Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Real Estate Properties [Abstract]
Land	$ 186,658	$ 220,361
Buildings and improvements	2,707,422	3,041,616
Construction in progress	468	3,093
Real estate properties, gross	2,894,548	3,265,070
Less accumulated depreciation	(576,668)	(597,638)
Real estate properties, net	2,317,880	2,667,432
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	299,952	292,427
Cash and cash equivalents	37,412	43,344
Straight-line rent receivable	96,198	95,703
Assets held for sale, net	66,398	0
Equity-method investment and other assets	21,036	21,583
Total Assets	2,838,876	3,120,489
Liabilities and Equity
Debt	1,242,883	1,499,285
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	23,181	25,189
Dividends Payable	41,266	49,818
Lease deposit liabilities	8,838	10,638
Deferred income	5,725	12,614
Total Liabilities	1,321,893	1,597,544
Commitments and Contingencies
National Health Investors, Inc. Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 44,587,486 and 42,700,411 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	459	452
Capital in excess of par value	1,591,182	1,540,946
Cumulative net income in (excess) deficit of dividends	(84,558)	(22,015)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	(7,149)
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	1,507,083	1,512,234
Noncontrolling interest	9,900	10,711
Total Equity	1,516,983	1,522,945
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 2,838,876	$ 3,120,489