CAI International (CAI) 10-K 27 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CAI International, Inc.
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Central Index Key	1,388,430
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Amendment Flag	false
Document Type	10-K
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	cai
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,490,622
Entity Public Float			$ 274.9

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,440 and $1,340 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		$ 70,598	$ 63,745
Current portion of net investment in direct finance leases		30,063	19,959
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,258	5,315
Total current assets		140,339	135,153
Restricted cash		11,789	6,192
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $505,546 and $421,153 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		2,004,961	1,807,010
Net investment in direct finance leases		246,450	80,582
Goodwill		15,794	15,794
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $3,407 and $2,681 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		7,723	9,691
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,201 and $2,833 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		338	550
Other non-current assets		3,008	962
Total assets	[1]	2,430,402	2,055,934
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		7,831	13,804
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		15,706	11,778
Due to container investors		4,119	7,077
Unearned revenue		7,811	10,613
Current portion of debt		132,049	95,527
Rental equipment payable		92,415	25,207
Total current liabilities		259,931	164,006
Debt		1,570,773	1,380,499
Deferred income tax liability		35,853	51,804
Other long term liabilities			2,121
Total liabilities	[2]	1,866,557	1,598,430
Stockholders' equity
Common stock: par value $.0001 per share; authorized 84,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 20,390,622 and 19,057,217 shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		2	2
Additional paid-in capital		172,325	141,058
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(6,122)	(8,132)
Retained earnings		397,640	324,576
Total stockholders' equity		563,845	457,504
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		2,430,402	2,055,934
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) [Member]
Current assets
Cash		14,735	15,685
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Current assets
Cash		20,685	30,449
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $505,546 and $421,153 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		61,842	62,477
Net investment in direct finance leases		4,423	7,331
Current liabilities
Current portion of debt		22,549	30,980
Debt		$ 72,727	$ 74,887
[1]	Total assets at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 include the following assets of certain variable interest entities (VIEs) that can only be used to settle the liabilities of those VIEs: Cash, $20,685 and $30,449; Net investment in direct finance leases, $4,423 and $7,331; and Rental equipment net of accumulated depreciation, $61,842 and $62,477, respectively.
[2]	Total liabilities at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include the following VIE liabilities for which the VIE creditors do not have recourse to CAI International, Inc.: Current portion of debt, $22,549 and $30,980; Debt, $72,727 and $74,887, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,440	$ 1,340
Rental equipment net of accumulated depreciation	2,004,961	1,807,010
Rental equipment, accumulated depreciation	505,546	421,153
Net investment in direct finance leases	246,450	80,582
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	3,407	2,681
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, accumulated depreciation	3,201	2,833
Current liabilities
Current portion of debt	132,049	95,527
Debt	$ 1,570,773	$ 1,380,499
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	84,000,000	84,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	20,390,622	19,057,217
Common stock, shares outstanding	20,390,622	19,057,217
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Current assets
Cash	$ 20,685	$ 30,449
Rental equipment net of accumulated depreciation	61,842	62,477
Net investment in direct finance leases	4,423	7,331
Current liabilities
Current portion of debt	22,549	30,980
Debt	$ 72,727	$ 74,887

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue
Container lease income	$ 235,365	$ 202,328	$ 220,732
Rail lease income	32,476	30,490	17,433
Logistics revenue	80,552	61,536	11,502
Total revenue	348,393	294,354	249,667
Operating expenses
Depreciation of rental equipment	110,952	104,877	113,590
Storage, handling and other expenses	20,918	35,862	30,194
Logistics transportation costs	68,155	51,980	10,172
(Gain) loss on sale of used rental equipment	(5,347)	12,671	654
Administrative expenses	42,699	35,678	27,617
Total operating expenses	237,377	241,068	182,227
Operating income	111,016	53,286	67,440
Other expenses
Net interest expense	53,052	42,754	36,271
Other expense	765	654	182
Total other expenses	53,817	43,408	36,453
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest	57,199	9,878	30,987
Income tax (benefit) expense	(14,861)	3,844	4,252
Net income	72,060	6,034	26,735
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		37	134
Net income attributable to CAI common stockholders	$ 72,060	$ 5,997	$ 26,601
Net income per share attributable to CAI common stockholders
Basic	$ 3.74	$ 0.31	$ 1.28
Diluted	$ 3.68	$ 0.31	$ 1.27
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	19,253	19,318	20,773
Diluted	19,607	19,393	20,988

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income	$ 72,060	$ 6,034	$ 26,735
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,010	(815)	(2,245)
Comprehensive income	74,070	5,219	24,490
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest		37	134
Comprehensive income attributable to CAI common stockholders	$ 74,070	$ 5,182	$ 24,356

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest [Member]	Total
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 2	$ 154,894	$ (5,677)	$ 291,978	$ 789	$ 441,986
Balances, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014	20,788,000
Net income				26,601	134	26,735
Foreign currency translation adjustment			(2,245)			(2,245)
Repurchase of common stock		(12,997)				(12,997)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares	(1,089,000)
Exercise of stock options		4,744				4,744
Exercise of stock options, Shares	415,000
Stock based compensation - options		1,542				1,542
Stock based compensation - restricted stock		373				373
Stock based compensation - restricted stock, Shares	21,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation awards		3				3
Payment of income tax withheld on vested restricted stock		(36)				(36)
Payment of income tax withheld on vested restricted stock, Shares	(2,000)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 2	148,523	(7,922)	318,579	923	460,105
Balances, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015	20,133,000
Net income				5,997	37	6,034
Foreign currency translation adjustment			(815)			(815)
Disposal of subsidiary			605		$ (960)	(355)
Repurchase of common stock		(9,176)				(9,176)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares	(1,104,000)
Stock based compensation - options		1,292				1,292
Stock based compensation - restricted stock		440				440
Stock based compensation - restricted stock, Shares	31,000
Payment of income tax withheld on vested restricted stock		(21)				(21)
Payment of income tax withheld on vested restricted stock, Shares	(3,000)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2	141,058	(8,132)	324,576		$ 457,504
Balances, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016	19,057,000					19,057,217
Net income				72,060		$ 72,060
Adoption of ASU 2016-09 (Note 2(p))				1,004		1,004
Foreign currency translation adjustment			2,010			2,010
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs		29,148				29,148
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs, Shares	889,000
Exercise of stock options		145				145
Exercise of stock options, Shares	414,000
Stock based compensation - options		1,593				1,593
Stock based compensation - restricted stock		494				494
Stock based compensation - restricted stock, Shares	37,000
Payment of income tax withheld on vested restricted stock		(113)				(113)
Payment of income tax withheld on vested restricted stock, Shares	(6,000)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 2	$ 172,325	$ (6,122)	$ 397,640		$ 563,845
Balances, Shares at Dec. 31, 2017	20,391,000					20,390,622

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income		$ 72,060	$ 6,034	$ 26,735
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		111,294	105,236	114,003
Amortization of debt issuance costs		3,306	2,975	2,943
Amortization of intangible assets		1,969	1,443	232
Stock-based compensation expense		2,087	1,732	1,915
Reduction in contingent consideration		(2,211)	(3,789)
Unrealized loss on foreign exchange		106	276	251
(Gain) loss on sale of used rental equipment		(5,347)	12,671	654
Loss on disposal of subsidiary			146
Deferred income taxes		(14,947)	1,138	4,967
Bad debt expense		402	3,151	448
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(7,802)	(1,799)	4,733
Prepaid expenses and other assets		735	(2,691)	(81)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(2,206)	3,572	(3,654)
Due to container investors		(2,958)	1,276	(7,183)
Unearned revenue		(1,296)	(2,115)	1,406
Net cash provided by operating activities		155,192	129,256	147,369
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of rental equipment	[1]	(502,050)	(251,165)	(389,331)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(15,599)	(4,100)
Proceeds from sale of used rental equipment		66,364	66,073	66,150
Disposal of subsidiary, net of cash disposed of			(460)
Purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment		(126)	(82)	(83)
Receipt of principal payments from direct financing leases		24,061	19,633	22,116
Net cash used in investing activities		(411,751)	(181,600)	(305,248)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from debt		754,340	552,540	748,731
Principal payments on debt		(527,850)	(496,270)	(581,739)
Debt issuance costs		(3,441)	(1,515)	(3,226)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash		(5,597)	1,020	1,020
Proceeds from issuance of stock		28,028
Repurchase of stock			(9,176)	(12,997)
Exercise of stock options		145		4,747
Net cash provided by financing activities		245,625	46,599	156,536
Effect on cash of foreign currency translation		220	(674)	75
Net decrease in cash		(10,714)	(6,419)	(1,268)
Cash at beginning of the period		46,134	52,553	53,821
Cash at end of the period		35,420	46,134	52,553
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes		194	889	2,340
Interest		47,596	38,491	33,124
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activity
Transfer of rental equipment to direct finance lease		205,033	19,036	30,604
Transfer of direct finance lease to rental equipment		413	732
Rental equipment payable		$ 92,415	$ 25,207	$ 10,901
[1]	Represents cash disbursements for purchasing of rental equipment as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods indicated

The Company And Nature Of Opera

The Company And Nature Of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
The Company And Nature Of Operations [Abstract]
The Company And Nature Of Operations	(1) The Company and Nature of Operations  CAI International, Inc. , together with its subsidiaries (collectively, CAI or the Company) , is a transportation finance and logistics company. The Company purchases equipment, primarily intermodal shipping containers and railcars, which it leases to its customers . T he 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 also provides domestic and international logistics services. In July 201 5 , the Company purchased CAI Logistics (formerly ClearPointt Logistics LLC), an intermodal logistics company focused on the domestic intermodal market, for approximately $4.1 million . CAI Logistics is headquartered in Everett, Washington. In February 201 6 , the Company purchased Challenger Overseas LLC (Challenger), a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), for approximately $10.8 million . Challenger is headquartered in Eatontown, New Jersey. In June 201 6 , the Company purchased Hybrid Logistics, Inc. and its affiliate, General Transportation Services, Inc. (collectively, Hybrid), asset light truck brokers, for approximately $12.0 million . Hybrid is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAI”. The Company’s corporate headquarters are located in San Francisco, California.

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 CAI International, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and its previously 80% -owned subsidiary, CAIJ, Inc. (CAIJ), up to its date of disposal in April 201 6. 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 or not it has a variable interest in the fund and if the fund is a variable interest entity (VIE). If it is determined that the Company does not have a variable interest in the fund, further analysis is not required and the Company does not consolidate the fund. If it is determined that the Company does have a variable interest in the fund and the fund is a VIE, further analysis is performed to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and meets both of the following criteria under Financial Account ing Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification ( ASC) Topic 810:  it has power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and  it has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE 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 FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (see Note 4). (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 Container The Company purchases new container equipment from manufacturers to lease to its customers. The Company also purchases used container equipment through sale-leaseback transactions with its customers, or equipment that was previously owned by one of the Company's third party investors. Used equipment is typically purchased with an existing lease in place. Container rental equipment is recorded at original cost and depreciated to an estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life. The estimated useful lives and residual values of the Company’s container equipment are based on historical disposal experience and the Company’s expectations for future used container sale prices. Depreciation estimates are reviewed on a regular basis to determine whether sustained changes have taken place in the useful lives of equipment or the assigned residual values, which would suggest that a change in depreciation estimates is warranted. After the Company conducted its regular depreciation policy review for 2016 , it concluded that a change in the estimated residual value for 40-foot high cube dry van containers from $1,650 to $1,400 per container, effective July 1, 2016, was appropriate. The change increased the Company’s depreciation expense by $4.4 million and $5.4 million , decreased net income by $4.3 million and $5.2 million , and decreased diluted earnings per share by $0.22 and $0.27 , for the years ended December 31 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively . No change to residual values was considered necessary during the year ended December 31, 2017. The estimated useful lives and residual values for the majority of the Company's container equipment purchased new from the factory are as follows:     Depreciable Life  Residual Value in Years  20-ft. standard dry van container $ 1,050 13.0  40-ft. standard dry van container $ 1,300 13.0  40-ft. high cube dry van container $ 1,400 13.0  20-ft. refrigerated container $ 2,750 12.0  40-ft. high cube refrigerated container $ 3,500 12.0  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. For used container equipment acquired through sale-leaseback transactions, we often adjust our estimates for remaining useful life and residual values based on current conditions in the sale market for older containers and our expectations for how long the equipment will remain on-hire to the current lessee. Rail Railcar equipment is recorded at original cost and depreciated over its estimated useful life of 43 years to its estimated residual value of $8,700 using the straight-line method. The useful life is based on an estimate of the period over which the asset will generate revenue for the Company. Residual value is based on the average estimated scrap value of the Company’s railcars. The Company periodically reviews the appropriateness of its estimates of useful life and residual value based on changes in economic circumstances and other factors. The Company’s railcars may undergo refurbishment and upgrade programs to, for example, extend their useful life, meet higher car classification grades, enter new product or service segments, increase the tonnage carried, or to achieve higher utilization. The costs for these programs are capitalized. Normal repairs and maintenance associated with the Company’s railcar assets are expensed as incurred. (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 related 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. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the market conditions for certain off-lease containers changed which resulted in their carrying value exceeding their fair value. The fair value was estimated based on recent gross sales proceeds for sales of similar containers and management’s judgment of market conditions. The resulting impairment charge of $24.5 million relating to the container leasing segment is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statement of income. No impairment charges were recorded in 201 7 and 201 6 . (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 and tradenames 2 - 3 years Customer relationships 5 - 8 years  (g ) Goodwill In connection with the acquisition s of CAI Logistics in 2015 and Challenger and Hybrid in 2016, the Company recorded $15. 8 million of goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. The Company assesses qualitative factors such as industry and market considerations, overall financial performance and other relevant events and factors affecting a reporting unit to determine if it is more likely than not that impairment may exist and whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. This involves comparing the fair value to the carrying value of each reporting unit that has goodwill assigned to it. The Company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value. The Company performed the annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of 201 7 and concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill. ( h ) Direct 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. ( i ) Debt Issuance Costs To the extent that the Company is required to pay issuance fees or direct costs relating to its debt and credit facilities, such fees are amortized over the lives of the related debt using the effective interest method and reflected in interest expense. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $11.7 million and $11.2 million are presented as a reduction of debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. ( j ) 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. ( k ) Accounts Receivable Amounts billed under leases for equipment owned by the Company, as well as amounts due from customers for the provision of logistics services, are recorded in accounts receivable. 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 or more 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 company’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. Amounts billed under leases for equipment owned by third-party investors are also recorded in accounts receivable 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. Accounts receivable attributable to the managed fleet included in accounts receivable as of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 was $2.3 million and $5.1 million , respectively. ( 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 expen se (see Note 12). ( m ) Revenue Recognition The Company provides a range of services to its customers incorporating rental, sale and management of equipment and the provision of logistics services. Revenue for all forms of service is recognized when earned following the guidelines under FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and FASB ASC Topic 840, Leases . Revenue is reported net of any related sales tax. Container and Rail Lease Revenue The Company recognizes revenue from operating l ease s of its owned equipment as earned over the term of the lease. Where minimum lease payments vary over the lease term, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Company recognizes revenue on a cash basis for certain railcar leases that are billed on an hourly or mileage basis through a third-party railcar manager. Early termination of the rental contracts subjects the lessee to a penalty, which is included in lease revenue upon such termination. Finance lease income is recognized using the effective interest method, which generates a constant rate of interest over the period of the lease. Included in lease 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. Also included in lease revenue is 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. 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. Logistics Revenue The Company’s logistics business derives its revenue from three principal sources: (1) truck brokerage services, (2) intermodal transportation services, and (3) international ocean freight and freight forwarding services. The Company recognizes logistics revenue when these services are provided to its customers. For truck brokerage services, revenue is recognized when delivery has been completed, due to the short transit time related to these services. Intermodal transportation services can take a longer time to complete; for any such services not completed at the end of a reporting period, a percentage of completion method is used to allocate the appropriate revenue to each separate reporting period using relative transit time. The Company provides international freight forwarding services as an indirect carrier, sometimes referred to as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). When the Company acts as an NVOCC with respect to shipments of freight, a House Ocean Bill of Lading (HOBL) is typically issued to the customer. Based upon the terms in the contract of carriage (the HOBL), revenue and purchased transportation costs for these shipments are recognized at the time the freight departs the terminal of origin, which is when the customer is billed and the Company has no further obligation to the customer. The Company reports logistics revenue on a gross basis as it is the primary obligor and responsible for providing the services desired by the customer. The Company is responsible for fulfillment, including the acceptability of the service, and has discretion in setting sales prices and as a result, its earnings may vary. The Company also has discretion in selecting vendors from multiple suppliers for the services ordered by the customers. Lastly, the Company has credit risk for the related receivables. ( 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 Topic 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 ba sis (see Note 11). The company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. ( 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 March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09) to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions to employees . The new standard requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the statement of income as a component of the provision for income taxes when stock awards vest or are settled. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to reclassify cash flows related to excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The standard also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. Accordingly, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation are now reflected in the consolidated statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes, whereas they were previously recognized in equity. The Company also elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the Company recognized $1.0 million in deferred tax assets associated with excess tax benefits not previously recognized in deferred taxes as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017. Adoption of the new standard also resulted in a benefit of $1.8 million on our provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company elected to adopt the aspects of the standard affecting cash flow presentation prospectively, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04), which eliminates step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value up to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2017. Adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Insurance Receivable And Impair

