Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Real Estate [Abstract] Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] Assisted Living Facilities Assisted Living Facility [Member] Assisted Living Facility [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Ensign Master Leases Ensign Master Leases [Member] Ensign Master Leases [Member] Various Other Operators Various Other Operators [Member] Various Other Operators [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Off-Market Favorable Lease Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Idaho IDAHO Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Facilities subject to operating lease Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units Number of living facilities Number of Real Estate Properties Number of master leases Number Of Master Leases Number Of Master Leases Annualized revenues from master leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current Escalation factor for calculating revenues after year two Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Escalation Factor, Minimum Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Escalation Factor, Minimum Percentage change in the consumer price index Operating Leases of Lessor, Contingent Rentals, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Number of facilities not leased Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Number Of Facilities Not Leased Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Number Of Facilities Not Leased Number of identified intangible assets Number Of Identified Intangible Assets Number Of Identified Intangible Assets Number of operating leases acquired Number Of Operating Leases Acquired Number Of Operating Leases Acquired Remaining lease term Below Market Lease, Remaining Lease Term Below Market Lease, Remaining Lease Term Number of properties sold Number Of Properties Sold Number Of Properties Sold Number of units in properties sold Number Of Beds Or Units In Properties Sold Number Of Beds Or Units In Properties Sold Aggregate carrying value of real estate sold Cost of Real Estate Sales Net proceeds from the sale of real estate Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment Gain on sale of real estate Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets: Assets [Abstract] Real estate investments, net Real Estate Investment Property, Net Other real estate investments, net Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts and other receivables, net Accounts Receivable, Net Prepaid expenses and other assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Deferred financing costs, net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Senior unsecured notes payable, net Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Senior unsecured term loan, net Loans Payable, Noncurrent Unsecured revolving credit facility Long-term Line of Credit Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities Dividends payable Dividends Payable Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 75,522,046 and 75,478,202 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income Total equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Award Restricted Stock [Member] Performance Stock Award Performance Shares [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Ensign Employees Ensign Employees [Member] Ensign Employees [Member] Officer Officer [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Restricted stock award conversion ratio related to the spin-off Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction, Restricted Stock Award Conversion Ratio Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction, Restricted Stock Award Conversion Ratio Stock awards unvested during spin-off (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Spin Off In Period Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested spin off in period. Shares vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Unvested stock awards outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Number of awards granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Award grant date fair value (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of equal annual vesting installments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting, Number of Equal Annual Installments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting, Number of Equal Annual Installments Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted average remaining vesting period related to expense recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Summarized Condensed Consolidating Information [Abstract] Summarized Condensed Consolidating Information [Abstract] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Elimination Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Guarantor Parent Company [Member] Issuers Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisitions of real estate Payments to Acquire Real Estate Improvements to real estate Payments to Develop Real Estate Assets Purchases of equipment, furniture and fixtures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Principal payments received on mortgage loan receivable Proceeds from Collection of Loans Receivable Escrow deposits for acquisition of real estate Payments for Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions Net proceeds from the sale of real estate Proceeds from Sale of Land Held-for-investment Distribution from subsidiary Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Intercompany financing Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Borrowings under unsecured revolving credit facility Proceeds from Unsecured Lines of Credit Payments on unsecured revolving credit facility Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Net-settle adjustment on restricted stock Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Dividends paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Distribution to Parent Payments of Distributions to Affiliates Distribution to Parent Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common dividends (in usd per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior unsecured notes payable Unsecured Debt [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Mortgage Loan Receivable Mortgage Receivable [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Financial assets: Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Preferred equity investment - face value Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost Preferred equity investments Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Mortgage loans receivable - face value Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Face Amount of Mortgages Mortgage loans receivable Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Financial liabilities: Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Senior unsecured notes payable - face value Debt Instrument, Face Amount Senior unsecured notes payable Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs Accumulated Amortization, Debt Issuance Costs Straight-line rental income Straight Line Rent Deferred straight-line rent receivable Deferred Rent Receivables, Net Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Independent Living Facilities Owned and Operated by Company Independent Living Facilities Owned and Operated By Company [Member] Independent Living Facilities Owned and Operated By Company [Member] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Lease