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

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Definition

This item represents the amount of existing development commitments that has not yet been fully funded.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Definition

The current amount of expenditures for a real estate project that has not yet been completed.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.10)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Phase
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49177889

+ Details

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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=66902209&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

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Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Lease Commitments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Development in Process	$ (55,447)
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	72,853
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	128,300
Payments for Capital Improvements	3,378	$ 3,157	$ 4,211
Legend Senior Living [Member] \| Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member]
Development in Process	0
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	56,000
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	56,000
Watermark Retirement Communities [Member] \| Capital Improvement Commitment [Member]
Development in Process	(3,450)
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	6,550
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	10,000
Sante Partners [Member] \| Capital Improvement Commitment [Member]
Development in Process	(2,621)
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	879
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	3,500
Bickford Senior Living [Member] \| Development Commitment [Member]
Development in Process	(49,097)
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	5,903
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	55,000
Bickford Senior Living [Member] \| Capital Improvement Commitment [Member]
Development in Process	0
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	2,400
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	2,400
Chancellor Healthcare [Member] \| Development Commitment [Member]
Development in Process	(52)
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	598
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	650
East Lake Capital [Member] \| Capital Improvement Commitment [Member]
Development in Process	0
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	400
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	400
Village Concepts [Member] \| Capital Improvement Commitment [Member]
Development in Process	(227)
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment	123
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	$ 350