Segment Reporting (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	$ 252,907	$ 112,221	$ 461,916	$ 218,251
Operating expenses	(161,357)	(80,811)	(332,963)	(156,005)
Interest expense	(47,733)	(25,750)	(86,808)	(51,334)
Other, net	8,569	34,991	122,024	47,046
Provision for (benefits from) income taxes	(8,053)	1,134	(10,293)	2,341
Loss on sale of real estate, net of tax	(3,821)	(333)	(3,742)	(332)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,344)	(2,692)	(3,921)	(4,400)
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests of discontinued operations	(43)	330	(178)	608
Net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	111	43	(151)	93
Income from continuing operations attributable to W. P. Carey	38,236	39,133	145,884	56,268
Real Estate Ownership
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	176,734	77,657	311,806	154,141
Operating expenses	(93,112)	(42,593)	(200,339)	(82,491)
Interest expense	(47,733)	(25,750)	(86,808)	(51,334)
Other, net	8,408	34,752	122,191	46,517
Provision for (benefits from) income taxes	(3,142)	(2,396)	909	(3,571)
Loss on sale of real estate, net of tax	(3,821)	(333)	(3,742)	(332)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,325)	(2,594)	(3,713)	(4,819)
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests of discontinued operations	(43)	330	(178)	608
Income from continuing operations attributable to W. P. Carey	34,966	39,073	140,126	58,719
Investment Management
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	76,173	34,564	150,110	64,110
Operating expenses	(68,245)	(38,218)	(132,624)	(73,514)
Other, net	161	239	(167)	529
Provision for (benefits from) income taxes	(4,911)	3,530	(11,202)	5,912
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19)	(98)	(208)	419
Net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	111	43	(151)	93
Income from continuing operations attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 3,270	$ 60	$ 5,758	$ (2,451)