Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Table] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Table] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Continuing operations and discontinued operations Continuing Operations And Discontinued Operations [Member] Continuing Operations And Discontinued Operations [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Mortgage Receivable Mortgage Receivable [Member] Notes Receivable Notes Receivable [Member] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items] Mortgage loans and other note receivables, 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 Allowance for loan losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Mortgage loans and other note receivables, net Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Company's Assets Accounted for at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Sales Price Per Square Foot of Income Producing and Vacant Properties Used To Estimate Fair Value Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Summary of Fair Value Information for 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] 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] Unvested performance shares Unvested Performance Shares [Member] Unvested Performance Shares [Member] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Unvested shares of restricted stock Restricted Stock [Member] Unvested performance shares Performance Shares [Member] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Basic and diluted income: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Net loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Excluding Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Assets Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Excluding Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Assets Gain (loss) on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Less: income attributable to unvested restricted stock Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Less: dividends paid to preferred stockholders Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Income (loss) used in basic and diluted income per common share from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Attributable To Common Stockholders Income Loss From Continuing Operations Attributable To Common Stockholders Income used in basic and diluted income per share from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 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 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding including Unvested Shares Weighted Average Shares Outstanding including Unvested Shares Less: unvested weighted average shares of restricted stock Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Unvested Shares Adjustment Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Unvested Shares Adjustment Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in basic income per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income per share attributable to common stockholders—basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted weighted average shares of common stock Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Dilutive weighted average shares of common stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average shares of common stock used in diluted income per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income per share attributable to common stockholders—diluted (in dollars 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 Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Dividends Payable Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Dividends Per Share [Table] Dividends Per Share [Table] Dividends Per Share [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Common Shares Common Stock [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Income Tax [Member] Income Tax [Member] Dividends Per Share [Line Items] Dividends Per Share [Line Items] Dividends Per Share [Line Items] Ordinary income (in dollars per share) Ordinary Income Dividends Per Share Ordinary Income, Dividends, Per Share Return of capital (in dollars per share) Return Of Capital Per Share Return Of Capital Per Share Capital gain (in dollars per share) Total Capital Gain Per Share Total Capital Gain Per Share Common stock dividends paid (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Summary of Amounts Recorded in AOCL Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Summary of Restricted Share Activity under the Incentive Award Plan Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of Performance Share Award Activity under the Incentive Award Plan Share-based Compensation, Performance Shares Award Nonvested Activity [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Company's Minimum Aggregate Rental Commitments Under all Non-cancelable Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] 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] Above-market Leases Above Market Leases [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 Below-market leases Below Market Lease, Gross Less: accumulated amortization Below Market Lease, Accumulated Amortization Intangible lease liabilities, net Below Market Lease, Net Total accumulated depreciation and amortization associated with dispositions of real estate SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Real Estate Sold Revenue producing capitalized expenditures Payments to Acquire Real Estate, Revenue Producing Investments Payments to Acquire Real Estate, Revenue Producing Investments Non-revenue producing capitalized maintenance expenditures Capitalized Costs, Maintenance Costs Capitalized Costs, Maintenance Costs Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-use Disposal Group, Held-for-use, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Held-for-use, Not Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Gain on disposal of assets for properties Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Special Purpose Entities Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Real Estate Investments Real Estate Investments Policy [Policy Text Block] Real Estate Investments Policy. Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Provision For Doubtful Accounts Policy [Policy Text Block] Provision For Doubtful Accounts. Loans Receivable Policy Loans Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share and Unit Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [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] 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] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Term loan borrowing capacity amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Number of extension options Debt Instrument, Number Of Extension Options Debt Instrument, Number Of Extension Options Term of extension Debt Instrument, Extension Option, Term Debt Instrument, Extension Option, Term Term loan accordion feature Term Loan, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Term Loan, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Period to re-borrow after repayment Debt Instrument, Period to Reborrow After Repayment Debt Instrument, Period to Reborrow After Repayment Period subject to occurrence limitations Debt Instrument, Period Subject to Occurrence Limitations Debt Instrument, Period Subject