Agreements Lease Agreements [Member] Unpaid Base Rents Accrued Income Receivable [Member] Other Tenant Receivables Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Reserve on receivables Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Remaining contractual payments as lessee Contractual Obligation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and Independent Living Facilities Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and Independent Living Facilities [Member] Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and Independent Living Facilities [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Assets Leased to Ensign Assets Leased to Others [Member] Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Number of units available in living facilities Number Of Licensed Nursing Center Beds Number of licensed nursing center beds. Number of units available in living facilities Number of Units in Real Estate Property Number of other real estate investments Number Of Other Real Estate Investments Number Of Other Real Estate Investments Preferred equity investment Equity Method Investments Mortgage loan Loans Receivable, Net Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Cascadia Development, LLC Cascadia Development, LLC [Member] Cascadia Development, LLC [Member] Preferred Equity Investment Preferred Equity Investment [Member] Preferred Equity Investment [Member] Providence Group Providence Group [Member] Providence Group [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Prime Rate Prime Rate [Member] Basis spread of preferred equity investment yield Equity Method Investments, Basis Spread On Variable Rate Equity Method Investments, Basis Spread On Variable Rate Preferred equity investment minimum yield Equity Method Investment, Rate Of Return, Floor Equity Method Investment, Rate Of Return, Floor Number of beds planned for construction Number Of Beds Planned For Construction Number Of Beds Planned For Construction Initial lease yield (percent) Initial Lease Yield Initial Lease Yield Interest income Interest Income, Operating Interest income distribution from other real estate investment Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Mortgage loan receivable interest rate (percent) Loans Receivable, Fixed Interest Rate Loans Receivable, Fixed Interest Rate Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Accrued Property Taxes and Franchise Permit Fees Accrued Taxes And Fees [Member] Accrued Taxes And Fees [Member] Trio Healthcare Inc Trio Healthcare Inc [Member] Trio Healthcare Inc [Member] Hillstone Healthcare Inc Hillstone Healthcare Inc [Member] Hillstone Healthcare Inc [Member] Trio Healthcare Inc and Hillstone Healthcare Inc Trio Healthcare Inc And Hillstone Healthcare Inc [Member] Trio Healthcare Inc And Hillstone Healthcare Inc [Member] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Pristine Amendment Pristine Amendment [Member] Pristine Amendment [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Reserve for advances and deferred rent Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Number of transitioned facilities Number Of Transitioned Facilities Number Of Transitioned Facilities Lease term (in years) Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Aggregate annual base rent due Operating Leases, Anticipated Initial Annual Lease Revenues Operating Leases, Anticipated Initial Annual Lease Revenues Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Estimates and Assumptions Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Real Estate Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block] Real Estate Acquisition Valuation Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Real Estate Investments Real Estate, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Financing Costs Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Disclosures Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Real Estate Revenue, Net [Abstract] Rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Tenant reimbursements Tenant Reimbursements Independent living facilities Health Care Organization, Revenue Interest and other income Interest and Other Income Total revenues Revenues Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Interest expense Interest Expense Property taxes Real Estate Tax Expense Independent living facilities Health Care Organization, Expenses, Gross General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total expenses Operating Expenses Other income: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average number of common shares: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share (in usd per share) Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] At-The-Market Offering At-The-Market Offering [Member] At-The-Market Offering [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Authorized aggregate offering price of common stock Securities Offering, Authorized Amount Securities Offering, Authorized Amount Remaining offering amount available Securities Offering, Remaining Authorized Amount Securities Offering, Remaining Authorized Amount Real Estate Investments, Net Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliation of Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding Used in Calculation of Basic EPS to Diluted EPS Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Income Statements Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Ensign Ensign [Member] Ensign [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Single lump-sum remittance to the government Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Corporate integrity agreement period Agreement Term Agreement term. Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Cumulative Distributions in Excess of Earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Beginning balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Issuance of common stock, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock, net, (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Vesting of restricted common stock, net of shares withheld for employee taxes Restricted Stock, Value, Shares Issued Net of Tax Withholdings Vesting of restricted common stock, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares) Restricted Stock, Shares Issued Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings Amortization of stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Common dividends ($0.205 and $0.74 per share for the three months ended 3/31/2018 and year ended 12/31/2017, respectively) (in usd per share) Dividends, Common Stock Net income Ending balance Ending balance (in shares) Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization (including a below-market ground lease) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Amortization of stock-based compensation Straight-line rental income Noncash interest income Other Noncash Income Gain on sale of real estate Change in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts and other receivables, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Supplemental schedule of noncash operating, investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Increase in dividends payable Increase Decrease In Dividends Payable Increase Decrease In Dividends Payable Application of escrow deposit to acquisition of real estate Escrow Deposit Disbursements Related to Property Acquisition Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Senior