Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 66,972	$ 45,816	$ 182,987	$ 61,655
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,590)	5,094	2,956	(4,658)
Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(1,767)	2,080	(4,564)	5,255
Change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on marketable securities	(5)	0	12	0
Net current period other comprehensive income	(3,362)	7,174	(1,596)	597
Comprehensive Income	63,610	52,990	181,391	62,252
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,344)	(2,692)	(3,921)	(4,400)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	113	(742)	448	1,047
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,231)	(3,434)	(3,473)	(3,353)
Amounts Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	111	43	(151)	93
Foreign currency translation adjustments	21	(2)	27	21
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	132	41	(124)	114
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 61,511	$ 49,597	$ 177,794	$ 59,013