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Real Estate (Narrative) (Details) | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) properties Master_Leases renewalOptions shares | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Remaining Unfunded Development Commitment |  |  | $ 24,331,000 |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 220 |  |  |
Operating Loss Carryforwards |  |  | $ 462,000 |  |  |
Number of States in which Entity Operates |  |  | 33 |  |  |
Payments to Acquire Real Estate |  |  | $ 131,758,000 | $ 157,214,000 | $ 359,257,000 |
Lessee Payment To Acquire Purchase Option |  |  | 3,775,000 | 1,250,000 | 0 |
Real Estate Investments During The Period |  |  | 155,644,000 |  |  |
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate |  |  | 0 | 50,000 | 4,582,000 |
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed |  |  | 1,689,000 | 1,855,000 | 430,000 |
Nonportfolio Assets, Original Cost |  |  | 2,471,000 |  |  |
Real Estate Investment Property, Portfolio Assets |  |  | $ 2,815,894,000 |  |  |
Number of Lessees |  |  | 30 |  |  |
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue |  |  | $ 280,813,000 | 265,169,000 | 232,353,000 |
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate |  |  | 202,877,000 | 98,110,000 | 99,179,000 | $ 101,124,000
Deferred Rent Receivables, Net |  |  | 105,620,000 | 97,359,000 |  |
Amortization of Lease Incentives |  |  | 387,000 | 119,000 | 40,000 |
Straight Line Rent |  |  | 22,787,000 | 26,090,000 | 22,198,000 |
Escrow Deposit |  |  | 8,208,000 | 8,208,000 |  |
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects |  |  | 42,530,000 |  |  |
Development in Process |  |  | 18,199,000 |  |  |
Land |  |  | $ 202,196,000 | 191,623,000 |  |
Comfort Care Senior Living [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Real Estate Properties, Number Acquired | properties |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired | properties |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Real Estate Investments During The Period |  |  | $ 17,140,000 |  |  |
Asset Purchase Transaction Costs |  |  | $ 100,000 |  |  |
Number Of Purchase Option Properties |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Ignite Medical Resorts [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired | properties |  |  | 1 |  |  |
Real Estate Investments During The Period |  |  | $ 25,350,000 |  |  |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract |  |  | 12 years |  |  |
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects |  |  | $ 25,350,000 |  |  |
Initial lease rate |  |  | 9.50% |  |  |
Number of additional lease renewal options |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Renewal Term |  |  | 10 years |  |  |
Contingent Incentive Payments |  |  | $ 2,000,000 |  |  |
Land |  |  | 2,000,000 |  |  |
Evolve Senior Living [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate |  |  | $ 10,000,000 |  |  |
Note Receivable Interest Rate |  |  | 8.00% |  |  |
Loan Term |  |  | 5 years |  |  |
Ensign Group [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired | properties |  |  | 3 |  |  |
Real Estate Investments During The Period |  |  | $ 43,404,000 |  |  |
The Lasalle Group [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of Continuing Revenue |  |  | 2.00% |  |  |
Write Off Of Straight Line Rent Receivable |  |  | $ 1,496,000 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Non-Performing Tenant, Rent Payment Concessions |  |  | $ 0.00 |  |  |
Senior Living Communities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 9 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract |  |  | 15 years |  |  |
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue | $ 45,868,000 | $ 45,735,000 |  |  |  | $ 40,332,000
Percentage of Continuing Revenue | 16.00% | 16.00% |  |  |  | 16.00%
Straight Line Rent | $ 5,436,000 | $ 6,984,000 |  |  |  | $ 7,369,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property |  |  | 186 |  |  |
Number of additional lease renewal options |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Renewal Term |  |  | 5 years |  |  |
Lease Escalator Rate Lease Year 2 to Lease Year 4 |  |  | 4.00% |  |  |
Lease Escalator Rate after Lease Year 4 |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |
Bickford Senior Living [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 52 |  |  |
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired | properties |  |  | 5 |  |  |
Minimum Annual Lease Income |  |  | $ 45,065,000 |  |  |
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue |  |  | $ 50,093,000 | $ 41,606,000 | $ 30,732,000 |
Percentage of Continuing Revenue |  |  | 17.00% | 15.00% | 12.00% |
Straight Line Rent |  |  | $ 5,028,000 | $ 5,102,000 | $ 858,000 |
Straight Line Rent Adjustments |  |  | 5,028,000 |  |  |
Transition Tenant [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue |  |  | $ 5,540,000 | $ 6,141,000 | 1,957,000 |
Percentage of Continuing Revenue |  |  | 2.00% | 2.00% |  |
Escrow Deposit |  |  | $ 3,485,000 |  |  |
Withdrawals From Lease Escrow Deposits |  |  | 0.00 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Tenant Triple Net Costs, Receivable |  |  | $ 2,534,000 |  |  |
Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 25 |  |  |
Payments to Acquire Real Estate |  |  | $ 493,000,000 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract |  |  | 17 years |  |  |
Minimum Annual Lease Income |  |  | $ 39,000,000 |  |  |
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue |  |  | $ 43,311,000 | $ 43,817,000 | $ 43,817,000 |
Percentage of Continuing Revenue |  |  | 15.00% | 16.00% | 18.00% |
Straight Line Rent |  |  | $ 5,616,000 | $ 7,397,000 | $ 8,965,000 |
