Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Land	$ 91,770	$ 58,869
Buildings and improvements	1,320,567	636,994
Construction in progress	9,665	2,673
Real estate properties, gross	1,422,002	698,536
Less accumulated depreciation	(174,262)	(163,146)
Real estate properties, net	1,247,740	535,390
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	60,639	84,250
Investment in preferred stock, at cost	38,132	38,132
Cash and cash equivalents	11,312	9,172
Marketable securities	12,650	12,884
Straight-line rent receivable	18,691	12,370
Equity-method investment and other assets	66,656	12,172
Assets held for sale, net	0	1,611
Total Assets	1,455,820	705,981
Liabilities and Equity
Debt	617,080	203,250
Real estate purchase liabilities	2,600	4,256
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	8,011	3,671
Dividends Payable	24,293	24,793
Lease deposit liabilities	22,775	0
Deferred income	3,901	1,964
Total Liabilities	678,660	237,934
Commitments and Contingencies
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 33,051,176 and 27,857,217 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	330	279
Capital in excess of par value	753,635	467,843
Cumulative net income in excess (deficit) of dividends	3,043	(18,495)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	9,538	7,555
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	766,546	457,182
Noncontrolling interest	10,614	10,865
Total Equity	777,160	468,047
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,455,820	$ 705,981