to Occurrence Limitations Deferred financing costs, gross Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Unamortized deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Outstanding balance Long-term Debt, Gross Line of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Table] Schedule of Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [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] Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items] Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items] Percentage ownership of operating partnership Percentage Of Ownership Percentage Of Ownership Leases Future Minimum Payments [Table] Leases Future Minimum Payments [Table] Leases Future Minimum Payments [Table] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Ground Leases Ground Leases [Member] Ground Leases [Member] Office and Equipment Leases Office And Equipment Leases [Member] Office and Equipment Leases [Member] Leases Future Minimum Payments [Line Items] Leases Future Minimum Payments [Line Items] Leases Future Minimum Payments [Line Items] 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Total revenues Revenues Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Interest Interest Expense Other expenses Other Expenses (Loss) gain on debt extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Gain on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes (Loss) income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income (loss) from discontinued operations Dividends paid to preferred stockholders Net income attributable to common stockholders/ after preferred distributions Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income per share attributable to common stockholders and partners: Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Dividends declared per common share and partnership unit (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenues Revenues [Member] Revenues [Member] Assets, Total Assets, Total [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Shopko Shopko [Member] Shopko [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Number of tenants Number Of Tenants Number Of Tenants Percentage of concentration risk in largest tenant Concentration Risk, Percentage 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] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of Target Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding non-vested shares, beginning of year (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Shares granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Shares vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Shares forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding non-vested shares, end of year (in shares) Weighted average price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Outstanding non-vested shares, beginning of year (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding non-vested shares, end of year (in dollars per share) Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Spirit Realty, L.P. Spirit Realty, L.P. [Member] Spirit Realty, L.P. [Member] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Restricted Stock Performance Shares Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Directors 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] Shares of common stock available for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares surrendered for payment of federal and state withholding taxes Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Value of shares surrendered for payment of federal and state withholding taxes Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Grants in period (in shares) Deferred compensation expense Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Requisite service period of awards Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Requisite Service Period Weighted average recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Percent multiplier for shares granted Share-based Payment Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Granted, Multiplier Share-based Payment Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Granted, Multiplier Accrued dividend rights Dividend Rights Payable Dividend Rights Payable Aggregate shares that would have released under annual performance award 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 Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Unamortized stock-based compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Requisition service period Defined Contribution Plan, Requisition Service Period, Minimum Defined Contribution Plan, Requisition Service Period, Minimum Percentage of employer matching contribution (up to) Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items] Reduction and assumption of debt through sale of certain real estate properties Notes Reduction Financing provided in connection with disposition of assets Settlement of Asset Retirement Obligations Through Noncash Payments, Amount Net real estate and other collateral assets surrendered to lender Contribution of Property Reduction of debt in exchange for collateral assets Note Reduction Through Surrender to Lender Note Reduction Through Surrender to Lender Real estate acquired in exchange for loans receivable Transfer of Mortgage Receivables Transfer of Mortgage Receivables Reclass of residual value on expired deferred financing lease to operating asset Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed Accrued interest capitalized to principal Interest Costs Capitalized Accrued performance share dividend rights Dividends, Share-based Compensation Distributions declared and unpaid Dividends Payable Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for taxes Income Taxes Paid 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 Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill Goodwill allocated to dispositions of a business Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill, ending balance Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization in 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Amortization in 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization in 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization in 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization in 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Amortization thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Total future minimum amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Convertible Senior Notes Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 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] Aggregate principal amount of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Weighted average stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Conversion rate Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Conversion price (in dollars per share) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Premium above public offering price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Premium Above Public Offering Price, Percent Debt Instrument, Convertible, Premium Above Public Offering Price, Percent Cash dividend per share (in dollars per share) Cash Dividend Per Share Cash Dividend Per Share Value of the embedded conversion premium, included in net debt (discount) Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Deferred financing costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Master Trust Notes Mortgages [Member] Series 2014-1 Class A1 Series 2014-1, Class A1 Notes [Member] Series 2014-1, Class A1 Notes [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Amount of extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment Number of notes paid off Debt Instrument, Extinguishment Of Debt, Number Of Instruments Debt Instrument, Extinguishment Of Debt, Number Of Instruments Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Restructuring Restructuring [Member] Restructuring [Member] Leasehold Improvements and Fixtures Leasehold Improvements and Fixtures [Member] Leasehold Improvements and Fixtures [Member] Other Relocation Costs Other Relocation [Member] Other Relocation [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Total restructuring costs incurred to date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Expected restructuring and related costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 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 [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes Senior Notes [Member] Mortgages and Notes Payable Mortgages And Notes Payable [Member] Mortgages And Notes Payable [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 Revolving Credit Facility, net Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure Term Loan, net Loans Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Convertible Notes, net Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Senior Unsecured Notes/ Mortgages and notes payable, net Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Spirit MTA REIT Spirit MTA REIT [Member] Spirit MTA REIT [Member] Spinoff Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff [Member] Revenues: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue [Abstract] Rentals Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Interest income on loans receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest And Fee Income, Loans And Leases Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest And Fee Income, Loans And Leases Tenant reimbursement income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Tenant Reimbursements Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Tenant Reimbursements Other income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Income, Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Income, Other Total revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Expenses: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expenses [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expenses [Abstract] General and administrative Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Transaction costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Professional Fees Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Professional Fees Property costs (including reimbursable) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cost Of Property Repairs And Maintenance Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cost Of Property Repairs And Maintenance Real estate acquisition costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Acquisition Costs, Period Cost Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Acquisition Costs, Period Cost Interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Depreciation and amortization Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Impairments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Impairment Expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Impairment Expenses Total expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs And Expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs And Expenses Income from discontinued operations before other income and income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Loss on debt extinguishment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Gain on disposition of assets Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Total other income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income Income from discontinued operations before income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Income from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Total future minimum amortization Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facilities [Member] Revolving Credit Facilities - Credit Facility and Line of Credit [Member] CMBS - fixed-rate Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - Fixed-Rate [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - Fixed-Rate [Member] Convertible Notes Senior Unsecured Notes Unsecured Debt [Member] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Stated interest rate Weighted average maturity Debt Instrument, Term Long-term debt, gross Debt discount, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Deferred financing costs, net Total debt, net Long-term Debt Shares earned above performance target (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Shares Earned in Excess of Target Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Shares Earned in Excess of Target Weighted Average Fair Value Shares earned above performance target (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Share Earned in Excess of Target, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Share Earned in Excess of Target, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares released at target Performance Award Plan, Shares Released, Due to Termination Performance Award Plan, Shares Released, Due to Termination Cash paid for dividend rights Dividends, Share-based Compensation, Cash Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [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] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Fair Value Estimated Using Comparable Properties Fair Value Estimated Using Comparable Properties [Member] Fair Value Estimated Using Comparable Properties [Member] Fair Value Estimated Using Listing Price Or Broker Opinion Of Value Fair Value Estimated Using Listing Price Or Broker Opinion Of Value [Member] Fair Value Estimated Using Listing Price Or Broker Opinion Of Value [Member] Fair Value Estimated Using Signed Purchase And Sale Agreements Fair Value Estimated Using Signed Purchase And Sale Agreements [Member] Fair Value Estimated Using Signed Purchase And Sale Agreements [Member] Weighted Average Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Number of Properties Number of Real Estate Properties Weighted Average Price (usd/sq ft) Fair Value Inputs, Weighted Average Price Per Square Foot Fair Value Inputs, Weighted Average Price Per Square Foot Square Footage Fair Value Inputs, Square Feet Fair Value Inputs, Square Feet Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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 Net Real Estate Investment Real Estate Investment Property, Net Loans receivable, net Intangible lease assets, net Real estate assets under direct financing leases, net 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 Assets related to SMTA Spin-Off Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and stockholders’ equity/partners' capital Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Revolving Credit Facility Long-term Line of Credit Term Loan, net