Lease Escalator Rate, After Lease Year 3 |  |  | 3.50% |  |  |
National Healthcare Corporation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 42 |  |  |
Number of Master Leases | Master_Leases |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue |  |  | $ 37,843,000 | $ 37,467,000 | $ 37,626,000 |
Percentage of Continuing Revenue |  |  | 13.00% | 13.00% | 15.00% |
Lessor Equity Shares Owned, Significant Lessee | shares |  |  | 1,630,462 |  |  |
Percentage rent |  |  | $ 3,696,000 | $ 3,321,000 | $ 3,479,000 |
Regency Leasing [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 3 |  |  |
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue |  |  | $ 5,103,000 | $ 5,466,000 | $ 5,444,000 |
Percentage of Continuing Revenue |  |  | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% |
Percent of Operating Cash Flow, Due To Lessor |  |  | 95.00% |  |  |
Write Off Of Straight Line Rent Receivable |  |  | $ 1,820,000 |  |  |
Wisconsin Non-performing Tenant [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of Continuing Revenue |  |  | 1.00% |  |  |
Unpaid Lease Payment, Number Of Months |  |  | 2 months |  |  |
Unpaid Rent |  |  | $ 840,000 |  |  |
Write Off Of Straight Line Rent Receivable |  |  | 1,436,000 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Lease Payment Guarantee, Amount |  |  | $ 3,000,000 |  |  |
Real Estate Acquisition [Member] | Comfort Care Senior Living [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Initial lease rate |  |  | 7.25% |  |  |
Lease Escalator Minimum |  |  | 2.00% |  |  |
Lease Escalator Maximum |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |
Real Estate Acquisition [Member] | Ensign Group [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Initial lease rate |  |  | 8.10% |  |  |
April 2018 Acquisition [Member] | Bickford Senior Living [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Real Estate Properties, Number Acquired | properties |  |  | 5 |  |  |
Number of Properties Subject to Ground Leases | properties |  |  | 1 |  |  |
Real Estate Investments During The Period |  |  | $ 69,750,000 |  |  |
Asset Purchase Transaction Costs |  |  | $ 500,000 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract |  |  | 15 years |  |  |
Fair Market Rent Reset, Option Period, First Lease Year |  |  | 3 years |  |  |
Fair Market Rent Reset, Option Period, Last Lease Year |  |  | 5 years |  |  |
Initial lease rate |  |  | 6.85% |  |  |
Capital Improvements Commitment |  |  | $ 1,750,000 |  |  |
Off-market Lease, Unfavorable |  |  | 590,000 |  |  |
Holiday Lease Amendment [Member] | Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum Annual Lease Income |  |  | 31,500,000 |  |  |
Lease Amendment Consideration |  |  | 65,762,000 |  |  |
Escrow Deposit |  |  | 21,275,000 |  |  |
Required Equity Contribution, Lease Tenant Entity |  |  | 5,000,000 |  |  |
Required Equity Contribution, Lease, Management Company |  |  | $ 6,500,000 |  |  |
Initial lease rate |  |  | 7.00% |  |  |
Capital Improvements Commitment |  |  | $ 5,000,000 |  |  |
Capital Improvement Commitment, Per Unit |  |  | $ 1,500 |  |  |
Lease Portfolio, Rent Adjustment Rate, Property Sale Proceeds |  |  | 7.00% |  |  |
Lease Escalator Minimum |  |  | 2.00% |  |  |
Lease Escalator, Percent, Revenue Growth |  |  | 45.00% |  |  |
Lease Escalator Maximum |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |
Ensign Purchase Commitment Properties [Member] | Ensign Group [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired | properties |  |  | 4 |  |  |
NHC - 1991 Lease [Member] | National Healthcare Corporation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 35 |  |  |
Minimum Annual Lease Income |  |  | $ 30,750,000 |  |  |
Percentage Rent Rate |  |  | 0.04 |  |  |
Number of additional lease renewal options | renewalOptions |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Renewal Term |  |  | 5 years |  |  |
NHC - 2013 Lease [Member] | National Healthcare Corporation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired | properties |  |  | 7 |  |  |
Minimum Annual Lease Income |  |  | $ 3,450,000 |  |  |
Percentage Rent Rate |  |  | 0.04 |  |  |
Purchase Option Amount |  |  | $ 49,000,000 |  |  |
Senior Housing Community [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 143 |  |  |
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 72 |  |  |
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] | National Healthcare Corporation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 39 |  |  |
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] | Subleased Facilities [Member] | National Healthcare Corporation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 4 |  |  |
Hospital [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 3 |  |  |
Medical Office Building [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Independent Living Facility [Member] | National Healthcare Corporation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 3 |  |  |
Waxahatchie, TX [Member] | Ensign Group [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Lessee Payment To Acquire Purchase Option |  |  | $ 1,275,000 |  |  |
Real Estate Investments During The Period |  |  | 14,404,000 |  |  |
Garland and Ft Worth, TX [Member] | Ensign Group [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Lessee Payment To Acquire Purchase Option |  |  | $ 1,250,000 |  |  |
Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired | properties |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Real Estate Investments During The Period |  |  | $ 29,000,000 |  |  |
Ground Lease [Member] | April 2018 Acquisition [Member] | Bickford Senior Living [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract |  |  | 50 years |  |  |
