CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 115,204	$ 66,121	$ 181,906	$ 134,917
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	13,847	(4,187)	(38,353)	(4,360)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(9,442)	(3,406)	3,407	(1,457)
Unrealized loss on investments	0	(541)	0	(4)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	4,405	(8,134)	(34,946)	(5,821)
Comprehensive Income	119,609	57,987	146,960	129,096
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income	(9,904)	(83)	(10,516)	(385)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(9,904)	(83)	(10,516)	(385)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 109,705	$ 57,904	$ 136,444	$ 128,711