Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Investors, Inc. (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 National Health Investors Inc [Member]	Dec. 31, 2007 National Health Investors Inc [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 39,355,000	$ 39,736,000	$ 38,086,000	$ 33,700,000	$ 33,700,000
Percentage Rent Expense	$ 2,591,000	$ 2,969,000	$ 1,122,000
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares (in Shares)		1,630,642		1,630,642
Percent Owned of Available-For-Sale Securities		5.90%		5.90%