Insurance Receivable And Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance Receivable And Impairment [Abstract]
Insurance Receivable and Impairment	(3) Insurance Receivable and Impairment In August 2016, Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. (Hanjin) filed for court protection from its creditors. Based on the recovery of Hanjin containers to date and prior experience, the Company believes that most of its containers will be recovered. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recovered approximately 92 % of the containers that were on lease to Hanjin. The Company maintains insurance to cover the value of containers that are unlikely to be recovered from its customers, the cost to recover and repair containers, and up to 180 days of lost lease rental income, subject to deductibles of $0.5 million and $2.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded an impairment of $3.2 million representing the book value of containers the Company estimated would not be recovered from Hanjin. As of December 31, 2016, an insurance receivable of $3.8 million was recorded for $1.2 million of estimated irrecoverable containers in excess of the insurance deductible, which was recorded in depreciation expense, and $2.6 million of recovery costs , which was recorded as a reduction to storage, handling and other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 . During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded an additional insurance receivable of $7.6 million for $2.2 million of lost lease rental income, recognized as container lease revenue, and $1.5 million of repair costs and $3.9 million of recovery costs, recorded as a reduction to storage, handling and other expenses. The Company also received insurance proceeds of $9.5 million, which were recorded as a reduction to the insurance receivable. As of December 31, 2017, the insurance receivable related to this claim was $1.9 million. 

Consolidation Of Variable Inter

Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities As A Non-Controlling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities As A Non-Controlling Interest [Abstract]
Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities As A Non-Controlling Interest	(4 ) 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 or not it has a variable interest in the fund and if the fund is a VIE. If it is determined that the Company does not have a variable interest in the fund, further analysis is not required and the Company does not consolidate the fund. If it is determined that the Company does have a variable interest in the fund and the fund is a VIE, further analysis is performed to determine if the Company is a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meets both of the following criteria under FASB ASC Topic 810:  i t has power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and  i t has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE 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 FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation . The Company currently enters into two types of container fund arrangements with investors which are reviewed under FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation . These arrangements include container funds that the Company manages for investors and container funds that have entered into financing arrangements with investors. All of the funds under financing arrangements are Japanese container funds that were established under separate investment agreements allowed under Japanese commercial laws (see Note 15). Each of the funds is financed by unrelated Japanese third - party investors. Managed Container Funds The fees earned by the Company for arranging, managing and establishing container funds are commensurate with the level of effort required to provide those services, and are at or above the same level of seniority as other liabilities of the funds that are incurred in the normal course of business. As such, the Company does not have a variable interest in the managed container funds, and does not consolidate those funds. The Company recognizes gain on sale of containers to the unconsolidated funds as sales in the ordinary course of business. No container portfolios were sold to the funds in the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 20 15 . Collateralized Financing Obligations The Company has transferred containers 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 FASB ASC Topic 840, Sale-Leaseback Transactions, the Company concluded these were financing transactions under which sale-leaseback accounting was not applicable. The terms of the transactions with container funds under financing arrangements 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. The funds are considered VIEs under FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation , 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. 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, 201 7 and 201 6 , and the results of the VIEs’ operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The containers that were transferred to the Japanese investor funds had a net book value of $ 70.0 million as of December 31, 201 7 . The container equipment, together with $ 20.7 million of cash held by the investor funds that can only be used to settle the liabilities of the VIEs , has been included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the related liability presented in the debt section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as collateralized financing obligations of $ 92.0 million and term loans held by VIE of $ 3.3 million . See Note 10(e) and Note 10(f) for additional information. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the initial consolidation of the VIEs. Containers sold to the Japanese investor funds during the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , had book values of $20.5 million , $36.2 million and $30.4 million , respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	( 5 ) Acquisition s In 2016, the Company completed the acquisitions of Challenger and Hybrid, for total consideration of $22.8 million, $6.0 million of which was contingent and based on their future performance. The aggregate allocation of the combined purchase price included $1.2 million of cash, $9.9 million of identifiable intangible assets, $12.9 million of residual goodwill, and $1.2 million of net liabilities assumed. The contingent consideration liability was $2.2 million as of December 31, 2016. Expected future payments of $2.1 million and $0.1 million were recorded in Other long-term liabilities and Accrued expenses and Other current liabilities, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016. Based on the forecasted future performance of Challenger and Hybrid, it has been estimated that there will be no future payments made and, as a result, the fair value of the contingent consideration liability has been estimated to be zero at December 31, 2017 . The following table provides a reconciliation of the contingent consideration liability measured at estimated fair value based on the balance as of December 31, 2016 and updated quarterly for the year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands):     2017  January 1 $ 2,211  Net decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration  included in Administrative expenses (2,211)  December 31 $ -  

Rental Equipment

Rental Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rental Equipment [Abstract]
Rental Equipment	(6 ) Rental Equipment The following table provides a summary of the Company’s rental equipment (in thousands ):     December 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Dry containers $ 1,533,063 $ 1,322,508  Refrigerated containers 345,744 350,776  Other specialized equipment 160,529 164,934  Railcars 471,171 389,945  2,510,507 2,228,163  Accumulated depreciation (505,546) (421,153)  Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation $ 2,004,961 $ 1,807,010 2

Net Investment In Direct Financ

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases	( 7 ) 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,  2017 2016  Gross finance lease receivables (1) $ 412,489 $ 123,563  Unearned income (2) (135,976) (23,022)  Net investment in direct finance leases $ 276,513 $ 100,541 (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 receivables are reduced as customer payments are received. There was $34.4 million and $2.1 million unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.  (2) The difference between the gross finance lease receivables 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, 2017 and 2016.  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 moderate. 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,  2017 2016  Tier 1 $ 366,629 $ 74,777  Tier 2 45,860 48,786  Tier 3 - -  $ 412,489 $ 123,563  Contractual maturities of the Company’s gross finance lease receivables subsequent to December 31, 201 7 for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in thousands ):     2018 $ 53,102  2019 67,539  2020 38,387  2021 38,358  2022 31,127  2023 and thereafter 183,976  $ 412,489 

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	( 8 ) Intangible Assets The Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 were as follows (in thousands ):     Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount  December 31, 2017  Trademarks and tradenames $ 1,786 $ (1,411) $ 375  Customer relationships 9,344 (1,996) 7,348  $ 11,130 $ (3,407) $ 7,723  December 31, 2016  Trademarks and tradenames $ 3,028 $ (1,850) $ 1,178  Customer relationships 9,344 (831) 8,513  $ 12,372 $ (2,681) $ 9,691  Amortization expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 was $ 2.0 million , $ 1.4 million and $0. 2 million , respectively, and was included in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2017, e stimated future amortization expenses are as follows (in thousands ):     2018 $ 1,984  2019 1,609  2020 1,609  2021 1,518  2022 474  2023 and thereafter 529  $ 7,723 

