This element represents the agreed selling price for an asset classified at the balance sheet date as held for sale.

No definition available.

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

- Definition

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

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

This item represents the change in accounts payable related to acquisition of non-controlling interest.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The inital lease amount charged under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of property.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_InitialLeaseAmount
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
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 percentage of ownership interest which is retained subsequent to contribution into a joint venture.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the percentage of ownership interest which is surrendered subsequent to contribution into a joint venture.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the amount, reflected as a percentage of the prior year amount, by which a lease payment will increase each lease year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The initial escalator rate charged from lease year 3 through the end of the lease term under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateAfterLeaseYear3
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The initial escalator rate charged from lease year 1 and through lease year 3 under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateFromLeaseYear1toLeaseYear3
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The initial lease escalator rate charged from lease year 2 through lease year 4 under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateLeaseYear2toLeaseYear4
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The initial lease escalator to be charged starting after lease year 4 under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateafterLeaseYear4
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the number of shares of a lessor that are owned by a significant lessee as of the end of the reporting period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LessorEquitySharesOwnedSignificantLessee
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the minimum annual lease income to be received.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the original cost of corporate assets that are not part of the investment portfolio.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This concept reflects the interest rate to be received on a loan receivable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Number Of Additional Lease Renewal Options

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NumberOfAdditionalLeaseRenewalOptions
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
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

The number of lessees of real estate property at the end of the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NumberOfLessees
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 item represents the number of real estate properties sold during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Number of Master Leases

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the number of real estate properties held for sale.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents required deposit payments related to acquisition of real estate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstateLeaseDeposit
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the percentage of income recognized from a lease tenant.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_PercentageOfContinuingRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the rental revenue rate earned during the period from lessee-operators based on revenues generated in their operations, generally in excess of a base amount. Generally stipulated in the lease agreement, it usually will provide for a fixed percentage of revenue to be paid as additional (or possibly only) rent due the lessor, and may be based on gross revenues, net revenues, or multiple variations thereof.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_PercentageRentRate
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the net investment amount for a property group within a real estate portfolio.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_PropertyGroupOriginalInvestmentNet
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the amount of an outstanding purchase option.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This concept represents the lease or note year during which the purchase option period opens.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This concept represents the value allocated to depreciable assets related to a real estate acquisition completed during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstateAcquisitionValueAllocatedDepreciableAssets
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This concept represents the value allocated to land related to a real estate acquisition completed during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstateAcquisitionValueAllocatedLand
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the minimum yield related to a real estate development agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstateDevelopmentAgreementMinimumYield
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The element represents the original cost of all portfolio leased assets.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the total expected investment in a new real estate transaction announced during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstateInvestmentsCompletedDuringThePeriod
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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

Name:	nhi_RealEstatePropertiesCommitmentToPurchase
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

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

- Definition

This item represents the purchase price of a real estate acquisition including cash and debt forgiveness.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstatePurchasePrice
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents transaction and closing costs associated with a significant real estate acquisition transaction during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstateTransactionAcquisitionTransactionCosts
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Settlement Of Mortgage Note By Real Estate Acquisition

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_SettlementOfMortgageNoteByRealEstateAcquisition
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents an accumulated straight-line rent receivable balance written off as a result of a lease amendment or termination.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_WriteoffOfStraightLineRentReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
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)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

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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

Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of an equity method investment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66022249&loc=d3e33749-111570

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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

- Definition

The net gain (loss) resulting from sales and other disposals of real estate owned for investment purposes.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.14(d))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill
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

Carrying amount of the equity interests owned by noncontrolling partners in an operating partnership included in the entity's consolidated financial statements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- 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 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 total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 20
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7501430&loc=d3e39896-112707

+ Details

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

- 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

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

+ Details

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

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the purchase of noncontrolling interest during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

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

- Definition

The cash outflow from the acquisition of a piece of land, anything permanently fixed to it, including buildings, structures on it and so forth; includes real estate intended to generate income for the owner; excludes real estate acquired for use by the owner.

+ References

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

+ Details

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

- Definition

This element represents the rental revenue earned during the period from lessee-operators based on revenues generated in their operations, generally in excess of a base amount. Such rental revenue is generally stipulated in the lease agreement, usually will provide for a fixed percentage of revenue to be paid as additional (or possibly only) rent due the lessor, and may be based on gross revenues, net revenues, or multiple variations thereof. Percentage rent is often required under leases with retail outlets located on premises owned by hoteliers, cruise lines, others in the hospitality industry, and shopping mall operators, among others.

