax liabilities		48,268		44,684
	Net deferred tax liability	$	43,237	$	41,067
Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	Balance at January 1, 2013			$	182
	Increases related to prior year tax positions				116
	Increases related to current year tax positions				19
	Decreases related to lapsing of statute				-9
	Decreases related to settlement				-168
	Balance at December 31, 2013				140
	Increases related to prior year tax positions				13
	Increases related to current year tax positions				35
	Balance at December 31, 2014			$	188

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payable
		Office
		Facilities
		and
		Equipment
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	1,431
	2016		1,174
	2017		967
	2018		104
	2019		48
		$	3,724

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Share
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator
	Net income attributable to CAI common stockholders used in the calculation
	of basic and diluted earnings per share	$	60,274	$	63,926	$	63,465
	Denominator
	Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share		20,732		22,157		19,495
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and restricted stock		423		515		450
	Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share		21,155		22,672		19,945
	Net income per share attributable to CAI common stockholders:
	Basic	$	2.91	$	2.89	$	3.26
	Diluted	$	2.85	$	2.82	$	3.18

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Selected quarterly financial data
		2014 Quarters Ended								2013 Quarters Ended
		Dec. 31		Sept. 30		30-Jun		Mar. 31		Dec. 31		Sept. 30		30-Jun		Mar. 31
	Revenue	$	58,810	$	59,203	$	55,312	$	54,264	$	54,561	$	53,898	$	52,987	$	50,959
	Operating expenses		31,575		32,024		30,968		29,835		27,770		27,695		25,144		23,111
	Operating income		27,235		27,179		24,344		24,429		26,791		26,203		27,843		27,848
	Net income attributable to CAI
	common stockholders		16,162		16,395		13,446		14,271		15,591		15,337		16,931		16,067
	Basic and diluted earnings per share
	available to CAI common stockholders:
	Basic:	$	0.78	$	0.78	$	0.61	$	0.64	$	0.70	$	0.69	$	0.76	$	0.73
	Diluted:	$	0.76	$	0.77	$	0.60	$	0.63	$	0.69	$	0.68	$	0.75	$	0.71

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	80.00%
Percentage of reserve on receivables overdue one to thirty days (in hundredths)	1.00%
Minimum period for general reserve with specific minimum percentage	1 day
Maximum period for general reserve with specific minimum percentage	30 days
Percentage of reserve on receivables overdue one year (in hundredths)	100.00%
Maximum period for general reserve with specific maximum percentage	1 year
Minimum percentage realization for recognition of income tax position (in hundredths)	50.00%
Minimum lease term	1 year
Maximum lease term	8 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable life (in years)	5 years
Residual Value	0
Minimum [Member] | Other Specialized Containers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable life (in years)	12 years 6 months
Residual Value	1,000
Minimum [Member] | Railcar Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable life (in years)	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Specialized Containers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable life (in years)	15 years
Residual Value	3,500
Maximum [Member] | Railcar Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable life (in years)	43 years

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Current And Prior Residual Values And Depreciable Lives For Each Type Of Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
20-ft. Standard Dry Van Container [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value	$1,050
Depreciable life (in years)	13 years
40-ft. Standard Dry Van Container [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value	1,300
Depreciable life (in years)	13 years
40-ft. High Cube Dry Van Container [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value	1,650
Depreciable life (in years)	13 years
20-ft. Refrigerated Container [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value	2,750
Depreciable life (in years)	12 years
40-ft. High Cube Refrigerated Container [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual Value	$3,500
Depreciable life (in years)	12 years

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Estimated Useful Lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Contracts-Owned Equipment [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Contracts-Owned Equipment [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	7 years

Consolidation_Of_Variable_Inte1

Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities As A Non-Controlling Interest (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				36 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014
	item
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of types of container fund arrangements	2
Number of specific Japanese funds	2
Net proceeds from sale of equipment portfolios			$10,320,000
Gain on sale of equipment portfolios			1,256,000
Contribution of cash and other asserts	27,810,000	31,141,000			27,810,000
Fair value of net investment in direct finance leases	94,964,000	81,208,000			94,964,000
Contribution of cash and other assets	144,799,000	130,967,000			144,799,000
Non-controlling interest	789,000	594,000			789,000
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	111,000	594,000	816,000
Collateralized financing obligations	1,058,754,000	1,058,628,000			1,058,754,000
Net book value	1,564,777,000	1,465,092,000			1,564,777,000
Cash held by investor funds	26,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of container portfolios sold	0	0
Containers transferred to specific Japanese funds				16,000,000
Contribution of cash and other asserts		15,300,000
Contribution of cash and other assets		4,200,000
Non-controlling interest		19,500,000
Container [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total net book value during period					135,300,000
Net book value	102,300,000				102,300,000
Collateralized Financing Obligation [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Collateralized financing obligations	122,574,000				122,574,000
Term Loans Held By VIE [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Collateralized financing obligations	$9,845,000				$9,845,000

