Segment Reporting - Total Company (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	$ 448,553	$ 383,622	$ 1,328,921	$ 1,076,457
Operating expenses	256,590	246,811	735,022	632,189
Other income and (expenses)	(61,874)	(24,280)	459	(33,691)
Provision for income taxes	(5,090)	(8,263)	(30,338)	(21,598)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	41	660	20	622
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 125,040	$ 104,928	$ 564,040	$ 389,601