Amount of construction loan commitment provided to borrower during the period

No definition available.

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

- Definition

Construction Loan Amount Available Related To Construction Loan Commitments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Construction Loan Commitment

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Loans And Realty Recoveries

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the total mortgage loan amount of which the Company holds a portion of the balance as a participation mortgage note.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Mortgage Loans Term

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_MortgageLoansTerm
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the number of additional loan extension options.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The number of beds in a real estate property.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Number Of Health Care Properties Related To Mortgage Notes Receivables

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Supplemental Construction Loan Commitment Draw

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This element represents the term of the loan extension option period in years.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Fair value of noncash consideration given by the acquirer to acquire the entity. Does not include cash paid, the fair value of debt and securities issued and liabilities incurred to acquire the entity.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141

-Paragraph 51

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Interest generated from day to day operating activities of the business. This element represents a revenue generating activity and is therefore gross (before any related cost of revenue items).

+ 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=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

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

- Definition

The stated maturity date of the mortgage loan receivable on real estate or a range of maturity dates for a group of loans.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 948

-SubTopic 310

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-29)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6589523&loc=d3e617274-123014

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph c

-Subparagraph Schedule IV

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 29

-Article 12

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule IV)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6882300&loc=d3e5864-122674

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MortgageLoanOnRealEstateFinalMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The balance represents the amount of loans that are secured by real estate mortgages, offset by the reserve to cover probable credit losses on the loan portfolio.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 60

-Paragraph 47

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph c

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(c))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

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

- Definition

The stated interest rate on the mortgage loan receivable or the weighted average interest rate on a group of loans.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total amount of new mortgage loans on real estate during the reporting period.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 948

-SubTopic 310

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-29.6)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6589523&loc=d3e617274-123014

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph c

-Subparagraph Schedule IV

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 29

-Article 12

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule IV)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6882300&loc=d3e5864-122674

+ Details

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

- Definition

The number of units in a real estate property 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 cash inflow from proceeds from sale of receivables arising from the mortgage note on real estate; includes collections on mortgage notes receivable that are not classified as operating cash flows.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 15, 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3179-108585

+ Details

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

- Definition

Yield on the receivable, on which interest has been imputed, as calculated from its issuance value or purchase price. The calculated effective interest rate considers factors such as the issued face value or price paid for the receivable, the time period between payments, and the time until maturity [full receipt] of the receivable.

+ References

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

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

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Mortgage Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
Mortgage Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010 Acquisition Care Foundation of America [Member]	Feb. 28, 2010 Acquisition Care Foundation of America [Member] properties	Feb. 01, 2010 Acquisition Care Foundation of America [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 SNF in Oklahoma [Member]	Feb. 28, 2010 Mortgage Note Principal [Member] Acquisition Care Foundation of America [Member]	Feb. 28, 2010 Accrued Interest Due [Member] Acquisition Care Foundation of America [Member]	Feb. 28, 2009 Allgood Healthcare Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Allgood Healthcare Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Allgood Healthcare Inc. [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2011 First Mortgage [Member]	Jul. 31, 2011 Second Mortgage Loan [Member] years	May 31, 2010 Second Mortgage Loan [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Second Mortgage Loan [Member] years properties	Dec. 31, 2011 Construction Loans [Member] years	Mar. 31, 2011 Construction Loans [Member]	May 31, 2010 Participation Note [Member] years
Number of health care properties related to mortgage notes receivables	30					6							3				3
Mortgage loan interest rate															13.00%	14.00%	14.00%	10.00%		14.50%
Loan terms in years															3	5	5	5		1
Construction loan commitment				$ 13,870,000															$ 13,870,000
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds				70															70
Maximum funding related to construction loan																		11,870,000
Amount of Construction Loan Funded																		4,350,000
Supplemental draw available related to the construction loan commitment																		2,000,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, New Mortgage Loans	6,566,000	12,422,000	4,501,000											700,000	2,500,000	1,000,000	3,000,000			1,000,000
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Participation and Non-participation, Total	6,500,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property															120	28
Number of beds in real estate property							780									116	311			125
Number Of Additional Loan Extension Options															2
Term Of Loan Extension Option Period In Years															1
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Final Maturity Date														Sep. 01, 2013
Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)														21.00%
Other Noncash Consideration of business acquisition							23,300,000		22,936,000	364,000
Mortgage interest income	6,652,000	6,743,000	9,145,000		560,000
Collection of mortgage notes receivable	4,540,000	9,482,000	19,630,000								3,150,000
Loans And Realty Recoveries	(99,000)	(573,000)	(1,077,000)					99,000			1,077,000	573,000
Carrying Value of Remaining Mortgage Loans	$ 78,672,000	$ 75,465,000											$ 5,197,000