Net_Investment_In_Direct_Finan2

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases (Components Of Entity's Net Investment In Finance Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]
Gross finance lease receivables	$116,992,000	[1]	$103,887,000	[1]
Unearned income	-22,028,000	[2]	-22,679,000	[2]
Net investment in finance leases	94,964,000		81,208,000
Unguaranteed residual value	0		100,000
Executory costs	0		0
Unamortized initial direct costs	$0		$0
[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.B B There was no unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2014 and approximately $0.1 at December 31, 2013 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]	3.The difference between the gross finance lease receivable and the cost of the equipment or carrying amount 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.

Net_Investment_In_Direct_Finan3

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases (Gross Finance Lease Receivables By Categories Of Customers) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Gross Finance Lease Receivables [Line Items]
Gross finance lease receivables	$116,992	[1]	$103,887	[1]
Tier 1 [Member]
Gross Finance Lease Receivables [Line Items]
Gross finance lease receivables	89,960		85,990
Tier 2 [Member]
Gross Finance Lease Receivables [Line Items]
Gross finance lease receivables	$27,032		$17,897
[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.B B There was no unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2014 and approximately $0.1 at December 31, 2013 included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Net_Investment_In_Direct_Finan4

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases (Contractual Maturities Of Gross Finance Lease Receivables) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]
2015	$26,241
2016	23,910
2017	28,474
2018	22,616
2019	10,210
2020 and thereafter	5,541
Gross finance lease receivables	$116,992	[1]	$103,887	[1]
[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.B B There was no unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2014 and approximately $0.1 at December 31, 2013 included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Intangible_Assets_Narrative_De

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$383	$780	$902

Intangible_Assets_Intangible_A

Intangible Assets (Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$5,090	$5,315
Accumulated Amortization	-4,817	-4,638
Net Carrying Amount	273	677
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,278	1,278
Accumulated Amortization	-1,084	-962
Net Carrying Amount	194	316
Contracts Owned Equipment [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	3,812	4,037
Accumulated Amortization	-3,733	-3,676
Net Carrying Amount	$79	$361

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Fu

Intangible Assets (Estimated Future Amortization Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2015	$190
2016	83
Estimated future amortization expenses	$273	$677

Equipment_Leases_Details

Equipment Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equipment Leases [Abstract]
2015	$136,751
2016	116,874
2017	92,394
2018	72,712
2019	35,733
2020 and thereafter	44,841
Gross operating leases receivable	$499,305

