Stock-Based Compensation and Equity (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 112,892	$ 14,181
Allocation of distribution equivalents paid on unvested RSUs and RSAs in excess of income	(482)	(105)
Net Income - basic	112,410	14,076
Income effect of dilutive securities, net of taxes	141	(27)
Net Income - diluted	$ 112,551	$ 14,049
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	89,366,055	68,967,209
Effect of dilutive securities	1,009,256	1,008,084
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	90,375,311	69,975,293
Anti-dilutive shares	118,397	0