Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Shopko Shopko [Member] Shopko [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenues Revenues [Member] Revenues [Member] Total Assets Assets, Total [Member] Real Estate Investment Portfolio Real Estate Investment Portfolio [Member] Real Estate Investment Portfolio [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Number of tenants Number Of Tenants Number Of Tenants Concentration risk (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Special Purpose Entity Special Purpose Entity [Member] Special Purpose Entity [Member] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Net assets Assets Net liabilities Liabilities Number of segments Number of Operating Segments Reserves for uncollectible amounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross Reserve for losses Allowance for Doubtful Rental Revenue Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Rental Revenue Receivable Deferred rental revenue receivables Accrued Rental Revenue Receivables Accrued Rental Revenue Receivables Provision for income taxes Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Stock options Employee Stock Options [Member] Employee Stock Options [Member] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Unvested shares of restricted stock Restricted Stock [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Basic and diluted income: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] (Loss) income before gain on disposition of assets Income (Loss) before Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Gain on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Less: income attributable to unvested restricted stock Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings, Restricted Stock Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings, Restricted Stock Net income attributable to common stockholders used in basic and diluted income per share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Shares Outstanding including Unvested Shares Weighted Average Shares Outstanding including Unvested Shares Less: unvested weighted average shares of restricted stock (in shares) Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Unvested Shares Adjustment Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Unvested Shares Adjustment Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding used in basic income per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Net income per share attributable to common stockholders—basic (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Dilutive weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Dilutive weighted average share of common stock (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding used in dilutive income per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net income per share attributable to common stockholders—diluted (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Potentially dilutive shares of common stock Earnings Per Share, Potentially Dilutive Securities [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Potentially Dilutive Securities [Abstract] Potentially dilutive shares (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract] Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Financed Properties Financed Properties [Member] Financed Properties [Member] Texas Texas [Member] Texas [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] In-Place Leases In Place Leases [Member] In Place Leases [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Gross investment in real estate properties and loans Real Estate Investment Property Gross Real Estate Investment Property Gross Number of real estate properties Number of Real Estate Properties Portfolio disbursement, number of states Number Of States Real Estate Properties Located Number Of States Real Estate Properties Located Number of states exceeding disclosure threshold Number of States Exceeding Disclosure Threshold Number of States Exceeding Disclosure Threshold Investment in real estate properties (as a percent) Percentage Of Investment In Real Estate Properties Percentage Of Investment In Real Estate Properties Minimum of investment in real estate properties (as a percent) Minimum Percentage Of Investment In Real Estate Properties Over Which Investment To Be Disclosed Minimum Percentage Of Investment In Real Estate Properties Over Which Investment To Be Disclosed Number of other notes receivable Financing Receivable, Number of Financing Receivables Financing Receivable, Number of Financing Receivables Number of other notes receivable, secured Financing Receivable, Number of Financing Receivables, Secured Financing Receivable, Number of Financing Receivables, Secured Notes receivable Financing Receivable, Net Number of other notes receivable, non-secured Financing Receivable, Number of Financing Receivables, Non-Secured Financing Receivable, Number of Financing Receivables, Non-Secured Amortization amount to rental revenue for capitalized leases Net Impact To Rental Revenues Due To Amortization Of Above And Below Market Leases Net Impact To Rental Revenues Due To Amortization Of Above And Below Market Leases Leases amortization expenses Intangible Lease Assets Amortization Expense Intangible Lease Assets Amortization Expense Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] CMBS Loans CMBS Loans [Member] CMBS Loans [Member] CMBS fixed-rate Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - Fixed-Rate [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - Fixed-Rate [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Number of loans secured by mortgage on leased properties and related assets Debt Instrument, Number of Loans, Secured by Mortgage on Leased Properties and Related Assets Debt Instrument, Number of Loans, Secured by Mortgage on Leased Properties and Related Assets Number of loans in default Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Number of loans in default Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Number of Loans in Default Stated interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Weighted average stated interest rate, excluding defaulted loans (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Weighted Average Stated Interest Rate, Percent Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Weighted Average Stated Interest Rate, Percent Number