Equipment Leases

Equipment Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equipment Leases [Abstract]
Equipment Leases	( 9 ) 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, 201 7 (in thousands ):     2018 $ 174,369  2019 128,418  2020 98,614  2021 76,239  2022 54,290  2023 and thereafter 175,068  $ 706,998  See Note 7 for contractual maturities of the Company’s gross finance lease receivables.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	( 10 ) Debt Details of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 were as follows (dollars in thousands ):     December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Outstanding Average Outstanding Average  Reference Current Long-term Interest Current Long-term Interest Maturity  (a)(i) Revolving credit facility $ - $ 528,000 3.2% $ - $ 526,000 2.5% March 2020  (a)(ii) Revolving credit facility - Rail - 272,000 3.2% - 223,500 2.4% October 2020  (a)(iii) Revolving credit facility - Euro - 14,736 2.0% - - 0.0% September 2020  (b)(i) Term loan 21,900 - 3.4% 1,800 21,900 2.9% April 2018  (b)(ii) Term loan 9,000 111,750 3.1% 9,000 120,750 2.3% October 2019  (b)(iii) Term loan 7,000 82,500 3.3% 7,000 89,500 2.5% June 2021  (b)(iv) Term loan 1,198 16,524 3.4% 1,158 17,723 3.4% December 2020  (b)(v) Term loan 2,805 43,560 3.6% 2,705 46,365 3.6% August 2021  (c) Senior secured notes 6,110 58,885 4.9% 6,110 64,995 4.9% September 2022  (d) Asset-backed notes 65,307 377,984 3.5% 40,000 202,875 3.4% June 2042  (e) Collateralized financing obligations 22,549 69,441 1.2% 28,693 71,346 1.1% December 2020  (f) Term loans held by VIE - 3,286 2.7% 2,287 3,541 2.5% June 2019  135,869 1,578,666 98,753 1,388,495  Debt issuance costs (3,820) (7,893) (3,226) (7,996)  Total Debt $ 132,049 $ 1,570,773 $ 95,527 $ 1,380,499  (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, as amended, with a consortium of banks to finance the acquisition of container rental equipment and for general working capital purposes. On June 16, 2017 , the Company entered into an amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, pursuant to which the revolving credit facility was amended to increase the commitment level from $775.0 million to $ 960 .0 million . As of December 31, 201 7 , the maximum commitment under the revolving credit facility was $960.0 million . There is a commitment fee on the unused amount of the total commitment, payable quarterly in arrears. The revolving credit facility provides that swing line loans (short-term borrowings of up to $25.0 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 $30.0 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 revolving credit facility. 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, 201 7 , the Company was in compliance with the terms of the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 201 7 , the Company had $ 431.9 million in availability under the revolving credit facility (net of $0.1 million in letters of credit) subject to its ability to meet the coll ateral requirements under the agreement governing the facility. Based on the borrowing base and collateral requirements at December 31, 201 7 , the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility was $ 95.8 million , assuming no additional contribution of assets. 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 $ 749.7 million as of December 31, 201 7 , the underlying leases and the Company’s interest in any money received under such contracts. (ii) On October 22, 2015, the Company and CAI Rail Inc. (CAI Rail), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into the Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement with a consortium of banks, pursuant to which the revolving credit facility for CAI Rail was amended to extend the maturity date to October 22, 2020 , reduce the interest rate, increase the commitment level from $250.0 million to $500.0 million , which may be increased up to a maximum of $700.0 million subject to certain conditions, and revise certain of the covenants and restrictions under the prior facility to provide the Company with additional flexibility. As of December 31, 201 7 , the maximum credit commitment under the revolving line of credit was $500.0 million . Borrowings under this revolving 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, 201 7 , CAI Rail had $ 228.0 million in availability under the revolving credit facility, subject to its ability to meet the collateral requirements under the agreement governing the facility. Based on the borrowing base and collateral requirements at December 31, 201 7 , the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility was $ 2.7 million , assuming no additional contribution of assets. 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, 201 7 , 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 $ 343.4 million as of December 31, 201 7 , and is guaranteed by the Company. (iii) On September 23, 2016, the Company and CAI International GmbH (CAI GmbH), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement with a financial institution to finance the acquisition of rental equipment. As of December 31, 2017, the maximum credit commitment under the revolving credit facility was €25.0 million. Borrowings under this revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate. Interest rates are based on EURIBOR. As of December 31, 2017, CAI GmbH had €12.7 million in availability under the revolving credit facility, subject to its ability to meet the collateral requirements under the agreement governing the facility. Based on the borrowing base and collateral requirements at December 31, 2017, the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility was €1.4 million, assuming no additional contribution of assets. 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 GmbH’s revolving credit facility containers various financial and other covenants. As of December 31, 2017, CAI GmbH was in compliance with the terms of the revolving credit facility. CAI GmbH’s revolving credit facility, including any amounts drawn on the facility, is secured by all of the assets of CAI GmbH, which had a net book value of €18.3 million as of December 31, 2017, 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 term 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, 201 7 , the loan had a balance of $ 21.9 million . The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under these loans as of December 31, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remain s 3.4 % t hrough maturity of the loan.     2018 $ 22,268  22,268  Less: Amount representing interest (368)  Term loan $ 21,900 (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 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 (CAL II) (see Note 10 (d) 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 loan commitment from $115.0 million to $150.0 million , (c) extend the maturity date 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, 201 7 , the term loan had a balance of $ 12 0 .8 million . The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under this loan as of December 31, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remains 3.1 % through maturity of the loan.     2018 $ 12,690  2019 114,436  127,126  Less: Amount representing interest (6,376)  Term loan $ 120,750 (iii) On April 11, 2012, the Company entered into a term loan agreement with a consortium of banks. The agreement, as amended, provide d 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. On June 30, 2016, the Company entered into an amended and restated term loan agreement, 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) provide the Company with the ability to increase the commitments under the facility to a maximum of $100.0 million, subject to certain conditions, (2) extend the maturity date to June 30, 2021, and (c) revise certain of the covenants and restrictions under the prior agreement to provide the Company with additional flexibility. The term loan’s outstanding principal is amortized quarterly, with quarterly payments equal to 1.75% multiplied by the original outstanding principal. The amended and restated term loan agreement bears a variable interest rate based on LIBOR for Eurodollar loans, and Base Rate for base rate loans. As of December 31 , 2017, the loan had a balance o f $ 89 .5 million. The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under this loan as of December 31, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remain s 3.3 % through maturity of the loan.     2018 $ 9,923  2019 9,687  2020 9,459  2021 69,628  98,697  Less: Amount representing interest (9,197)  Term loan $ 89,500  (iv) On December 22, 2015, the Company entered into a $20.0 million five -year term loan agreement for CAI Rail with a financial institution . The term loan’s outstanding principal bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.4% per annum and is amortized quarterly. Any unpaid principal and interest is due and payable on December 22, 2020 . The proceeds from the term loan were primarily used to repay outstanding amounts under CAI Rail’s revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 201 7 , the loan ha d a balance of $ 17.7 million . The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under this loan as of December 31, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated based on the fixed interest rate of 3.4%.     2018 $ 1,793  2019 1,793  2020 15,793  19,379  Less: Amount representing interest (1,657)  Term loan $ 17,722  (v) On August 30, 2016, CAI Rail entered into a term loan agreement of up to $100.0 million with a consortium of banks for the acquisition of railcars, subject to certain borrowing conditions, which is secured by certain railcars and other assets of CAI Rail. The loan agreement is an amortizing facility with a term of five years. Borrowings under the loan bear interest at a fixed rate as specified in the applicable term note entered into at the time a draw is made under the loan agreement. Principal and interest on the borrowings are payable monthly during the five-year term of the note. At closing of the loan agreement, CAI Rail made a draw of $50.0 million on the facility at a fixed interest rate of 3.6% per annum. Any unpaid principal and interest is due on August 30, 2021. As of December 31, 2017, the loan had a balance o f $ 46.4 million. The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under this loan as of December 31, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated based on the fixed interest rate of 3.6%.     2018 $ 4,441  2019 4,441  2020 4,441  2021 38,524  51,847  Less: Amount representing interest (5,482)  Term loan $ 46,365  The Company's term loans are secured by rental equipment owned by the Company, which had a net book value of $ 356.0 million as of December 31, 2017. (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, 201 7 , the Notes had a balance of $ 65.0 million . The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under the Notes as of December 31, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated based on the fixed interest rate of 4.9%.     2018 $ 9,220  2019 8,920  2020 8,621  2021 8,322  2022 42,467  77,550  Less: Amount representing interest (12,555)  Senior secured notes $ 64,995  The Company's senior secured notes are secured by rental equipment owned by the Company, which had a net book value of $ 85.2 million as of December 31, 201 7 . (d) Asset-Backed Notes On October 18, 2012, CAL II 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 senior revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 201 7 , the Series 2012-1 Asset-Backed Notes had a balance of $ 82.7 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 10 (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 $ 120.2 million as of December 31, 201 7 . On July 6, 2017, CAL Funding III Limited (CAL Funding III), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of CAI, issued $240.9 million of 3.6% Class A fixed rate asset-backed notes and $12.2 million of 4.6% Class B fixed rate asset-backed notes (collectively, the Series 2017-01 Asset-Backed Notes). Principal and interest on the Series 2017-01 Asset-Backed Notes is payable monthly commencing on July 25, 2017, with the Series 2017-01 Asset-Backed Notes maturing in June 2042. The proceeds from the Series 2017-01 Asset-Backed Notes were used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of debt by the Company. As of December 31, 2017, the Series 2017-01 Asset-Backed Notes had a balance of $240.4 million. The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under the Asset-Backed Notes as of December 31, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated based on the weighted average fixed interest rate of 3.5% .     2018 $ 79,862  2019 77,585  2020 75,309  2021 73,032  2022 67,910  2023 and thereafter 129,086  502,784  Less: Amount representing interest (59,493)  Asset-backed notes $ 443,291  The Company's asset-backed notes are secured by rental equipment owned by the Company, which had a net book value of $ 566.1 million as of December 31, 201 7 . The agreements under each of the asset-backed notes described above require the Company to maintain a restricted cash account to cover payment of the obligations. As of December 31, 201 7 , the restricted cash account had a balance of $ 11.8 million . (e) Collateralized Financing Obligations As of December 31, 201 7 , the Company had collateralized financing obligations of $ 92.0 million (see Note 4 ). The obligations had an average interest rate o f 1.2 % as of December 31, 201 7 with maturity dates between March 2018 and December 2020 . 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, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated assuming an average interest rate of 1.2 % through maturity of the obligations.     2018 $ 22,978  2019 40,840  2020 22,086  2021 8,120  94,024  Less: Amount representing interest (2,034)  Collateralized financing obligations $ 91,990  (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 4 ) 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, 201 7 , the term loans held by the Japanese investor fund totaled $ 3.3 million and had an average interest rate o f 2.7% . The following are the estimated future principal and interest payments under this loan as of December 31, 201 7 (in thousands ). The payments were calculated assuming the interest rate remain s 2. 7 % through maturity of the loan.     2018 $ -  2019 3,380  3,380  Less: Amount representing interest (94)  Term loans held by VIE $ 3,286  The Company's term loans held by VIE are secured by rental equipment owned by the Japanese investor fund, which had a net book value o f $ 9.6 million as of December 31, 201 7 . The agreements relating to all of the Company’s debt contain various financial and other covenants. As of December 31, 201 7 , the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

Stock-Based Compensation Plan

Stock-Based Compensation Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plan	( 11 ) Stock–Based Compensation Plan Stock Options The Company grants stock options to certain employees and independent directors pursuant to its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (Plan) . Under the Plan, a maximum of 3,421,980 share awards may be granted. Stock options granted to employees have a vesting period of four years from grant date, with 25% vesting after one year, and 1/48 th vesting each month thereafter until fully vested. Stock options granted to independent directors vest in one year. All of the stock options have a contractual term of ten years. The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activities for the three years ended December 31, 201 7 :     Weighted  Average  Weighted Remaining Aggregate  Average Contractual Intrinsic  Number of Exercise Term Value  Shares Price (in years) (in thousands)  Options outstanding, December 31, 2014 1,420,749 $ 15.67  Options granted 183,000 $ 21.72  Options exercised (414,494) $ 11.45  Options outstanding, December 31, 2015 1,189,255 $ 18.08  Options granted 245,000 $ 7.87  Options forfeited/cancelled (6,000) $ 21.99  Options outstanding, December 31, 2016 1,428,255 $ 16.31  Options granted 230,500 $ 16.80  Options exercised (799,195) $ 16.31  Options outstanding, December 31, 2017 859,560 $ 16.44 7.2 $ 10,210  Options exercisable at December 31, 2017 443,689 $ 17.85 5.9 $ 4,645  Expected to vest after December 31, 2017 415,871 $ 14.94 8.7 $ 5,565 The aggregate intrinsic value represents the value by which the Company’s closing stock price of $ 28.32 per share on the last trading day of the year ended December 31, 201 7 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 2017 and 201 5 , based on the closing share price on the date each option was exercised, was $ 11.7 million a nd $4.9 million , respectively. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense o f $ 1.6 million , $1.3 million and $1.5 million relating to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively . As of December 31, 201 7 , the remaining unamortized stock-based compensation cost relating to stock options granted to the Company’s employees and independent directors was approximately $ 2.5 million which is to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of approximately 2.4 years. The total fair value of stock options granted to the Company’s employees and independent directors at the time of grant was approximately $ 2.1 million , or $ 9.16 per share, $0.9 million , or $3.55 per share, and $1.7 million , or $9.20 per share for the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , respectively, calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model under the following weighted average assumptions:     2017 2016 2015  Stock price $ 16.80 $ 7.87 $ 21.72  Exercise price $ 16.80 $ 7.87 $ 21.72   Expected term (years) 5.5 - 6.25 5.5 - 6.25 5.5 - 6.25  Expected volatility (%) 56.4 - 57.5 45.4 - 46.7 39.5 - 41.8  Risk-free interest rate (%) 1.77 - 2.14 1.30 - 1.40 1.85 - 2.00  Dividend yield (%) - - -  The expected option term is calculated using the simplified method in accordance with SEC guidance. The expected volatility was derived from 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 options. No forfeiture was estimated on all options granted during the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5, as the Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur (see Note 2(p)) . Restricted Stock The Company grants restricted stock to certain employees pursuant to the 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 Plan:     Number of Weighted  Shares of Average  Restricted Grant Date  Stock Fair Value  Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2014 42,502 $ 23.87  Restricted stock granted 21,000 $ 21.15  Restricted stock vested (15,477) $ 23.81  Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2015 48,025 $ 22.70  Restricted stock granted 34,500 $ 7.87  Restricted stock vested (14,379) $ 23.61  Restricted stock forfeited (2,344) $ 21.96  Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2016 65,802 $ 14.75  Restricted stock granted 37,414 $ 17.14  Restricted stock vested (24,674) $ 17.83  Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2017 78,542 $ 14.92  The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense relating to restricted stock of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $0.4 million for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . As of December 31, 2017, u namortized stock-based compensation expense relating to restricted stock was $ 0.8 million , which will be recognized over the remaining average vesting period of 2.5 years. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded as a component of 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, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	( 12 ) Income Taxes For the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , net income before income taxes and non-controlling interest consisted of the following (in thousands ):    Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  U.S. operations $ (2,080) $ 8,996 $ 6,682  Foreign operations 59,279 882 24,305  $ 57,199 $ 9,878 $ 30,987  Income tax (benefit) expense attributable to income from operations consisted of (in thousands ):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Current  Federal $ (531) $ 312 $ (2,083)  State 86 56 (4)  Foreign 531 2,338 1,372  86 2,706 (715)  Deferred  Federal (19,304) 3,090 5,406  State 3,172 238 19  Foreign 1,185 (2,190) (458)  (14,947) 1,138 4,967  Income tax (benefit) expense $ (14,861) $ 3,844 $ 4,252 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, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 are as follows (in thousands ):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Computed expected tax expense $ 20,020 $ 3,458 $ 10,845  Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:  Foreign tax differential (19,032) (88) (7,676)  State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit 191 310 220  Change in Federal tax rate (16,945) - -  Subpart F income 683 711 597  Adjustment to contingent consideration (429) (634) -  Increase in uncertain tax positions 61 36 17  Non-deductible stock-based compensation 218 155 134  Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation (1,858) - -  Prior year true-ups 1,894 - -  Change in valuation allowance - (15) (152)  Other 336 (89) 267  $ (14,861) $ 3,844 $ 4,252 As of December 31, 201 7 , the Company had $136.9 million , $33.2 million and $ 93.2 million of net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards available to offset future federal, foreign and state taxable income, respectively. The NOL carry forwards will begin to expire in 2035 , 2022 and 2018 for federal, 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, 201 7 and 201 6 are presented below (in thousands ):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016  Deferred tax assets:  Accounts receivable $ 68 $ 307  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 886 423  Unearned revenue 198 856  Stock-based compensation 744 2,280  Other 89 616  Net operating loss carry forwards 34,758 27,225  Gross deferred tax assets 36,743 31,707  Valuation allowance - -  Net deferred tax assets 36,743 31,707   Deferred tax liabilities:  Intangible assets 1,734 2,946  Depreciation and amortization 65,609 73,305  Foreign deferred tax liabilities 943 760  Deferred subpart F income 4,310 6,500  Gross deferred tax liabilities 72,596 83,511  Net deferred tax liability $ 35,853 $ 51,804 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. The U.S Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The most significant effects of the Tax Act on the Company were the U.S. federal corporate tax rate reduction from the current rate of 35% to a new flat rate of 21% , limitations on the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation, and the creation of the base erosion anti-abuse tax (BEAT), a new minimum tax . A change in tax laws is accounted for in the period of enactment, which requires re-measurement of all of an entity’s U.S. deferred income tax assets and liabilities during this year-end. As the Company is in an overall net deferred tax liability position, the corporate tax rate reduction resulted in a net tax benefit of approximately $16.9 million in 2017 when the deferred tax assets and liabilities are revalued downward. The Company’s 2017 effective tax rate was favorably affected by 29.6% due to this law change. The Tax Act also imposes a one-time transition tax on accumulated undistributed foreign earnings. However, the Company did not have any transition tax due to its overall net foreign earnings deficit. In response to the Tax Act, the SEC staff issued guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. The guidance provides for a one-year measurement period for companies to complete the accounting. The Company reflected the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting is complete. To the extent the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but the Company is able to determine a reasonable estimate, the Company recorded a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply the provisions of the tax law that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act. The Company has not completed its accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the Tax Act. The Tax Act creates a new requirement that certain income such as Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by a controlled foreign corporation (CFC) must be included in the gross income of the CFC U.S. shareholder. Because of the complexity of the new GILTI and BEAT tax rules, the Company is continuing to evaluate these provisions of the Tax Act and whether taxes due on future U.S. inclusions related to GILTI or BEAT should be recorded as a current-period expense when incurred, or factored into the measurement of its deferred taxes. As a result, the Company has not included an estimate of the tax expense or benefit related to these items for the period ended December 31, 2017. In March 201 6, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income taxes. The Company adopted AS U 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017 (see Note 2 (p)). As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the Company recognized $1.0 million in deferred tax assets associated with excess tax benefits not previously recognized in deferred taxes as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017. Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. 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. While the Company has an overall foreign earnings deficit, a s of December 31, 2017, the amount of positive foreign earnings totaled approximately $ 28.3 million related to certain subsidiaries . The amount of income taxes that would have resulted had such earnings been repatriated would be approximately $0.2 million due to withholding taxes . The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands ):     Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 220  Increases related to current year tax positions 77  Decreases related to lapsing of statute (31)  Balance at December 31, 2016 266  Increases related to current year tax positions 11  Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 277  The unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $ 0.3 million at December 31, 2017, 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, 2017 and 2016. The Company’s tax returns, including the United States, California, New Jersey and South Carolina, are subject to examination by the tax authorities. The Company accrues for unrecognized tax benefits based upon its best estimate of the additional taxes, interest and penalties expected to be paid. These estimates are updated over time as more definitive information becomes available from taxing authorities, completion of tax audits, expiration of statute of limitations, or upon occurrence of other events. The Company does not believe the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit as of December 31, 201 7 will increase or decrease significantly in the next twelve months. As of December 31, 201 7 , the statute of limitations for tax examinations in the United States has not expired for the years ended December 31, 2014 through 2016 . California, New Jersey and South Carolina have not expired for tax returns filed for the years ended December 31, 2013 through 2016 , and Barbados has not expired for tax returns filed for the years ended December 31, 2008 to 2016 . The Company was notified on May 1, 2017 that its 2015 U.S. federal income tax return was selected for examination. The examination is in the information gathering stage.

Fair Value Of Financial Instrum

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	(1 3 ) Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amo unts 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 asset-backed notes of $ 443.3 million and collateralized financing obligations of $ 92.0 million as of December 31, 201 7 were estimated to have a fair value of approximately $441.6 million and $93.5 million , respectively, based on the fair value of estimated future payments calculated using prevailing interest rates. The fair value of these financial instruments would be categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Management believes that the balances of the Company’s revolving credit facilities of $ 814.7 million , term loans totaling $ 296.2 million , senior secured notes of $ 65.0 million , term loans held by VIE of $ 3.3 million and net investment in direct finance leases of $ 276.5 million approximate their fair values as of December 31, 201 7 . The fair value of these financial instruments would be categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	(1 4 ) 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, 201 7 are as follows (in thousands ):      Office  Facilities  and  Equipment  Year ending December 31:  2018 $ 2,439  2019 1,881  2020 357  2021 329  2022 228  2023 and thereafter 216  $ 5,450  Office facility expense was $2.0 million , $1.7 million, and $ 1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 201 6 and 201 5 , respectively, which was included in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 , 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 $ 92.4 million , the Company had commitments to purchase approximately $17.6 million of containers and $88.7 million railcars as of December 31, 201 7; all in the twelve months ended December 31, 201 8 .  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, 201 7 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, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	(1 5 ) Related Party Transactions The Company has transferred legal ownership of certain containers to Japanese container funds that were established by Japan Investment Adviser Co., Ltd. (JIA) and CAIJ, Inc. (CAIJ). Prior to April 2016, CAIJ wa s an 80% -owned subsidiary of CAI with the remaining 20% owned by JIA. Prior to the transfer of containers from the Company, the Japanese 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 Japanese container funds 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 manage d the leasing activity of containers owned by the Japanese container funds. As described in Note 4 , the Japanese managed container funds and financing arrangements are considered VIEs. However, with the exception of the financing arrangements described in Note 4 , 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 of these funds in its consolidated financial statements. As described in Note 4 , 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 FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation .

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Capital Stock	(1 6 ) Capital Stock On May 12 , 2017 the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC which was declared effective by the SEC on June 2, 2017 . 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. In October 2017, the Company commenced an at-the-market offering program, which allows the Company to sell and issue up to 2.0 million shares of its common stock. In the three months ended December 41, 2017, the Company issued 888,453 shares of common stock under the at-the-market offering program for gross proceeds of $30.0 million. The Company paid commissions to the sales agent of $0.6 million and incurred other offering related expenses of $0.3 million. Net proceeds of $29.1 million were used for general corporate purposes. The Company has remaining capacity to issue up to approximately 1.1 million of additional shares of common stock under the at-the-market offering program.

Segment And Geographic Informat

Segment And Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment And Geographic Information [Abstract]
Segment And Geographic Information	(1 7 ) Segment and Geographic Information The Company organizes itself by the nature of the services it provides which includes equipment leasing (consisting of container leasing and rail leasing) and logistics. The container leasing segment is aggregated with equipment management and derives its revenue from the ownership and leasing of containers and fees earned for managing container portfolios on behalf of third party investors. The rail leasing segment derives its revenue from the ownership and leasing of railcars. The logistics segment derives its revenue from the provision of logistics services. There are no inter-segment revenues. With the exception of administrative expenses, operating expenses are directly attributable to each segment. Administrative expenses that are not directly attributable to a segment are allocated to container or rail leasing based on the net book value of equipment in each segment. The following tables show condensed segment information for the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , reconciled to the Company’s net income before income taxes and non-controlling interest as shown in its consolidated statements of income for such periods (in thousands ):   Year Ended December 31, 2017  Container Leasing Rail Leasing Logistics Total  Container lease revenue $ 235,365 $ - $ - $ 235,365  Rail lease revenue - 32,476 - 32,476  Logistics revenue - - 80,552 80,552  Total revenue 235,365 32,476 80,552 348,393  Depreciation of rental equipment 99,753 11,199 - 110,952  Storage, handling and other expenses 15,207 5,615 96 20,918  Logistics transportation costs - - 68,155 68,155  Gain on sale of used rental equipment (5,333) (14) - (5,347)  Administrative expenses 22,925 4,756 15,018 42,699  Total operating expenses 132,552 21,556 83,269 237,377  Operating income (loss) 102,813 10,920 (2,717) 111,016  Net interest expense 41,815 11,237 - 53,052  Other expense 765 - - 765  Total other expenses 42,580 11,237 - 53,817  Net income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest $ 60,233 $ (317) $ (2,717) $ 57,199  Goodwill $ - $ - $ 15,794 $ 15,794  Total assets $ 1,940,997 $ 449,376 $ 40,029 $ 2,430,402  Purchase of rental equipment (1) $ 445,168 $ 56,882 $ - $ 502,050     Year Ended December 31, 2016  Container Leasing Rail Leasing Logistics Total  Container lease revenue $ 202,328 $ - $ - $ 202,328  Rail lease revenue - 30,490 - 30,490  Logistics revenue - - 61,536 61,536  Total revenue 202,328 30,490 61,536 294,354  Depreciation of rental equipment 95,755 9,122 - 104,877  Storage, handling and other expenses 32,465 3,386 11 35,862  Logistics transportation costs - - 51,980 51,980  Loss (gain) on sale of used rental equipment 12,750 33 (112) 12,671  Administrative expenses 20,453 3,759 11,466 35,678  Total operating expenses 161,423 16,300 63,345 241,068  Operating income (loss) 40,905 14,190 (1,809) 53,286  Net interest expense 35,784 6,970 - 42,754  Other expense 654 - - 654  Total other expenses 36,438 6,970 - 43,408  Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest $ 4,467 $ 7,220 $ (1,809) $ 9,878  Goodwill $ - $ - $ 15,794 $ 15,794  Total assets $ 1,638,263 $ 378,059 $ 39,612 $ 2,055,934  Purchase of rental equipment (1) $ 118,374 $ 132,791 $ - $ 251,165     Year Ended December 31, 2015  Container Leasing Rail Leasing Logistics Total  Container lease revenue $ 220,732 $ - $ - $ 220,732  Rail lease revenue - 17,433 - 17,433  Logistics revenue - - 11,502 11,502  Total revenue 220,732 17,433 11,502 249,667  Depreciation of rental equipment 108,996 4,594 - 113,590  Storage, handling and other expenses 27,653 2,540 1 30,194  Logistics transportation costs - - 10,172 10,172  Loss (gain) on sale of used rental equipment 2,276 (1,622) - 654  Administrative expenses 21,969 3,131 2,517 27,617  Total operating expenses 160,894 8,643 12,690 182,227  Operating income (loss) 59,838 8,790 (1,188) 67,440  Net interest expense 33,156 3,109 6 36,271  Other expense 182 - - 182  Total other expenses 33,338 3,109 6 36,453  Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest $ 26,500 $ 5,681 $ (1,194) $ 30,987  Purchase of rental equipment (1) $ 226,469 $ 162,862 $ - $ 389,331  (1) Represents cash disbursements for purchasing of rental equipment as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods indic ated .  Geographic Data The Company earns its revenue primarily from intermodal 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 long-lived assets are considered to be international, with no single country of use. The Company’s railcars, with a net book value of $ 440.8 million as of December 31, 201 7 , are used to transport cargo within North America. The following table represents the geographic allocation of revenue for the periods indicated based on customers’ primary domicile (in thousands ):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  United States $ 120,558 $ 99,824 $ 36,197  France 34,862 29,273 27,603  Switzerland 32,430 19,636 20,215  Korea 20,755 14,904 18,933  Japan 20,388 21,717 26,559  Singapore 19,856 16,172 18,627  Other Europe 45,176 40,170 41,034  Other Asia 43,709 41,473 47,301  Other International 10,659 11,185 13,198  Total revenue $ 348,393 $ 294,354 $ 249,667

Revenue Concentration

Revenue Concentration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue Concentration [Abstract]
Revenue Concentration	(1 8 ) Revenue Concentration Revenue from the Company’s ten largest lessees represented 44.5 % , 41.5% and 51.9% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , respectively. Revenue from the Company’s single largest lessee accounted for 10.8% , or $37.5 million , 10.8 % , or $ 31.7 million , and 11.6% , or $29.0 million , of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , respectively. Revenue from the Company’s second largest lessee accounted for 10.0% , or $34.7 million, 7.0% , or $20.6 million, and 8.4% , or $21.1 million, of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(19 ) Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to 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, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 (in thousands , except per share data):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Numerator  Net income attributable to CAI common stockholders used in the calculation  of basic and diluted earnings per share $ 72,060 $ 5,997 $ 26,601  Denominator  Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share 19,253 19,318 20,773  Effect of dilutive securities:  Stock options and restricted stock 354 75 215  Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share 19,607 19,393 20,988   Net income per share attributable to CAI common stockholders:  Basic $ 3.74 $ 0.31 $ 1.28  Diluted $ 3.68 $ 0.31 $ 1.27  The calculation of diluted income per share for the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5, excluded from the denominator 458,857 shares, 1,135,711 shares and 763,847 shares , respectively, of common stock options because their effect would have been anti - dilutive.

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	( 20 ) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following table sets forth key interim financial information for the years ended December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 (in thousands , except per share amount):     2017 Quarters Ended 2016 Quarters Ended  Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31  Revenue $ 94,034 $ 90,161 $ 82,692 $ 81,506 $ 77,274 $ 78,472 $ 71,642 $ 66,966  Operating expenses 57,631 58,267 57,924 63,555 64,664 71,110 56,784 48,510  Operating income 36,403 31,894 24,768 17,951 12,610 7,362 14,858 18,456  Net income (loss) attributable to  CAI common stockholders 36,563 17,587 12,638 5,272 620 (5,451) 3,711 7,117   Net income (loss) per share attributable  to CAI common stockholders:  Basic $ 1.86 $ 0.92 $ 0.66 $ 0.28 $ 0.03 $ (0.28) $ 0.19 $ 0.36  Diluted $ 1.81 $ 0.90 $ 0.65 $ 0.27 $ 0.03 $ (0.28) $ 0.19 $ 0.36 

Schedule II Valuation Accounts

Schedule II Valuation Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule II Valuation Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II Valuation Accounts	 Schedule II Valuation Accounts (In thousands )     Balance at Balance at  Beginning Net Additions End of  of Period to Expense Deductions* Period  December 31, 2015  Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 680 $ 448 $ (580) $ 548  December 31, 2016  Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 548 $ 3,151 $ (2,359) $ 1,340  December 31, 2017  Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,340 $ 402 $ (302) $ 1,440  * Primarily consists of write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments

