Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Under the terms of the advisory agreements, percentage of total performance fees that is receivable in cash.

No definition available.

Name:	wpc_AssetManagementFeesReceivableInCashPercentOfTotal
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Under the terms of the advisory agreements, percentage of total performance fees that is receivable in restricted shares.

No definition available.

Name:	wpc_AssetManagementFeesReceivableInSharesPercentOfTotal
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The percentage of fees paid to the advisor by its affiliates for the structuring and negotiating investments on the company's behalf and based on the aggregate total costs of an investment for all investments other than those in readily-marketable real estate securities purchased in the secondary market.

No definition available.

Name:	wpc_PercentageOfAcquisitionFeesEarned
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The percentage fee paid to the company by its affiliates for managing the company's assets based on the average market value or average equity value, as applicable, depending on the type of investments.

No definition available.

Name:	wpc_Percentageofassetmanagementfeesearned
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The percentage threshold for personnel and overhead reimbursement chargeable by the advisor for personnel cost. Personnel expenses excludes costs related to the advisor’s legal transaction group allocated. The threshold is based on pro rata revenue.

No definition available.

Name:	wpc_PersonnelandOverheadReimbursementPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Structuring Revenue [Abstract]

No definition available.