This item represents the maximum amount of a contingent funding commitment.

No definition available.

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

- Definition

The expected year 1 cash inflow from real estate joint ventures involving both an operating company and a property company.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- 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

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 relates to the percent of facility NOI to be paid as lease payment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LeasePaymentNOIBasedPercent
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 item represents the amount of loan and realty impairments net of any applicable gains or recoveries.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- 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

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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

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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

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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

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

- Definition

This item relates to the number of lease portfolios which is group of properties leased through one or more leases to the same operator or to related operators.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- 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 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

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

- Definition

This item represents the amount of an outstanding purchase option.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the minimum amount of a purchase option when the agreement indicates the greater of this amount of fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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

+ 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 Investments During The Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstateInvestmentsDuringThePeriod
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the fair value of real estate property as calculated and agreed pursuant to a purchase option agreement between a Lessor and Lessee.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- 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

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

- Definition

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

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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117337397&loc=d3e23415-158514

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The charge against earnings in the period to reduce the carrying amount of real property to fair value.

+ References

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of investment in equity method investee and investment in and advance to affiliate.

+ References

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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
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-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

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

+ References

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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount before allowance of loans and leases held in portfolio, including but not limited to, commercial and consumer loans. Includes deferred interest and fees, undisbursed portion of loan balance, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements.

+ References

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-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118952595&loc=d3e4428-111522

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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The level of ownership or equity interest acquired in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

+ References

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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4313-108586

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
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

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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

Future minimum rental payments in aggregate as of the balance sheet date under operating leases.

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Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef
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-SubTopic 20
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84164653&loc=d3e41551-112718

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	debit
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.

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Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef
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-SubTopic 20
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902458&loc=d3e39896-112707

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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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.

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- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the proceeds from sale of notes receivable, as well as principal collections from a borrowing supported by a written promise to pay an obligation (note receivable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3179-108585

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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.

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Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures.

+ References

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

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

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Name:	srt_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_HolidayAcquisitionHoldingsMember
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Real Estate (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
Real Estate (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) properties Master_Leases beds_or_units renewalOptions shares	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	225
Number of States in which Entity Operates	34
Nonportfolio Assets, Original Cost	$ 2,532,000
Real Estate Investment Property, Portfolio Assets	$ 3,225,600,000
Number of Lessees	33
Real Estate Investments During The Period	$ 149,992,000
Payments to Acquire Real Estate	$ 80,335,000	$ 50,122,000
Lease Renewal Period In Years	5 years
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ (76,527,000)	(70,953,000)
Straight Line Rent	(5,177,000)	(5,228,000)
Loan and Lease Losses and Recoveries, Net	1,555,000	2,500,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	2,693,227,000		$ 2,560,393,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	21,007,000	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	$ 192,837
Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	26
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ (10,176,000)	$ (9,930,000)
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	12.00%	13.00%
Straight Line Rent	$ (1,664,000)	$ (1,630,000)
BAKA Enterprises [Member]
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	8 years
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ (343,000)	(625,000)
Lease Payment, NOI Based, Percent	95.00%
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable	$ 720,000
Bickford Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	48
Real Estate Investments During The Period	$ 15,100,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units	60
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	12 years
Initial lease rate	8.00%
Minimum Annual Lease Income	$ 50,420,000
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ (13,018,000)	$ (12,810,000)
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	16.00%	17.00%
Straight Line Rent	$ (767,000)	$ (1,327,000)
Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Notes Receivable	$ 14,091,000
Senior Living Communities [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	10
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units	2,068
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	15 years
Number Of Additional Lease Renewal Options \| renewalOptions	2
Lease Renewal Period In Years	5 years
Note Receivable Interest Rate	10.00%
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ (11,938,000)	$ (11,532,000)
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	14.00%	15.00%
Straight Line Rent	$ (1,068,000)	$ (1,058,000)
Lease Escalator Rate after Lease Year 4	3.00%
National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	42
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ (9,448,000)	$ (9,748,000)
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	11.00%	13.00%
Number of Master Leases \| Master_Leases	2
Lessor Equity Shares Owned, Significant Lessee \| shares	1,630,642
Non-Performing Lease [Member]
Number of Lease Portfolios	3
SH Regency Leasing LLC [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	3
Chancellor Health Care [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	5
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ (587,000)	$ 0
Lease Payment, NOI Based, Percent	100.00%
SH Regency Transition Properties [Member]
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	$ (625,000)	(77,000)
Life Care Services
Real Estate Investments During The Period	$ 134,892,000
LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units	401
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	7 years
Initial lease rate	6.75%
Note Receivable Interest Rate	5.75%
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 124,989,000
Expected Proceeds Joint Venture	8,216,000
Timber Ridge OpCo
Contingent Funding Commitment	10,000,000
Quorum Health [Member]
Loan and Lease Losses and Recoveries, Net	380,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 10,184,000
Landmark Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	1
Senior Housing Community [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	148
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	72
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] \| National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	39
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units	45
Hospital [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	3
Medical Office Building [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	2
Assisted Living Facility [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units	26
Independent Living Facility [Member] \| National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	3
Independent Living Facility [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units	330
Asset Held For Sale [Member] \| Brookdale Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	8
Real Estate Property Company [Member] \| Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Interest Acquired	20.00%
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 10,778,000
Real Estate Property Company [Member] \| Life Care Services \| Controlling and Non Controlling Interest Member [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 138,392,000
Real Estate Property Company [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Interest Acquired	80.00%
Real Estate Operating Company [Member] \| Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Interest Acquired	75.00%
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 875,000
Real Estate Operating Company [Member] \| Controlling Interest [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	2,625,000
Real Estate Operating Company [Member] \| Life Care Services \| Controlling and Non Controlling Interest Member [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 3,500,000
Real Estate Operating Company [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Interest Acquired	25.00%
Consideration Type, Existing Mortgage [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 59,350,000
Consideration Type, Additional Mortgage [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	21,650,000
Consideration Type, Total Mortgage [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	81,000,000
Consideration Type, Cash [Member] \| LCS Timber Ridge [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 43,114,000
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] \| Bickford Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	2
Note Receivable Interest Rate	700.00%
Write Off Of Straight Line Rent Receivable	$ 124,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	4,000,000
Impairment of Real Estate	2,500,000
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] \| Brookdale Senior Living [Member]
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	(229,000)	$ (1,062,000)
Purchase Option, Amount, Minimum	37,520,000
Real Estate Property, Fair Value, Purchase Option Calculation	41,000,000
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate	39,260,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	$ (20,752,000)
ARIZONA \| Asset Held For Sale [Member] \| Brookdale Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	4
TENNESSEE \| Asset Held For Sale [Member] \| Brookdale Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	3
SOUTH CAROLINA \| Asset Held For Sale [Member] \| Brookdale Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	1
Subleased Facilities [Member] \| Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] \| National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	4
NHC - 1991 Lease [Member] \| National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	35
Number Of Additional Lease Renewal Options \| renewalOptions	2
Lease Renewal Period In Years	5 years
Minimum Annual Lease Income	$ 30,750,000
Percentage Rent Rate	0.04
NHC - 2013 Lease [Member] \| National Healthcare Corporation [Member]
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired \| properties	7
Minimum Annual Lease Income	$ 3,450,000
Percentage Rent Rate	0.04
Purchase Option Amount	$ 49,000,000