Segment Reporting - Total Company (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	$ 308,999	$ 298,323
Operating expenses	192,987	177,722
Other income and (expenses)	(91,002)	(53,934)
Benefit from income taxes	41,692	2,129
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(612)	(302)
Net Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 66,090	$ 68,494