| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | AIR LEASE CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001487712 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35121 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-1840403 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2000 Avenue of the Stars |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1000N |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Los Angeles |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 90067 |
| City Area Code | (310) |
| Local Phone Number | 553-0555 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | AL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 6.150% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A |
| Trading Symbol | AL PRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
