Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Land	$ 94,320	$ 91,770
Buildings and improvements	1,380,623	1,320,567
Construction in progress	18,197	9,665
Real estate properties, gross	1,493,140	1,422,002
Less accumulated depreciation	(202,605)	(174,262)
Real estate properties, net	1,290,535	1,247,740
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	60,728	60,639
Investment in preferred stock, at cost	38,132	38,132
Cash and cash equivalents	3,559	11,312
Marketable securities	13,275	12,650
Straight-line rent receivable	31,383	18,691
Equity-method investment and other assets	50,556	66,656
Total Assets	1,488,168	1,455,820
Liabilities and Equity
Debt	640,963	617,080
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000	2,600
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	12,583	8,011
Dividends Payable	25,455	24,293
Lease deposit liabilities	22,775	22,775
Deferred income	1,372	3,901
Total Liabilities	707,148	678,660
Commitments and Contingencies
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 60,000,000 and 40,000,000 shares authorized; 33,054,599 and 33,051,176 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	331	330
Capital in excess of par value	762,918	753,635
Cumulative dividends in excess of net income	765	3,043
Accumulated other comprehensive income	7,109	9,538
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	771,123	766,546
Noncontrolling interest	9,897	10,614
Total Equity	781,020	777,160
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,488,168	$ 1,455,820