September 2027 [Member] | Bickford Senior Living [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | properties |  |  | 4 |  |  |
Minimum Annual Lease Income |  |  | $ 1,515,000 |  |  |
Straight Line Rent Adjustments |  |  | $ 221,000 |  |  |

X
- Definition Asset Purchase Transaction Costs + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition This element represents the amount per unit of capital improvements that an entity has committed to complete. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_CapitalImprovementCommitmentPerUnit
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition This element represents the total amount of capital improvements that an entity has committed to complete. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_CapitalImprovementsCommitment
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents contingent payments that would be due to a development manager if certain operating metrics or performance thresholds were met. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_ContingentIncentivePayments
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the first lease year in which a lessor has the option to reset the annual rent to a fair market amount. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_FairMarketRentResetOptionPeriodFirstLeaseYear
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the last lease year in which a lessor has the option to reset the annual rent to a fair market amount. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_FairMarketRentResetOptionPeriodLastLeaseYear
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The initial rate charged under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_InitialLeaseRate
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents consideration received in exchange for granting an amendment to a lease agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LeaseAmendmentConsideration
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the maximum amount a lease will escalate each year. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LeaseEscalatorMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the minimum rate a lease payment escalates each year. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LeaseEscalatorMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the percentage rate applied to year-over-year revenue growth to determine the amount a lease escalates each year. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LeaseEscalatorPercentRevenueGrowth
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The initial escalator rate charged from lease year 3 through the end of the lease term under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateAfterLeaseYear3
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The initial lease escalator rate charged from lease year 2 through lease year 4 under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateLeaseYear2toLeaseYear4
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The initial lease escalator to be charged starting after lease year 4 under a lease entered into in connection with the purchase of a property. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LeaseEscalatorRateafterLeaseYear4
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the rate used to reduce lease portfolio rent upon the disposition of one of the portfolio properties. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LeasePortfolioRentAdjustmentRatePropertySaleProceeds
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents a lessee's payment to acquire a purchase option. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LesseePaymentToAcquirePurchaseOption
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the number of shares of a lessor that are owned by a significant lessee as of the end of the reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LessorEquitySharesOwnedSignificantLessee
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the amount of personal or corporate guarantees in place to insure payment of required lease amounts. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LessorOperatingLeaseLeasePaymentGuaranteeAmount
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the amount of operating lease rent payments conceded to a non-performing tenant by a Lessor. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LessorOperatingLeaseNonPerformingTenantRentPaymentConcessions
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents triple net lease costs paid by the Lessor and recorded as a receivable due from the tenant. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_LessorOperatingLeaseTenantTripleNetCostsReceivable
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- 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

X
- Definition This item represents the maximum commitment for all active development projects. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_MaximumCommitmentForAllActiveDevelopmentProjects
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the minimum annual lease income to be received. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_MinimumAnnualLeaseIncome
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the original cost of corporate assets that are not part of the investment portfolio. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_NonportfolioAssetsOriginalCost
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- 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

X
- Definition Number Of Additional Lease Renewal Options + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_NumberOfAdditionalLeaseRenewalOptions
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of lessees of real estate property at the end of the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_NumberOfLessees
