Investments - Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Property
State
Sep. 30, 2016
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Property
receivable
State
Sep. 30, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Property
Investment [Line Items]          
Gross investment in real estate properties and loans $ 8,021,812   $ 8,021,812   $ 8,247,654
Number of real estate properties | Property 2,511   2,511   2,615
Portfolio disbursement, number of states | State 49   49    
Minimum of investment in real estate properties (as a percent) 10.00%   10.00%    
Number of other notes receivable | receivable     4    
Number of other notes receivable, secured | receivable     2    
Number of other notes receivable, non-secured | receivable     2    
Amortization amount to rental revenue for capitalized leases $ 1,500 $ 1,800 $ 4,900 $ 4,700  
Impairment of properties classified as held for sale     22,600 15,300  
Impairment of properties classified as held and used     65,500 26,100  
In-place leases          
Investment [Line Items]          
Leases amortization expenses 10,800 $ 11,600 33,000 $ 35,100  
Secured Debt          
Investment [Line Items]          
Notes receivable 6,500   6,500    
Financed Properties          
Investment [Line Items]          
Gross investment in real estate properties and loans $ 76,821   $ 76,821   $ 66,578
Number of real estate properties | Property 88   88   74
Texas          
Investment [Line Items]          
Number of states exceeding disclosure threshold | State 1   1    
Investment in real estate properties (as a percent) 12.20%   12.20%