Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 114,732	$ 15,839
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4,545	(9,752)
Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(2,797)	3,175
Change in unrealized appreciation on marketable securities	17	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	1,765	(6,577)
Comprehensive Income	116,497	9,262
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,578)	(1,708)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	336	1,789
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,242)	81
Amounts Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(262)	50
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6	23
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(256)	73
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 114,999	$ 9,416

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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