Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Accounted for using the operating method, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 4,221,892	$ 3,793,416
Accounted for using the direct financing method	21,523	22,692
Real estate held for sale	16,792	18,699
Mortgages, notes and accrued interest receivable	16,693	27,770
Commercial mortgage residual interests	14,755	13,096
Cash and cash equivalents	6,530	2,076
Receivables, net of allowance of $2,936 and $855, respectively	2,736	3,112
Accrued rental income, net of allowance of $3,086 and $3,270, respectively	25,411	25,458
Debt costs, net of accumulated amortization of $19,556 and $17,965, respectively	13,535	12,781
Other assets	96,993	68,926
Total assets	4,436,860	3,988,026
Liabilities:
Line of credit payable	0	174,200
Mortgages payable, including unamortized premium of $144 and $187, respectively	9,764	10,602
Notes payable – convertible, net of unamortized discount of $0 and $2,072, respectively	0	236,500
Notes payable, net of unamortized discount of $11,116 and $9,338, respectively	1,513,884	1,165,662
Accrued interest payable	27,913	17,527
Other liabilities	97,369	85,950
Total liabilities	1,648,930	1,690,441
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 375,000,000 shares; 121,856,503 and 111,554,997 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,220	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	2,347,014	2,101,002
Retained earnings (deficit)	(134,003)	(90,952)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,548)	(2,382)
Total stockholders’ equity of NNN	2,786,683	2,296,285
Noncontrolling interests	1,247	1,300
Total equity	2,787,930	2,297,585
Total liabilities and equity	4,436,860	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