Debt_And_Capital_Lease_Obligat1

Debt And Capital Lease Obligations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 30, 2015	Mar. 27, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of aggregate principal to prepay, minimum (in hundredths)		10.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Number of business days short term borrowings payable, Maximum		10 days
Letters of credit outstanding		$100,000	100,000		$100,000
Net book value		1,564,777,000	1,564,777,000		1,465,092,000
Term Loans [Abstract]
Proceeds used to repay credit facility	124,400,000
Amortization term of facility		6 years
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt		1,058,754,000	1,058,754,000		1,058,628,000
Restricted cash		8,232,000	8,232,000		9,253,000
Estimated future principal and interest payments under capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Capital lease obligation		2,583,000	2,583,000
Short term line of credit		75,000,000	75,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment		760,000,000	760,000,000
Maximum amount credit facility might be increased		960,000,000	960,000,000
Average Interest (in hundredths)		1.90%	1.90%		1.90%
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Availability borrowing capacity		470,900,000	470,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Containers [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Net book value		565,300,000	565,300,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment						775,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CAI Rail Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment		250,000,000	250,000,000
Maximum amount credit facility might be increased		325,000,000	325,000,000
Average Interest (in hundredths)		1.90%	1.90%		2.40%
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Availability borrowing capacity		188,200,000	188,200,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CAI Rail Inc [Member] | CAI Rail Assets [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Net book value		83,700,000	83,700,000
Term Loan [Member]
Term Loans [Abstract]
Amount outstanding under the facility		147,800,000	147,800,000
Term Loan [Member] | Rental Equipment [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Net book value		357,300,000	357,300,000
Term Loan [Member] | Development Bank of Japan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average Interest (in hundredths)		2.20%	2.20%		2.30%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Amount outstanding under the facility		27,300,000	27,300,000
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt		27,300,000	27,300,000
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment		300,000,000	300,000,000
Average Interest (in hundredths)		1.80%	1.80%		2.50%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Amount outstanding under the facility	125,000,000						249,400,000
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt		147,750,000	147,750,000
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment		142,000,000	142,000,000
Maximum amount credit facility might be increased		200,000,000	200,000,000
Average Interest (in hundredths)		1.90%	1.90%		2.20%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Term of loan		5 years
Amount outstanding under the facility		119,300,000	119,300,000
Periodic payments specified as percentage of drawn amount (in hundredths)		1.75%
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt		119,320,000	119,320,000
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium Of Banks, Note Dated October 1, 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment		150,000,000	150,000,000	115,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium Of Banks, Note Dated October 1, 2014 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Term Loans [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)			1.60%	2.25%
Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average Interest (in hundredths)		2.60%	2.60%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Amount outstanding under the facility		9,800,000	9,800,000
Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Rental Equipment [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Net book value		20,100,000	20,100,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average Interest (in hundredths)		4.90%	4.90%		4.90%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Amount outstanding under the facility		86,500,000	86,500,000
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt		86,520,000	86,520,000		103,000,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Rental Equipment [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Net book value		109,200,000	109,200,000
Asset Backed Warehouse Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of loan					171,000,000
Fixed rate, asset-backed notes		3.47%	3.47%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Proceeds used for working capital purposes	229,000,000
Amount outstanding under the facility		134,000,000	134,000,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of loan		229,000,000	229,000,000
Average Interest (in hundredths)		3.40%	3.40%		3.40%
Fixed rate, asset-backed notes		3.35%	3.35%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Amount outstanding under the facility		188,900,000	188,900,000
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt		322,875,000	322,875,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Rental Equipment [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Net book value		411,400,000	411,400,000
Collateralized Financing Obligation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average Interest (in hundredths)		0.80%	0.80%		1.00%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Amount outstanding under the facility		122,600,000	122,600,000
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt		122,574,000	122,574,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Maturity date range start		1-Jun-15
Maturity date range end		1-Jun-19
Swing Line Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment		10,000,000	10,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment		15,000,000	15,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Letters of credit outstanding		100,000	100,000
Term Loan II [Member] | Development Bank of Japan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of loan		30,000,000	30,000,000
Term Loans [Abstract]
Term of loan		5 years
Number of quarterly installments		19
Quarterly payments of principal		500,000
Debt instrument final payment		21,500,000	21,500,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Average fixed and floating interest rates		2.30%	2.30%
Maturity date range start		1-Mar-15
Maturity date range end		1-Jun-19
Capital Lease Obligations [Member] | Rental Equipment [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Abstract]
Net book value		4,300,000	4,300,000
Amortizing Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed rate, asset-backed notes								2.70%
Term Loans [Abstract]
Term of loan		5 years
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt								9,200,000
Non-Amortizing Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Term Loans [Abstract]
Term of loan		5 years
Long term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt								1,600,000
Short Term Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum credit commitment		$75,000,000	75,000,000
Average Interest (in hundredths)		1.50%	1.50%
Fixed rate, asset-backed notes		1.50%	1.50%

