Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to NNN	$ 29,832		$ 20,820
Less: Series C preferred stock dividends	(1,979)	[1]	(1,696)	[1]
Less: Excess of redemption value over carrying value of preferred shares redeemed	(3,098)		0
Net earnings attributable to common stockholders	24,755		19,124
Less: Earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares	(566)		(134)
Net earnings used in basic earnings per share	24,189		18,990
Reallocated undistributed income (loss)	0		0
Net earnings used in diluted earnings per share	$ 24,189		$ 18,990
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	105,635,630		83,955,295
Less: unvested restricted stock	(568,163)		(580,738)
Less: contingent shares	(226,600)		(251,826)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in basic earnings per share	104,840,867		83,122,731
Contingent shares	25,471		0
Convertible debt	1,192,706		298,241
Common stock options	2,286		3,276
Directors' deferred fee plan	150,036		146,190
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in diluted earnings per share	106,211,366		83,570,438

[1] The Series C preferred stock was redeemed in March 2012. The dividends paid during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 include accumulated and unpaid dividends through the redemption date.