Segment Reporting - Total Company (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss
Revenues	$ 348,438	$ 311,166
Operating expenses	198,620	166,903
Other income and (expenses)	14,258	(86,833)
Provision for income taxes	(7,083)	(5,789)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2	(7)
Net Income from Investment Management Attributable to W. P. Carey	$ 156,995	$ 51,634