Loans Payable Senior Unsecured Notes, net Unsecured Debt Mortgages and notes payable, net Secured Debt Convertible Notes, net Convertible Notes Payable Notes payable to Spirit Realty Capital, Inc., net Notes Payable, Related Parties Intangible lease liabilities, net Below Market Leases Below Market Leases Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities Liabilities related to SMTA Spin-Off Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock and paid in capital, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized: 6,900,000 shares and no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, liquidation preference of $25.00 per share Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized: 448,868,269 shares and 483,624,120 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of common stock par value Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Partners' Capital Partners' Capital [Abstract] General partner's common capital, 3,988,218 units issued and outstanding as of both December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 General Partners' Common Capital Account General Partners' Common Capital Account Limited partners' preferred capital: 6,900,000 and no units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Limited Partners' Preferred Capital Account Limited Partners' Preferred Capital Account Limited partners' common capital, 444,880,051 and 479,635,902 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Limited Partners' Common Capital Account Limited Partners' Common Capital Account Total partners' capital Partners' Capital Total liabilities and stockholders' equity/partners' capital Liabilities and Equity Significant Credit and Revenue Concentration Significant Credit And Revenue Concentration Disclosure [Text Block] Significant Credit and Revenue Concentration Disclosure. Summary of Gross Real Estate and Loan Activity 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 Under Remaining Non-cancelable Term of Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Summary of Loans Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Summary of Lease Intangible, Net Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Aggregate Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Investment Assets held under Direct Financing Leases Investments in Direct Financing Leases Schedule [Table Text Block] Investments in Direct Financing Leases Schedule [Table Text Block] Summary of Activity in Real Estate Assets Held for Sale Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Summary of Total Impairment Losses Recognized Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset [Table Text Block] Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member] Preferred Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member] Preferred Units by Name [Axis] Preferred Units by Name [Axis] Preferred Units, Class [Domain] Preferred Units, Class [Domain] Preferred Partnership Units Preferred Partnership Units [Member] Preferred Partnership Units [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Partners' preferred units, beginning of year Partners' Preferred Capital Account, Units Partners' Preferred Capital Account, Units Partners' common units, beginning of year Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Partners' capital balance, beginning of year Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Partnership distributions declared Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Net income attributable to common stockholders/ after preferred distributions Issuance of shares of common stock, net (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of shares of common stock, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Tax withholdings related to net partnership unit settlements (in units) Tax withholdings related to net stock settlements Issuance of partnership units, net (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Contributed Issuance of partnership units, net Partners' Capital Account, Contributions Exercise of partnership units (in units) Partners Capital Account, Units, Option Exercise Partners Capital Account, Units, Option Exercise Exercise of partnership units Partners' Capital Account, Option Exercise Stock-based compensation (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Unit-based Compensation Stock-based compensation, net Partners' Capital Account, Unit-based Compensation Repurchase of partnership units (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Treasury Units Purchased Repurchase of partnership units Partners' Capital Account, Treasury Units, Purchased Partners' preferred units, end of year Partners' common units, end of year Partners' capital balance, end of year Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] 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] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accounts Payable Accruals And Other Liabilities Accounts Payable Accruals And Other Liabilities [Member] Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Number of variable rate debt obligations repaid during period Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Amount of 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 Loss from hedged transactions no longer probable of occurring Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restrictions on 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 and Title Company Escrow [Member] Master Trust Release and Title Company Escrow [Member] Liquidity reserve Liquidity Reserve [Member] Liquidity Reserve [Member] 1031 Exchange proceeds, net 1031 Exchange Proceeds [Member] 1031 Exchange Proceeds [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] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Including Discontinued Operations Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Investments Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract] Land and improvements Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Land And Land Improvements Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Land And Land Improvements Buildings and improvements Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Buildings And Improvements, Gross Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Buildings And Improvements, Gross Total real estate investments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Investment Property Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Investment Property Less: accumulated depreciation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Real estate investments, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Investment Property, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Investment Property, Net Loans receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Intangible lease assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets Real estate asset held for sale, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Net Net investments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investments Cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Deferred costs and other assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Costs And Other Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Costs And Other Assets Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Total assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract] Mortgages