Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts, our wholly-owned subsidiaries and a joint venture entity over which we exercise control. Significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income is reduced by the portion of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. We account for our investments in joint ventures based on the type of controlling rights held by those members' interests in limited liability companies. Such controlling rights may preclude consolidation by the majority equity owner in those circumstances in which the majority equity owner would otherwise consolidate the joint venture. Investment in Unconsolidated Entity – We report our investment in an unconsolidated entity, over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our share of the entity's earnings or losses will be included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The initial carrying value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity is based on the fair value of the net assets of the entity at the time we acquired a joint venture interest. We estimate fair values of the net assets of our equity method investees based on discounted cash flow models. The inputs we use in these models are based on assumptions that we believe to be within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments. We evaluate our investment in the unconsolidated entity for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity may exceed the fair value. If it is determined that a decline in the fair value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity is other-than-temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below its carrying value, an impairment is recorded. The determination of the fair value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity involves significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including, as appropriate, the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and trends and other relevant factors. Noncontrolling Interest – We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we control (and thus consolidate) as noncontrolling interests and classify such interests as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total NHI stockholders' equity, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests in net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements – Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy is required to prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Discontinued Operations And Assets Held For Sale	Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale – We have reclassified for all periods presented the operations of the facilities meeting the accounting criteria as either being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are reported separately in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. When assets previously classified as being held for sale no longer meet the accounting criteria for such classification, we reclassify those assets as held and used, measured at the lower of their carrying amount before the assets were classified as held for sale (adjusted in the period in which the decision not to sell was made for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used) or their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. Results of operations of the facilities previously disclosed in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as discontinued operations which no longer meet the accounting criteria as held for sale are reclassified into continuing operations for all periods presented.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment [Policy Text Block]	Real Estate Properties – We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of our real estate properties on a property-by-property basis. On a quarterly basis, we review our properties for events or circumstances that indicate the carrying value of the property may not be recoverable. The need to recognize an impairment is based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows from a property compared to the carrying value of that property. If recognition of an impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the fair value of the property.
Mortgage Notes Receivable	Mortgage Notes Receivable – We evaluate the carrying values of our mortgage notes receivable on an instrument-by-instrument basis. On a quarterly basis, we review our notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable. If necessary, an impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivatives – During the normal course of business, we use certain types of derivative instruments for the purpose of managing interest rate risk. To qualify for hedge accounting, derivative instruments used for risk management purposes must effectively reduce the risk exposure that they are designed to hedge. In addition, at inception of a qualifying cash flow hedging relationship, the underlying transaction or transactions must be, and are expected to remain, probable of occurring in accordance with our related assertions. All of our hedges are cash-flow hedges. We recognize all derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives required to be bifurcated, as assets or liabilities at their fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges or that do not meet the criteria of hedge accounting are recognized in earnings. For derivatives designated in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships, the change in fair value of the effective portion of the derivatives is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), whereas the change in fair value of the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Federal Income Taxes – We intend at all times to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Effective October 1, 2012, we will record income tax expense or benefit with respect to one of our subsidiaries which will be taxed as a Taxable REIT Subsidiary ("TRS") under provisions similar to those applicable to regular corporations. Aside from such income taxes which may be applicable to the taxable income in our TRS, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, provided that we continue to qualify as a REIT and make distributions to stockholders equal to or in excess of our taxable income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Our failure to continue to qualify under the applicable REIT qualification rules and regulations would have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of dividends to stockholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in the basis of assets, estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation expense, gains on sales of real estate, non-cash compensation expense and recognition of commitment fees. Our tax returns filed for years beginning in 2009 are subject to examination by taxing authorities. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our condensed consolidated financial statements as a component of income tax expense
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Mortgage Interest and Rental Income – We identify loans and leases as non-performing if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due. Our policy related to mortgage interest and rental income on non-performing loans or leased real estate properties is to recognize rental or mortgage interest income in the period when the related cash is received. Once classified as non-performing, we continue this policy through the life of the affected loan or lease.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements – In the first quarter of our year ending December 31, 2012, we adopted ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 requires incremental fair value disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of our year ending December 31, 2012, we adopted ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. Accordingly, our adoption of this guidance is now incorporated retrospectively in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts, our wholly-owned subsidiaries and a joint venture entity over which we exercise control. Significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income is reduced by the portion of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. We account for our investments in joint ventures based on the type of controlling rights held by those members' interests in limited liability companies. Such controlling rights may preclude consolidation by the majority equity owner in those circumstances in which the majority equity owner would otherwise consolidate the joint venture.

