CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 149,434	$ 41,835	$ 331,340	$ 176,752
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	34,170	(37,412)	(4,183)	(41,772)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(16,674)	13,243	(13,267)	11,786
Unrealized gain on investments	0	11	0	7
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	17,496	(24,158)	(17,450)	(29,979)
Comprehensive Income	166,930	17,677	313,890	146,773
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income	(37)	(496)	(10,553)	(881)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments	(7)	0	(7)	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(44)	(496)	(10,560)	(881)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 166,886	$ 17,181	$ 303,330	$ 145,892