Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income
Net Income	$ 274,807	$ 185,227	$ 246,069
Other Comprehensive Loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(92,434)	(125,447)	(117,938)
Realized and unrealized gain on derivative instruments	9,278	24,053	21,085
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities	(126)	15	(10)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(83,282)	(101,379)	(96,863)
Comprehensive Income	191,525	83,848	149,206
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,060)	(12,969)	(6,385)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,081	4,647	5,977
Realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments	7	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,972)	(8,322)	(408)
Amounts Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	142
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	(9)
Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	133
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 185,553	$ 75,526	$ 148,931