Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Details) - Available for Sale Marketable Equity Securities - NHI Common Stock [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Details) - Available for Sale Marketable Equity Securities [Line Items]
NHI Common Stock (in Shares)	1,630,642	1,630,642
NHI Common Stock	$ 24,734	$ 24,734
NHI Common Stock	$ 101,589	$ 114,080

Balance held at close of period in number of shares.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

-SubTopic 320

-Section S99

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12C.Column B)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=50485924&loc=d3e611225-123010

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

-SubTopic 320

-Section S99

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-14.Column B)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=50485924&loc=d3e611322-123010

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

-SubTopic 320

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12.Column B)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=50485924&loc=d3e611133-123010

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant