Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Accounted for using the operating method, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 4,158,943	$ 3,791,282
Accounted for using the direct financing method	22,407	23,217
Real estate held for sale	46,691	20,308
Mortgages, notes and accrued interest receivable	26,203	27,770
Commercial mortgage residual interests	14,173	13,096
Cash and cash equivalents	236,916	2,076
Receivables, net of allowance of $1,923 and $855, respectively	3,443	3,112
Accrued rental income, net of allowance of $3,153 and $3,270, respectively	25,226	25,458
Debt costs, net of accumulated amortization of $18,902 and $17,965, respectively	14,189	12,781
Other assets	101,161	68,926
Total assets	4,649,352	3,988,026
Liabilities:
Line of credit payable	0	174,200
Mortgages payable, including unamortized premium of $158 and $187, respectively	10,048	10,602
Notes payable – convertible, net of unamortized discount of $0 and $2,072, respectively	222,944	236,500
Notes payable, net of unamortized discount of $11,413 and $9,338, respectively	1,513,587	1,165,662
Accrued interest payable	17,277	17,527
Other liabilities	87,925	85,950
Total liabilities	1,851,781	1,690,441
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 375,000,000 shares; 119,287,073 and 111,554,997 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,194	1,117
Excess stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 390,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Capital in excess of par value	2,343,074	2,101,002
Retained earnings (deficit)	(119,866)	(90,952)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,088)	(2,382)
Total stockholders’ equity of NNN	2,796,314	2,296,285
Noncontrolling interests	1,257	1,300
Total equity	2,797,571	2,297,585
Total liabilities and equity	4,649,352	3,988,026
Series D Depositary Share [Member]
Stockholders’ equity:
Series D, 11,500,000 depositary shares issued and outstanding, at stated liquidation value of $25 per share	287,500	287,500
Series E Depositary Share [Member]
Stockholders’ equity:
Series D, 11,500,000 depositary shares issued and outstanding, at stated liquidation value of $25 per share	$ 287,500	$ 0