Unsecured Notes Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] Revolving Facility Line of Credit [Member] Mortgage Notes Payable Mortgages [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 Five Point Two Five Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Five Point Two Five Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] 5.875% Senior Notes due 2021 Five Point Eight Seven Five Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] Five Point Eight Seven Five Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Unsecured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Unsecured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility As Amended Revolving Credit Facility As Amended [Member] Revolving Credit Facility As Amended [Member] Senior unsecured term loan Senior Unsecured Term Loan [Member] Senior Unsecured Term Loan [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Debt instrument, face amount Interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Gross proceeds from issuance of senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Payment for redemption of senior notes Repayments of Senior Debt Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage of principal amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Percentage of aggregate principal amount of notes outstanding Debt Instrument Percentage Of Original Principal Amount Outstanding After Redemption From Equity Offerings Debt instrument percentage of original principal amount outstanding after redemption from equity offerings. Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage upon change of control Debt Instrument Redemption Price Upon Change Of Control As Percentage Of Principal Amount Debt instrument redemption price upon change of control as percentage of principal amount. Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, accordion feature Line Of Credit Facility, Expansion Option, Amount Line Of Credit Facility, Expansion Option, Amount Line of credit facility, increase to borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility, Amount Of Increase To Borrowing Capacity Line Of Credit Facility, Amount Of Increase To Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, increase to uncommitted incremental facility Line Of Credit Facility, Uncommitted Incremental Facility, Amount Of Increase Line Of Credit Facility, Uncommitted Incremental Facility, Amount Of Increase Line of credit facility, uncommitted incremental facility limit Line Of Credit Facility, Uncommitted Incremental Facility, Limit Line Of Credit Facility, Uncommitted Incremental Facility, Limit Number of extension options Line Of Credit Facility, Number Of Extension Options Line Of Credit Facility, Number Of Extension Options Line of credit facility, extension period Line Of Credit Facility Extension Option Term Line of credit facility extension option term. Line of credit facility, prepayment premium in first year Line Of Credit Facility, Prepayment Premium In First Year After Issuance Line Of Credit Facility, Prepayment Premium In First Year After Issuance Line of credit facility, prepayment premium in second year Line Of Credit Facility, Prepayment Premium In Second Year After Issuance Line Of Credit Facility, Prepayment Premium In Second Year After Issuance Payments on the mortgage notes payable Repayments of Notes Payable Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Outstanding amounts under Credit Facility Long-term Debt, Gross Debt instrument, basis spread Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of credit facility, facility fee percentage Line Of Credit Facility, Facility Fee Percentage Line Of Credit Facility, Facility Fee Percentage Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Interest payable Interest Payable Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Less: Net income allocated to participating securities Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic and Diluted Undistributed earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities, basic and diluted. Numerator for basic and diluted earnings available to common stockholders Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic And Diluted Net income (loss) available to common stockholders basic and diluted. Denominator: Weighted-average basic common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding (in shares) Earnings per common share, basic (in usd per share) Earnings per common share, diluted (in usd per share) Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Description of highest concentration of properties Concentration Risk, Geographic Number of states where Ensign leases the highest concentration of properties Concentration Risk, Number Of States Number of states where the entity's major tenants lease the highest concentration of properties. Concentration risk (percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Other Real Estate Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Summary of Estimated Useful Lives Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Land Land Buildings and improvements Investment Building and Building Improvements Integral equipment, furniture and fixtures Fixtures and Equipment, Gross Identified intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Real estate investments Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Real estate investments, net Summarized Condensed Consolidating Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Concentration of Risk Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Investment in Owned Properties Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Total Future Minimum Rental Revenues Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Rentals Receivables for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Rentals Receivables for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Skilled Nursing Properties Skilled Nursing Properties [Member] Skilled Nursing Properties [Member] Multi-Service Campus Properties Multi-Service Campus Properties [Member] Multi-Service Campus Properties [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Purchase Price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Annual Cash Rent Number of Properties Number Of Properties Acquired Number Of Properties Acquired Number of Beds/Units Number Of Beds Or Units In Properties Acquired Number Of Beds Or Units In Properties Acquired Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Income in Subsidiary Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Buildings Building [Member] Building Improvements Building Improvements [Member] Integral Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Future Minimum Rental Revenues Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] Remaining 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Intercompany Due from Related Parties Intercompany Due to Related Parties Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, authorized (shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, issued (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Senior unsecured notes payable Senior Notes [Member] Unsecured revolving credit facility Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Principal Amount Deferred Loan Fees Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Carrying Value Dividend payable date Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Summary of Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]