Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 66,702	$ 68,796
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(52,200)	(173)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments	12,849	1,949
Unrealized gain on investments	0	537
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(39,351)	2,313
Comprehensive Income	27,351	71,109
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income	(612)	(302)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(612)	(302)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 26,739	$ 70,807

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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