+ 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 210.5-03.1(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

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

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the amount received from the sale of a business segment or subsidiary or sale of an entity that is related to it but not strictly controlled during the period (for example, an unconsolidated subsidiary, affiliate, joint venture or equity method investment).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3179-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Investing Activities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

+ Details

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

- Definition

Cash received for rents during the current period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 25
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3536-108585

+ Details

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

- Definition

Cash received for the sale of real estate that is not part of an investing activity during the current period.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of investments in land and buildings held for sale, excluding real estate considered to be inventory of the entity.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow for transaction costs in a sale-leaseback recognized in investing activities. Includes, but is not limited to, closing and debt issuance costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28365400&loc=d3e51843-112757

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 51
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28365400&loc=d3e51840-112757

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 50
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28365400&loc=d3e51831-112757

+ Details

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

- Definition

Difference between actual rental income due and rental income recognized on a straight-line basis.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

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

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_WatermarkRetirementCommunitiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_TheEnsignGroupMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_LegendSeniorLivingMember
Namespace Prefix:
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Real Estate (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Real Estate (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) Master_Leases	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) Master_Leases properties	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 properties	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016 shares	Sep. 30, 2016 beds_or_units	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 renewalOptions	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Equity Method Investments									$ 0		$ 7,657,000
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					196
Change in accounts payable related to acquisition of non-controlling interest			$ 10,546,000	$ 0
Nonportfolio Assets, Original Cost									1,152,000
Real Estate Investment Property, Portfolio Assets									2,392,524,000
Number of Lessees						27
Payments to Acquire Real Estate			288,965,000	104,066,000
Non-cash write-off of straight-line rent receivable			15,856,000	0
Settlement Of Mortgage Note By Real Estate Acquisition			9,753,000	255,000
Real Estate Investments Completed During The Period			321,163,000
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ 59,272,000	$ 54,459,000	171,374,000	159,624,000
Straight Line Rent			16,583,000	18,492,000
Gain on sale of real estate	0	1,126,000	4,582,000	1,126,000
Payments for Capital Improvements			913,000	2,757,000
Real Estate Held-for-sale									0		$ 1,346,000
Watermark Retirement Communities [Member]
Payments to Acquire Real Estate			56,300,000
Payments To Acquire Real Estate, Lease Deposit			$ 4,500,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units								460
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract			15 years
Development in Process									747,000
Purchase Option, Open Period, Begin, Lease or Note Year			6 years
Initial lease rate						7.00%
Real Estate Investments Completed During The Period			$ 66,300,000
Lease Escalator Rate Lease Year 2 to Lease Year 4						3.50%
Lease Escalator Rate after Lease Year 4						3.00%
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties			2
Capital Improvements Commitment									10,000,000
Capital Improvement Commitment, Period, Years			2 years
The Ensign Group [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					15
Payments to Acquire Real Estate			$ 118,500,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property					245			931
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract			15 years
Initial Lease Amount									17,750,000
Property Group, Original Investment, Net			$ 211,000,000
Non-cash write-off of straight-line rent receivable			8,326,000
Real Estate Acquisition, Value Allocated, Land			6,252,000
Real Estate Acquisition, Value Allocated, Depreciable Assets			105,848,000
Real Estate Investments Completed During The Period			$ 118,500,000
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties			8
Number Of Additional Lease Renewal Options						2
Lease Renewal Period In Years			5 years
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)									6,400,000
Asset Held For Sale, Agreed Selling Price									24,600,000
Number of Real Estate Properties, Held for Sale \| properties					2
Legend Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					9
Real Estate Properties, Commitment To Purchase \| properties					4
Real Estate Properties, Commitment To Purchase, Amount									56,000,000
Legend Senior Living [Member] \| Asset under Construction [Member]
Real Estate Properties, Commitment To Purchase \| properties					3
Village Concepts [Member]
Payments to Acquire Real Estate			$ 9,463,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units								98
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract			15 years
Asset Purchase Transaction Costs			$ 213,000
Initial lease rate						7.25%
Capital Improvements Commitment									350,000
Payments for Capital Improvements			158,000
Chancellor Healthcare [Member]
Development in Process									52,000
Real Estate Investments Completed During The Period			36,650,000