Summary Of Significant Accoun29

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	(a) Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of CAI International, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and its previously 80% -owned subsidiary, CAIJ, Inc. (CAIJ), up to its date of disposal in April 201 6. 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 or not it has a variable interest in the fund and if the fund is a variable interest entity (VIE). If it is determined that the Company does not have a variable interest in the fund, further analysis is not required and the Company does not consolidate the fund. If it is determined that the Company does have a variable interest in the fund and the fund is a VIE, further analysis is performed to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and meets both of the following criteria under Financial Account ing Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification ( ASC) Topic 810:  it has power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and  it has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE 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 FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (see Note 4).
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 Container The Company purchases new container equipment from manufacturers to lease to its customers. The Company also purchases used container equipment through sale-leaseback transactions with its customers, or equipment that was previously owned by one of the Company's third party investors. Used equipment is typically purchased with an existing lease in place. Container rental equipment is recorded at original cost and depreciated to an estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life. The estimated useful lives and residual values of the Company’s container equipment are based on historical disposal experience and the Company’s expectations for future used container sale prices. Depreciation estimates are reviewed on a regular basis to determine whether sustained changes have taken place in the useful lives of equipment or the assigned residual values, which would suggest that a change in depreciation estimates is warranted. After the Company conducted its regular depreciation policy review for 2016 , it concluded that a change in the estimated residual value for 40-foot high cube dry van containers from $1,650 to $1,400 per container, effective July 1, 2016, was appropriate. The change increased the Company’s depreciation expense by $4.4 million and $5.4 million , decreased net income by $4.3 million and $5.2 million , and decreased diluted earnings per share by $0.22 and $0.27 , for the years ended December 31 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively . No change to residual values was considered necessary during the year ended December 31, 2017. The estimated useful lives and residual values for the majority of the Company's container equipment purchased new from the factory are as follows:     Depreciable Life  Residual Value in Years  20-ft. standard dry van container $ 1,050 13.0  40-ft. standard dry van container $ 1,300 13.0  40-ft. high cube dry van container $ 1,400 13.0  20-ft. refrigerated container $ 2,750 12.0  40-ft. high cube refrigerated container $ 3,500 12.0  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. For used container equipment acquired through sale-leaseback transactions, we often adjust our estimates for remaining useful life and residual values based on current conditions in the sale market for older containers and our expectations for how long the equipment will remain on-hire to the current lessee. Rail Railcar equipment is recorded at original cost and depreciated over its estimated useful life of 43 years to its estimated residual value of $8,700 using the straight-line method. The useful life is based on an estimate of the period over which the asset will generate revenue for the Company. Residual value is based on the average estimated scrap value of the Company’s railcars. The Company periodically reviews the appropriateness of its estimates of useful life and residual value based on changes in economic circumstances and other factors. The Company’s railcars may undergo refurbishment and upgrade programs to, for example, extend their useful life, meet higher car classification grades, enter new product or service segments, increase the tonnage carried, or to achieve higher utilization. The costs for these programs are capitalized. Normal repairs and maintenance associated with the Company’s railcar assets are expensed as incurred.
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 related 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. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the market conditions for certain off-lease containers changed which resulted in their carrying value exceeding their fair value. The fair value was estimated based on recent gross sales proceeds for sales of similar containers and management’s judgment of market conditions. The resulting impairment charge of $24.5 million relating to the container leasing segment is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statement of income. No impairment charges were recorded in 201 7 and 201 6 .
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 and tradenames 2 - 3 years Customer relationships 5 - 8 years 
Goodwill	(g ) Goodwill In connection with the acquisition s of CAI Logistics in 2015 and Challenger and Hybrid in 2016, the Company recorded $15. 8 million of goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. The Company assesses qualitative factors such as industry and market considerations, overall financial performance and other relevant events and factors affecting a reporting unit to determine if it is more likely than not that impairment may exist and whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. This involves comparing the fair value to the carrying value of each reporting unit that has goodwill assigned to it. The Company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value. The Company performed the annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of 201 7 and concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill.
Direct Finance Leases	( h ) Direct 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 Issuance Costs	( i ) Debt Issuance Costs To the extent that the Company is required to pay issuance fees or direct costs relating to its debt and credit facilities, such fees are amortized over the lives of the related debt using the effective interest method and reflected in interest expense.
Foreign Currency Translation	( j ) 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	( k ) Accounts Receivable Amounts billed under leases for equipment owned by the Company, as well as amounts due from customers for the provision of logistics services, are recorded in accounts receivable. 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 or more 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 company’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. Amounts billed under leases for equipment owned by third-party investors are also recorded in accounts receivable 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. Accounts receivable attributable to the managed fleet included in accounts receivable as of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 was $2.3 million and $5.1 million , respectively.
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 expen se (see Note 12).
Revenue Recognition	( m ) Revenue Recognition The Company provides a range of services to its customers incorporating rental, sale and management of equipment and the provision of logistics services. Revenue for all forms of service is recognized when earned following the guidelines under FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and FASB ASC Topic 840, Leases . Revenue is reported net of any related sales tax. Container and Rail Lease Revenue The Company recognizes revenue from operating l ease s of its owned equipment as earned over the term of the lease. Where minimum lease payments vary over the lease term, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Company recognizes revenue on a cash basis for certain railcar leases that are billed on an hourly or mileage basis through a third-party railcar manager. Early termination of the rental contracts subjects the lessee to a penalty, which is included in lease revenue upon such termination. Finance lease income is recognized using the effective interest method, which generates a constant rate of interest over the period of the lease. Included in lease 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. Also included in lease revenue is 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. 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. Logistics Revenue The Company’s logistics business derives its revenue from three principal sources: (1) truck brokerage services, (2) intermodal transportation services, and (3) international ocean freight and freight forwarding services. The Company recognizes logistics revenue when these services are provided to its customers. For truck brokerage services, revenue is recognized when delivery has been completed, due to the short transit time related to these services. Intermodal transportation services can take a longer time to complete; for any such services not completed at the end of a reporting period, a percentage of completion method is used to allocate the appropriate revenue to each separate reporting period using relative transit time. The Company provides international freight forwarding services as an indirect carrier, sometimes referred to as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). When the Company acts as an NVOCC with respect to shipments of freight, a House Ocean Bill of Lading (HOBL) is typically issued to the customer. Based upon the terms in the contract of carriage (the HOBL), revenue and purchased transportation costs for these shipments are recognized at the time the freight departs the terminal of origin, which is when the customer is billed and the Company has no further obligation to the customer. The Company reports logistics revenue on a gross basis as it is the primary obligor and responsible for providing the services desired by the customer. The Company is responsible for fulfillment, including the acceptability of the service, and has discretion in setting sales prices and as a result, its earnings may vary. The Company also has discretion in selecting vendors from multiple suppliers for the services ordered by the customers. Lastly, the Company has credit risk for the related receivables.
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 Topic 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 ba sis (see Note 11). The company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
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	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09) to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions to employees . The new standard requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the statement of income as a component of the provision for income taxes when stock awards vest or are settled. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to reclassify cash flows related to excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The standard also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. Accordingly, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation are now reflected in the consolidated statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes, whereas they were previously recognized in equity. The Company also elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the Company recognized $1.0 million in deferred tax assets associated with excess tax benefits not previously recognized in deferred taxes as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017. Adoption of the new standard also resulted in a benefit of $1.8 million on our provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company elected to adopt the aspects of the standard affecting cash flow presentation prospectively, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04), which eliminates step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value up to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2017. Adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Summary Of Significant Accoun30

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Rental Equipment Useful Lives and Residual Value	   Depreciable Life  Residual Value in Years  20-ft. standard dry van container $ 1,050 13.0  40-ft. standard dry van container $ 1,300 13.0  40-ft. high cube dry van container $ 1,400 13.0  20-ft. refrigerated container $ 2,750 12.0  40-ft. high cube refrigerated container $ 3,500 12.0 
Schedule Of Estimated Useful Lives	  Trademarks and tradenames 2 - 3 years Customer relationships 5 - 8 years 

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Contingent Consideration Liability	  2017  January 1 $ 2,211  Net decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration  included in Administrative expenses (2,211)  December 31 $ - 

Rental Equipment (Tables)

Rental Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rental Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule Of Rental Equipment	  December 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Dry containers $ 1,533,063 $ 1,322,508  Refrigerated containers 345,744 350,776  Other specialized equipment 160,529 164,934  Railcars 471,171 389,945  2,510,507 2,228,163  Accumulated depreciation (505,546) (421,153)  Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation $ 2,004,961 $ 1,807,010 

Net Investment In Direct Fina33

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]
Components Of Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases	   December 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Gross finance lease receivables (1) $ 412,489 $ 123,563  Unearned income (2) (135,976) (23,022)  Net investment in direct finance leases $ 276,513 $ 100,541 (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 receivables are reduced as customer payments are received. There was $34.4 million and $2.1 million unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.  (2) The difference between the gross finance lease receivables 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, 2017 and 2016. 
Gross Finance Lease Receivables By Customer Categories	   December 31, December 31,  2017 2016  Tier 1 $ 366,629 $ 74,777  Tier 2 45,860 48,786  Tier 3 - -  $ 412,489 $ 123,563 
Contractual Maturities Of Gross Finance Lease Receivables	   2018 $ 53,102  2019 67,539  2020 38,387  2021 38,358  2022 31,127  2023 and thereafter 183,976  $ 412,489 

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets	   Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount  December 31, 2017  Trademarks and tradenames $ 1,786 $ (1,411) $ 375  Customer relationships 9,344 (1,996) 7,348  $ 11,130 $ (3,407) $ 7,723  December 31, 2016  Trademarks and tradenames $ 3,028 $ (1,850) $ 1,178  Customer relationships 9,344 (831) 8,513  $ 12,372 $ (2,681) $ 9,691 
Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Expenses	   2018 $ 1,984  2019 1,609  2020 1,609  2021 1,518  2022 474  2023 and thereafter 529  $ 7,723 

Equipment Leases (Tables)

Equipment Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equipment Leases [Abstract]
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rents Receivable	   2018 $ 174,369  2019 128,418  2020 98,614  2021 76,239  2022 54,290  2023 and thereafter 175,068  $ 706,998 

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Debt	   December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Outstanding Average Outstanding Average  Reference Current Long-term Interest Current Long-term Interest Maturity  (a)(i) Revolving credit facility $ - $ 528,000 3.2% $ - $ 526,000 2.5% March 2020  (a)(ii) Revolving credit facility - Rail - 272,000 3.2% - 223,500 2.4% October 2020  (a)(iii) Revolving credit facility - Euro - 14,736 2.0% - - 0.0% September 2020  (b)(i) Term loan 21,900 - 3.4% 1,800 21,900 2.9% April 2018  (b)(ii) Term loan 9,000 111,750 3.1% 9,000 120,750 2.3% October 2019  (b)(iii) Term loan 7,000 82,500 3.3% 7,000 89,500 2.5% June 2021  (b)(iv) Term loan 1,198 16,524 3.4% 1,158 17,723 3.4% December 2020  (b)(v) Term loan 2,805 43,560 3.6% 2,705 46,365 3.6% August 2021  (c) Senior secured notes 6,110 58,885 4.9% 6,110 64,995 4.9% September 2022  (d) Asset-backed notes 65,307 377,984 3.5% 40,000 202,875 3.4% June 2042  (e) Collateralized financing obligations 22,549 69,441 1.2% 28,693 71,346 1.1% December 2020  (f) Term loans held by VIE - 3,286 2.7% 2,287 3,541 2.5% June 2019  135,869 1,578,666 98,753 1,388,495  Debt issuance costs (3,820) (7,893) (3,226) (7,996)  Total Debt $ 132,049 $ 1,570,773 $ 95,527 $ 1,380,499 
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	   2018 $ 9,220  2019 8,920  2020 8,621  2021 8,322  2022 42,467  77,550  Less: Amount representing interest (12,555)  Senior secured notes $ 64,995 
Asset Backed Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	   2018 $ 79,862  2019 77,585  2020 75,309  2021 73,032  2022 67,910  2023 and thereafter 129,086  502,784  Less: Amount representing interest (59,493)  Asset-backed notes $ 443,291 
Collateralized Financing Obligations [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	   2018 $ 22,978  2019 40,840  2020 22,086  2021 8,120  94,024  Less: Amount representing interest (2,034)  Collateralized financing obligations $ 91,990 
Development Bank of Japan [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	   2018 $ 22,268  22,268  Less: Amount representing interest (368)  Term loan $ 21,900 
Consortium of Banks [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	   2018 $ 12,690  2019 114,436  127,126  Less: Amount representing interest (6,376)  Term loan $ 120,750 
Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	   2018 $ 9,923  2019 9,687  2020 9,459  2021 69,628  98,697  Less: Amount representing interest (9,197)  Term loan $ 89,500 
CAI Rail [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	  2018 $ 1,793  2019 1,793  2020 15,793  19,379  Less: Amount representing interest (1,657)  Term loan $ 17,722 
Consortium Of Banks Note Dated August 30 2016 [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	   2018 $ 4,441  2019 4,441  2020 4,441  2021 38,524  51,847  Less: Amount representing interest (5,482)  Term loan $ 46,365 
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	   2018 $ -  2019 3,380  3,380  Less: Amount representing interest (94)  Term loans held by VIE $ 3,286 

