Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482949/835-30-55-8

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69B
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69B

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69C
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69C

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482900/835-30-50-1

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)(a)(1))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(19)(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481544/470-10-50-6

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(19)(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (a)
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 220
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-10A

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(19))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477250/944-220-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow to repay long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Excludes repayments of tax exempt secured debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-15

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow to repay long-term debt that is not secured by collateral. Excludes repayments of tax exempt unsecured debt.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfUnsecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date, including the current and noncurrent portions, of collateralized debt obligations (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer). Such obligations include mortgage loans, chattel loans, and any other borrowings secured by assets of the borrower.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 210
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478546/942-210-S99-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)(a)(2))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478777/944-210-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Non Recourse Debt [Abstract]

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wpc_NonRecourseDebtAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow for the early payment of the principal amount on outstanding mortgage debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wpc_PrepaymentOfMortgagePrincipal
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Revolving Line Of Credit [Abstract]

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wpc_RevolvingLineOfCreditAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Undiscounted Rate On Debt Issued

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wpc_UndiscountedRateOnDebtIssued
Namespace Prefix:	wpc_
Data Type:	dtr-types1:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis=wpc_NonRecourseMortgageLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	wpc_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRateAxis=wpc_FixedInterestRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	wpc_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRateAxis=wpc_VariableInterestRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=wpc_NonRecourseDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=wpc_GovernmentBondYieldMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wpc_EuroSeniorNote4.25Due2032Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wpc_SeniorNote5.375Due2034Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wpc_EuroSenior2.25Due2024Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=wpc_SeniorUnsecuredTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wpc_TermLoanDue2026Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wpc_EURTermLoanDue2028Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=wpc_EuroInterbankOfferingRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wpc_DelayedDrawTermLoanDue2026Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=wpc_SeniorUnsecuredCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wpc_UnsecuredCreditFacilityMaturingFebruary2029Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wpc_GBPTermLoanDue2028Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt - Narratives (Details)			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Debt - Narratives (Details)	Jun. 28, 2024 USD ($)	May 16, 2024 EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2024 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2024 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2024 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2024 EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2024 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2023 GBP (£)
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 4,350,000,000		$ 4,350,000,000
Non Recourse Debt
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)				4.50%		4.50%		4.50%	4.50%
Non-recourse mortgages, net				$ 467,200,000		$ 467,200,000				$ 579,147,000
Repayments of non recourse mortgage loan						127,683,000	$ 138,764,000
Decrease in value of balance sheet item due to foreign currency translation				(24,000)	$ 9,479,000	(4,362,000)	$ 15,936,000
Non-Recourse Mortgage Loan
Non Recourse Debt
Non-recourse mortgages, net				$ 21,900,000		$ 21,900,000
Fixed Interest Rate
Non Recourse Debt
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)				4.50%		4.50%		4.50%	4.50%
Variable Interest Rate
Non Recourse Debt
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)				5.40%		5.40%		5.40%	5.40%
Unsecured Senior Notes
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Principal amount				$ 6,600,000,000		$ 6,600,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.60%
Repayment of unsecured debt			$ 500,000,000
Non-Recourse Debt
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Stated interest rate (as a percent)				4.80%		4.80%		4.80%	4.80%
Non Recourse Debt
Repayments of non recourse mortgage loan						$ 84,900,000
Prepayments of mortgage principal						33,800,000
Decrease in value of balance sheet item due to foreign currency translation						$ (150,500,000)
Government Bond Yield \| Unsecured Senior Notes \| Minimum
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Variable interest rate (as a percent)						0.20%
Government Bond Yield \| Unsecured Senior Notes \| Maximum
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Variable interest rate (as a percent)						0.35%
4.25% Senior Notes due 2032 \| Unsecured Senior Notes
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Principal amount	$ 400,000,000	€ 650,000,000		$ 650,000,000		$ 650,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		4.25%		4.25%		4.25%		4.25%	4.25%
Undiscounted rate (as a percent)		99.526%
Debt instrument term (years)		8 years 2 months 12 days
5.375% Senior Notes due 2034 \| Unsecured Senior Notes
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Principal amount				$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%			5.375%		5.375%		5.375%	5.375%
Undiscounted rate (as a percent)	98.843%
Debt instrument term (years)	10 years
2.25% Senior Notes due 2024 \| Unsecured Senior Notes
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Principal amount \| €								€ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)				2.25%		2.25%		2.25%	2.25%
Unsecured Term Loans
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity \| €								€ 500,000,000.0			€ 500,000,000.0
Unsecured Term Loans \| Term Loan due 2026
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity \| €								300,000,000.0			300,000,000.0
Unsecured Term Loans \| EUR Term Loan due 2028 — borrowing in euros \| EURIBOR
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Variable interest rate (as a percent)						0.85%
Unsecured Term Loans \| Delayed Draw Term Loan due 2026
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity \| €								200,000,000.0			200,000,000.0
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Line of credit facility, available				$ 2,000,000,000.0		$ 2,000,000,000.0
Debt Instrument borrowing capacity fee (as a percent)						0.15%
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| Unsecured Credit Facility Maturing February 2029
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity				2,000,000,000.0		$ 2,000,000,000.0				$ 2,000,000,000.0
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| GBP Term Loan due 2028 — borrowing in British pounds sterling
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity \| £									£ 270,000,000			£ 270,000,000
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| EUR Term Loan due 2028 — borrowing in euros
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity \| €								€ 215,000,000			€ 215,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility
Line of credit facility, available				$ 5,800,000		$ 5,800,000