Segment Reporting - Total Company (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	$ 302,419	$ 318,005	$ 901,948	$ 921,539
Operating expenses	162,239	198,409	513,605	555,301
Other income and (expenses)	15,229	(73,604)	(85,125)	(184,339)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(5,975)	(4,157)	28,122	(5,147)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(37)	(496)	(10,553)	(881)
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 149,397	$ 41,339	$ 320,787	$ 175,871