Related Party Transactions and Arrangements Related Party Transactions and Arrangements (Schedule of Investment in the Managed REITs) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Investment	$ 5,061
Cole Credit Property Trust, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
% of Outstanding Shares Owned	0.01%
Carrying Amount of Investment	5
Cole Credit Property Trust IV, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
% of Outstanding Shares Owned	0.01%
Carrying Amount of Investment	140
Cole Credit Property Trust V, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
% of Outstanding Shares Owned	100.00%
Carrying Amount of Investment	2,517
Cole Corporate Income Trust, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
% of Outstanding Shares Owned	0.01%
Carrying Amount of Investment	97
Cole Office And Industrial REIT (CCIT II), Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
% of Outstanding Shares Owned	33.14%
Carrying Amount of Investment	2,139
Cole Real Estate Income Strategy [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
% of Outstanding Shares Owned	0.28%
Carrying Amount of Investment	$ 163