Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill Rollforward (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 92,789	[1]
Cole Merger	2,212,920	[2]
Goodwill allocated to dispositions	(209,259)	[3]
Goodwill, ending balance	2,096,450
Real Estate Investment Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	92,789
Cole Merger	1,654,085	[2]
Goodwill allocated to dispositions	(209,259)	[3]
Goodwill, ending balance	1,537,615
Cole Capital Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	0
Cole Merger	558,835	[2]
Goodwill allocated to dispositions	0	[3]
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 558,835

[1] For discussion on the restatement adjustments, see Note 2 - Restatement of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements.

[2] These financial statements have been recast in applying the carryover basis of accounting to include ARCT IV.

[3] Certain line items have been consolidated from the original presentation in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filing for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2013.