| Cover | Feb. 23, 2022 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 23, 2022 |
| Entity File Number | 001-38597 |
| Entity Registrant Name | The Necessity Retail REIT, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001568162 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 90-0929989 |
| 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 | Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | RTL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | RTLPP |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Series C Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.375% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | RTLPO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| 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 | NASDAQ |
