Merger with CPA:16 Global - Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Pro Forma Financial Information
Pro forma total revenue		$ 931,309
Pro forma net income from continuing operations, net of tax		139,698
Pro forma net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(5,380)
Pro forma net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		142
Pro forma net income from continuing operations, net of tax attributable to W. P. Carey		$ 134,460
Pro forma earnings per share
Basic (in dollar per share)		$ 1.32
Diluted (in dollar per share)		$ 1.31
Pro forma weighted average shares
Basic (in shares)		101,296,847
Diluted (in shares)		102,360,038
CPA: 16 - Global
Pro forma weighted average shares
Shares issued as compensation, shares	30,729,878

Pro forma basic earnings per share or earnings per unit, which is commonly presented in initial public offerings based on the terms of the offering.

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