Real Estate Investments and Related Intangibles - Consolidated Joint Ventures Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) property joint_venture	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) property joint_venture	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) property
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total assets		$ 14,705,578	$ 15,587,574
Real estate investments, net		12,707,347	13,252,799
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	[1]	$ 560	(4,961)	$ (7,139)
Number of joint ventures disposed of | property				228
Number of properties owned by consolidated joint ventures disposed of | property		1
VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total assets		$ 14,705,578	15,587,574
Real estate investments, net		12,707,347	13,252,799
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	[2]	$ (194)	(14)	$ 1,274
Number of joint ventures disposed of | property				3
Number of properties owned by consolidated joint ventures disposed of | property				1
Number of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures | property				3
Mortgages [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of properties owned | property		472
Outstanding Balance		$ 2,071,038	$ 2,629,949
Joint ventures [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of joint ventures | joint_venture		1	2
Total assets		$ 33,700	$ 57,000
Real estate investments, net		$ 30,700	$ 50,800
Joint ventures [Member] | Consolidated Properties [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of properties owned | property		1	2
Number of properties with secured mortgage note payable | property		1	1
Joint ventures [Member] | Consolidated Properties [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance		$ 14,900	$ 11,600

[1] Represents (income) loss attributable to limited partners and consolidated joint venture partners.

[2] Represents (income) loss attributable to consolidated joint venture partners.