Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 465,955	$ 306,544	$ 424,341
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	47,746	376	(31,843)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(31,978)	(1,054)	4,923
Unrealized gain on investments	0	7	154
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	15,768	(671)	(26,766)
Comprehensive Income	481,723	305,873	397,575
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(10,596)	(1,301)	(12,775)
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments	(7)	0	7
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	7,774
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(10,603)	(1,301)	(4,994)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 471,120	$ 304,572	$ 392,581