Related Party Transactions and Arrangements - Offering-Related Revenue Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Program Development Costs [Member] | Rent and Tenant Receivables and Other Assets, Net [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reserves related to program development costs	$ 5.9	$ 31.7
Cole REITs [Member] | Selling Commissions Allowable [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from related party, percentage	100.00%		100.00%
Cole REITs [Member] | Program Development Costs [Member] | Rent and Tenant Receivables and Other Assets, Net [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Organization and offering costs	$ 3.8	3.2
Reserves related to program development costs	$ 5.9	$ 31.7