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Summary Of Stock Option Activities	   Weighted  Average  Weighted Remaining Aggregate  Average Contractual Intrinsic  Number of Exercise Term Value  Shares Price (in years) (in thousands)  Options outstanding, December 31, 2014 1,420,749 $ 15.67  Options granted 183,000 $ 21.72  Options exercised (414,494) $ 11.45  Options outstanding, December 31, 2015 1,189,255 $ 18.08  Options granted 245,000 $ 7.87  Options forfeited/cancelled (6,000) $ 21.99  Options outstanding, December 31, 2016 1,428,255 $ 16.31  Options granted 230,500 $ 16.80  Options exercised (799,195) $ 16.31  Options outstanding, December 31, 2017 859,560 $ 16.44 7.2 $ 10,210  Options exercisable at December 31, 2017 443,689 $ 17.85 5.9 $ 4,645  Expected to vest after December 31, 2017 415,871 $ 14.94 8.7 $ 5,565 
Summary Of Fair Value Weighted Average Assumptions	   2017 2016 2015  Stock price $ 16.80 $ 7.87 $ 21.72  Exercise price $ 16.80 $ 7.87 $ 21.72   Expected term (years) 5.5 - 6.25 5.5 - 6.25 5.5 - 6.25  Expected volatility (%) 56.4 - 57.5 45.4 - 46.7 39.5 - 41.8  Risk-free interest rate (%) 1.77 - 2.14 1.30 - 1.40 1.85 - 2.00  Dividend yield (%) - - - 
Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity	   Number of Weighted  Shares of Average  Restricted Grant Date  Stock Fair Value  Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2014 42,502 $ 23.87  Restricted stock granted 21,000 $ 21.15  Restricted stock vested (15,477) $ 23.81  Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2015 48,025 $ 22.70  Restricted stock granted 34,500 $ 7.87  Restricted stock vested (14,379) $ 23.61  Restricted stock forfeited (2,344) $ 21.96  Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2016 65,802 $ 14.75  Restricted stock granted 37,414 $ 17.14  Restricted stock vested (24,674) $ 17.83  Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2017 78,542 $ 14.92 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule Of Net Income Before Income Taxes And Non-Controlling Interest	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  U.S. operations $ (2,080) $ 8,996 $ 6,682  Foreign operations 59,279 882 24,305  $ 57,199 $ 9,878 $ 30,987 
Schedule Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Current  Federal $ (531) $ 312 $ (2,083)  State 86 56 (4)  Foreign 531 2,338 1,372  86 2,706 (715)  Deferred  Federal (19,304) 3,090 5,406  State 3,172 238 19  Foreign 1,185 (2,190) (458)  (14,947) 1,138 4,967  Income tax (benefit) expense $ (14,861) $ 3,844 $ 4,252 
Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Computed expected tax expense $ 20,020 $ 3,458 $ 10,845  Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:  Foreign tax differential (19,032) (88) (7,676)  State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit 191 310 220  Change in Federal tax rate (16,945) - -  Subpart F income 683 711 597  Adjustment to contingent consideration (429) (634) -  Increase in uncertain tax positions 61 36 17  Non-deductible stock-based compensation 218 155 134  Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation (1,858) - -  Prior year true-ups 1,894 - -  Change in valuation allowance - (15) (152)  Other 336 (89) 267  $ (14,861) $ 3,844 $ 4,252 
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Deferred Tax Liabilities	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016  Deferred tax assets:  Accounts receivable $ 68 $ 307  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 886 423  Unearned revenue 198 856  Stock-based compensation 744 2,280  Other 89 616  Net operating loss carry forwards 34,758 27,225  Gross deferred tax assets 36,743 31,707  Valuation allowance - -  Net deferred tax assets 36,743 31,707   Deferred tax liabilities:  Intangible assets 1,734 2,946  Depreciation and amortization 65,609 73,305  Foreign deferred tax liabilities 943 760  Deferred subpart F income 4,310 6,500  Gross deferred tax liabilities 72,596 83,511  Net deferred tax liability $ 35,853 $ 51,804 
Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	   Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 220  Increases related to current year tax positions 77  Decreases related to lapsing of statute (31)  Balance at December 31, 2016 266  Increases related to current year tax positions 11  Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 277 

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments	   Office  Facilities  and  Equipment  Year ending December 31:  2018 $ 2,439  2019 1,881  2020 357  2021 329  2022 228  2023 and thereafter 216  $ 5,450 

Segment And Geographic Inform40

Segment And Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment And Geographic Information [Abstract]
Schedule Of Segment Information	  Year Ended December 31, 2017  Container Leasing Rail Leasing Logistics Total  Container lease revenue $ 235,365 $ - $ - $ 235,365  Rail lease revenue - 32,476 - 32,476  Logistics revenue - - 80,552 80,552  Total revenue 235,365 32,476 80,552 348,393  Depreciation of rental equipment 99,753 11,199 - 110,952  Storage, handling and other expenses 15,207 5,615 96 20,918  Logistics transportation costs - - 68,155 68,155  Gain on sale of used rental equipment (5,333) (14) - (5,347)  Administrative expenses 22,925 4,756 15,018 42,699  Total operating expenses 132,552 21,556 83,269 237,377  Operating income (loss) 102,813 10,920 (2,717) 111,016  Net interest expense 41,815 11,237 - 53,052  Other expense 765 - - 765  Total other expenses 42,580 11,237 - 53,817  Net income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest $ 60,233 $ (317) $ (2,717) $ 57,199  Goodwill $ - $ - $ 15,794 $ 15,794  Total assets $ 1,940,997 $ 449,376 $ 40,029 $ 2,430,402  Purchase of rental equipment (1) $ 445,168 $ 56,882 $ - $ 502,050     Year Ended December 31, 2016  Container Leasing Rail Leasing Logistics Total  Container lease revenue $ 202,328 $ - $ - $ 202,328  Rail lease revenue - 30,490 - 30,490  Logistics revenue - - 61,536 61,536  Total revenue 202,328 30,490 61,536 294,354  Depreciation of rental equipment 95,755 9,122 - 104,877  Storage, handling and other expenses 32,465 3,386 11 35,862  Logistics transportation costs - - 51,980 51,980  Loss (gain) on sale of used rental equipment 12,750 33 (112) 12,671  Administrative expenses 20,453 3,759 11,466 35,678  Total operating expenses 161,423 16,300 63,345 241,068  Operating income (loss) 40,905 14,190 (1,809) 53,286  Net interest expense 35,784 6,970 - 42,754  Other expense 654 - - 654  Total other expenses 36,438 6,970 - 43,408  Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest $ 4,467 $ 7,220 $ (1,809) $ 9,878  Goodwill $ - $ - $ 15,794 $ 15,794  Total assets $ 1,638,263 $ 378,059 $ 39,612 $ 2,055,934  Purchase of rental equipment (1) $ 118,374 $ 132,791 $ - $ 251,165     Year Ended December 31, 2015  Container Leasing Rail Leasing Logistics Total  Container lease revenue $ 220,732 $ - $ - $ 220,732  Rail lease revenue - 17,433 - 17,433  Logistics revenue - - 11,502 11,502  Total revenue 220,732 17,433 11,502 249,667  Depreciation of rental equipment 108,996 4,594 - 113,590  Storage, handling and other expenses 27,653 2,540 1 30,194  Logistics transportation costs - - 10,172 10,172  Loss (gain) on sale of used rental equipment 2,276 (1,622) - 654  Administrative expenses 21,969 3,131 2,517 27,617  Total operating expenses 160,894 8,643 12,690 182,227  Operating income (loss) 59,838 8,790 (1,188) 67,440  Net interest expense 33,156 3,109 6 36,271  Other expense 182 - - 182  Total other expenses 33,338 3,109 6 36,453  Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest $ 26,500 $ 5,681 $ (1,194) $ 30,987  Purchase of rental equipment (1) $ 226,469 $ 162,862 $ - $ 389,331  (1) Represents cash disbursements for purchasing of rental equipment as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods indic ated .
Schedule Of Geographic Allocation Of Revenue	  Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  United States $ 120,558 $ 99,824 $ 36,197  France 34,862 29,273 27,603  Switzerland 32,430 19,636 20,215  Korea 20,755 14,904 18,933  Japan 20,388 21,717 26,559  Singapore 19,856 16,172 18,627  Other Europe 45,176 40,170 41,034  Other Asia 43,709 41,473 47,301  Other International 10,659 11,185 13,198  Total revenue $ 348,393 $ 294,354 $ 249,667 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Share	    Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Numerator  Net income attributable to CAI common stockholders used in the calculation  of basic and diluted earnings per share $ 72,060 $ 5,997 $ 26,601  Denominator  Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share 19,253 19,318 20,773  Effect of dilutive securities:  Stock options and restricted stock 354 75 215  Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share 19,607 19,393 20,988   Net income per share attributable to CAI common stockholders:  Basic $ 3.74 $ 0.31 $ 1.28  Diluted $ 3.68 $ 0.31 $ 1.27 

Selected Quarterly Financial 42

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule Of Key Interim Financial Information	   2017 Quarters Ended 2016 Quarters Ended  Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 Mar. 31  Revenue $ 94,034 $ 90,161 $ 82,692 $ 81,506 $ 77,274 $ 78,472 $ 71,642 $ 66,966  Operating expenses 57,631 58,267 57,924 63,555 64,664 71,110 56,784 48,510  Operating income 36,403 31,894 24,768 17,951 12,610 7,362 14,858 18,456  Net income (loss) attributable to  CAI common stockholders 36,563 17,587 12,638 5,272 620 (5,451) 3,711 7,117   Net income (loss) per share attributable  to CAI common stockholders:  Basic $ 1.86 $ 0.92 $ 0.66 $ 0.28 $ 0.03 $ (0.28) $ 0.19 $ 0.36  Diluted $ 1.81 $ 0.90 $ 0.65 $ 0.27 $ 0.03 $ (0.28) $ 0.19 $ 0.36 

The Company And Nature Of Ope43

The Company And Nature Of Operations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
ClearPointt [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition purchase date	Jul. 1, 2015
Acquisition purchase price				$ 4.1
Challenger [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition purchase date	Feb. 1, 2016
Acquisition purchase price			$ 10.8
Hybrid [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition purchase date	Jun. 1, 2016
Acquisition purchase price		$ 12

Summary Of Significant Accoun44

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation expense									$ 110,952,000	$ 104,877,000	$ 113,590,000
Net income									$ 72,060,000	$ 6,034,000	$ 26,735,000
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.81	$ 0.90	$ 0.65	$ 0.27	$ 0.03	$ (0.28)	$ 0.19	$ 0.36	$ 3.68	$ 0.31	$ 1.27
Impairment charges									$ 0	$ 0	$ 24,500,000
Goodwill	$ 15,794,000				$ 15,794,000				15,794,000	15,794,000
Impairment of goodwill									$ 0
Percentage of general reserve on receivables one to thirty days overdue									1.00%
Percentage of reserve on receivables one year overdue									100.00%
Accounts receivable	70,598,000				63,745,000				$ 70,598,000	63,745,000
Maximum period for general reserve with specific maximum percentage									1 year
Unamortized debt issuance cost	11,700,000				11,200,000				$ 11,700,000	11,200,000
Benefit on Provision for Income Taxes									$ 14,861,000	(3,844,000)	(4,252,000)
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									5 years
Residual value	0								$ 0
20-ft. Standard Dry Van Container [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									13 years
Residual value	1,050								$ 1,050
40-ft. Standard Dry Van Container [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									13 years
Residual value	1,300								$ 1,300
40-ft. High Cube Dry Van Container [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									13 years
Residual value	1,400								$ 1,400
20-ft. Refrigerated Container [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									12 years
Residual value	2,750								$ 2,750
40-ft. High Cube Refrigerated Container [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									12 years
Residual value	3,500								$ 3,500
Railcars [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									43 years
Residual value	8,700								$ 8,700
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset	1,000,000								1,000,000
Benefit on Provision for Income Taxes									1,800,000
Managed Fleet [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	2,300,000				5,100,000				2,300,000	5,100,000
Reclassification [Member] | 40-ft. High Cube Dry Van Container [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Residual value	1,400				$ 1,650				1,400	1,650
Depreciation expense									4,400,000	5,400,000
Net income									$ 4,300,000	$ 5,200,000
Earnings Per Share, Diluted									$ 0.22	$ 0.27
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Period for general reserve with specific minimum percentage									1 day
Minimum [Member] | Other Specialized Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									12 years 6 months
Residual value	1,000								$ 1,000
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Period for general reserve with specific minimum percentage									30 days
Maximum [Member] | Other Specialized Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life									15 years
Residual value	$ 3,500								$ 3,500
Retained Earnings [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net income									$ 72,060,000	$ 5,997,000	$ 26,601,000

Summary Of Significant Accoun45

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Rental Equipment Useful Lives and Residual Value) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
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	$ 1,400
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 Accoun46

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Estimated Useful Lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Trademarks And Tradenames [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	2 years
Trademarks And Tradenames [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	8 years

Insurance Receivable And Impa47

Insurance Receivable And Impairment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Days covered of lost lease rental income	180 days
Percentage of containers on lease	92.00%
Recover and repair deductible	$ 500
Lost lease rental income deductible	2,000
Net book value	2,004,961	$ 1,807,010
Insurance receivable	1,900
Dry Containers [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Net book value		3,200
Insurance receivable	7,600	3,800
Proceeds from insurance receivable	9,500
Estimated proceeds	2,200	1,200
Repair costs	1,500
Recovery costs	$ 3,900	$ 2,600

Consolidation Of Variable Int48

Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities As A Non-Controlling Interest (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)item
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Net book value	$ 2,004,961,000	$ 1,807,010,000
Collateralized Financing Obligations [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Long-term debt	92,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Net book value	61,842,000	62,477,000
Cash	20,685,000	$ 30,449,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 3,300,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Containers [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of types of container fund arrangements | item	2
Number of container portfolios sold | item	0	0	0
Net book value	$ 70,000,000
Gain (loss) recognized on initial consolidation of VIEs	0
Carrying value of assets sold	$ 20,500,000	$ 36,200,000	$ 30,400,000

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability		$ 2,211
Goodwill	$ 15,794	15,794
Challenger And Hybrid [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition purchase price		22,800
Contingent consideration liability		6,000
Cash		1,200
Intangible assets		9,900
Net liabilities assumed		1,200
Goodwill		12,900
Challenger And Hybrid [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability		2,100
Challenger And Hybrid [Member] | Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability		$ 100

Acquisitions (Schedule of Conti

Acquisitions (Schedule of Contingent Consideration Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,211
Net decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Administrative expenses	(2,211)	$ (3,789)
Ending Balance		$ 2,211

Rental Equipment (Schedule Of R

Rental Equipment (Schedule Of Rental Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Rental equipment, gross	$ 2,510,507	$ 2,228,163
Accumulated depreciation	(505,546)	(421,153)
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	2,004,961	1,807,010
Dry Containers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Rental equipment, gross	1,533,063	1,322,508
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation		3,200
Refrigerated Containers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Rental equipment, gross	345,744	350,776
Other Specialized Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Rental equipment, gross	160,529	164,934
Railcars [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Rental equipment, gross	471,171	$ 389,945
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 440,800

Net Investment In Direct Fina52

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases (Components Of Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases) (Details) - USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]
Gross finance lease receivables	[1]	$ 412,489,000	$ 123,563,000
Unearned income	[2]	(135,976,000)	(23,022,000)
Net investment in direct finance leases		276,513,000	100,541,000
Unguaranteed residual value		34,400,000	2,100,000
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 receivables are reduced as customer payments are received. There was $34.4 million and $2.1 million unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
[2]	The difference between the gross finance lease receivables 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, 2017 and 2016.

