Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments in real estate:
Real estates, at cost attributable to consolidated VIEs	$ 2,516,325	$ 2,334,488
Operating real estate, at cost	6,024	99,703
Accumulated depreciation attributable to consolidated VIEs	168,958	136,068
Net investments in direct financing leases	363,420	376,005
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	117,519	123,904
In-place lease, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	467,127	447,278
Above-market rent, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	241,975	279,885
Other assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	136,433	151,642
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt attributable to consolidated VIEs	1,492,410	1,715,397
Below-market rent and other intangible liabilities attributable to consolidated VIEs	128,202	106,448
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities attributable to consolidated VIEs	161,369	158,684
W. P. Carey stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, per share value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, issued	69,299,949	68,901,933
Common stock, outstanding	68,266,570	68,485,525
Preferred stock, par share value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, share authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Treasury stock, shares	1,033,379	416,408
Variable Interest Entity
Investments in real estate:
Real estates, at cost attributable to consolidated VIEs	78,782	78,745
Accumulated depreciation attributable to consolidated VIEs	18,238	16,110
Net investments in direct financing leases	18,089	23,921
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	37	17
In-place lease, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	3,385	3,823
Above-market rent, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	2,544	2,773
Other assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	4,246	4,529
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt attributable to consolidated VIEs	29,042	30,326
Below-market rent and other intangible liabilities attributable to consolidated VIEs	3,481	3,887
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities attributable to consolidated VIEs	$ 2,988	$ 3,772