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

No definition available.

Name:	nhi_InitialLeaseRate
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The concept represents a total loan term in number of years

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LoanTerm
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reflects the number of basis points by which the interest rate on a fixed rate note or lease receivable will escalate periodically.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_LoansReceivableDescriptionofVariableRateBasisReferenceRateMaturity
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Loans and Lease Receivable, Maximum Revolving Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the rate at which a lender will participate in the appreciation of the mortgaged properties' value during the period in which the mortgage note is outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_MortgageNotePropertyAppreciationLenderParticipationRate
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This concept represents the note year in which the note receivable interest rate will begin to escalate by a fixed amount.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NoteReceivableFirstNoteYearForRateEscalator
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This concept reflects the interest rate to be received on a loan receivable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NoteReceivableInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the second optional extension of the maturity date for a note receivable in years.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NoteReceivableMaturitySecondOptionalExtensionYears
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This concept refers to the period of time during which a note receivable may not be prepaid.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NoteReceivablePrepaymentDisallowancePeriod
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This concept represents the percentage of outstanding principal that will be paid as a prepayment penalty.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NoteReceivablePrepaymentPenaltyRate
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This concept represents the annual percentage point decrease in the prepayment penalty percentage rate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NoteReceivablePrepaymentPenaltyRateDecrease
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the interest rate to be received for outstanding borrowings under a master credit agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NotesReceivableInterestRateMasterCreditAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents an option to extend the maturity of a note receivable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NotesReceivableMaturityOptionalExtensionYears
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the number of notes receivable in a master credit agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the total amount of available borrowings in a notes receivable master credit agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Number Of Health Care Properties Related To Mortgage Notes Receivables

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_NumberOfHealthCarePropertiesRelatedToMortgageNotesReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of Term Loans

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents the minimum amount of a purchase option when the agreement indicates the greater of this amount of fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This concept represents the note year during which the purchase option period opens.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_PurchaseOptionOpenPeriodBeginNoteYear
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This concept represents the number of months during which an outstanding purchase option may be exercised.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nhi_PurchaseOptionPeriodMonths
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Revolving Note Receivable, Amount Outstanding

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Revolving Note Receivable, Maximum Amount Available for Working Capital Purposes

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, a valuation allowance for receivables due a company that are expected to be uncollectible.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84173941&loc=d3e5074-111524

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of operating interest income, including, but not limited to, amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on securities.

+ 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 210.5-03.1(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
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

Reflects the amount of cash required to fully fund agreements to provide advances to borrowers and lessees at stated interest rates.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 825
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75032840&loc=d3e61044-112788

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 825
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75032840&loc=d3e61082-112788

+ Details

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

- 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=82891408&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

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

- Definition

The percentage points (also referred to as 'margin') added to the reference rate as stated in the loan agreement and used to compute the variable rate on the loans receivable. For instance, the loan agreement might state that the interest rate the borrower is obligated to pay is the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus three quarters (3/4) of a percentage point adjusted quarterly (each three months). LIBOR in this example is the index or reference rate, 3/4 percentage point is the margin, the reference rate plus the margin is the fully indexed rate. This element would be used to report separately the margin.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansReceivableBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
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

Total carrying amount of mortgage loans as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule IV)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27047687&loc=d3e5864-122674

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 948
-SubTopic 310
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-29.6)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6589523&loc=d3e617274-123014

+ Details

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

- Definition

The amount of principal collected on mortgage loans on real estate during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 948
-SubTopic 310
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-29.6)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6589523&loc=d3e617274-123014

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule IV)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27047687&loc=d3e5864-122674

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCollectionsOfPrincipal
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

- Details

Name:	invest_InvestmentAxis=nhi_SecuredByRealEstateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	invest_InvestmentAxis=nhi_NotSecuredByRealEstateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_LifeCareServicesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_SeniorLivingCommunitiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_BickfordNoteInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_EvolveSeniorLivingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_SeniorLivingManagementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=nhi_TraditionsofOwatonnaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis=nhi_NoteAMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