Investment in Unconsolidated Entity – We report our investment in an unconsolidated entity, over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our share of the entity's earnings or losses will be included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The initial carrying value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity is based on the fair value of the net assets of the entity at the time we acquired a joint venture interest. We estimate fair values of the net assets of our equity method investees based on discounted cash flow models. The inputs we use in these models are based on assumptions that we believe to be within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments.

We evaluate our investment in the unconsolidated entity for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity may exceed the fair value. If it is determined that a decline in the fair value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity is other-than-temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below its carrying value, an impairment is recorded. The determination of the fair value of our investment in the unconsolidated entity involves significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including, as appropriate, the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and trends and other relevant factors.

Noncontrolling Interest – We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we control (and thus consolidate) as noncontrolling interests and classify such interests as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total NHI stockholders' equity, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests in net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurements – Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy is required to prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

Discontinued Operations And Assets Held For Sale

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale – We have reclassified for all periods presented the operations of the facilities meeting the accounting criteria as either being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are reported separately in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. When assets previously classified as being held for sale no longer meet the accounting criteria for such classification, we reclassify those assets as held and used, measured at the lower of their carrying amount before the assets were classified as held for sale (adjusted in the period in which the decision not to sell was made for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used) or their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. Results of operations of the facilities previously disclosed in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as discontinued operations which no longer meet the accounting criteria as held for sale are reclassified into continuing operations for all periods presented.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment [Policy Text Block]

Real Estate Properties – We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of our real estate properties on a property-by-property basis. On a quarterly basis, we review our properties for events or circumstances that indicate the carrying value of the property may not be recoverable. The need to recognize an impairment is based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows from a property compared to the carrying value of that property. If recognition of an impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the fair value of the property.

Mortgage Notes Receivable

Mortgage Notes Receivable – We evaluate the carrying values of our mortgage notes receivable on an instrument-by-instrument basis. On a quarterly basis, we review our notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable. If necessary, an impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivatives – During the normal course of business, we use certain types of derivative instruments for the purpose of managing interest rate risk. To qualify for hedge accounting, derivative instruments used for risk management purposes must effectively reduce the risk exposure that they are designed to hedge. In addition, at inception of a qualifying cash flow hedging relationship, the underlying transaction or transactions must be, and are expected to remain, probable of occurring in accordance with our related assertions. All of our hedges are cash-flow hedges.

We recognize all derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives required to be bifurcated, as assets or liabilities at their fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges or that do not meet the criteria of hedge accounting are recognized in earnings. For derivatives designated in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships, the change in fair value of the effective portion of the derivatives is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), whereas the change in fair value of the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Federal Income Taxes – We intend at all times to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Effective October 1, 2012, we will record income tax expense or benefit with respect to one of our subsidiaries which will be taxed as a Taxable REIT Subsidiary ("TRS") under provisions similar to those applicable to regular corporations. Aside from such income taxes which may be applicable to the taxable income in our TRS, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, provided that we continue to qualify as a REIT and make distributions to stockholders equal to or in excess of our taxable income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Our failure to continue to qualify under the applicable REIT qualification rules and regulations would have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of dividends to stockholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in the basis of assets, estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation expense, gains on sales of real estate, non-cash compensation expense and recognition of commitment fees.

Our tax returns filed for years beginning in 2009 are subject to examination by taxing authorities. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our condensed consolidated financial statements as a component of income tax expense

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Mortgage Interest and Rental Income – We identify loans and leases as non-performing if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due. Our policy related to mortgage interest and rental income on non-performing loans or leased real estate properties is to recognize rental or mortgage interest income in the period when the related cash is received. Once classified as non-performing, we continue this policy through the life of the affected loan or lease.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New Accounting Pronouncements – In the first quarter of our year ending December 31, 2012, we adopted ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 requires incremental fair value disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In the first quarter of our year ending December 31, 2012, we adopted ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. Accordingly, our adoption of this guidance is now incorporated retrospectively in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.