Equity (Details 6) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 23,022	$ 18,506	$ 43,167	$ 14,181	$ 15,477	$ 2,588	$ 31,777	$ 12,290	$ 98,876	$ 62,132	$ 139,079
Allocation of distribution equivalents paid on unvested RSUs and RSAs in excess of income									(743)	(535)	(2,130)
Net Income - basic									98,133	61,597	136,949
Income effect of dilutive securities, net of taxes									187	23	1,076
Net Income - diluted									$ 98,320	$ 61,620	$ 138,025
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic									68,691,046	47,389,460	39,819,475
Effect of dilutive securities									1,016,962	689,014	278,620
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted									69,708,008	48,078,474	40,098,095
Anti-dilutive shares									114,919	0	207,258