Real Estate Transaction, Acquisition, Transaction Costs			$ 150,000
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties			2
Capital Improvements Commitment									650,000
Chancellor Healthcare [Member] \| August 2016 Acquisition [Member]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract			15 years
Initial lease rate						7.50%
Bickford Senior Living [Member]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates			$ 8,100,000
Equity Method Investments									6,443,000
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					32
Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnerships									0.85
Change in accounts payable related to acquisition of non-controlling interest			10,546,000
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal			1,657,000
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries			25,100,000
Payments to Acquire Real Estate			$ 77,747,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units								277
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract			15 years
Settlement Of Mortgage Note By Real Estate Acquisition			$ 9,753,000
Initial lease rate						7.25%
Note Receivable Interest Rate						9.00%
Real Estate Investments Completed During The Period			89,900,000
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ 8,528,000	$ 6,150,000	$ 21,999,000	$ 17,844,000
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	13.00%	11.00%	12.00%	10.00%
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties			5
Real Estate Purchase Price			$ 87,500,000
Joint Venture Contributed Properties Ownership Interest Retained						85.00%
Joint Venture Contributed Properties Ownership Interest Surrendered						15.00%
Number Of Additional Lease Renewal Options \| renewalOptions										2
Lease Renewal Period In Years			5 years
Minimum Annual Lease Income			$ 26,260,000
Lease Escalator, Percent						3.00%
Number Of Development Projects Active \| properties					5
Capital Improvements Commitment									2,400,000
Bickford Senior Living [Member] \| Future Development [Member]
Initial lease rate						9.00%
Note Receivable Interest Rate						9.00%
Real Estate Development Agreement, Minimum Yield			9.55%
Bickford Senior Living [Member] \| Asset under Construction [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					4
Bickford Senior Living [Member] \| Opened July 2016 [Member]
Number Of Development Projects Active \| properties					1
Bickford Senior Living [Member] \| Opened October 2016 [Member]
Number Of Development Projects Active \| properties					2
Bickford Senior Living [Member] \| Expected To Open Early 2017 [Member]
Number Of Development Projects Active \| properties					2
Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					25
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract			17 years
Lease Escalator Rate, From Lease Year 1 to Lease Year 3						4.50%
Lease Escalator Rate, After Lease Year 3						3.50%
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ 10,954,000	$ 10,954,000	$ 32,863,000	$ 32,863,000
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	17.00%	19.00%	18.00%	19.00%
Straight Line Rent	$ 2,241,000	$ 2,616,000	$ 6,724,000	$ 7,849,000
National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					42
Number of Master Leases \| Master_Leases	2		2
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ 9,270,000	$ 9,133,000	$ 28,357,000	$ 27,492,000
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	15.00%	16.00%	15.00%	16.00%
Lessor Equity Shares Owned, Significant Lessee \| shares							1,630,462
Percentage rent	$ 733,000	$ 596,000	$ 2,746,000	$ 1,882,000
National Healthcare Corporation [Member] \| NHC - 1991 Lease [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					35
Number Of Additional Lease Renewal Options \| renewalOptions										2
Lease Renewal Period In Years			5 years
Percentage Rent Rate			0.04
Minimum Annual Lease Income			$ 30,750,000
National Healthcare Corporation [Member] \| NHC - 2013 Lease [Member]
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties			7
Percentage Rent Rate			0.04
Minimum Annual Lease Income			$ 3,450,000
Purchase Option Amount									$ 49,000,000
Senior Living Communities [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property								1,671	186
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract			15 years
Lease Escalator Rate Lease Year 2 to Lease Year 4						4.00%
Lease Escalator Rate after Lease Year 4						3.00%
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ 9,855,000	$ 9,855,000	$ 29,566,000	$ 29,566,000
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	16.00%	17.00%	16.00%	17.00%
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties			8
Straight Line Rent	$ 1,795,000	$ 2,105,000	$ 5,386,000	$ 6,316,000
Number Of Additional Lease Renewal Options						2
Lease Renewal Period In Years			5 years
White Pine [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units								126
Non-cash write-off of straight-line rent receivable			$ 1,131,000
Proceeds from Rents Received			1,491,000
Senior Housing Community [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					124
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					67
Gain on sale of real estate			$ 2,805,000
Number Of Real Estate Properties Sold \| properties			2
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate			$ 24,600,000
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] \| National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					39
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] \| National Healthcare Corporation [Member] \| Subleased Facilities [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					4
Hospital [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					3
Medical Office Building [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					2
Independent Living Facility [Member] \| National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					3
Senior Living Campus [Member] \| Watermark Retirement Communities [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					2
Assisted Living Facility [Member] \| Watermark Retirement Communities [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					1
Vacant Land [Member]
Gain on sale of real estate			123,000
Grangeville, ID [Member]
Gain on sale of real estate			$ 1,654,000
Real Estate Held-for-sale									$ 1,346,000
Asset Held For Sale, Agreed Selling Price									$ 3,000,000
Iowa [Member] \| Bickford Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties					2