Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Accounted for using the operating method, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 3,769,817	$ 3,224,288
Accounted for using the direct financing method	23,217	26,518
Real estate held for sale	41,773	36,936
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	0	4,358
Mortgages, notes and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance	27,770	33,428
Commercial mortgage residual interests	13,096	15,299
Cash and cash equivalents	2,076	2,082
Receivables, net of allowance of $855 and $1,403, respectively	3,112	2,763
Accrued rental income, net of allowance of $3,270 and $4,870, respectively	25,458	25,187
Debt costs, net of accumulated amortization of $17,965 and $15,381, respectively	12,781	10,832
Other assets	68,926	53,352
Total assets	3,988,026	3,435,043
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit payable	174,200	65,600
Mortgages payable, including unamortized premium of $187 and $0, respectively	10,602	23,171
Notes payable – convertible, net of unamortized discount of $2,072 and $6,363, respectively	236,500	355,371
Notes payable, net of unamortized discount of $9,338 and $5,033, respectively	1,165,662	894,967
Accrued interest payable	17,527	15,108
Other liabilities	85,950	76,950
Total liabilities	1,690,441	1,431,167
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 375,000,000 shares; 111,554,997 and 104,754,859 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,117	1,049
Excess stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 390,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Capital in excess of par value	2,101,002	1,958,225
Retained earnings (loss)	(90,952)	(44,946)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,382)	(3,830)
Total stockholders’ equity of NNN	2,296,285	2,002,498
Noncontrolling interests	1,300	1,378
Total equity	2,297,585	2,003,876
Total liabilities and equity	3,988,026	3,435,043
Series D Depositary Share [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	287,500	0
Series C Depositary Share [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	$ 0	$ 92,000