Stock-Based Compensation and Equity (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 64,739	$ 43,167	$ 178,915	$ 57,348
Allocation of distribution equivalents paid on unvested RSUs and RSAs in excess of income	(277)	(316)	(765)	(419)
Net Income - basic	64,462	42,851	178,150	56,929
Income effect of dilutive securities, net of taxes	(60)	(24)	82	(53)
Net Income - diluted	$ 64,402	$ 42,827	$ 178,232	$ 56,876
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	100,236,362	68,406,771	94,855,067	68,776,108
Effect of dilutive securities	758,863	1,087,131	1,002,849	1,094,741
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	100,995,225	69,493,902	95,857,916	69,870,849
Anti-dilutive shares	0	0	0	0