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Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis=nhi_NoteBMember
Namespace Prefix:
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Mortgage And Other Notes Receivable (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Mortgage And Other Notes Receivable (Details)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) properties beds_or_units	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) properties beds_or_units	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	$ 149,299,000		$ 149,299,000		$ 133,493,000
Number of health care properties related to mortgage notes receivables \| properties	9		9
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commitments, Fixed Rates			$ 117,000,000
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	207		207
Interest Income, Operating	$ 3,045,000	$ 3,669,000	$ 10,125,000	$ 10,136,000
Secured By Real Estate [Member]
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	105,715,000		105,715,000
Not Secured By Real Estate [Member]
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	43,584,000		43,584,000
Life Care Services [Member]
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	52,448,000		52,448,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commitments, Fixed Rates			60,000,000
Notes Receivable, Total Borrowings, Master Credit Agreement	$ 154,500,000		$ 154,500,000
Notes Receivable, Number Of Loans, Master Credit Agreement	2		2
Purchase Option, Amount, Minimum	$ 115,000,000		$ 115,000,000
Purchase Option, Period, Months			120 days
Purchase Option, Open Period, Begin, Note Year			5 years
Senior Living Communities [Member]
Loans Receivable, Description of Variable Rate Basis, Reference Rate Maturity			10 years
Loans Receivable, Description of Variable Rate Basis			0.0233
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	1,970		1,970
Loans and Lease Receivable, Maximum Revolving Amount	$ 15,000,000		$ 15,000,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract			15 years
Revolving Note Receivable, Maximum Amount Available for Working Capital Purposes	5,000,000		$ 5,000,000
Revolving Note Receivable, Amount Outstanding	$ 604,000		$ 604,000
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	6.00%		6.00%
Number of Term Loans	2		2
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	9		9
Bickford Note Investment [Member]
Initial lease rate	9.55%		9.55%
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	$ 11,598,000		$ 11,598,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commitments, Fixed Rates			28,000,000
Evolve Senior Living [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 10,000,000		$ 10,000,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| beds_or_units	40		40
Note Receivable Interest Rate	8.00%		8.00%
Loan Term			5 years
Mortgage Note, Property Appreciation, Lender Participation, Rate	10.00%		10.00%
Senior Living Management [Member]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commitments, Fixed Rates			$ 24,500,000
Notes Receivable, Number Of Loans, Master Credit Agreement	2		2
Loan Term			5 years
Notes Receivable, Interest Rate, Master Credit Agreement	8.25%		8.25%
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	5		5
Notes Receivable, Maturity, Optional Extension, Years			1 year
Note Receivable, Maturity, Second Optional Extension, Years			2 years
Traditions of Owatonna [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 4,256,000		$ 4,256,000
Interest Income, Operating			922,000
Note A [Member] \| Life Care Services [Member]
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	52,448,000		52,448,000
Notes Receivable, Total Borrowings, Master Credit Agreement	$ 60,000,000		$ 60,000,000
Note Receivable, First Note Year For Rate Escalator			3 years
Loan Term			10 years
Note Receivable, Prepayment, Disallowance Period			3 years
Note Receivable, Prepayment Penalty, Rate	5.00%		5.00%
Note Receivable, Prepayment Penalty, Rate Decrease	1.00%		1.00%
Notes Receivable, Interest Rate, Master Credit Agreement	6.75%		6.75%
Loans And Leases Receivable, Commitment, Fixed Rates, Escalator, Basis Points	10		10
Note A [Member] \| Senior Living Communities [Member]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commitments, Fixed Rates			$ 12,000,000
Note Receivable Interest Rate	10.00%		10.00%
Note B [Member] \| Life Care Services [Member]
Notes Receivable, Total Borrowings, Master Credit Agreement	$ 94,500,000		$ 94,500,000
Loan Term			5 years
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Collections of Principal			$ (79,809,000)
Notes Receivable, Interest Rate, Master Credit Agreement	8.00%		8.00%
Note B [Member] \| Senior Living Communities [Member]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commitments, Fixed Rates			$ 2,000,000