Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 132,165	$ 62,779	$ 139,138
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	21,835	7,809	(1,796)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	20	(2,262)	(3,588)
Change in unrealized depreciation on marketable securities	0	(7)	(11)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	21,855	5,540	(5,395)
Comprehensive Income	154,020	68,319	133,743
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(32,936)	(607)	1,864
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,883)	(1,676)	346
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(34,819)	(2,283)	2,210
Amounts Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(353)	(40)	(1,923)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	13	(6)	5
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(340)	(46)	(1,918)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 118,861	$ 65,990	$ 134,035