Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Accounted for using the operating method, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 4,316,989	$ 4,260,962
Accounted for using the direct financing method	18,014	18,342
Real estate held for sale	6,220	7,746
Mortgages, notes and accrued interest receivable	20,357	17,119
Commercial mortgage residual interests	12,034	11,721
Cash and cash equivalents	5,926	1,485
Receivables, net of allowance of $3,069 and $2,822, respectively	3,690	4,107
Accrued rental income, net of allowance of $3,179 and $3,181, respectively	25,346	24,797
Debt costs, net of accumulated amortization of $12,227 and $20,213, respectively	12,221	12,877
Other assets	97,665	95,367
Total assets	4,518,462	4,454,523
Liabilities:
Line of credit payable	91,500	46,400
Mortgages payable, including unamortized premium of $115 and $130, respectively	9,181	9,475
Notes payable, net of unamortized discount of $10,514 and $10,816, respectively	1,514,486	1,514,184
Accrued interest payable	27,996	17,142
Other liabilities	91,821	89,037
Total liabilities	1,734,984	1,676,238
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 375,000,000 shares; 122,971,965 and 121,991,677 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,231	1,221
Excess stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 390,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Capital in excess of par value	2,376,287	2,353,166
Retained earnings (deficit)	(162,636)	(147,837)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,944)	(4,505)
Total stockholders’ equity of NNN	2,782,938	2,777,045
Noncontrolling interests	540	1,240
Total equity	2,783,478	2,778,285
Total liabilities and equity	4,518,462	4,454,523
Series D Depositary Share
Stockholders’ equity:
Series D and E, 11,500,000 depositary shares issued and outstanding, at stated liquidation value of $25 per share	287,500	287,500
Series E Depositary Share
Stockholders’ equity:
Series D and E, 11,500,000 depositary shares issued and outstanding, at stated liquidation value of $25 per share	$ 287,500	$ 287,500