How can I create a panel/page/view that shows a list of nodes, and on the other side of the screen details about that node? Below is the generally layout of what I want to do. A list of nodes/items of a fixed content type with a custom view on the other side.




On the left hand side we see a list of nodes, shown as squiggles. One is selected (highlighted with a red border).
On the right hand side we see the details of this node: The Title, The Description and so on.  



I've looked into Views and Panels. I think what I want is a View that is specific to the listed content type. And then to include that in a panel that has the list?

I've tried several times but gotten mixed up in what I need to do.

Is there a simple non-video (blocked at work) guide to doing this sort of thing? 

All the examples I've seen either use pure php or make too many assumptions about knowledge of drupal.
I don't know of any Drupal Contrib Master-Detail views modules. Views Megarow comes close, so check it out. 

You can use Panels and Page Manager (part of CTools) if you don't mind a page reload to update the detail view. 


To start, install Panels, Page Manager (part of CTools), and Views content panes (part of CTools).
Select a path that you want your master-detail view on: I choose detail-view for this example.
Create a view that lists your content titles (master display only). Add field nid to this view, set its display to none, and move it to above title field. Alter title field settings by removing 'link this field to the original piece of content', and rewrite results on this title field by selecting 'Output this field as a link', and enter detail-display/[nid]





Create a second view similar to first (view of nodes, master display). Add a 'Content Pane' display to this view. As this view will display fields for a single node only, add the fields you want to display. Then add a contextual filter of nid, and hide the content when the filter is not available. Now comes the important part. Click on 'Edit' next to 'Argument input' in the middle pane of the views UI.  Select 'From Panel Argument' for the list box 'Content: Nid Source', then select 'First' from Panel argument. 







Add a custom page (admin/structure/pages/add). Add your desired path (ie detail-display). Select Panel as the variant. Next screen of wizard choose a two-column layout.
When you get to the UI page where you select the content for the left and right side, do this. 

a. For left panel, select 'Add content'. Select 'View Panes', and select the view pane that you created first (ie the one that lists all the titles).




b. For the right panel, select 'Add content', then select 'View Panes', and select the view pane that you created second (ie the one that lists detail for one node only). 


Update and save the panel, and you are good to go.