and notes payable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Secured Debt Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Secured Debt Intangible lease liabilities, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Below Market Lease, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Below Market Lease, Net Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Total liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Schedule of Income Tax Expense Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Common Stock Dividends Characterized for Tax Tax Components Of Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Tax Components of Dividends Declared. Stockholders' Equity and Partners' Capital Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes Debt percentage issued of their principal amount Debt Instrument, Percentage of Principal Amount Issued Debt Instrument, Percentage of Principal Amount Issued Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes, net of transaction fees and expenses Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Redemption price percentage of principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency 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] Fair value of long-lived assets held and used Long Lived Assets Held And Used Fair Value Disclosure Long Lived Assets Held And Used Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of lease intangible assets Intangible Lease Assets Fair Value Disclosure Intangible Lease Assets Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of other assets Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of long-lived assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure Costs Associated With Restructuring Activities Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Incentive Award Plan and Employee Benefit Plan Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income attributable to common stockholders 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, Net of Tax Net cash flow hedge losses reclassified to operations Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Spirit Realty, Inc. Spirit Realty, Inc. [Member] Spirit Realty, Inc. [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] B-1 Term Loan B-1 Term Loan [Member] B-1 Term Loan [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Operating Partnership And Several Banks Syndicate Operating Partnership And Several Banks Syndicate [Member] Operating Partnership And Several Banks Syndicate [Member] Societe Generale And Barclays Bank PLC Societe Generale And Barclays Bank PLC [Member] Societe Generale And Barclays Bank PLC [Member] Shopko Asset-Backed Lending Facility Shopko Asset-Backed Lending Facility [Member] Shopko Asset-Backed Lending Facility [Member] Non-Recourse CMBS Loan Agreement Non-Recourse CMBS Loan Agreement [Member] Non-Recourse CMBS Loan Agreement [Member] Series 2017-1 Class B Series 2017-1 Class B [Member] Series 2017-1 Class B [Member] Loans Payable Loans Payable [Member] 10-year Mid-Market Swap Rate 10-year Mid-Market Swap Rate [Member] 10-year Mid-Market Swap Rate [Member] Five Underperforming Properties Five Underperforming Properties [Member] Five Underperforming Properties [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Principal installments Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Lending facility Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Commitment fee, percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Written notice term Operating Leases, Written Notice Term Operating Leases, Written Notice Term Deferred rent, period (up to) Operating Leases, Deferred Rent, Period, Maximum Operating Leases, Deferred Rent, Period, Maximum Deferred rent, interest rate Operating Leases, Deferred Rent, Interest Rate Operating Leases, Deferred Rent, Interest Rate Maturity Additional debt proceeds Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Number of properties disposed Number Of Properties Disposed Number Of Properties Disposed Net book value of properties disposed Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Reconciliation of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restricted Cash and Deposits in Escrow Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] 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 Albertons, LLC [Member] Albertons, LLC [Member] Albertons, LLC [Member] Property Costs Cost of Sales [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Properties leased Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units Initial litigation settlement Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party 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 properties sold Number of Real Estate Properties Sold Number of Real Estate Properties Sold Proceeds from sale of properties Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment Number of locations 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 locations Number of Vacant Properties Number of Vacant Properties Number of 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 Commitments to purchase capital assets within one year expected to be funded within one year 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 for any payments the Company may be required to make on debt Number Of Tenants Indemnified By Number Of Tenants Indemnified By Rental expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating lease number of renewal options Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Options, Number Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Options, Number Operating lease renewal term Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Number of properties subject to ground leases Number of Properties Subject to Ground Leases Number of impaired properties Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Properties Impaired Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Properties Impaired Spirit Master Funding VII, LLC Spirit Master Funding VII, LLC [Member] Spirit Master Funding VII, LLC [Member] Net-lease Mortgage Notes Net-lease Mortgage Notes [Member] Net-lease Mortgage Notes [Member] 3.89% Series 2013-1 Class A Interest Only Three Point Eighty Nine Percent Series 2013-1 Class A Interest Only [Member] Three Point Eighty Nine Percent Series 2013-1 Class A Interest Only [Member] 5.27% Series 2013-2 Class A Amortizing Net Lease Mortgage Notes Five Point Twenty Seven Percent Series 2013-2 Class A Amortizing Net Lease Mortgage Notes [Member] Five Point Twenty Seven Percent Series 2013-2 Class A Amortizing Net Lease Mortgage 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] Series 2017-1 Class A Series 2017-1 Class A [Member] Series 2017-1 Class A [Member] Total Master Trust 2014 notes Series 2014 Notes [Member] Series 2014 Notes [Member] Total Master Trust 2013 notes Series 2013 Notes [Member] Series 2013 Notes [Member] Number of properties securing borrowings Debt Instrument, Number of Properties Securing Borrowings Debt Instrument, Number of Properties Securing Borrowings Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries (in properties) Number Of Subsidiaries Number Of Subsidiaries Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Owned Properties Wholly Owned Properties [Member] Financed Properties Financed Properties [Member] Financed 