Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 28,316	$ 21,650	$ 211,303	$ 83,305
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(55,096)	17,675	(52,140)	13,017
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	16,151	(4,013)	11,587	1,242
Change in unrealized loss on marketable securities	(12)	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(38,957)	13,662	(40,553)	14,259
Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(10,641)	35,312	170,750	97,564
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(993)	(2,912)	(4,914)	(7,312)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,504	(2,031)	3,951	(984)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,511	(4,943)	(963)	(8,296)
Amounts Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	14	(232)	(137)	(139)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(32)	(21)	(5)	0
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(18)	(253)	(142)	(139)
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ (8,148)	$ 30,116	$ 169,645	$ 89,129