of properties securing borrowings Debt Instrument, Number of Properties Securing Borrowings Debt Instrument, Number of Properties Securing Borrowings Unamortized deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Number of properties securing loans Debt Instrument, Collateral for Secured Borrowings, Number of Properties Debt Instrument, Collateral for Secured Borrowings, Number of Properties Default interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Percentage Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Percentage Debt default amount Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Amount Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Spirit Realty, L.P. Spirit Realty, L.P. [Member] Spirit Realty, L.P. [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Net cash flow hedge losses reclassified to operations Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate [Domain] Real Estate [Domain] Retail Retail Site [Member] Industrial Industrial Property [Member] Office Office Building [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis} Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Long-lived assets held and used Long Lived Assets Held And Used Fair Value Disclosure Long Lived Assets Held And Used Fair Value Disclosure Lease intangible assets Intangible Lease Assets Fair Value Disclosure Intangible Lease Assets Fair Value Disclosure Other assets Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Long-lived assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure Long-lived assets held and used, dispositions Disposed Long Lived Assets Held For Used Fair Value Disclosure Disposed Long Lived Assets Held For Used Fair Value Disclosure Lease intangible assets, dispositions Disposed Lease Intangible Assets Fair Value Disclosure Disposed Lease Intangible Assets Fair Value Disclosure Other assets, dispositions Disposed Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Disposed Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Long-lived assets held for sale, dispositions Disposed Long Lived Assets Held For Sale Fair Value Disclosure Disposed Long Lived Assets Held For Sale Fair Value Disclosure Impairment of long-lived assets held and used Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of other assets Other Asset Impairment Charges Impairment of long-lived assets held for sale Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Total impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Schedule of Assets at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Sales Price of Comparable Properties Used to Estimate Fair Value Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments Schedule Of Carrying Amount And Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Carrying Amount And Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Table Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Period Prior to June 15, 2026 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Unsecured Debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes Senior Notes [Member] Aggregate principal amount of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Principal amount issued (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Percentage of Principal Amount Issued Debt Instrument, Percentage of Principal Amount Issued Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Redemption price, percent of principal amount (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Rentals Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Interest income on loans receivable Interest Income On Loans Receivable Interest Income On Loans Receivable Earned income from direct financing leases Capital Leases, Income Statement, Direct Financing Lease Revenue Tenant reimbursement income Tenant Reimbursements Other income Interest Income, Other Total revenues Revenues Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Property costs Cost of Property Repairs and Maintenance Real estate acquisition costs Acquisition Costs, Period Cost Interest Interest Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Impairments Impairment Expense Impairment Expense Total expenses Costs and Expenses (Loss) income before other expense and income tax expense Operating Income (Loss) Other expense: Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Loss on debt extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Total other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) (Loss) income before income tax expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Loss) income before gain on disposition of assets Net income attributable to common stockholders Net income attributable to the general partner Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners Net income attributable to the limited partners Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners Net income per partnership unit - basic (in USD per share) Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Net income per partnership unit - diluted (in USD per share) Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Weighted average partnership units outstanding: Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership and General Partnership Unit, Basic and Diluted, Net of Tax [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share issued (in USD per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Above-Market Leases Above Market Lease [Member] Above Market Lease [Member] Below-Market Leases Below Market Lease [Member] Below Market Lease [Member] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Intangible lease assets, gross Intangible Lease Assets Gross Intangible Lease Assets Gross Less: accumulated amortization Accumulated Amortization Of Intangible Lease Assets Accumulated Amortization Of Intangible Lease Assets Intangible lease assets, net Intangible Lease Assets Intangible Lease Assets Intangible lease liabilities, gross Intangible Lease Liabilities Gross Intangible Lease Liabilities Gross Less: accumulated amortization Accumulated Amortization Of Intangible Lease Liabilities Accumulated Amortization Of Intangible Lease Liabilities Intangible lease liabilities, net Intangible Lease Liabilities Intangible Lease Liabilities Equity [Abstract] Summary of Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] General partners', shares issued (in shares) General Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued General partners', shares outstanding (in shares) General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Limited partners', shares issued (in shares) Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Limited partners', shares outstanding (in shares) Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Common stock, par value per share (in USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Convertible Senior Notes Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] Conversion rate Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Conversion price (in USD per share) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Premium above public offering price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Premium Above Public Offering Price, Percent Debt Instrument, Convertible, Premium Above Public Offering Price, Percent Anti-dilutive cash dividends, exceeding (in USD per share) Debt Instrument, Covenant, Conversion Rate, Quarterly Dividend Threshold Debt Instrument, Covenant, Conversion Rate, Quarterly Dividend Threshold Debt discount, value of the embedded conversion premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Income Per Share and Partnership Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Mortgages and Notes Payable Mortgages And Notes Payable [Member] Mortgages And Notes Payable [Member] Unsecured term loan Extension options Debt Instrument, Extension Options Debt Instrument, Extension Options Extension option, term (in years) Debt Instrument, Extension Option, Term Debt Instrument, Extension Option, Term Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Table] Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Table] Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Table] Revolving Credit Facilities Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term Loan Term Loan Payable Net [Member] Term Loan Payable Net [Member] Convertible Notes Convertible Debt [Member] Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Line Items] Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Line Items] Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Line Items] Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Non-cash interest expense: Interest Expense, Debt [Abstract] Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Amortization of net losses related to interest rate swaps Amortization Of Net Losses Related To Interest Rate Swap Amortization Of Net Losses Related To Interest Rate Swap Amortization of debt discount, net Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Total interest expense Facility fees Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Fee Dividend per share (in USD per share) Total dividends Dividends Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Master Trust Notes Mortgages [Member] Debt extinguishment costs Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Weighted average contractual interest rate (as a percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate 2015 Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facilities [Member] Revolving Credit Facilities - Credit Facility and Line of Credit [Member] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Convertible Notes Weighted average effective interest rates (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Weighted average stated rate (as a percent) Weighted average maturity (in years) Debt Instrument, Term Total debt, gross Long-term Debt, Gross Debt discount, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Deferred financing costs, net Total debt, net Long-term Debt Scheduled Principal Payments For Borrowings [Table] Scheduled Principal Payments For Borrowings [Table] Scheduled Principal Payments For Borrowings [Table] Debt Payment Type [Axis] Debt Payment Type [Axis] Debt Payment Type [Axis] Debt Payment Type [Domain] Debt Payment Type [Domain] Debt Payment Type [Domain] Scheduled Principal Scheduled Principal [Member] Scheduled Principal [Member] Balloon Payment Balloon Payment [Member] Balloon Payment [Member] Scheduled Principal Payments For Borrowings [Line Items] Scheduled Principal Payments For Borrowings [Line Items] Scheduled Principal Payments For Borrowings [Line Items] Scheduled Debt Maturities Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Remainder of 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Significant Credit and Revenue Concentration Significant Credit And Revenue Concentration Disclosure [Text Block] Significant Credit and Revenue Concentration Disclosure. Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Loans receivable, net Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure 2015 Credit Facility Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure Term loan, net Loans Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Notes payable, net Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Convertible notes, net Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Master Trust 2014 notes Series 2014 Notes [Member] Series 2014 Notes [Member] Master Trust 2013 notes Series 2013 Notes [Member] Series 2013 Notes [Member] Number of securitization trusts within program Number of Securitization Trusts within Program Number of Securitization Trusts within Program Debt issued by, number of subsidiaries Number Of Subsidiaries Number Of Subsidiaries Investments Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block] Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Special Purpose Entities Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Provision For Doubtful Accounts Policy [Policy Text Block] Provision For Doubtful Accounts. Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Non-vested Shares of Restricted Stock Performance Shares Performance Shares [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Executives Officers And Employees Certtain Directors, Named Executive Officers And Employees [Member] [Member] Certtain Directors, Named Executive Officers And Employees [Member] [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] General and Administrative Expense General and Administrative Expense [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Grants in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Deferred compensation expense Deferred Compensation Arrangement, Compensation Expense Deferred Compensation Arrangement, Compensation Expense Outstanding unvested shares (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Approved initial target grant (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Multiplier for shares granted (as a percent) Share-based Payment Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Granted, Multiplier Share-based Payment Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Granted, Multiplier Minimum required service period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Dividend rights accrued Dividend Rights Payable Dividend Rights Payable Potential grants in period based on total shareholder return (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Potential Grants in Period Based on Total Shareholder Return Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Potential Grants in Period Based on Total Shareholder Return Unamortized stock-based compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Spirit Realty, Inc. Spirit Realty, Inc. [Member] Spirit Realty, Inc. [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Haggen Operations Holdings, LLC Bankruptcy Claim Haggen Operations Holdings, LLC Bankruptcy Claim [Member] Haggen Operations Holdings, LLC Bankruptcy Claim [Member] Albertons, LLC Albertons, LLC [Member] Albertons, LLC [Member] Haggen Operations Holdings, LLC Haggen Operations Holdings, LLC [Member] Haggen Operations Holdings, LLC [Member] Albertson's LLC Albertson's LLC [Member] Albertson's LLC [Member] Smart and Final LLC Smart and Final LLC [Member] Smart and Final LLC [Member] Gleason's Markets Gleason's Markets [Member] Gleason's Markets [Member] Safeway Safeway [Member] Safeway Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of leased properties Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units Initial litigation settlement Litigation Settlement, Amount Amount of bankruptcy claims settled Bankruptcy Claims, Amount of Claims Settled Amount of bankruptcy claims for rent reduction settled Bankruptcy Claims, Amount of Claims Settled, Rent Reduction Bankruptcy Claims, Amount of Claims Settled, Rent Reduction Locations returned upon settlement Bankruptcy Claims, Number of Lease Locations Rejected Bankruptcy Claims, Number of Lease Locations Rejected Number of lease location affirmed under bankruptcy Bankruptcy Claims, Number of Lease Locations Affirmed Bankruptcy Claims, Number of Lease Locations Affirmed Number of locations sold Number of Real Estate Properties Sold Number of Real Estate Properties Sold Proceeds from sale of locations Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment Number of leases sold which were previously rejected Bankruptcy Claims, Number of Leases Sold which were Previously Rejected Bankruptcy Claims, Number of Leases Sold which were Previously Rejected Number of locations owned with in-place leases Number of Properties Owned With In-Place Leases Number of Properties Owned With In-Place Leases Number of vacant properties Number of Vacant Properties Number of Vacant Properties Stipulated claims collected Proceeds from Legal Settlements Outstanding claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Total commitments Commitments To Purchase Capital Assets Commitments To Purchase Capital Assets Total commitments relating to future acquisitions Commitments to Purchase Capital Assets Relating to Future Acquisitions Commitments to Purchase Capital Assets Relating to Future Acquisitions Funded commitments Commitments to Purchase Capital Assets Relating to Future Acquisitions Expected to be Funded Within One Year Commitments to Purchase Capital Assets Relating to Future Acquisitions Expected to be Funded Within One Year Contingently liable amount of debt owed by tenant Contingently Liable For Guarantees Of Indebtedness Owed By Affiliates And Third Parties Contingently Liable For Guarantees Of Indebtedness Owed By Affiliates And Third Parties Number of tenants indemnified by Number Of Tenants Indemnified By Number Of Tenants Indemnified By Summary of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Maturities Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Summary of Components of Interest Expense Related to Borrowings Schedule Of Interest Expense On Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Interest Expense On Debt. Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] ATM Program, November 2016 ATM Program, November 2016 [Member] ATM Program, November 2016 [Member] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Shares withheld for taxes (in shares) Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Shares withheld for taxes, value Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation, Value Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation, Value Issuance of common shares (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Gross proceeds capacity remaining Common Stock, Value, Remaining Authorized Amount Common Stock, Value, Remaining Authorized Amount Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchase program, period in force (in months) Stock Repurchase Program, Period in Force Stock repurchased during period Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Summary of Real Estate and Loan Activity, Net of Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Schedule Of Gross Real Estate And Loans Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gross Real Estate and Loans Activity. Schedule of Minimum Future Contractual Rent to be Received Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of Loans Receivable, Net of Premium and Allowance for Loan Losses Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Lease Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Net of Accumulated Amortization Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Real Estate Investments Held Under Direct Financing Leases Investments in Direct Financing Leases Schedule [Table Text Block] Investments in Direct Financing Leases Schedule [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity in Real Estate Assets Held for Sale Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Summary of Total Impairment Losses Recognized Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Costs Associated With Restructuring Activities Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Deferred Costs And Other Assets Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] Revolving Line of Credit Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Swing-line