Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 410,122	$ 465,955	$ 306,544
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(35,736)	47,746	376
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	35,305	(31,978)	(1,054)
Unrealized gain on investments	18,688	0	7
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	18,257	15,768	(671)
Comprehensive Income	428,379	481,723	305,873
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(134)	(10,596)	(1,301)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments	(21)	(7)	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(155)	(10,603)	(1,301)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 428,224	$ 471,120	$ 304,572