Stock-Based Compensation and Equity (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 27,337	$ 18,506	$ 206,252	$ 75,854
Allocation of distribution equivalents paid on unvested RSUs and RSAs in excess of income	(113)	(139)	(849)	(570)
Net Income - basic	27,224	18,367	205,403	75,284
Income effect of dilutive securities, net of taxes	(8)	128	74	77
Net Income - diluted	$ 27,216	$ 18,495	$ 205,477	$ 75,361
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	100,282,082	68,397,176	96,690,675	68,719,264
Effect of dilutive securities	848,366	1,003,649	1,038,306	1,127,056
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	101,130,448	69,400,825	97,728,981	69,846,320
Anti-dilutive shares	0	105,920	0	0