Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Comprehensive Income
Net Income	$ 306,544	$ 424,341	$ 285,083
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(1,054)	4,923	(37,778)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	376	(31,843)	72,428
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	7	154	(71)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(671)	(26,766)	34,579
Comprehensive Income	305,873	397,575	319,662
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,301)	(12,775)	(7,794)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	7,774	(16,120)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments	0	7	15
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,301)	(4,994)	(23,899)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 304,572	$ 392,581	$ 295,763