XML 61 R38.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Debt Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Parenthesis) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount $ 8,332us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
Debt Instrument, Name, Q3 2014 HUD Mortgages [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount 1,640us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= nhi_DebtInstrumentNameQ32014HUDMortgagesMember
Debt Instrument, Name, Convertible Senior Notes [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount $ 6,692us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= nhi_DebtInstrumentNameConvertibleSeniorNotesMember