This item represents the number of years during which a capital improvement commitment is expected to be fulfilled.

No definition available.

Name:	nhi_CapitalImprovementCommitmentPeriodYears
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the total amount of capital improvements that an entity has committed to complete.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_CapitalImprovementsCommitment
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The initial rate charged under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_InitialLeaseRate
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the amount of a payment or a series of payments related to a lease incentive commitment which has been assessed as not probable and therefore is not recorded as payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LeaseIncentiveCommitmentAssessedAsNotProbable
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LoansReceivableDescriptionofVariableRateBasisReferenceRateMaturity
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Loans and Lease Receivable, Maximum Revolving Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LoansandLeaseReceivableMaximumRevolvingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the maximum commitment for all active development projects.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_MaximumCommitmentForAllActiveDevelopmentProjects
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the number of active development or construction projects.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NumberOfDevelopmentProjectsActive
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the number of real estate properties to be constructed, based on an agreement or commitment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of Development Projects, Completed

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NumberofDevelopmentProjectsCompleted
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of Lease Inducement Payments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NumberofLeaseInducementPayments
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the amount of payments to be made to the seller of a real estate property contingent upon the occurrence of specific events.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_Paymentstoacquirerealestatesellerearnoutcontingentnotprobable
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the number of real estate properties for which the entity has made a binding commitment to purchase.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the purchase commitment for real estate properties which the entity has entered into a binding agreement to acquire.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Real estate purchase liabilities

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstatePurchaseLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Revolving Note Receivable, Amount Outstanding

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RevolvingNoteReceivableAmountOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Revolving Note Receivable, Maximum Amount Available for Working Capital Purposes

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RevolvingNoteReceivableMaximumAmountAvailableforWorkingCapitalPurposes
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The aggregate costs related to construction and development services during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The current amount of expenditures for a real estate project that has not yet been completed.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.10)
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Phase
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49177889

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Term of the lessor's leasing arrangement renewal, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesRenewalTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Term of the lessor's leasing arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of loans and leases held in portfolio, including but not limited to, commercial and consumer loans. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements and loans held for sale.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65884687&loc=d3e4428-111522

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The percentage points (also referred to as 'margin') added to the reference rate as stated in the loan agreement and used to compute the variable rate on the loans receivable. For instance, the loan agreement might state that the interest rate the borrower is obligated to pay is the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus three quarters (3/4) of a percentage point adjusted quarterly (each three months). LIBOR in this example is the index or reference rate, 3/4 percentage point is the margin, the reference rate plus the margin is the fully indexed rate. This element would be used to report separately the margin.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansReceivableBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The reference rate for the variable rate of the loans receivable, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansReceivableDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of real estate properties owned as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of states the entity operates in as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of units in a real estate property owned as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for acquisition of or capital improvements to properties held for investment (operating, managed, leased) or for use.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Investing Activities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3213-108585

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Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_SeniorLivingCommunitiesMember
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Data Type:	na
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Commitments And Contingencies (Details)	6 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies (Details)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) properties	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016 beds_or_units	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	194
Number of States in which Entity Operates			32
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount					$ 160,062,000	$ 133,714,000
Real estate purchase liabilities					750,000	$ 750,000
Payments for Capital Improvements	$ 815,000	$ 1,816,000
Legend Senior Living [Member]
Real Estate Properties, Commitment To Purchase \| properties	4
Real Estate Properties, Commitment To Purchase, Amount					$ 56,000,000
Senior Living Communities [Member]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	15 years
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds				1,671	186
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties	8
Loans and Lease Receivable, Maximum Revolving Amount					$ 15,000,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount					2,109,000
Revolving Note Receivable, Maximum Amount Available for Working Capital Purposes					5,000,000
Revolving Note Receivable, Amount Outstanding					12,467,000
Loans Receivable, Description of Variable Rate Basis, Reference Rate Maturity	10 years
Loans Receivable, Description of Variable Rate Basis	0.0149
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			6.00%
Chancellor Healthcare [Member]
Development in Process					52,000
Capital improvements commitment					650,000
Discovery Regency Pointe [Member]
Lease Incentive Commitment Assessed As Not Probable	$ 0
Real estate purchase liabilities					2,500,000
The Ensign Group [Member]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	15 years
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	15
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds	245			931
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties	8
Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	17 years
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	25
Watermark Retirement Communities [Member]
Development in Process					(747,000)
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	15 years
Initial lease rate			7.00%
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds \| beds_or_units				460
Capital improvements commitment					10,000,000
Capital Improvement Commitment, Period, Years	2 years
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties	2
East Lake Mgmt, Acquisition [Member]
Capital improvements commitment					400,000
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties	3
Lease Incentive Commitment Assessed As Not Probable	$ 8,000,000
Payments to acquire real estate, seller earnout, contingent, not probable	$ 750,000
Bickford Development Properties [Member]
Number Of Development Projects Active \| properties	5
Development in Process					34,536,000
Number of Real Estate Properties To Be Constructed \| properties	8
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects					55,000,000
Number of Development Projects, Completed \| properties	3
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds \| beds_or_units				60
Bickford LOC Commitment Amount [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount					3,930,000
1st Contingent Payment Amount [Member] \| Discovery Regency Pointe [Member]
Real estate purchase liabilities					750,000
Sante Partners Commitment [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	$ 2,621,000
Number of Lease Inducement Payments			2
Capital improvements commitment					3,500,000
Lease Incentive Commitment Assessed As Not Probable	$ 1,000,000
Real estate purchase liabilities					$ 0