Net Investment In Direct Fina53

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases (Gross Finance Lease Receivables By Customer Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Gross finance lease receivables	[1]	$ 412,489	$ 123,563
Tier 1 [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Gross finance lease receivables		366,629	74,777
Tier 2 [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Gross finance lease receivables		45,860	48,786
Tier 3 [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Gross finance lease receivables
[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 receivables are reduced as customer payments are received. There was $34.4 million and $2.1 million unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Net Investment In Direct Fina54

Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases (Contractual Maturities Of Gross Finance Lease Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Investment In Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]
2,018		$ 53,102
2,019		67,539
2,020		38,387
2,021		38,358
2,022		31,127
2023 and thereafter		183,976
Gross finance lease receivables	[1]	$ 412,489	$ 123,563
[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 receivables are reduced as customer payments are received. There was $34.4 million and $2.1 million unguaranteed residual value at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, included in gross finance lease receivables. There were no executory costs included in gross finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 1,969	$ 1,443	$ 232

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 11,130	$ 12,372
Accumulated Amortization	(3,407)	(2,681)
Net Carrying Amount	7,723	9,691
Trademarks And Tradenames [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,786	3,028
Accumulated Amortization	(1,411)	(1,850)
Net Carrying Amount	375	1,178
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	9,344	9,344
Accumulated Amortization	(1,996)	(831)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 7,348	$ 8,513

Intangible Assets (Schedule O57

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2,018	$ 1,984
2,019	1,609
2,020	1,609
2,021	1,518
2,022	474
2023 and thereafter	529
Net Carrying Amount	$ 7,723	$ 9,691

Equipment Leases (Details)

Equipment Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Equipment Leases [Abstract]
2,018	$ 174,369
2,019	128,418
2,020	98,614
2,021	76,239
2,022	54,290
2023 and thereafter	175,068
Gross operating leases receivable	$ 706,998

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions

Jul. 06, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 28, 2013USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item

Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Oct. 22, 2015USD ($)

Jan. 30, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 25, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 27, 2013USD ($)

Sep. 13, 2012USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Letters of credit outstanding

$ 100,000

$ 100,000

Net book value

2,004,961,000

1,807,010,000

Restricted cash

11,789,000

6,192,000

Railcars [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Net book value

440,800,000

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Net book value

61,842,000

$ 62,477,000

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Containers [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Net book value

$ 70,000,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Mar. 15, 2020

Average interest rate

3.20%

3.20%

2.50%

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Containers [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Net book value

$ 749,700,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CAI Rail [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Oct. 22, 2020

Maximum credit commitment

500,000,000

$ 250,000,000

Maximum credit commitment increase amount

700,000,000

Available borrowing capacity

228,000,000

Available borrowing capacity based on borrowing base and collateral requirements

2,700,000

Net book value

$ 343,400,000

Average interest rate

3.20%

3.20%

2.40%

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Consortium of Banks [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum credit commitment

$ 960,000,000

$ 775,000,000

Available borrowing capacity

431,900,000

Available borrowing capacity based on borrowing base and collateral requirements

95,800,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CAI International GmbH [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Sep. 1, 2020

Maximum credit commitment | €

€ 25

Available borrowing capacity | €

12.7

Available borrowing capacity based on borrowing base and collateral requirements

$ 1,400,000

Net book value | €

€ 18.3

Average interest rate

2.00%

2.00%

0.00%

Standby Letters Of Credit [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum credit commitment

$ 30,000,000

Swing Line Loans [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum credit commitment

25,000,000

Maximum number of business days short term borrowings payable

10 days

Term Loan [Member] | CAI Rail [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Dec. 22, 2020

Long-term debt balance

17,722,000

Principal amount of loan

$ 20,000,000

Term of loan

5 years

Average interest rate

3.40%

3.40%

3.40%

Term Loan [Member] | Development Bank of Japan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Apr. 30, 2018

Long-term debt balance

$ 21,900,000

Principal amount of loan

30,000,000

Term of loan

5 years

Number of quarterly installments | item

19

Proceeds used to repay loan

$ 500,000

Debt instrument final payment

$ 21,500,000

Average interest rate

3.40%

3.40%

2.90%

Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum credit commitment

$ 300,000,000

Long-term debt balance

$ 125,000,000

$ 249,400,000

Term of loan

6 years

Proceeds used to repay loan

124,400,000

Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated October 1, 2014 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Oct. 1, 2019

Maximum credit commitment

$ 150,000,000

$ 115,000,000

Long-term debt balance

$ 120,750,000

Average interest rate

3.10%

3.10%

2.30%

Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Jun. 1, 2021

Maximum credit commitment

$ 142,000,000

Maximum credit commitment increase amount

100,000,000

Long-term debt balance

$ 89,500,000

Term of loan

5 years

Quarterly payments specified as percentage of drawn amount

1.75%

Average interest rate

3.30%

3.30%

2.50%

Term Loan [Member] | Consortium Of Banks Note Dated August 30 2016 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Aug. 1, 2021

Long-term debt balance

$ 46,365,000

Principal amount of loan

100,000,000

Term of loan

5 years

Long-term debt

$ 50,000,000

Average interest rate

3.60%

3.60%

3.60%

Fixed interest rate

3.60%

3.60%

Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Jun. 1, 2019

Long-term debt balance

$ 3,286,000

Long-term debt

$ 3,300,000

Average interest rate

2.70%

2.70%

2.50%

Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Rental Equipment [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Net book value

$ 9,600,000

Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated October 1, 2014 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

1.60%

2.25%

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Sep. 13, 2022

Long-term debt balance

$ 64,995,000

$ 103,000,000

Average interest rate

4.90%

4.90%

4.90%

Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Rental Equipment [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Net book value

$ 85,200,000

Asset Backed Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Jun. 1, 2042

Long-term debt balance

$ 443,291,000

Proceeds from asset backed notes

$ 229,000,000

Average interest rate

3.50%

3.50%

3.40%

Asset Backed Notes [Member] | Rental Equipment [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Net book value

$ 566,100,000

Asset Backed Notes [Member] | Series 2012-1 Asset-Backed Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Oct. 1, 2027

Long-term debt balance

82,700,000

Principal amount of loan

$ 171,000,000

Fixed interest rate

3.47%

3.47%

Asset Backed Notes [Member] | Series 2013-1 Asset-Backed Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Mar. 1, 2028

Long-term debt balance

$ 120,200,000

Principal amount of loan

$ 229,000,000

Fixed interest rate

3.35%

3.35%

Asset Backed Notes [Member] | Class A Asset-Backed Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from asset backed notes

$ 240,900,000

Average interest rate

3.60%

Asset Backed Notes [Member] | Class B Asset-Backed Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Proceeds from asset backed notes

$ 12,200,000

Average interest rate

4.60%

Asset Backed Notes [Member] | Series 2017-01 Asset-Backed Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term debt balance

$ 240,400,000

Collateralized Financing Obligations [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Dec. 1, 2020

Long-term debt balance

91,990,000

Long-term debt

$ 92,000,000

Average interest rate

1.20%

1.20%

1.10%

Maturity date range start

Mar. 1, 2018

Maturity date range end

Dec. 1, 2020

Amortizing Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term debt balance

$ 9,200,000

Term of loan

5 years

Fixed interest rate

2.70%

Non-Amortizing Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term debt balance

$ 1,600,000

Term of loan

5 years

Minimum [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Percentage of aggregate principal to prepay

10.00%

Debt (Schedule Of Debt) (Detail

Debt (Schedule Of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 135,869	$ 98,753
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	1,578,666	1,388,495
Debt issuance costs, Current Outstanding	(3,820)	(3,226)
Debt issuance costs, Long-term Outstanding	(7,893)	(7,996)
Total Debt, Current Outstanding	132,049	95,527
Total Debt, Long-term Outstanding	1,570,773	1,380,499
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt, Current Outstanding	22,549	30,980
Total Debt, Long-term Outstanding	72,727	74,887
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 528,000	$ 526,000
Average Interest	3.20%	2.50%
Maturity	Mar. 15, 2020
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CAI Rail [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 272,000	$ 223,500
Average Interest	3.20%	2.40%
Maturity	Oct. 22, 2020
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | CAI International GmbH [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 14,736
Average Interest	2.00%	0.00%
Maturity	Sep. 1, 2020
Term Loan [Member] | CAI Rail [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 1,198	$ 1,158
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 16,524	$ 17,723
Average Interest	3.40%	3.40%
Maturity	Dec. 22, 2020
Term Loan [Member] | Development Bank of Japan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 21,900	$ 1,800
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding		$ 21,900
Average Interest	3.40%	2.90%
Maturity	Apr. 30, 2018
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated October 1, 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 9,000	$ 9,000
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 111,750	$ 120,750
Average Interest	3.10%	2.30%
Maturity	Oct. 1, 2019
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 7,000	$ 7,000
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 82,500	$ 89,500
Average Interest	3.30%	2.50%
Maturity	Jun. 1, 2021
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium Of Banks Note Dated August 30 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 2,805	$ 2,705
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 43,560	$ 46,365
Average Interest	3.60%	3.60%
Maturity	Aug. 1, 2021
Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding		$ 2,287
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 3,286	$ 3,541
Average Interest	2.70%	2.50%
Maturity	Jun. 1, 2019
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 6,110	$ 6,110
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 58,885	$ 64,995
Average Interest	4.90%	4.90%
Maturity	Sep. 13, 2022
Asset Backed Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 65,307	$ 40,000
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 377,984	$ 202,875
Average Interest	3.50%	3.40%
Maturity	Jun. 1, 2042
Collateralized Financing Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Debt, Current Outstanding	$ 22,549	$ 28,693
Gross Debt, Long-term Outstanding	$ 69,441	$ 71,346
Average Interest	1.20%	1.10%
Maturity	Dec. 1, 2020

Debt (Schedule Of Maturities Of

Debt (Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 13, 2012
Term Loan [Member] | Development Bank of Japan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	$ 22,268
Long term debt including interest	22,268
Less: Amount representing interest	(368)
Long-term Debt, Total	21,900
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated October 1, 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	12,690
2,019	114,436
Long term debt including interest	127,126
Less: Amount representing interest	(6,376)
Long-term Debt, Total	120,750
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium of Banks, Note Dated April 11, 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	9,923
2,019	9,687
2,020	9,459
2,021	69,628
Long term debt including interest	98,697
Less: Amount representing interest	(9,197)
Long-term Debt, Total	89,500
Term Loan [Member] | CAI Rail [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	1,793
2,019	1,793
2,020	15,793
Long term debt including interest	19,379
Less: Amount representing interest	(1,657)
Long-term Debt, Total	17,722
Term Loan [Member] | Consortium Of Banks Note Dated August 30 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	4,441
2,019	4,441
2,020	4,441
2,021	38,524
Long term debt including interest	51,847
Less: Amount representing interest	(5,482)
Long-term Debt, Total	46,365
Term Loan [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,019	3,380
Long term debt including interest	3,380
Less: Amount representing interest	(94)
Long-term Debt, Total	3,286
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	9,220
2,019	8,920
2,020	8,621
2,021	8,322
2,022	42,467
Long term debt including interest	77,550
Less: Amount representing interest	(12,555)
Long-term Debt, Total	64,995	$ 103,000
Asset Backed Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	79,862
2,019	77,585
2,020	75,309
2,021	73,032
2,022	67,910
2023 and thereafter	129,086
Long term debt including interest	502,784
Less: Amount representing interest	(59,493)
Long-term Debt, Total	443,291
Collateralized Financing Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	22,978
2,019	40,840
2,020	22,086
2,021	8,120
Long term debt including interest	94,024
Less: Amount representing interest	(2,034)
Long-term Debt, Total	$ 91,990

Stock-Based Compensation Plan62

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options available for grant	3,421,980
Contractual term	10 years
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 11,700		$ 4,900
Closing price per share	$ 28.32
Stock-based compensation expense recorded	$ 1,600	$ 1,300	1,500
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation cost	$ 2,500
Stock-based compensation cost recognition period	2 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 10,210
Fair value of stock options granted	$ 2,100	$ 900	$ 1,700
Fair value of stock options granted per share	$ 9.16	$ 3.55	$ 9.20
Estimated forfeiture on options granted	0	0	0
Stock Options [Member] | Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards	4 years
Stock Options [Member] | Employees [Member] | Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	25.00%
Stock Options [Member] | Employees [Member] | Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	2.083%
Stock Options [Member] | Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards	1 year
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards	4 years
Stock-based compensation expense recorded	$ 500	$ 400	$ 400
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation cost	$ 800
Stock-based compensation cost recognition period	2 years 6 months

Stock-Based Compensation Plan63

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Summary Of Stock Option Activities) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding at beginning of period, Number of Shares	1,428,255	1,189,255	1,420,749
Options granted, Number of Shares	230,500	245,000	183,000
Options exercised, Number of Shares	(799,195)		(414,494)
Options forfeited/cancelled, Number of Shares		(6,000)
Options outstanding at end of period, Number of Shares	859,560	1,428,255	1,189,255
Options exercisable, Number of Shares	443,689
Expected to vest after end of period, Number of Shares	415,871
Options outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 16.31	$ 18.08	$ 15.67
Options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	16.80	7.87	21.72
Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	16.31		11.45
Options forfeited/cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price		21.99
Options outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	16.44	$ 16.31	$ 18.08
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	17.85
Expected to vest after end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 14.94
Weighted average remaining term	7 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average remaining term	5 years 10 months 24 days
Expected to vest after end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	8 years 8 months 12 days
Options outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)	$ 10,210
Options exercisable at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)	4,645
Expected to vest after end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)	$ 5,565

Stock-Based Compensation Plan64

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Summary Of Fair Value Weighted Average Assumptions) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock price	$ 16.80	$ 7.87	$ 21.72
Exercise price	$ 16.80	$ 7.87	$ 21.72
Dividend yield
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months
Expected volatility	56.40%	45.40%	39.50%
Risk-free interest rate	1.77%	1.30%	1.85%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months
Expected volatility	57.50%	46.70%	41.80%
Risk-free interest rate	2.14%	1.40%	2.00%

