Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Accounted for using the operating method, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 3,224,023	$ 2,514,302
Accounted for using the direct financing method	26,518	29,773
Real estate, held for sale	37,201	37,724
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	4,358	4,515
Mortgages, notes and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance	33,428	30,331
Commercial mortgage residual interests	15,299	15,915
Cash and cash equivalents	2,082	2,048
Receivables, net of allowance of $1,403 and $1,750, respectively	2,149	3,403
Accrued rental income, net of allowance of $4,870 and $3,609, respectively	25,187	25,535
Debt costs, net of accumulated amortization of $15,332 and $11,198, respectively	10,802	9,366
Other assets	53,382	40,663
Total assets	3,434,429	2,713,575
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Line of credit payable	65,600	161,000
Mortgages payable	23,171	24,269
Notes payable - convertible, net of unamortized discount of $6,363 and $12,201, respectively	355,371	349,534
Notes payable, net of unamortized discount of $5,033 and $1,118, respectively	894,967	598,882
Accrued interest payable	15,108	7,342
Other liabilities	76,336	43,774
Total liabilities	1,430,553	1,184,801
Commitments and contingencies (Note 26)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 15,000,000 shares Series C, 3,680,000 depositary shares issued and outstanding, at stated liquidation value of $25 per share	92,000	92,000
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 190,000,000 shares; 104,754,859 and 83,613,289 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,049	838
Excess stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 205,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Capital in excess of par value	1,958,225	1,429,750
Retained earnings	(44,946)	3,234
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,830)	1,661
Total stockholders' equity of NNN	2,002,498	1,527,483
Noncontrolling interests	1,378	1,291
Total equity	2,003,876	1,528,774
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,434,429	$ 2,713,575