Loans Bridge Loan [Member] Letters of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, accordion feature, increase limit Line Of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Line Of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Commitment fee (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Origination costs Unamortized deferred financing costs Deferred Costs Letters of credit issued Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Line of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Schedule of Restricted Cash and Escrow Deposits Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Incentive Award Plan Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] General Partner General Partner [Member] Limited Partner Limited Partner [Member] Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Ownership of operating partnership (as a percent) Percentage Of Ownership Percentage Of Ownership Reduction of debt in exchange for collateral assets Note Reduction Through Surrender to Lender Note Reduction Through Surrender to Lender Reclass of residual value on expired deferred financing lease to operating asset Reclassification of Expired Deferred Financing Lease to Operating Asset Reclassification of Expired Deferred Financing Lease to Operating Asset Net real estate and other collateral assets surrendered Contribution of Property Accrued interest capitalized to principal (1) Accrued performance share dividend rights Dividends, Share-based Compensation Distributions declared and unpaid Dividends Payable Accrued deferred financing costs Accrued Deferred Offering Costs Accrued Deferred Offering Costs Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Summary of Amounts Recorded in AOCL Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] Achievement of Two of Three Credit Ratings, S&P at least BBB-, Fitch at least BBB-, Moody's at least Baa3 Achievement of Two of Three Credit Ratings, S&P at least BBB-, Fitch at least BBB-, Moody's at least Baa3 [Member] Achievement of Two of Three Credit Ratings, S&P at least BBB-, Fitch at least BBB-, Moody's at least Baa3 [Member] Total debt, gross Number of one-year extension options Long-term Debt, One-year Extension Options, Number Long-term Debt, One-year Extension Options, Number Accordian feature maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Accordian Feature, Higher Borrowing Capacity Option Line of Credit Facility, Accordian Feature, Higher Borrowing Capacity Option Days available to reborrow loans repaid (in days) Debt Instrument, Days to Reborrow After Repayment Debt Instrument, Days to Reborrow After Repayment Period subject to reborrowing occurrence limitations (in months) Debt Instrument, Period Subject to Occurrence Limitations Debt Instrument, Period Subject to Occurrence Limitations Series 2014-1 Class A1 Series 2014-1, Class A1 Notes [Member] Series 2014-1, Class A1 Notes [Member] Series 2014-1 Class A2 Series 2014-1, Class A2 Notes [Member] Series 2014-1, Class A2 Notes [Member] Series 2014-2 Series 2014-2 Notes [Member] Series 2014-2 Notes [Member] Series 2014-3 Series 2014-3 Notes [Member] Series 2014-3 Notes [Member] Series 2014-4 Class A1 Series 2014-4, Class A-1 Notes [Member] Series 2014-4, Class A-1 Notes [Member] Series 2014-4 Class A2 Series 2014-4, Class A-2 Notes [Member] Series 2014-4, Class A-2 Notes [Member] Total Master Trust 2014 notes Series 2013-1 Class A Series 2013-1, Class A Notes [Member] Series 2013-1, Class A Notes [Member] Series 2013-2 Class A Series 2013-2, Class A Notes [Member] Series 2013-2, Class A Notes [Member] Total Master Trust 2013 notes Maturity (in years) Assets Assets [Abstract] Investments: Investments [Abstract] Real estate investments: Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract] Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Total real estate investments Real Estate Investment Property Real Estate Investment Property Less: accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Real estate investments, net Real Estate Investment Property, Net Loans receivable, net Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Intangible lease assets, net Real estate assets under direct financing leases, net Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases Real estate assets held for sale, net Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Net Net investments Investments Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Deferred costs and other assets, net Deferred Costs and Other Assets Goodwill Goodwill Total assets Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] 2015 Credit Facility Long-term Line of Credit Term Loan, net Loans Payable Senior Unsecured Notes, net Senior Notes Mortgages and notes payable, net Secured Debt Notes payable to Spirit Realty Capital, Inc., net Notes Payable, Related Parties Convertible Notes, net Convertible Notes Payable Intangible lease liabilities, net Below Market Leases Below Market Leases Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized: 484,026,824 and 483,624,120 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Partners' capital: Partners' Capital [Abstract] General partner's capital: 3,988,218 units issued and outstanding as of both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 General Partners' Capital Account Limited partners' capital: 480,038,606 and 479,635,902 units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Limited Partners' Capital Account Total partners' capital Partners' Capital Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Reconciliation of the Numerator and Denominator Used in the Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Minimum lease payments receivable Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Minimum Payments to be Received Estimated residual value of leased assets Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Unguaranteed Residual Values of Leased Property Unearned income Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Deferred Income Real estate assets under direct financing leases, net Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Collateral deposits Collateral Deposits [Member] Collateral Deposits [Member] Tenant improvements, repairs, and leasing commissions Tenant Improvements, Repairs and Leasing Commissions [Member] Tenant Improvements, Repairs and Leasing Commissions [Member] Master Trust Release Master Trust Release [Member] Master Trust Release [Member] Loan impounds Loan Impounds [Member] Loan Impounds [Member] Other Other Restricted Cash and Escrow Deposits [Member] Other Restricted Cash and Escrow Deposits [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted cash and deposits in escrow Restricted Cash and Investments Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Table] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Mortgage Loans Mortgage Receivable [Member] Notes Receivable Notes Receivable [Member] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items] Loans and leases receivable, gross Loans and Leases Receivable before Fees, Gross Mortgage loans - premium, net of amortization Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums Total loans receivable, net Allowance for loan losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Owned Properties Wholly Owned Properties [Member] Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Number of Properties Number of Real Estate Properties Owned [Roll Forward] Number of Real Estate Properties Owned [Roll Forward] Gross balance, December 31, 2016 Acquisitions/improvements Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquisitions Improvements Number of Real Estate Properties Acquisitions Improvements Dispositions of real estate Number of Real Estate Properties, Disposed Number of Real Estate Properties, Disposed Principal payments and payoffs Number Of Real Estate Properties Principal Payment Number of Real Estate Properties Principal Payment Impairments Number Of Real Estate Properties Impairments Number of Real Estate Properties Impairments Write-off of gross lease intangibles Number of Real Estate Properties Write Off Number of Real Estate Properties Write Off Loan premium amortization and other Number Of Real Estate Properties Loan Premium Amortization And Other Number of Real Estate Properties Loan Premium Amortization And Other Gross balance, March 31, 2017 Dollar Amount of Investments Real Estate and Loan Activity [Roll Forward] Real Estate and Loan Activity [Roll Forward] Gross balance, December 31, 2016 Acquisitions/improvements Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Acquisitions Improvements Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Acquisitions Improvements Dispositions of real estate Real Estate Investment Property At Cost, Disposal Real Estate Investment Property At Cost, Disposal Principal payments and payoffs Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Principal Payment Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Principal Payment Impairments Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Impairments Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Impairments Write-off of gross lease intangibles Real Estate Properties at Cost, Write-offs Real Estate Properties at Cost, Write-offs Loan premium amortization and other Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Loan Premium Amortization And Other Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Loan Premium Amortization And Other Gross balance, March 31, 2017 Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization Net balance, March 31, 2017 Real Estate Investments, Net Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative, number of instruments held Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in AOCL on Derivative (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Operations (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Amount of Loss Recognized in Operations on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Revenue producing capitalized expenditures Payments to Acquire Real Estate, Revenue Producing Investments Payments to Acquire Real Estate, Revenue Producing Investments Capitalized maintenance expenditures Capitalized Costs, Maintenance Costs Capitalized Costs, Maintenance Costs Accumulated depreciation and amortization associated with dispositions of real estate SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Real Estate Sold Potentially dilutive shares, convertible debt (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Operating Leases, Future Contractual Rent Receivable Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] Remainder of 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Total future minimum rentals Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Weighted Average Sale Price Per Square Foot of Comparable Properties [Member] Weighted Average Sale Price Per Square Foot of Comparable Properties [Member] Weighted Average Sale Price Per Square Foot of Comparable Properties [Member] Weighted Average Listing Price or Broker Opinion of Value Per Square Foot Weighted Average Listing Price or Broker Opinion of Value Per Square Foot [Member] Weighted Average Listing Price or Broker Opinion of Value Per Square Foot [Member] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Sales price (in usd per sqft) Fair Value Inputs, Real Estate Sales Price Per Square Foot Fair Value Inputs, Real Estate Sales Price Per Square Foot Listing price and broker opinion (in usd per sqft) Fair Value Inputs, Real Estate Listing Price and Broker Opinion Value Per Square Foot Fair Value Inputs, Real Estate Listing Price and Broker Opinion Value Per Square Foot Property square footage (per sqft) Area of Real Estate Property Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Number of Properties Number of Real Estate Properties Held-for-sale [Roll Forward] Number of Real Estate Properties Held-for-sale [Roll Forward] Balance, December 31, 2016 Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale Number of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale Transfers from real estate investments held and used Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale Transfers From Real Estate Investments Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale Transfers From Real Estate Investments Sales Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale Sales During Period Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale Sales During Period Transfers to real estate investments held and used Number of Real Estate Properties Held for Sale, Transfers to Real Estate Investments Number of Real Estate Properties Held for Sale, Transfers to Real Estate Investments Balance, March 31, 2017 Carrying Value Real Estate Assets Held-for-sale [Roll Forward] Real Estate