Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Assets held for sale, net	$ 8,467	$ 0
Assets
Land	130,340	127,566
Buildings and improvements	1,843,519	1,854,855
Construction in progress	10,219	6,428
Real estate properties, gross	1,984,078	1,988,849
Less accumulated depreciation	(233,202)	(212,300)
Real estate properties, net	1,750,876	1,776,549
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	99,681	63,630
Investment in preferred stock, at cost	38,132	38,132
Cash and cash equivalents	3,293	3,287
Marketable securities	14,664	15,503
Straight-line rent receivable	47,462	35,154
Equity-method investment and other assets	50,245	50,705
Total Assets	2,012,820	1,982,960
Liabilities and Equity
Debt	893,032	862,726
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	14,432	15,718
Dividends Payable	31,931	28,864
Lease deposit liabilities	21,275	21,648
Real estate purchase liabilities	3,000	3,000
Deferred income	2,643	1,071
Total Liabilities	$ 966,313	$ 933,027
Commitments and Contingencies
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 60,000,000 and 40,000,000 shares authorized; 37,566,221 and 37,485,902 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	$ 376	$ 375
Capital in excess of par value	1,035,318	1,033,896
Cumulative dividends in excess of net income	(3,566)	(569)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,555	6,223
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	1,036,683	1,039,925
Noncontrolling interest	9,824	10,008
Total Equity	1,046,507	1,049,933
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 2,012,820	$ 1,982,960