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in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Schedule of Operating Lease Income Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Fair value assumptions expected dividend rate (as a percent) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Billings, Montana Billings, Montana [Member] Billings, Montana Oskarshamn, Sweden Oskarshamn, Sweden [Member] Oskarshamn, Sweden 4.650% Senior Notes due 2030 Senior Note 4.65% Due 2030 [Member] Senior Note 4.65% Due 2030 Straight-line rent adjustments Straight Line Rent Adjustments Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Decrease in goodwill as a result of foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation, Gain (Loss) Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Other gains and (losses) Other Nonoperating Gains (Losses) Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Total intangible assets, net Intangible Asset, Including Goodwill, after Accumulated Amortization Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Owned Real Estate Owned Real Estate Segment Owned Real Estate [Member] Owned Real Estate Segment [Member] Noncontrolling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Domain] Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Sale-leaseback transactions accounted for as loans receivable Sale and Leaseback Transaction, Gain (Loss), Net Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Merger and other expenses Merger And Other Expenses, Operating Merger And Other Expenses, Operating Payments to acquire intangible assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Real Estate Properties Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Investment Sale Leaseback Transaction, Net Book Value Various, Poland Various, Poland [Member] Various, Poland Long-Lived Asset, Class [Domain] Long-Lived Asset, Class [Domain] CORRA Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average [Member] Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average Level 2 and Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 and Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 and Level 3 Property, Plant, and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant, and Equipment [Table] Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Investments in real estate: Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract] Total Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Unguaranteed residual value Sales-type Lease, Unguaranteed Residual Asset 2.250% Senior Notes due 2026 Euro Senior Note 2.25% Due 2026 [Member] Euro Senior Note 2.250% Due 2026 [Member] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] GBP Term Loan due 2028 — borrowing in British pounds sterling GBP Term Loan Due 2028 [Member] GBP Term Loan Due 2028 Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Name Measure Name Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Number of properties sold (property) Number of properties sold (property) Number Of Properties Sold The number of properties sold during the period. 2.450% Senior Notes due 2032 Senior Note 2.45% Due 2032 [Member] Senior Note 2.45% Due 2032 Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Axis] Schedule of Real Estate Acquired Real Estate Acquired [Table Text Block] Real Estate Acquired [Table Text Block] Below-market rent Below Market Lease [Member] Below Market Lease Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalent Las Vegas, Nevada (mixed use) Mixed Use [Member] Mixed Use Contracts Including Internal Software Development Costs Contracts Including Internal Software Development [Member] Contracts Including Internal Software Development Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] SOFR Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] Accounts and Financing Receivables [Table] Accounts and Financing Receivables [Table] Proceeds from sales of real estate Proceeds from Sale, Real Estate, Held-for-Investment Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Operating Properties Operating Properties [Member] Operating Properties [Member] Variable Rate Non-recourse Notes Payable Variable Rate Non-recourse Notes Payable [Member] Variable Rate Non-recourse Notes Payable Third Party [Domain] Third Party [Domain] Third Party Domain Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Derivative, remaining maturity (in month) Derivative, Remaining Maturity Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect and Discontinued Operation Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Net Income Attributable to W. P. Carey Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Net amortizable intangible liabilities Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities Net Amount after amortization of liabilities, excluding financial liabilities and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Location, Statement of Financial Position, Balance [Axis] Location, Statement of Financial Position, Balance [Axis] Above-market rent Above-market rent intangible assets Above Market Leases [Member] Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Operating Lease Operating Lease Real Estate Subject To Operating Lease [Member] Real Estate Subject To Operating Lease Period Two Period Two [Member] Period Two Less: allowance for credit losses Direct Financing Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Allowance for Credit Loss Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Less: unearned income Direct Financing Lease, Deferred Selling Profit Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Fair value, foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Schedule of Income from Finance Leases and Loans Receivable Income From Finance Leases And Loans Receivable [Table Text Block] Income From Finance Leases And Loans Receivable Shares Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Common stock, $0.001 par value, $450,000,000 shares authorized; $227,807,251 and $219,145,876 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Payments for withholding taxes upon delivery of equity-based awards Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement Depreciation and amortization, including intangible assets and deferred financing costs Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Bahlingen am Kaiserstuhl, Germany Bahlingen am Kaiserstuhl, Germany [Member] Bahlingen am Kaiserstuhl, Germany In-place lease intangible assets and other In-place lease intangible assets and other Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases, Net This element represents the amount of value that was allocated by a lessor (acquirer) to lease agreements which exist at acquisition of a leased property at the balance sheet date. Such amount may include the value assigned to existing tenant relationships and excludes the market adjustment component of the value assigned for above or below-market leases acquired. Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Net collateral posted for derivatives Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Against Derivative Asset Ohio OHIO Various, Germany Various, Germany [Member] Various, Germany In-place lease In-place lease intangible assets and other Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] Finance Receivables Financing Receivables [Text Block] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Below Market Ground Below Market Ground [Member] Below Market Ground Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated depreciation and amortization Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated depreciation and amortization Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Dividend income Net Investment Income Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Non Recourse Debt Non Recourse Debt [Abstract] Non Recourse Debt [Abstract] Senior Note 3.25% Due 2031 Senior Notes 3.25% Due 2031 [Member] Senior Notes 3.25% Due 2031 Standby Letters of Credit Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Asset management fees receivable Asset Management Fees Receivable Unpaid revenue in the period for (1) performance (incentive) fees based on the investment results achieved for management of certain institutional accounts and hedge funds, (2) schedule-based fees earned for management of mutual funds and closed-end funds, based either on average daily net assets or on a combination of the average daily net assets and gross income, and (3) other investment management and advisory fees. Asset Held for Sale, Not in Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Schedule of Net Investments in Finance Leases and Loans Receivable Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the entity's net investments in direct financing leases. Arlington Heights, Illinois Arlington Heights, Illinois [Member] Arlington Heights, Illinois Gross property subject to operating lease Property, Plant, and Equipment, Lessor Asset under Operating Lease, before Accumulated Depreciation Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Property, Plant, and Equipment [Abstract] Entity Address, State Entity Address, State or Province Measurement Input, Cashflow Discount Rate Measurement Input, Cashflow Discount Rate [Member] Measurement Input, Cashflow Discount Rate PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Decrease in value of balance sheet item due to foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Basic (in shares) Weighted-average shares outstanding — basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Non-recourse mortgages, net Secured debt Secured Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Real estate measurement input (percent) Other Real Estate Owned, Measurement Input Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] One Property One Property [Member] One Property Senior Unsecured Credit Facility Revolving Line Of Credit [Abstract] Revolving Line Of Credit [Abstract] Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Vested (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Consolidation Basis of Consolidation [Abstract] Basis of Consolidation [Abstract] Net income — basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net investment in finance leases, excluding unearned income Direct Financing Lease, Net Investment In Lease, Excluding Deferred Selling Profit Direct Financing Lease, Net Investment In Lease, Excluding Deferred Selling Profit Accumulated Amortization Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Accumulated Amortization Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Accumulated depreciation and amortization Assets Held-for-sale, Not Part of Disposal Group, Accumulated Depreciation Assets Held-for-sale, Not Part of Disposal Group, Accumulated Depreciation Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Land, buildings and improvements — operating properties Real Estate Investment Property, At Cost, Operating Real Estate Real Estate Investment Property, At Cost, Operating Real Estate Land Land Land [Member] Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Lineage investment, settlement period at discretion of issuer Lineage Investment, Settlement Period At Discretion Of Issuer Lineage Investment, Settlement Period At Discretion Of Issuer Third Party [Axis] Third Party [Axis] Third Party Axis Debt, net Long-Term Debt Less: Accumulated depreciation Property, Plant, and Equipment, Lessor Asset under Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation Proceeds from the dispositions Change In Restricted Cash Change In Restricted Cash Reclassification Location [Axis] Reclassification Location [Axis] Reclassification Location Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Stock-Based Compensation and Equity Equity [Text Block] Operating Expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Name of each exchange on which registered Security Exchange Name 5.375% Senior Notes due 2034 Senior Note 5.375% Due 2034 [Member] Senior Note 5.375% Due 2034 Schedule of Other Financial Instruments in Carrying Values and Fair Values Schedule Of Other Financial Instruments In Carrying Values And Fair Values [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of other financial instruments at carrying value and fair value. Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net receivables (difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows) Sales-Type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, before Allowance for Credit Loss Schedule of Real Estate Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Liabilities Disclosure Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] 2.125% Senior Notes due 2027 Euro Senior Note 2.125% Due 2027 [Member] Euro Senior Note 2.125% Due 2027 [Member] Investment Management Investment Management [Member] Investment Management Segment [Member] Long-term debt, gross Long-Term Debt, Gross Hope, Arkansas and Peebles, Ohio Hope, Arkansas and Peebles, Ohio [Member] Hope, Arkansas and Peebles, Ohio Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Investment Management: Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Individual: Individual [Axis] Diluted (in shares) Weighted-average shares outstanding — diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Construction Commitment Construction Commitment [Member] Construction Commitment Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period EUR Term Loan due 2028 — borrowing in euros EUR Term Loan Due 2028 [Member] EUR Term Loan Due 2028 Total intangible assets, gross Intangible Assets, Gross (Including Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Gross (Including Goodwill) Accounts receivable Other Receivables Adjustment, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Adjustments Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of an adjustment event. Repayment of Senior Unsecured Notes Repayment of unsecured debt Repayments of Unsecured Debt Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income Debt outstanding Debt and Lease Obligation Proceeds from term loans Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Domain] Nonvested, beginning balance, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Nonvested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unsecured Term Loan due 2029 — borrowing in euros Unsecured Term Loan Due 2029 [Member] Unsecured Term Loan Due 2029 All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Asset Acquisition [Domain] Asset Acquisition [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosure For Impairments Fair Value Disclosure For Impairments Solon, Ohio Solon, Ohio [Member] Solon, Ohio Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Minimum Minimum [Member] Fair value of investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Debt: Liabilities [Abstract] Net investments in sales-type leases Sales-type Lease, Lease Income Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility: Senior Unsecured Credit Facility [Member] Senior Unsecured Credit Facility [Member] Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Location, Statement of Income, Balance [Axis] Location, Statement of Income, Balance [Axis] Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Real Estate Property, Ownership [Table] Real Estate Property, Ownership [Table] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Leases [Policy Text Block] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Finite lived intangible assets useful life (in years) Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Useful Life Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Senior Note 5.200% Due 2036 Senior Note 5.200% Due 2036 [Member] Senior Note 5.200% Due 2036 Schedule of Restricted and Conditional Award Activity Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Shares issued upon delivery of vested restricted share awards Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Long-Lived Assets Held-for-sale Long-Lived Asset, Held-for-Sale [Line Items] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Capital contributions to equity method investments Capital Contributions to Equity Method Investments Capital Contributions to Equity Method Investments Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] 0.950% Senior Notes due 2030 Euro Senior Note 0.95% Due 2030 [Member] Euro Senior Note 0.95% Due 2030 3.700% Senior Notes due 2034 Senior Note 3.7% Due 2034 [Member] Senior Note 3.7% Due 2034 Internally Assigned Grades 1 – 3 Internally Assigned Grade1 thru 3 [Member] Internally Assigned Grade1-3 Member Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Sale-leaseback transactions accounted for as loans receivable Sales-Type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Loans Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Sales-Type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Loans Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Land, Buildings and Improvements, and Assets Held for Sale Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Equity method investments Equity method investments in real estate Equity Method Investments Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Scenario, Plan Scenario, Plan [Member] Total other income and expenses Nonoperating Income (Expense) Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Risk free interest rate (as a percent) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payment for) Other Financing Activity Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Loans Receivable Loans Receivable [Member] Schedule of Senior Unsecured Credit Facility Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Obligation Deferred Compensation Obligation [Member] Deferred Compensation Obligation Contributions from noncontrolling interests (Note 5) Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Lease revenues Total operating lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation 3.700% Senior Notes due 2032 Euro Senior Note 3.7% Due 2032 [Member] Euro Senior Note 3.7% Due 2032 Construction loan funding Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] W. P. Carey stockholders’ equity: Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Administrative reimbursements fee Administrative Reimbursements Fee Administrative Reimbursements Fee Shares issued upon purchases under employee share purchase plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Net investments in sales-type leases Sale-leaseback transactions accounted for as loans receivable Sales-Type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, after Allowance for Credit Loss Principal amount of debt outstanding Principal Amount Of Debt Outstanding Principal Amount Of Debt Outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Schedule of Real Estate under Construction Schedule Of Real Estate Under Construction [Table Text Block] Schedule of Real Estate Under Construction [Table Text Block] United States of America, Dollars United States of America, Dollars Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] City Area Code City Area Code Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill Schedule Of Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of intangible assets and liabilities and goodwill, which may be broken down by segment or major class. Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Debt instrument, fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Stock Based Compensation Expense, Excluding Restructuring Expense Allocated Stock Based Compensation Expense, Excluding Restructuring Expense Unguaranteed residual value Direct Financing Lease, Unguaranteed Residual Asset Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Lease payments receivable including unearned income Sales Type Lease, Net Investment In Lease, Excluding Deferred Selling Profit Sales Type Lease, Net Investment In Lease, Excluding Deferred Selling Profit Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to: Reconciliation Of Accumulated Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Reconciliation Of Accumulated Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Gain (loss) on hedging activity Gain (Loss) on Hedging Activity Shares issued upon purchases under employee share purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Business and Organization Nature of Operations [Text Block] Shares issued under forward equity, net (in shares) Shares of common stock delivered (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Unrealized gain on sale of property Unrealized Gain on Sales of Property Unrealized Gain on Sales of Property Stock-based compensation expense Stock-based compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Derivative Liabilities Fair Value at Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Liability Offset Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Investments in real estate Real Estate Investment Property, Net, Operating Real Estate Real Estate Investment Property, Net, Operating Real Estate Fair Value Inputs, Assets Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Net investments in sales-type leases Sales-type Leases [Member] Sales-type Leases Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Net investments in direct financing leases Direct Financing Lease, Net Investment in Lease, after Allowance for Credit Loss Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Lease payments End Of Lease Payments End Of Lease Payments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Lineage investment, conversion to common shares, period Lineage Investment, Conversion To Common Shares, Period Lineage Investment, Conversion To Common Shares, Period Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships  Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Purchases of real estate Total Capitalized Costs Payment to acquire real estate Payments to Acquire Real Estate 1.350% Senior Notes due 2028 Euro Senior Note 1.35% Due 2028 [Member] Euro Senior Note 1.350% Due 2028 [Member] Line of Credit Facility Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities by Major Class [Domain] Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities By Major Class [Domain] Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities By Major Class Adjustments to net income: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract] 2029 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Three Cash Flows — Financing Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Schedule of Settlement of Forward Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Industrial Industrial [Member] Industrial JPY, Unsecured Credit Facility due 2029 JPY Unsecured Credit Facility Due 2029 [Member] JPY Unsecured Credit Facility Due 2029 Deferred compensation obligation Deferred Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Issuance of Shares or Sale of Treasury Shares Managed Programs Managed Programs [Member] Managed Programs [Member] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Axis] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Axis] Schedule of Net Investments in Sales-Type Leases Capital Leases Net Investment In Sale-Type Leases [Table Text Block] Capital Leases Net Investment In Sale-Type Leases Goodwill and Other Intangibles Intangible Asset and Goodwill [Text Block] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Shares issued under forward equity, net Net proceeds Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Harmon Retail Corner Harmon Retail Corner [Member] Harmon Retail Corner NLOP Net Lease Office Properties [Member] Net Lease Office Properties Other investing activities, net Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity Senior Unsecured Credit Facility Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract] Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member] Related Party Transaction [Table] Related Party Transaction [Table] Increase in allowance for credit losses Allowance (release) for credit loss Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses  Number of Instruments Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Operating Real Estate Real estate operating business Operating Real Estate Business [Member] Operating Real Estate Business Total Capitalized Costs Property, Plant, and Equipment, before Accumulated Depreciation, Other Increase (Decrease) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Assets held for sale, net Assets held for sale, net Real Estate Investments, Net, Including Real Estate, Held-For-Sale Real Estate Investments, Net, Including Real Estate, Held-For-Sale Senior Note 3.75% Due 2035 Senior Note 3.75% Due 2035 [Member] Senior Note 3.75% Due 2035 Foreign currency collars Foreign currency collars Foreign Currency Collars [Member] Foreign Currency Collars [Member] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Shares owned (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Unconsolidated Real Estate Investment Unconsolidated Properties [Member] Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount 3.850% Senior Notes due 2029 Senior Note 3.85% Due 2029 [Member] Senior Note 3.85% Due 2029 [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Student Housing Properties Student Housing Properties [Member] Student Housing Properties Real Estate: Real Estate Revenue [Abstract] Real Estate Revenue [Abstract] Number of jointly owned investments, equity method investments Number Of Jointly Owned Investments, Equity Method Investments Number Of Jointly Owned Investments, Equity Method Investments Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Dividends declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Entity File Number Entity File Number Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Amount of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Total principal payments Long Term Debt Before Unamortized Discount Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings, before unamortized discount, as of the balance sheet date. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Senior unsecured notes, net Senior unsecured notes, net Senior Notes Above-market rent intangible assets Above-market rent intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Off-market Lease, Favorable, Net The element represents the identifiable intangible asset that was established upon acquisition based on a favorable difference between the terms of an acquired lease and the current market terms for that lease at the acquisition date, net of accumulated amortization at the balance sheet date. Measure: Measure [Axis] Properties Located In Oceanside, California Properties Located In Oceanside, California [Member] Properties Located In Oceanside, California Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] ESTONIA ESTONIA Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Estimated future rent collection Estimated Future Rent Collection Estimated Future Rent Collection Non-cash contributions from noncontrolling interests (Note 5) Non-cash Contributions From Noncontrolling Interests Non-cash Contributions From Noncontrolling Interests Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Euro Unsecured Credit Facility Due 2029 Euro Unsecured Credit Facility Due 2029 [Member] Euro Unsecured Credit Facility Due 2029 Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment [Line Items] Discontinued Operation Additional Disclosures Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Document Type Document Type Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Other asset impairment charges Other Asset Impairment Charges Other comprehensive income foreign currency (losses) gains Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Line Items] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Allowance for credit losses Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Allowance for Credit Loss At The Market ATM Forwards At The Market [Member] At The Market [Member] Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Construction Loans Schedule Of Construction Loans [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Construction Loans Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) Commitments and Contingencies Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Finance Receivables Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Adjustment (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Adjustments Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Adjustments Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Variable Interest Entity [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Table] Less: accumulated amortization Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amount of amortization of liabilities, excluding financial liabilities, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities Net [Abstract] Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities Net Total credit exposure on derivatives Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities PEO Name PEO Name 4.250% Senior Notes due 2026 Senior Note 4.25% Due 2026 [Member] Senior Note 4.25% Due 2026 [Member] Total intangible liabilities, gross Intangible Liabilities, Gross Intangible Liabilities, Gross Net investments in direct financing leases and loans receivable, adjustments during period Net Investments In Direct Financing Leases And Loans Receivable, Adjustments During Period Net Investments In Direct Financing Leases And Loans Receivable, Adjustments During Period Liabilities: Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Net investments in real estate Real Estate Investments, Net Long-Lived Asset, Class [Axis] Long-Lived Asset, Class [Axis] Payments of mortgage principal Repayments of secured loans Repayments of Secured Debt Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Secured loans receivable Mortgage Loans Receivable, Net Mortgage Loans Receivable, Net Warehouse Warehouse [Member] Real Estate Associated with Sale-Leaseback Real Estate Associated With Sales Lease Back [Member] Real Estate Associated With Sales Lease Back Lease income — fixed Operating Lease, Lease Income, Lease Payments Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Akron, Ohio Akron, Ohio [Member] Akron, Ohio Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Number of tenants (tenant) Number Of Tenants The number of tenants occupying the real estate properties owned as of the balance sheet date. Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Las Vegas, New Mexico Las Vegas, New Mexico [Member] Las Vegas, New Mexico Total Funded Cumulative Payments To Acquire Real Estate Under Construction Cumulative Payments To Acquire Real Estate Under Construction Payment of financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Amount of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net [Abstract] Senior Unsecured Notes Senior Notes [Abstract] Build To Suit Build To Suit [Member] Build To Suit Finite- and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Liabilities [Line Items] Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Liabilities Direct Financing Lease Direct Financing Lease [Member] Direct Financing Lease [Member] Variable interest entities consolidated, count Variable Interest Entities Consolidated, Count The number of variable interest entities held by the company as of the balance sheet date which are consolidated. Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Credit Quality of Finance Receivables Credit Quality Of Finance Receivables [Abstract] Credit Quality Of Finance Receivables Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Goodwill Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Including Goodwill [Abstract] Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Including Goodwill Property One Property One [Member] Property One Reimbursable costs from affiliates Revenue From Reimbursements [Member] Revenue From Reimbursements (Member] Fair value assumptions expected volatility rate (as a percent) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate British Pounds Sterling Credit Facility Due 2029 British Pounds Sterling Credit Facility Due 2029 [Member] British Pounds Sterling Credit Facility Due 2029 Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Measurement [Domain] CAD Term Loan due 2028 CAD Term Loan due 2028 [Member] CAD Term Loan due 2028 Third Party Third Party [Member] Third Party [Member] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Period One Period One [Member] Period One Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Other lease-related income Other Lease Related Income Other Lease Related Income Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Indefinite-lived intangible assets Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset Amount of assets, excluding financial assets, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit. Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Proceeds from issuance of Senior Unsecured Notes Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-Term Debt Schedule of Loans Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, after Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, after Accumulated Amortization [Abstract] Non-operating income Non-operating income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Repayments of term loans Repayments of senior debt Repayments of Senior Debt Total W.P. Carey Stockholders Parent [Member] Estimated residual land value Estimated Residual Land Value Estimated Residual Land Value Forfeited (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Number of real estate properties (property) Number of Real Estate Properties Goodwill Goodwill [Member] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] 3.250% Senior Notes due 2031 Senior Notes due 3.25% 2031 [Member] Senior Notes due 3.25% 2031 Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Funding commitment Other Commitment Overland Park, Kansas Overland Park, Kansas [Member] Overland Park, Kansas Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Aggregate gross sales price Sale Of Stock, Number Of Shares Authorized For Issuance In Transaction Sale Of Stock, Number Of Shares Authorized For Issuance In Transaction Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Total intangible liabilities, net Intangible Liabilities, Net Intangible Liabilities, Net Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Long-term Debt, by Maturity Long-Term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Total Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax LATVIA LATVIA Distributions of earnings from equity method investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Below-market rent intangible liabilities, net Below Market Lease, Net Net Income Net Income Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Non-cash adjustment to noncontrolling interests Non-cash Adjustment To Noncontrolling Interests Non-cash Adjustment To Noncontrolling Interests Senior Unsecured Notes, net Unsecured Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Entity Address, Street Address Entity Address, Address Line One In-place lease intangible assets and other Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Impairment Loss Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Basis of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Proceeds from issuance initial public offering Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Shares Offered (in shares) Sale of Stock, Shares Offered Sale of Stock, Shares Offered Proceeds from Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Proceeds from Unsecured Lines of Credit Derivative Assets Fair Value at Derivative Asset, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset Proceeds from sales of net investments in sales-type leases Proceeds From Sales Of Net Investments In Sales-Type Leases, Operating Proceeds From Sales Of Net Investments In Sales-Type Leases, Operating Gains on sales of investment real estate, tax expense Gains (Losses) On Sales Of Investment Real Estate, Tax Gains (Losses) On Sales Of Investment Real Estate, Tax Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Sterling Overnight Index Average [Member] Sterling Overnight Index Average Government Bond Yield [Member] Government Bond Yield [Member]