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] Beginning balance (in properties) Acquisitions/improvements (in properties) Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquisitions Improvements Number of Real Estate Properties Acquisitions Improvements Dispositions of real estate (in properties) Number of Real Estate Properties, Disposed Number of Real Estate Properties, Disposed Principal payments and payoffs (in properties) Number Of Real Estate Properties Principal Payment Number of Real Estate Properties Principal Payment Impairments (in properties) Number Of Real Estate Properties Impairments Number of Real Estate Properties Impairments Write-off of gross lease intangibles (in properties) Number of Real Estate Properties Write Off Number of Real Estate Properties Write Off Loan premium amortization and other (in properties) Number Of Real Estate Properties Loan Premium Amortization And Other Number of Real Estate Properties Loan Premium Amortization And Other Ending balance (in properties) Dollar Amount of Investments Real Estate and Loan Activity [Roll Forward] Real Estate and Loan Activity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Real Estate Investment Property Gross Real Estate Investment Property Gross 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 Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived 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 Ending balance Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization Other Real Estate Investments, Other Net balance, December 31, 2017 Real Estate Investments, Net CMBS - Variable-Rate Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - Variable-Rate [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities - Variable-Rate [Member] CMBS Loans CMBS Loans [Member] CMBS Loans [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] 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 securitized into CMBS Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Number of loans in default Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Number of Loans in Default Number of properties securing loans Debt Instrument, Collateral for Secured Borrowings, Number of Properties Debt Instrument, Collateral for Secured Borrowings, Number of Properties Default percentage rate Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Percentage Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Percentage Debt default amount Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Amount Capitalized interest Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Public Stock Offering Public Stock Offering [Member] Public Stock Offering [Member] Over-Allotment Option Over-Allotment Option [Member] Underwritten Public Offering Underwritten Public Offering [Member] Underwritten Public Offering [Member] ATM Program Continuous Equity Offering [Member] Continuous Equity Offering [Member] ATM Program, November 2016 ATM Program, November 2016 [Member] ATM Program, November 2016 [Member] Limited Partner Series A Preferred Units Limited Partner Series A Preferred Units [Member] Limited Partner Series A Preferred Units [Member] Equity Option Equity Option [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2017 Stock Repurchase Program 2017 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] 2017 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] 2016 Stock Repurchase Program 2016 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] 2016 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Number of shares issued Dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Aggregate gross proceeds from stock offering Sale Of Stock Consideration Received On Transaction, Gross Sale Of Stock Consideration Received On Transaction, Gross Aggregate net proceeds from stock offering Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Liquidation value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Period for change of control provision Preferred Stock, Redemption, Period For Change Of Control Provision Preferred Stock, Redemption, Period For Change Of Control Provision Dividend rate, quarterly basis (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount, Quarterly Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount, Quarterly Dividend rate, annual basis (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount Number of preferred units issued Preferred Units, Issued Price per share issued (in dollars per share) Shares Issued, Price Per Share Gross proceeds from common stock offering Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net proceeds from common stock offering Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net Shares authorized, amount Common Stock, Shares Authorized, Amount Common Stock, Shares Authorized, Amount Share issued during the period (in dollars per share) Shares Issued During Period, Price Per Share Shares Issued During Period, Price Per Share Payment of commissions and other issuance costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Common stock authorized Common Stock, Authorized, Amount Common Stock, Authorized, Amount Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchase program, period in force Stock Repurchase Program, Period in Force Stock repurchased during period (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchased, weighted average price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock repurchased, fees acquired Stock Repurchased During Period, Related Fees Stock Repurchased During Period, Related Fees Schedule of Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Summary of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Maturities of Company's Revolving Credit Facilities, Mortgages and Notes Payable, Including Balloon Payments Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Summary of the Components of Interest Expense Related to the Company's Borrowings Schedule Of Interest Expense On Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Interest Expense On Debt. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income 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 Asset Impairment Charges Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Payments to terminate interest rate swap Proceeds (Payments) on Interest Rate Swap Agreement Terminations Proceeds (Payments) on Interest Rate Swap Agreement Terminations Derivative net settlements, amortization and terminations Derivative (Settlements) Amortization of Interest Rate Hedge Losses and Other Derivative Losses, Net Derivative (Settlements) Amortization of Interest Rate Hedge Losses and Other Derivative Losses, Net Amortization of debt discounts Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Continuing and Discontinued Operations Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Continuing and Discontinued Operations Gains on dispositions of real estate and other assets Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate Non-cash revenue Other Noncash Income Bad debt expense and 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 Deferred Charges 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 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments under Revolving Credit Facilities Repayments of Lines of Credit Borrowings under mortgages and notes payable Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Repayments under mortgages