Debt_And_Capital_Lease_Obligat2

Debt And Capital Lease Obligations (Details Of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	$203,199	$74,080
Long-term Outstanding	1,058,754	1,058,628
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Outstanding	289,000	235,000
Average Interest (in hundredths)	1.90%	1.90%
Agreement Terminates	1-Mar-18
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CAI Rail Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Outstanding	61,769	54,469
Average Interest (in hundredths)	1.90%	2.40%
Agreement Terminates	1-Jul-19
Term Loan [Member] | Development Bank of Japan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	1,800	8,400
Long-term Outstanding	25,500	27,300
Average Interest (in hundredths)	2.20%	2.30%
Agreement Terminates	1-Apr-18
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	9,000	7,500
Long-term Outstanding	138,750	111,875
Average Interest (in hundredths)	1.80%	2.50%
Agreement Terminates	1-Oct-19
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	9,940	9,940
Long-term Outstanding	109,380	119,320
Average Interest (in hundredths)	1.90%	2.20%
Agreement Terminates	1-Apr-17
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	8,240	8,240
Long-term Outstanding	78,280	86,520
Average Interest (in hundredths)	4.90%	4.90%
Agreement Terminates	1-Sep-22
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	40,000	40,000
Long-term Outstanding	282,875	322,875
Average Interest (in hundredths)	3.40%	3.40%
Agreement Terminates	1-Mar-28
Collateralized Financing Obligation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	57,390
Long-term Outstanding	65,184	101,269
Average Interest (in hundredths)	0.80%	1.00%
Agreement Terminates	1-Jun-19
Term Loan Held By VIE [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	1,829
Long-term Outstanding	8,016
Average Interest (in hundredths)	2.60%
Agreement Terminates	1-Jun-19
Short Term Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current Outstanding	$75,000
Average Interest (in hundredths)	1.50%
Agreement Terminates	1-May-15

Debt_And_Capital_Lease_Obligat3

Debt And Capital Lease Obligations (Schedule Of Future Principal And Interest Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt And Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
2015	$1,065
2016	623
2017	537
2018	364
2019	98
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	2,687
Less: Amount representing interest	-104
Capital lease obligation	$2,583

Debt_And_Capital_Lease_Obligat4

Debt And Capital Lease Obligations (Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$1,058,754	$1,058,628
Term Loan [Member] | Development Bank of Japan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	2,403
2016	2,363
2017	2,321
2018	22,143
Long term debt including interest	29,230
Less: Amount representing interest	-1,930
Long-term debt	27,300
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	11,688
2016	11,542
2017	11,367
2018	11,198
2019	113,350
Long term debt including interest	159,145
Less: Amount representing interest	-11,395
Long-term debt	147,750
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	12,112
2016	11,932
2017	100,361
Long term debt including interest	124,405
Less: Amount representing interest	-5,085
Long-term debt	119,320
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	12,379
2016	10,910
2017	9,519
2018	9,220
2019	8,921
2019 and thereafter	59,410
Long term debt including interest	110,359
Less: Amount representing interest	-23,839
Long-term debt	86,520	103,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	50,353
2016	48,993
2017	47,632
2018	46,272
2019	44,911
2019 and thereafter	129,482
Long term debt including interest	367,643
Less: Amount representing interest	-44,768
Long-term debt	322,875
Collateralized Financing Obligation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	58,846
2016	37,622
2017	18,656
2019	10,880
Long term debt including interest	126,004
Less: Amount representing interest	-3,430
Long-term debt	122,574
Term Loans Held By VIE [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	2,076
2016	2,029
2017	1,982
2018	1,935
2019	2,577
Long term debt including interest	10,599
Less: Amount representing interest	-754
Long-term debt	$9,845

StockBased_Compensation_Plan_N

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing stock price (in dollars per share)	$23.20
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	$10,887,000
Fair value of stock options	1,900,000	1,300,000	1,300,000
Fair value of stock options granted per share (in dollars per share)	$11.02	$14.10	$8.36
Volatility factor (in hundredths)		50.00%
Remaining volatility factor (in hundredths)		50.00%
Average volatility of common shares	100.00%
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation cost	2,300,000
Stock-based compensation cost recognition period	2 years 6 months
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	100,000	2,300,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recorded	1,600,000	1,400,000	1,300,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock options (in years)	4 years
Stock-based compensation expense recorded	300,000	100,000	0
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation cost	$800,000
Stock-based compensation cost recognition period	2 years 10 months 24 days
Vesting period of stock options (in years)	4 years
2007 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual term	10 years
2007 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options available for grant	1,721,980
Employees [Member] | 2007 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock options (in years)	4 years
Vesting period of stock options (in years)	4 years
Directors [Member] | 2007 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock options (in years)	1 year
Vesting period of stock options (in years)	1 year