Stock-Based Compensation Plan65

Stock-Based Compensation Plan (Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock outstanding, Beginning balance, Number of Shares of Restricted Stock	65,802	48,025	42,502
Restricted stock granted, Number of Shares of Restricted Stock	37,414	34,500	21,000
Restricted stock vested, Number of Shares of Restricted Stock	(24,674)	(14,379)	(15,477)
Restricted stock forfeited, Number of Shares of Restricted Stock		(2,344)
Restricted stock outstanding, Ending balance, Number of Shares of Restricted Stock	78,542	65,802	48,025
Restricted stock outstanding, Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 14.75	$ 22.70	$ 23.87
Restricted stock granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	17.14	7.87	21.15
Restricted stock vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	17.83	23.61	23.81
Restricted stock forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		21.96
Restricted stock outstanding, Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 14.92	$ 14.75	$ 22.70

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S federal income tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, federal tax rate		21.00%
Net tax benefit from U.S. Tax Cuts and Job Act		$ 16,900
Effective tax rate favorably affected by U.S. Tax Cuts and Job Act		29.60%
Undistributed foreign earnings		$ 28,300
Income taxes if foreign earnings repatriated		$ 200
Minimum percentage realization for recognition of income tax position		50.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits		$ 277	$ 266	$ 220
Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate		300
Accrued potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits		100	$ 100
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S federal income tax rate	21.00%
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards		$ 136,900
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date		Dec. 31, 2035
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards		$ 33,200
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date		Dec. 31, 2017
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards		$ 93,200
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date		Dec. 31, 2029
Earliest Tax Year [Member] | Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax years subject to examinations by tax authorities		2,014
Earliest Tax Year [Member] | State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax years subject to examinations by tax authorities		2,013
Earliest Tax Year [Member] | Barbados Revenue Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax years subject to examinations by tax authorities		2,008
Latest Tax Year [Member] | Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax years subject to examinations by tax authorities		2,016
Latest Tax Year [Member] | State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax years subject to examinations by tax authorities		2,016
Latest Tax Year [Member] | Barbados Revenue Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax years subject to examinations by tax authorities		2,016
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset		$ 1,000

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Net I

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Net Income Before Income Taxes And Non-Controlling Interest) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S. operations	$ (2,080)	$ 8,996	$ 6,682
Foreign operations	59,279	882	24,305
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest	$ 57,199	$ 9,878	$ 30,987

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal	$ (531)	$ 312	$ (2,083)
State	86	56	(4)
Foreign	531	2,338	1,372
Current income tax expense (benefit)	86	2,706	(715)
Federal	(19,304)	3,090	5,406
State	3,172	238	19
Foreign	1,185	(2,190)	(458)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(14,947)	1,138	4,967
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ (14,861)	$ 3,844	$ 4,252

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Effec

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed expected tax expense	$ 20,020	$ 3,458	$ 10,845
Foreign tax differential	(19,032)	(88)	(7,676)
State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit	191	310	220
Change in Federal tax rate	(16,945)
Subpart F income	683	711	597
Adjustment to contingent consideration	(429)	(634)
Increase in uncertain tax positions	61	36	17
Non-deductible stock-based compensation	218	155	134
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation	(1,858)
Prior year true-ups	1,894
Change in valuation allowance		(15)	(152)
Other	336	(89)	267
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ (14,861)	$ 3,844	$ 4,252

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Deferred Tax Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 68	$ 307
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	886	423
Unearned revenue	198	856
Stock-based compensation	744	2,280
Other	89	616
Net operating loss carry forwards	34,758	27,225
Gross deferred tax assets	36,743	31,707
Net deferred tax assets	36,743	31,707
Intangible assets	1,734	2,946
Depreciation and amortization	65,609	73,305
Foreign deferred tax liabilities	943	760
Deferred subpart F income	4,310	6,500
Gross deferred tax liabilities	72,596	83,511
Net deferred tax liability	$ 35,853	$ 51,804

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 266	$ 220
Increases related to current year tax positions	11	77
Decreases related to lapsing of statute		(31)
Ending balance	$ 277	$ 266

Fair Value Of Financial Instr72

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability		$ 2,211
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net investment in direct finance leases	276,500
Carrying Amount [Member] | Collateralized Financing Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	92,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	814,700
Carrying Amount [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	296,200
Carrying Amount [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	65,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | Asset Backed Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	443,300
Carrying Amount [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	3,300
Fair Value [Member] | Collateralized Financing Obligations [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	93,500
Fair Value [Member] | Asset Backed Notes [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 441,600

Commitments And Contingencies73

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Lease term	5 years
Office facility expense	$ 2,000	$ 1,700	$ 1,500
Number of outstanding letters of credit | item	1	1
Outstanding letter of credit	$ 100	$ 100
Rental equipment payable	92,415	$ 25,207
Future minimum lease payments under operating lease agreements	5,450
Containers [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Commitments to purchase rental equipment	17,600
Railcars [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Commitments to purchase rental equipment	$ 88,700

Commitments And Contingencies74

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2,018	$ 2,439
2,019	1,881
2,020	357
2,021	329
2,022	228
2023 and thereafter	216
Future minimum lease payments under operating lease agreements	$ 5,450

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - CAIJ [Member]	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent	80.00%
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling interest	20.00%

Capital Stock (Details)

Capital Stock (Details) - USD ($)	May 12, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Maximum amount receivable from sale of securities under shelf registration	$ 300,000,000
Maximum limit of shares sold by stockholders	3,000,000
Authorized number of shares for issuance in offering program				2,000,000
Issuance of common stock		888,453
Proceeds from issuance of stock, gross		$ 30,000,000
Payments of sales commissions		600,000
Payments of other offering related expenses		300,000
Proceeds from issuance of stock		$ 29,100,000	$ 28,028,000
Remaining number of shares for issuance in offering program		1,100,000	1,100,000

Segment And Geographic Inform77

Segment And Geographic Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 94,034	$ 90,161	$ 82,692	$ 81,506	$ 77,274	$ 78,472	$ 71,642	$ 66,966	$ 348,393	$ 294,354	$ 249,667
Net book value	2,004,961				$ 1,807,010				2,004,961	$ 1,807,010
Railcars [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net book value	$ 440,800								$ 440,800

Segment And Geographic Inform78

Segment And Geographic Information (Schedule Of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Container lease income										$ 235,365	$ 202,328	$ 220,732
Rail lease income										32,476	30,490	17,433
Logistics revenue										80,552	61,536	11,502
Total revenue		$ 94,034	$ 90,161	$ 82,692	$ 81,506	$ 77,274	$ 78,472	$ 71,642	$ 66,966	348,393	294,354	249,667
Depreciation of rental equipment										110,952	104,877	113,590
Storage, handling and other expenses										20,918	35,862	30,194
Logistics transportation costs										68,155	51,980	10,172
Loss (gain) on sale of used rental equipment										(5,347)	12,671	654
Administrative expenses										42,699	35,678	27,617
Total operating expenses		57,631	58,267	57,924	63,555	64,664	71,110	56,784	48,510	237,377	241,068	182,227
Operating income		36,403	$ 31,894	$ 24,768	$ 17,951	12,610	$ 7,362	$ 14,858	$ 18,456	111,016	53,286	67,440
Net interest expense										53,052	42,754	36,271
Other expense										765	654	182
Total other expenses										53,817	43,408	36,453
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest										57,199	9,878	30,987
Goodwill		15,794				15,794				15,794	15,794
Total assets	[1]	2,430,402				2,055,934				2,430,402	2,055,934
Purchase of rental equipment	[2]									502,050	251,165	389,331
Inter-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0
Operating Segments [Member] | Container Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Container lease income										235,365	202,328	220,732
Total revenue										235,365	202,328	220,732
Depreciation of rental equipment										99,753	95,755	108,996
Storage, handling and other expenses										15,207	32,465	27,653
Loss (gain) on sale of used rental equipment										(5,333)	12,750	2,276
Administrative expenses										22,925	20,453	21,969
Total operating expenses										132,552	161,423	160,894
Operating income										102,813	40,905	59,838
Net interest expense										41,815	35,784	33,156
Other expense										765	654	182
Total other expenses										42,580	36,438	33,338
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest										60,233	4,467	26,500
Total assets		1,940,997				1,638,263				1,940,997	1,638,263
Purchase of rental equipment	[2]									445,168	118,374	226,469
Operating Segments [Member] | Rail Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rail lease income										32,476	30,490	17,433
Total revenue										32,476	30,490	17,433
Depreciation of rental equipment										11,199	9,122	4,594
Storage, handling and other expenses										5,615	3,386	2,540
Loss (gain) on sale of used rental equipment										(14)	33	(1,622)
Administrative expenses										4,756	3,759	3,131
Total operating expenses										21,556	16,300	8,643
Operating income										10,920	14,190	8,790
Net interest expense										11,237	6,970	3,109
Total other expenses										11,237	6,970	3,109
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest										(317)	7,220	5,681
Total assets		449,376				378,059				449,376	378,059
Purchase of rental equipment	[2]									56,882	132,791	162,862
Operating Segments [Member] | Logistics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Container lease income
Rail lease income
Logistics revenue										80,552	61,536	11,502
Total revenue										80,552	61,536	11,502
Depreciation of rental equipment
Storage, handling and other expenses										96	11	1
Logistics transportation costs										68,155	51,980	10,172
Loss (gain) on sale of used rental equipment											(112)
Administrative expenses										15,018	11,466	2,517
Total operating expenses										83,269	63,345	12,690
Operating income										(2,717)	(1,809)	(1,188)
Net interest expense												6
Other expense
Total other expenses												6
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest										(2,717)	(1,809)	(1,194)
Goodwill		15,794				15,794				15,794	15,794
Total assets		$ 40,029				$ 39,612				$ 40,029	39,612
Purchase of rental equipment	[2]
[1]	Total assets at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 include the following assets of certain variable interest entities (VIEs) that can only be used to settle the liabilities of those VIEs: Cash, $20,685 and $30,449; Net investment in direct finance leases, $4,423 and $7,331; and Rental equipment net of accumulated depreciation, $61,842 and $62,477, respectively.
[2]	Represents cash disbursements for purchasing of rental equipment as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods indicated

Segment And Geographic Inform79

Segment And Geographic Information (Schedule Of Geographic Allocation Of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 94,034	$ 90,161	$ 82,692	$ 81,506	$ 77,274	$ 78,472	$ 71,642	$ 66,966	$ 348,393	$ 294,354	$ 249,667
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									120,558	99,824	36,197
France [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									34,862	29,273	27,603
Switzerland [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									32,430	19,636	20,215
Korea [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									20,755	14,904	18,933
Japan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									20,388	21,717	26,559
Singapore [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									19,856	16,172	18,627
Other Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									45,176	40,170	41,034
Other Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									43,709	41,473	47,301
Other International [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									$ 10,659	$ 11,185	$ 13,198

Revenue Concentration (Details)

Revenue Concentration (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 94,034	$ 90,161	$ 82,692	$ 81,506	$ 77,274	$ 78,472	$ 71,642	$ 66,966	$ 348,393	$ 294,354	$ 249,667
Ten Largest Container Lessees [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Total Revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of major customers | item									10
Percentage of operations comprised by segment									44.50%	41.50%	51.90%
Single Largest Container Lessee [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Total Revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of operations comprised by segment									10.80%	10.80%	11.60%
Revenues									$ 37,500	$ 31,700	$ 29,000
Second Largest Container Lessee [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Total Revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of operations comprised by segment									10.00%	7.00%	8.40%
Revenues									$ 34,700	$ 20,600	$ 21,100

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities having antidilutive effect	458,857	1,135,711	763,847

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to CAI common stockholders used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 36,563	$ 17,587	$ 12,638	$ 5,272	$ 620	$ (5,451)	$ 3,711	$ 7,117	$ 72,060	$ 5,997	$ 26,601
Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share									19,253	19,318	20,773
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock									354	75	215
Weighted-average shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share									19,607	19,393	20,988
Basic	$ 1.86	$ 0.92	$ 0.66	$ 0.28	$ 0.03	$ (0.28)	$ 0.19	$ 0.36	$ 3.74	$ 0.31	$ 1.28
Diluted	$ 1.81	$ 0.90	$ 0.65	$ 0.27	$ 0.03	$ (0.28)	$ 0.19	$ 0.36	$ 3.68	$ 0.31	$ 1.27

Selected Quarterly Financial 83

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 94,034	$ 90,161	$ 82,692	$ 81,506	$ 77,274	$ 78,472	$ 71,642	$ 66,966	$ 348,393	$ 294,354	$ 249,667
Operating expenses	57,631	58,267	57,924	63,555	64,664	71,110	56,784	48,510	237,377	241,068	182,227
Operating (loss) income	36,403	31,894	24,768	17,951	12,610	7,362	14,858	18,456	111,016	53,286	67,440
Net (loss) income attributable to CAI common stockholders	$ 36,563	$ 17,587	$ 12,638	$ 5,272	$ 620	$ (5,451)	$ 3,711	$ 7,117	$ 72,060	$ 5,997	$ 26,601
Net (loss) income per basic share attributable to CAI common stockholders	$ 1.86	$ 0.92	$ 0.66	$ 0.28	$ 0.03	$ (0.28)	$ 0.19	$ 0.36	$ 3.74	$ 0.31	$ 1.28
Net (loss) income per diluted share attributable to CAI common stockholders	$ 1.81	$ 0.90	$ 0.65	$ 0.27	$ 0.03	$ (0.28)	$ 0.19	$ 0.36	$ 3.68	$ 0.31	$ 1.27

Schedule II Valuation Accounts

Schedule II Valuation Accounts (Details) - Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 1,340	$ 548	$ 680
Net Additions to Expense		402	3,151	448
Deductions	[1]	(302)	(2,359)	(580)
Balance at End of Period		$ 1,440	$ 1,340	$ 548
[1]	Primarily consists of write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments