Segment Reporting - Total Company (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	$ 290,530	$ 305,211	$ 599,529	$ 603,534
Operating expenses	158,379	179,170	351,366	356,892
Other income and (expenses)	(9,352)	(56,801)	(100,354)	(110,735)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(7,595)	(3,119)	34,097	(990)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(9,904)	(83)	(10,516)	(385)
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 105,300	$ 66,038	$ 171,390	$ 134,532