StockBased_Compensation_Plan_S

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Summary Of Stock Option Plan Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options Activity [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	1,263,485			1,192,680
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,420,749		1,335,680	1,192,680
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares)	1,169,312
Expected to vest after end of period (in shares)	251,437
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$14.84			$12.89
Options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$15.67		$13.41	$12.89
Options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	$14.28
Expected to vest after end of period (in dollars per share)	$22.16
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]
Options outstanding at end of period (in years)	5 years 4 months 24 days
Options exercisable at end of period (in years)	4 years 7 months 6 days
Expected to vest after end of period (in years)	8 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Options outstanding at end of period	$11,270
Options exercisable at end of period	10,887
Expected to vest after end of period	$382
Employees [Member]
Stock Options Activity [Roll Forward]
Options granted - directors and employees (in shares)	120,000	51,300	111,000
Options forfeited - employees (in shares)	-5,417	-3,501
Options exercised - employees (in shares)	-7,319	-159,994
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options granted - directors and employees (in dollars per share)	$22.09	$26.41	$17.77
Options forfeited - employees (in dollars per share)	$22.55	$14.87
Options exercised - employees (in dollars per share)	$15.60	$9.53
Directors [Member]
Stock Options Activity [Roll Forward]
Options granted - directors and employees (in shares)	50,000	40,000	40,000
Options forfeited - employees (in shares)			-8,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options granted - directors and employees (in dollars per share)	$22.09	$26.41	$17.77
Options forfeited - employees (in dollars per share)			$17.77

StockBased_Compensation_Plan_S1

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Summary Of Fair Value Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock price (in dollars per share)	22.09	26.41	17.77
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	22.09	26.41	17.77
Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months
Expected Volatility (in hundredths)	53.50%	56.70%	49.50%
Rrisk free rate (in hundredths)	1.98%	1.35%	0.75%
Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months
Expected Volatility (in hundredths)	44.80%	58.60%	50.20%
Rrisk free rate (in hundredths)	1.79%	1.16%	0.75%

StockBased_Compensation_Plan_S2

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share units outstanding, beginning balance	28,150
Share units granted	23,500	28,150
Share units vested	-7,648
Share units forfeited	-1,500
Share units outstanding, ending balance	42,502	28,150
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$26.11
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Share units granted	$22.09	$26.11
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Share units vested	$26.13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Share units forfeited	$26.41
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$23.87	$26.11

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Undistributed foreign earnings	$247,400,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	188,000	140,000	182,000
Accrued interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits, maximum	100,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$72,600,000	$7,700,000
Minimum [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	31-Dec-19
Maximum [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	31-Dec-29

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S. operations	$7,853	$9,225	$15,595
Foreign operations	59,723	62,352	58,504
Net income before income taxes and non-controlling interest	$67,576	$71,577	$74,099

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current [Abstract]
Federal	$3,005	$2,032	$1,557
State	62	37	38
Foreign	1,954	1,783	2,209
Current income tax expense (benefit)	5,021	3,852	3,804
Deferred [Abstract
Federal	930	2,777	5,297
State	247	-469	-257
Foreign	993	897	974
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	2,170	3,205	6,014
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$7,191	$7,057	$9,818

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Effec

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed expected tax expense	$23,651	$25,052	$25,935
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
Foreign tax differential	-17,955	-19,046	-17,294
State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit	55	-514	-66
Subpart F income	1,106	1,255	1,404
Increase (decrease) of uncertain tax liabilities	38	124	-78
Non-deductible stock-based compensation	112	92	86
Change in valuation allowance	167
Other	17	94	-169
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$7,191	$7,057	$9,818

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Deferred Tax Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable (owned fleet)	$63	$44
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	114	105
Unearned revenue	209	190
Stock-based compensation	2,174	1,777
Other	36	13
Net operating loss carry forwards	2,602	1,488
Gross deferred tax assets	5,198	3,617
Valuation allowance	-167
Net deferred tax assets	5,031	3,617
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible assets	68	112
Depreciation and amortization	40,015	37,131
Foreign deferred tax liabilities	2,953	3,325
Deferred subpart F income	5,193	4,087
Unrealized gain	39	29
Gross deferred tax liabilities	48,268	44,684
Net deferred tax liability	$43,237	$41,067

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits. beginning balance	$140	$182
Increases related to prior year tax positions	13	116
Increases related to current year tax positions	35	19
Decreases related to lapsing of statute		-9
Decreases related to settlement		-168
Unrecognized tax benefits. ending balance	$188	$140

