Capital Improvements Commitment

No definition available.

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

- Definition

This item represents the cash paid in settlement of a contingent purchase consideration liability.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The initial rate charged under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the amount of a payment or a series of payments related to a lease incentive commitment which has been assessed as not probable and therefore is not recorded as payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the lease year when the first lease inducement payment may become payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the lease year when the second lease inducement payment may become payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LeaseInducementPaymentSecondInstallmentYear
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the lease year when the third lease inducement payment may become payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LeaseInducementPaymentThirdInstallmentYear
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the maximum commitment for all active development projects.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Number of Lease Inducement Payments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NumberofLeaseInducementPayments
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Real Estate Investments During The Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Real estate purchase liabilities

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_RealEstatePurchaseLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the cash proceeds transferred as partial consideration in a significant acquisition.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the amount of a receivable that was cancelled as partial consideration in a significant acquisition.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The value of consideration committed by the Entity for the development and subsequent lease of a healthcare facility.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in the value of a contingent consideration liability, including, but not limited to, differences arising upon settlement.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e7008-128479

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of liability recognized arising from contingent consideration in a business combination.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 25

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6408-128476

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 35

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph b

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911338&loc=d3e6819-128478

+ Details

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

- Definition

The aggregate costs related to construction and development services during the reporting period.

+ 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 210.5-03.2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

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

- Definition

Term of the lessor's leasing arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of loans and leases held in portfolio, including but not limited to, commercial and consumer loans. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements and loans held for sale.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28367877&loc=d3e4428-111522

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

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

- Definition

The reference rate for the variable rate of the loans receivable, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansReceivableDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The number of real estate properties owned as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of units in a real estate property owned as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for acquisition of or capital improvements to properties held for investment (operating, managed, leased) or for use.

+ References

Reference 1: 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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

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

- Definition

The amount of an asset, typically cash, provided to a counterparty to provide certain assurance of performance by the entity pursuant to the terms of a written or oral agreement, such as a lease.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8,17)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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

- Definition

The value of all consideration given or received by the Entity in the significant acquisition or disposal.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Details

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- Details

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- Details

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- Details

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- Details

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- Details

Name:	invest_InvestmentAxis=nhi_SantePartnersCommitmentMember
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- Details

Name:	nhi_LeaseEscrowDepositsAxis=nhi_CapitalImprovementsReserveMember
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- Details

Name:	nhi_PropertyLocationAxis=nhi_CarmelInMember
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Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014 properties	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Aug. 30, 2013 properties
Number of Real Estate Properties	172us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties
Cash Paid In Settlement Of Contingent Purchase Consideration Liability	$ 2,600,000	$ 0	$ 5,222,000
Gain on purchase liability settlement	0	(3,256,000)	0
Loans Receivable, Description of Variable Rate Basis	.0217
Real Estate Investments During The Period	555,453,000
Security Deposit	21,648,000us-gaap_SecurityDeposit	22,775,000us-gaap_SecurityDeposit
Payments for Capital Improvements	(4,211,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements	(6,773,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements	0us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements
Real estate purchase liabilities	3,000,000nhi_RealEstatePurchaseLiabilities	2,600,000nhi_RealEstatePurchaseLiabilities
Lease Inducement Payment, First Installment Year	P2Y0M0D
Lease Inducement Payment, Second Installment Year	P3Y0M0D
Lease Inducement Payment, Third Installment Year	P4Y0M0D
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	63,630,000	60,639,000
Acquisition Helix Healthcare [Member]
Significant acquisitions and disposals, acquisition costs or sale proceeds				12,500,000
Conditional future payments related to purchase/leaseback transaction				1,000,000
Prestige Senior Living [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	(1,555,000)
Bickford Development Properties [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	(7,811,000)
Number of Real Estate Properties	3
Initial lease rate	9.00%
Initial Bickford LOC Commitment Amount [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	2,785,000
Bickford LOC Commitment Amount [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	3,550,000
Chancellor - Loma Linda [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	(4,231,000)
Chancellor - Baltimore [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	(353,000)
Kentucky River Commitment [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	(7,583,000)
Significant development and lease transactions				8,000,000
Sante Partners Commitment [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	(2,621,000)
Number of Lease Inducement Payments	2
Lease Incentive Commitment Assessed As Not Probable	1,000,000
Construction Loans [Member]
Supplemental Construction Loan Commitment Draw	2,000,000
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds	70
Chancellor Healthcare [Member]
Capital improvements commitment	500,000
Discovery Regency Pointe [Member]
Real estate purchase liabilities				2,500,000
Discovery Regency Pointe [Member] \| 1st Contingent Payment Amount [Member]
Real estate purchase liabilities				750,000
SeniorTrust [Member]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount					15,000,000
Elder Trust [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties						7
Significant Acquisition, Cost, Receivable Cancelled						13,741,000
Significant Acquisition, Cost, Cash						23,676,000
Helix Healthcare [Member]
Cash Paid In Settlement Of Contingent Purchase Consideration Liability	1,000,000
Sante Partners [Member]
Lease Incentive Commitment Assessed As Not Probable	0
Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	2			2
Significant Acquisition, Cost, Cash	26,150,000
Cash Paid In Settlement Of Contingent Purchase Consideration Liability				1,600,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability				1,600,000
Development Commitment [Member] \| Chancellor - Loma Linda [Member]
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds	46
Development Commitment [Member] \| Chancellor - Baltimore [Member]
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds	63
Development Commitment [Member] \| Chancellor Healthcare [Member]
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	7,500,000
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	15 years 0 months 0 days
Initial lease rate	9.00%
Sante Partners Commitment [Member]
Capital improvements commitment	3,500,000
Capital Improvements Reserve [Member]
Security Deposit	$ 374,000	$ 1,500,000
Carmel, IN [Member] \| Bickford Development Properties [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	1