Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Mar. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 27, 2013
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest	$ 82,200	$ 71,900
Cash paid for income taxes	1,700	403
Lease liability - operating leases, net	129,145
Non-cash activities
Lease liabilities recorded under operating leases	132,000
Right-of-use assets recorded under operating leases	132,000
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents shown in the consolidated balance sheets	2,997	20,627		$ 10,387
Restricted escrow deposits	9,081	32
Impounds related to mortgages payable	10,256	5,923		9,555
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows	22,334	26,582		$ 21,071			$ 12,142
Properties under development
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Interest capitalized to properties under development	$ 175	$ 57
Realty Income, L.P.
Non-cash activities
Number of partnership units issued	89,322	242,007	89,322		131,790	242,007		534,546
Value of partnership units issued	$ 6,300	$ 12,100