Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments in real estate:
Real estates, at cost attributable to consolidated VIEs	$ 4,487,928	$ 2,516,325
Operating real estate, at cost attributable to VIEs	84,494	6,024
Accumulated depreciation attributable to consolidated VIEs	193,370	168,958
Net investments in direct financing leases	898,335	363,420
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	198,947	117,519
In-place lease, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	997,520	467,127
Above-market rent, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	595,430	241,975
Other assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	255,489	136,433
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt attributable to consolidated VIEs	2,961,999	1,492,410
Below-market rent and other intangible liabilities, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	182,741	128,202
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities attributable to consolidated VIEs	291,038	166,385
Deferred income taxes attributable to consolidated VIEs	89,250	39,040
W. P. Carey stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, per share value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	100,392,711	69,299,949
Common stock, shares outstanding	99,348,295	68,266,570
Preferred stock, par share value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Treasury stock, shares	1,044,416	1,033,379
Variable Interest Entity
Investments in real estate:
Real estates, at cost attributable to consolidated VIEs	243,429	78,782
Operating real estate, at cost attributable to VIEs	38,714	0
Accumulated depreciation attributable to consolidated VIEs	19,727	18,238
Net investments in direct financing leases	65,560	18,089
Cash and cash equivalents attributable to consolidated VIEs	2,003	37
In-place lease, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	36,012	3,385
Above-market rent, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	15,224	2,544
Other assets, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	21,568	4,246
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt attributable to consolidated VIEs	152,223	29,042
Below-market rent and other intangible liabilities, net attributable to consolidated VIEs	11,665	3,481
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities attributable to consolidated VIEs	8,234	2,988
Deferred income taxes attributable to consolidated VIEs	$ 854	$ 0