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$1,058,754,000	$1,058,628,000
Fair value of collateralized financing obligations	120,400,000
Fair value of revolving credit facility	350,800,000
Fair value of term loan	294,400,000
Capital lease obligation	2,583,000
Net investment in direct finance leases	95,000,000
Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the facility	147,800,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the facility	86,500,000
Long-term debt	86,520,000	103,000,000
Fair value of term loan	86,500,000
Collateralized Financing Obligation [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the facility	122,600,000
Long-term debt	122,574,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the facility	188,900,000
Long-term debt	322,875,000
Fair value of term loan	322,900,000
Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the facility	119,300,000
Long-term debt	119,320,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Amount outstanding under the facility	9,800,000
Fair value of term loan	$9,800,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Office facility expense	$1,500,000	$1,400,000	$1,400,000
Outstanding letter of credit	100,000	100,000
Rental equipment payable	7,381,000	45,181,000
Commitments to purchase container rental equipment	$122,500,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payable) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2015	$1,431
2016	1,174
2017	967
2018	104
2019	48
Future minimum lease payments under operating lease agreements	$3,724

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
	item
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent in CAIJ (in hundredths)	80.00%
Ownership percentage by JIA in CAIJ (in hundredths)	20.00%
Number of specific Japanese funds	2
Payments of repurchase of common stock	$31,395
Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Shares of common stock cancelled	400,000
Payments of repurchase of common stock	$8,800
Repurchase of common stock, average price per share	$21.92
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of specific Japanese funds	2

Capital_Stock_Details

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	43 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Maximum amount receivable from sale of securities under shelf registration		$300,000,000
Maximum limit of shares sold by stockholder's (in shares)		3,000,000
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	2,757,170
Share price (in dollars per share)	$19.85
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$51,543,000

401K_Savings_Plan_Details

401K Savings Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
401K Savings Plan [Abstract]
Employer contribution percentage (in hundredths)	4.00%
Employer contribution to the plan	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating industry segments	1
Number of reportable segments	2
Net book value	$1,564,777	$1,465,092
Railcar Equipment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net book value	$84,000

Revenue_Concentration_Details

Revenue Concentration (Details) (Equipment Leasing [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Ten Largest Container Lessees [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of major customers	10
Single Largest Container Lessee [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk (in hundredths)	11.40%	11.20%	11.70%
Concentration of risk, amount	$25.90	$23.80	$20.30
Revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk (in hundredths)	55.40%	56.60%	54.00%

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (Employee Stock Option [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Dilutive Securities Included In Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities having antidilutive effect (in shares)	600,450	271,300	363,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, 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
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income attributable to CAI common stockholders used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share	$16,162	$16,395	$13,446	$14,271	$15,591	$15,337	$16,931	$16,067	$60,274	$63,926	$63,465
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share (in shares)									20,732	22,157	19,495
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)									423	515	450
Weighted average shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)									21,155	22,672	19,945
Net income per share attributable to CAI common stockholders [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.78	$0.78	$0.61	$0.64	$0.70	$0.69	$0.76	$0.73	$2.91	$2.89	$3.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.77	$0.60	$0.63	$0.69	$0.68	$0.75	$0.71	$2.85	$2.82	$3.18

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, 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
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenues	$58,810	$59,203	$55,312	$54,264	$54,561	$53,898	$52,987	$50,959	$227,589	$212,405	$173,925
Operating expenses	31,575	32,024	30,968	29,835	27,770	27,695	25,144	23,111	124,402	103,720	71,039
Operating income	27,235	27,179	24,344	24,429	26,791	26,203	27,843	27,848	103,187	108,685	102,886
Net income attributable to CAI common stockholders	$16,162	$16,395	$13,446	$14,271	$15,591	$15,337	$16,931	$16,067	$60,274	$63,926	$63,465
Basic and diluted earnings per share available to CAI common stockholders [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.78	$0.78	$0.61	$0.64	$0.70	$0.69	$0.76	$0.73	$2.91	$2.89	$3.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.77	$0.60	$0.63	$0.69	$0.68	$0.75	$0.71	$2.85	$2.82	$3.18

Schedule_II_Valuation_Accounts1

Schedule II Valuation Accounts (Details) (Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$503		$794		$819
Net Additions (Reductions) to Expense	248		-227		29
Deductions	-71	[1]	-64	[1]	-54	[1]
Balance at End of Period	$680		$503		$794
[1]	Primarily consists of write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments