Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Land	$ 127,665	$ 127,566
Buildings and improvements	1,856,475	1,854,855
Construction in progress	8,978	6,428
Real estate properties, gross	1,993,118	1,988,849
Less accumulated depreciation	(225,304)	(212,300)
Real estate properties, net	1,767,814	1,776,549
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	101,529	63,630
Investment in preferred stock, at cost	38,132	38,132
Cash and cash equivalents	4,190	3,287
Marketable securities	16,387	15,503
Straight-line rent receivable	41,243	35,154
Equity-method investment and other assets	50,421	50,705
Total Assets	2,019,716	1,982,960
Liabilities and Equity
Debt	899,420	862,726
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	14,822	15,718
Dividends Payable	31,931	28,864
Lease deposit liabilities	21,275	21,648
Real estate purchase liabilities	3,000	3,000
Deferred income	2,827	1,071
Total Liabilities	973,275	933,027
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	376	375
Capital in excess of par value	1,035,160	1,033,896
Cumulative dividends in excess of net income	(2,817)	(569)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,820	6,223
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	1,036,539	1,039,925
Noncontrolling interest	9,902	10,008
Total Equity	1,046,441	1,049,933
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 2,019,716	$ 1,982,960