| Cover | Oct. 01, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 1, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-37390 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Global Net Lease, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001526113 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 45-2771978 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 650 Fifth Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 30th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10019 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 415-6500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | GNL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | GNL PR A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series B Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.875% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | GNL PR B |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock Purchase Rights [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
