Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows — Operating Activities
Net income	$ 246,069us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 132,165us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 62,779us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Adjustments to net income:
Depreciation and amortization, including intangible assets and deferred financing costs	248,549	140,316	55,114
Gain on change in control of interests	(105,947)	0	(20,794)
Straight-line rent and amortization of rent-related intangibles	44,843	21,333	2,831
Management and disposition income received in shares of Managed REITs and other	(39,866)	(33,572)	(28,477)
Stock-based compensation expense	31,075us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	37,195us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	26,038us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
(Gain) loss on sale of real estate	(29,250)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties	(39,711)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties	2,773us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties
Impairment charges	23,067us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges	13,709us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges	22,962us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives and other	3,246us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives	(7,529)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives	(1,861)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
Equity in earnings of equity method investments in real estate and the Managed REITs in excess of distributions received	(1,307)	(10,177)	(17,271)
Amortization of deferred revenue	(786)us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue	(9,436)us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue	(9,436)us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue
Realized (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt and other	(234)	1,375	595
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in structuring revenue receivable	(23,713)	(13,788)	(20,304)
Increase in current and deferred income taxes payable	(19,087)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes	(21,978)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes	(6,936)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes
Payments for withholding taxes upon delivery of equity-based awards and exercises of stock options	(17,165)	(11,476)	(6,135)
Deferred acquisition fees received	15,724wpc_DeferredAcquisitionRevenueReceived	18,633wpc_DeferredAcquisitionRevenueReceived	21,059wpc_DeferredAcquisitionRevenueReceived
Decrease (increase) in prepaid taxes	6,394us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidTaxes	(5,967)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidTaxes	(11,341)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidTaxes
Net changes in other operating assets and liabilities	17,480	(3,184)	9,047
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	399,092	207,908	80,643
Cash Flows — Investing Activities
Purchases of real estate and equity investments in real estate	(898,162)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate	(265,383)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate	(3,944)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate
Proceeds from sale of real estate and equity investments	285,742	171,300	73,204
Cash acquired in connection with merger	65,429us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition	0us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition	178,945us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition
Capital expenditures on owned real estate	(26,404)	(6,906)	(4,059)
Capital contributions to equity investments	(25,468)	(1,945)	(726)
Change in investing restricted cash	(23,731)	43,067	(9,119)
Capital expenditures on corporate assets	(18,262)us-gaap_PaymentsForSoftware	(7,133)us-gaap_PaymentsForSoftware	(2,145)us-gaap_PaymentsForSoftware
Distributions received from equity investments in real estate and the Managed REITs in excess of equity income	13,101	58,018	46,294
Proceeds from repayment of short-term loan to affiliates	11,000	15,000	0
Funding of short-term loan to affiliates	(11,000)	(15,000)	0
Purchase of securities	(7,664)	0	0
Other investing activities, net	(3,469)	2,608	372
Cash paid to stockholders as compensation for merger	(1,338)	0	(152,356)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities	(640,226)	(6,374)	126,466
Cash Flows — Financing Activities
Proceeds from senior credit facilities	1,757,151	735,000	300,000
Repayments of senior credit facilities	(1,415,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit	(413,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit	(280,160)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	498,195	0	0
Distributions paid	(347,902)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock	(220,395)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock	(113,867)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
Proceeds from issuance of shares in public offering	282,162	0	0
Prepayments of mortgage principal	(220,786)wpc_PrepaymentOfMortgagePrincipal	0wpc_PrepaymentOfMortgagePrincipal	0wpc_PrepaymentOfMortgagePrincipal
Scheduled payments of mortgage principal	(205,024)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt	(391,764)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt	(54,964)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(20,646)	(72,059)	(7,314)
Proceeds from mortgage financing	20,354	115,567	23,750
Payment of financing costs and mortgage deposits, net of deposits refunded	(12,321)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts	(2,368)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts	(2,557)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
Windfall tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation awards	5,641	12,817	10,185
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee purchases under the employee share purchase plan	1,890	2,312	51,644
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	693	65,145	3,291
Purchase of treasury stock from related parties	(679)	(40,000)	(45,270)
Change in financing restricted cash	(588)	(1,843)	1,970
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	343,140	(210,588)	(113,292)
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents During the Year
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(20,842)	2,669	790
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	81,164	(6,385)	94,607
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	117,519	123,904	29,297
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 198,683	$ 117,519	$ 123,904

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Amount of cash outflow to satisfy an employee's income tax withholding obligation as part of a net-share settlement of a share-based award.

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The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price.

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The cash outflow associated with the purchase of or advances to an equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (b)

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Cash outflow for purchase of trading, available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Paragraph 11

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (a),(b)

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The cash outflow from the acquisition of a piece of land, anything permanently fixed to it, including buildings, structures on it and so forth; includes real estate intended to generate income for the owner; excludes real estate acquired for use by the owner.

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (c)

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Payments to develop real estate assets is the process of adding improvements on or to a parcel of land. Such improvements may include drainage, utilities, subdividing, access, buildings, and any combination of these elements; and are generally classified as cash flow from investing activities.

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (c)

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Cash dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporations that are returns of capital. Excludes dividends or distributions from equity method investments classified as operating activities.

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No definition available.

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The cash inflow associated with the amount received from entity's first offering of stock to the public.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-Subparagraph (a)

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The cash inflow from amounts received from issuance of long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Excludes proceeds from tax exempt secured debt.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

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-Paragraph 14

-Subparagraph (b)

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The total cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders to acquire the entity's shares under incentive and share awards, including stock option exercises. This item inherently excludes any excess tax benefit, which the entity may have realized and reported separately.

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-Glossary Financing Activities

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-Subparagraph (a)

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The cash inflow from the issuance of long-term debt that is not secured by collateral. Excludes proceeds from tax exempt unsecured debt.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

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-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 14

-Subparagraph (b)

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Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from (to) a noncontrolling interest. Excludes dividends paid to the noncontrolling interest.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

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The net cash inflow or outflow from cash and cash items that are not available for withdrawal or usage.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

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-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

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Cash received from the sale of real estate that is held for investment, that is, it is part of an investing activity during the period.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3179-108585

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The cash inflow from a contractual arrangement with the lender, including letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time with either short term or long term maturity that is uncollateralized (where debt is not backed by the pledge of collateral).

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3255-108585

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4K

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 19

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-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4J

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591551-111686

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The amount of previously reported deferred or unearned revenue that was recognized as revenue during the period. For cash flows, this element primarily pertains to amortization of deferred credits on long-term arrangements. As a noncash item, it is deducted from net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 13.A.4(a).Q1)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 13

-Section A

-Subsection 1

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The cash inflow from a loan, supported by a promissory note, granted to related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-Subparagraph (b)

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Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

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-Article 4

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

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The cash outflow to repay long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Excludes repayments of tax exempt secured debt.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (b)

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

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The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

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The net change in the difference between the fair value and the carrying value, or in the comparative fair values, of derivative instruments, including options, swaps, futures, and forward contracts, held at each balance sheet date, that was included in earnings for the period.

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Cash received during the reporting period for services previously performed by the reporting entity.

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No definition available.

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The gain (loss) recorded in the period arising from the change in ownership of an equity investment, excluding the portion that is allocated to profit sharing.

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No definition available.

+ Details

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Total revenue included in income during the reporting period, reflecting services have been performed by the reporting entity and recorded as a receivable.

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No definition available.

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Value of restricted shares of common stock received from affiliates to satisfy fees due to the reporting entity related to the management of the affiliates.

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No definition available.

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The cash outflow for the early payment of the principal amount on outstanding mortgage debt.

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No definition available.

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The net realized gains or losses on the extinguishment of debt (pretax) included in determining net income from transactions that were settled as of the balance sheet date.

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No definition available.

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Amount of the adjustment to rental revenues to measure escalating leasing revenues on a straight line basis and amount of non-cash amortization of intangible asset (liability) for above and below market leases.

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No definition available.

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