Assets Held-for-sale [Roll Forward] Balance, December 31, 2016 Real Estate Held-for-sale Transfers from real estate investments held and used Real Estate Held For Sale Transfers From Real Estate Investments Real Estate Held For Sale Transfers From Real Estate Investments Sales Real Estate Held For Sale Sales During Period Real Estate Held For Sale Sales During Period Transfers to real estate investments held and used Real Estate Held for Sale, Transfers to Real Estate Investments Real Estate Held for Sale, Transfers to Real Estate Investments Impairments Real Estate Held For Sale, Impairments During Period Real Estate Held For Sale, Impairments During Period Balance, March 31, 2017 Real estate and intangible asset impairment Impairment of Real Estate Write-off of lease intangibles, net Impairment of Leasehold Loans receivable recovery Loan Receivable (Recovery) Impairment Loan Receivable (Recovery) Impairment Total impairments from real estate investment net assets Impairment of Real Estate Investments Impairment of Real Estate Investments Other impairment Total impairment loss Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income attributable to common stockholders Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Impairments Amortization of deferred financing costs Derivative net settlements, amortization and terminations Derivative, Net Settlements, Amortization and Terminations Derivative, Net Settlements, Amortization and Terminations Amortization of debt discounts Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Loss on debt extinguishment Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Continuing and Discontinued Operations Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Continuing and Discontinued Operations Debt extinguishment costs Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Gains on dispositions of real estate and other assets, net Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate Non-cash revenue Other Noncash Income Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Deferred costs and other assets, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable and Other Operating Assets Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities Accrued restructuring charges Restructuring Reserve, Period Increase (Decrease) Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisitions of real estate Payments to Acquire and Develop Real Estate Capitalized real estate expenditures Increase (Decrease) in Lease Acquisition Costs Investments in loans receivable Payments to Acquire Loans Receivable Collections of principal on loans receivable and real estate assets under direct financing leases Proceeds from Collection of Loans Receivable Proceeds from dispositions of real estate and other assets Proceeds From Dispositions Of Real Estate And Other Assets Proceeds From Dispositions Of Real Estate And Other Assets Transfers of net sales proceeds from restricted accounts pursuant to 1031 Exchanges Transfer Of Net Sales Proceeds From (To) Restricted Accounts Transfer Of Net Sales Proceeds From (To) Restricted Accounts Transfers of net sales proceeds to Master Trust Release Transfer Of Net Sales Proceeds From (To) Master Trust Release Transfer Of Net Sales Proceeds From (To) Master Trust Release Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under 2015 Credit Facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments under 2015 Credit Facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayments under mortgages and notes payable Repayments of Secured Debt Borrowings under Term Loan Proceeds from Loans Payable Proceeds from Loans Payable Repayments under Term Loan Repayments of Loans Payable Repayments of Loans Payable Deferred financing costs Payment Of Deferred Financing Costs And Call Premiums Payment Of Deferred Financing Costs And Call Premiums Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net after Sales Agent Commission Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net after Sales Agent Commission Repurchase of partnership units Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Repurchase of shares of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Distributions paid Payments of Capital Distribution Transfers (from) to reserve/escrow deposits with lenders Transfers To (From) Escrow Deposits With Lenders Transfers To (From) Escrow Deposits With Lenders Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Impaired long-lived assets held and used, properties Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Properties Impaired Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Properties Impaired Impaired long-lived assets held and used, properties estimating fair values on comparable properties Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Properties Estimating Fair Values on Comparable Properties Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Properties Estimating Fair Values on Comparable Properties Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock, Shares Common Stock [Member] Common Stock, Par Value Common Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member] Common Stock, Capital in Excess of Par Value Capital Units [Member] Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Beginning balance, value Partners' capital account, units (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units Partners' capital, beginning balance, value Partnership distributions declared Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Dividends declared on common stock Dividends, Common Stock Tax withholdings related to net stock settlements (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Tax withholdings related to net stock settlements Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Tax withholdings related to net partnership unit settlements (in units) Tax withholdings related to net partnership unit settlements Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation, net (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock-based compensation, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock-based compensation (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Unit-based Compensation Stock-based compensation Partners' Capital Account, Unit-based Compensation Ending balance (in shares) Ending balance, value Partners' capital account, units (in shares) Partners' capital, ending balance, value