Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Land	$ 93,290	$ 91,770
Buildings and improvements	1,363,727	1,320,567
Construction in progress	11,198	9,665
Real estate properties, gross	1,468,215	1,422,002
Less accumulated depreciation	(183,488)	(174,262)
Real estate properties, net	1,284,727	1,247,740
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	60,871	60,639
Investment in preferred stock, at cost	38,132	38,132
Cash and cash equivalents	6,245	11,312
Marketable securities	13,438	12,650
Straight-line rent receivable	22,886	18,691
Equity-method investment and other assets	46,903	66,656
Total Assets	1,473,202	1,455,820
Liabilities and Equity
Debt	629,033	617,080
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000	2,600
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,058	8,011
Dividends Payable	25,450	24,293
Lease deposit liabilities	22,775	22,775
Deferred income	1,701	3,901
Total Liabilities	690,017	678,660
Commitments and Contingencies
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 33,051,999 and 33,051,176 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	330	330
Capital in excess of par value	762,483	753,635
Cumulative dividends in excess of net income	1,126	3,043
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,741	9,538
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	772,680	766,546
Noncontrolling interest	10,505	10,614
Total Equity	783,185	777,160
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,473,202	$ 1,455,820