and notes payable Repayments of Secured Debt Borrowings under Term Loan Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt Repayments under Term Loan Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Borrowings under Senior Unsecured Notes Debt extinguishment costs Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net of offering costs Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Repurchase of shares of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of partnership units Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Proceeds from exercise of stock options/ partnership units Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Preferred stock distributions/dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Common stock distributions/dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Bridge Loan Bridge Loan [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Deferred Charges and Other Assets Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity Increased borrowing capacity under accordion feature Line Of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Line Of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase Limit Commitment fee percentage on unused capacity Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Origination costs Deferred financing costs Deferred Costs Borrowings outstanding Letters of credit issued Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Income Taxes Income Tax 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, beginning of period (in properties) Number Of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale Number of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale Transfers from real estate investments (in properties) 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 (in properties) 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 (in properties) 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, end of period (in properties) Carrying Value Real Estate Assets Held-for-sale [Roll Forward] Real Estate Assets Held-for-sale [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Real Estate Held-for-sale Transfers from real estate investments 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 Real Estate Held For Sale, Impairments During Period Balance, end of period Investments Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share) Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding General partners' common capital, units issued General Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Issued General Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Issued General partners' common capital, units outstanding General Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Outstanding General Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Outstanding Limited partners' common capital, units issued Limited Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Issued Limited Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Issued Limited partners' common capital, units outstanding Limited Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Outstanding Limited Partners' Common Capital Account, Units Outstanding Limited partners' preferred capital, units issued Limited Partners' Preferred Capital Account, Units Issued Limited Partners' Preferred Capital Account, Units Issued Limited partners' preferred capital, units outstanding Limited Partners' Preferred Capital Account, Units Outstanding Limited Partners' Preferred Capital Account, Units Outstanding Income Tax Expenses [Table] Income Tax Expenses [Table] Income Tax Expenses [Table] Income Tax [Axis] Income Tax [Axis] Income Tax [Axis] Income Tax [Domain] Income Tax [Domain] Income Tax [Domain] State income tax Real Estate Investments Trust State Income Tax [Member] Real Estate Investments Trust State Income Tax [Member] REIT state built-in gain tax expense Real Estate Investments Trust State Built In Gain Tax [Member] Real Estate Investments Trust State Built In Gain Tax [Member] Income Tax Expenses [Line Items] Income Tax Expenses [Line Items] Income Tax Expenses [Line Items] State income tax and built-in gain tax Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal income tax Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax expense Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) Convertible Notes Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Preferred stock, total amount Dividends, Preferred Stock Common stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share) Common stock, total amount Dividends, Common Stock Restricted stock awards forfeitures Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures, Dividends Real estate and intangible asset impairment Impairment of Real Estate Write-off of lease intangibles, net Write-off (Recovery) from Impairment of Lease Intangibles Write-off (Recovery) from Impairment of Lease Intangibles Loans receivable impairment Loans and Leases Receivable, Impairments, Net Loans and Leases Receivable, Impairments, Net Total impairments from real estate investment net assets Impairment of Real Estate Investments Impairment of Real Estate Investments Other impairment Other Asset Impairment Charges Total impairment loss in continuing and discontinued operations Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Capital Units [Member] Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] AOCL AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Preferred shares outstanding, beginning of period Common shares outstanding, beginning of period Balances, beginning of period Dividends declared on common stock Tax withholdings related to net stock settlements (in shares) Repurchase of common shares (in shares) Repurchase of common shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Exercise of stock options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised 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 Dividends declared on preferred stock Preferred shares outstanding, end of period Common shares outstanding, end of period Balances, end of period Income (Loss) Per Share and Partnership Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Texas TEXAS Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Domain] Collateral [Domain] Single-Tenant Commercial Properties Commercial Real Estate [Member] Tenant Assets and Stock Tenant Assets and Stock [Member] Tenant Assets and Stock [Member] Unsecured Uncollateralized [Member] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description, Loan Category [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description, Loan Category [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] First Mortgage First Mortgage [Member] Above market leases Below-market Leases Below Market Lease [Member] Below Market Lease [Member] Leases Leases [Member] Leases [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Real estate properties and loans, gross Number of real estate properties invested in Number of states properties dispersed geographically 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 Percentage of investment in real estate properties Percentage Of Investment In Real Estate Properties Percentage Of Investment In Real Estate Properties Minimum percentage of investment in real estate properties 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 first-priority mortgage loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans Number of borrowers Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Borrowers Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Borrowers Number of notes receivable (in loans) Financing Receivable, Number of Financing Receivables Financing Receivable, Number of Financing Receivables Secured notes receivable, net Financing Receivable, Net 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 Lease intangibles weighted average amortization period Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Acquired finite-lived intangible assets Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Below market lease acquired Below Market Lease, Acquired Real estate assets held-for-sale expected selling period Real Estate Assets Held-for-sale, Selling Period Real Estate Assets Held-for-sale, Selling Period Impairment of properties classified as held for sale Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Impairment of properties classified as held and used Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Table] Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Table] Schedule Of Interest Expenses [Table] Revolving Credit Facilities Term Note Payable 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 Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization Of Deferred Financing Costs Amortization Of Deferred Financing 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/(premium), net Total interest expense Facility fees Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Fee Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Special purpose entities Special Purpose Entity [Member] Special Purpose Entity [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Land improvements Land Improvements [Member] Interest income and other Interest Income and Other [Member] Interest Income and Other [Member] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Net assets Net liabilities Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Amounts past due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Impairments or allowances of direct financing lease Impairments of Direct Financing Lease Impairments of Direct Financing Lease Number of direct financing leases with impairments Number of Direct Financing Leases with Impairments Number of Direct Financing Leases with Impairments Rent escalators adjustment period Lease, Rent Escalators Adjustment Period Lease, Rent Escalators Adjustment Period Rent escalator increase as ratio of CPI Lease, Rent Expense, Escalator Increase as Ratio of Consumer Price Index Lease, Rent Expense, Escalator Increase as Ratio of Consumer Price Index Threshold period for past due amounts Threshold Period Past Due for Write-off of Financing Receivable Lease termination fee Lease Termination Fee Lease Termination Fee Impairment on existing goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill written off from disposal of real estate assets not previously classified as held for sale Reserves for uncollectible amounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross Provision for losses Provision for Lease Losses Accrued rental revenue receivables Accrued Rental Revenue Receivables Accrued Rental Revenue Receivables Allowance for loan losses Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate Loan placed on non accrual status, past due days Accruing Loans Past Due Period Accruing Loans Past Due Period Number of loans on nonaccrual status Number Of Loans On Non Accrual Status Number Of Loans On Non Accrual Status Receivables, nonaccrual status Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest Number of notes receivable on nonaccrual status Number Of Notes Receivable, Nonaccrual Status Number Of Notes Receivable, Nonaccrual Status Federal income tax Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations 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 Other Operating Income Total revenues Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Property costs (including reimbursable) Cost of Property Repairs and Maintenance Real estate acquisition costs Acquisition Costs, Period Cost Interest Depreciation and amortization Impairments Impairment Expense Impairment Expense Total expenses Costs and Expenses Loss from continuing operations before other income (expense) and income tax expense Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Other Expenses [Abstract] Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment Total other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (loss) from continuing operations Net Income Net income attributable to general partners - Continuing operations Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Net Of Tax, Allocated To General Partners Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Net Of Tax, Allocated To General Partners Net income attributable to general partners - Discontinued operations Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax, Allocated To General Partners Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax, Allocated To General Partners Net income attributable to general partners Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners Net income attributable to limited partners - Continuing operations Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Net Of Tax, Allocated To Limited Partners Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Net Of Tax, Allocated To Limited Partners Net income attributable to limited partners - Discontinued operations Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax, Allocated To Limited Partners Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax, Allocated To Limited Partners Net income attributable to limited partners Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic: Continuing operations net income per common partnership unit - basic (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Discontinued operations net income per common partnership unit - basic (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic Net income per common partnership unit - basic (in dollars per share) Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Continuing operations net income per common partnership unit - diluted (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Discontinued operations net income per common partnership unit - diluted (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Net income per common partnership unit —diluted (in dollars 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 common 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 Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations 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 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] Debt discount, net Deferred financing costs, net 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] 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Outstanding balance Derivative and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Reconciliation of Numerator and Denominator used in Computation of Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Net Gains or Losses from Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Net operating loss carry-forwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Interest and penalties accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued