Segment Reporting (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	$ 225,247	$ 214,666	$ 712,753	$ 673,132
Operating expenses	136,472	159,066	477,169	429,926
Other income and (expenses)	(22,445)	(30,440)	(81,855)	(96,751)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(3,154)	(3,361)	4,538	(20,352)
Gain on sale of real estate, net of tax	49,126	1,779	68,070	2,980
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,359)	(1,833)	(6,294)	(7,874)
Income attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 110,943	$ 21,745	$ 220,043	$ 121,209