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the number of properties that are optionally available to be purchased. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_NumberOfPurchaseOptionProperties
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Number Of Real Estate Properties Acquired + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of Master Leases + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_NumberofMasterLeases
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the percentage of income recognized from a lease tenant. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_PercentageOfContinuingRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents the rental revenue rate earned during the period from lessee-operators based on revenues generated in their operations, generally in excess of a base amount. Generally stipulated in the lease agreement, it usually will provide for a fixed percentage of revenue to be paid as additional (or possibly only) rent due the lessor, and may be based on gross revenues, net revenues, or multiple variations thereof. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_PercentageRentRate
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the percentage rate applied to operating cash flow in determining the amount of lease payment due to a lessor. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_PercentofOperatingCashFlowDueToLessor
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the amount of an outstanding purchase option. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_PurchaseOptionAmount
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The element represents the original cost of all portfolio leased assets. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyPortfolioAssets
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Real Estate Investments During The Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_RealEstateInvestmentsDuringThePeriod
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item refers to the number of properties acquired during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_RealEstatePropertiesNumberAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the remaining unfunded development commitment related to a lease property. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_RemainingUnfundedDevelopmentCommitment
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the amount of equity required to be contributed by a management company. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_RequiredEquityContributionLeaseManagementCompany
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the amount of equity required to be contributed into a lease tenant entity as a credit enhancement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_RequiredEquityContributionLeaseTenantEntity
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the number of months during which a lease payment has not been paid by the current tenant. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_UnpaidLeasePaymentNumberOfMonths
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the amount of unpaid rent due from a cash basis lease tenant. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_UnpaidRent
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the amount of withdrawals made from escrow deposits to offset unpaid triple net lease costs. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | nhi_WithdrawalsFromLeaseEscrowDeposits
Namespace Prefix: | nhi_
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- Definition This item represents an accumulated straight-line rent receivable balance written off as a result of a lease amendment or termination. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Amount of amortization of lease incentive costs incurred by the lessor for the benefit of the lessee. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902458&loc=d3e40010-112707 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902458&loc=d3e40019-112707 + Details
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- Definition The cumulative difference between the rental payments required by a lease agreement and the rental income or expense recognized on a straight-line basis, or other systematic and rational basis more representative of the time pattern in which use or benefit is granted or derived from the leased property, expected to be recognized in income or expense over the term of the leased property, by the lessor or lessee, respectively. Such receivable is reduced by allowances attributable to, for instance, credit risk associated with a lessee. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 35 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77913719&loc=d3e40879-112712 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902458&loc=d3e39896-112707 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902458&loc=d3e39927-112707 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
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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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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 + Details
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- Definition The designation of funds furnished by a borrower to a lender to assure future payments of the borrower's real estate taxes and insurance obligations with respect to a mortgaged property. Escrow deposits may be made for a variety of other purposes such as earnest money and contingent payments. This element excludes replacement reserves which are an escrow separately provided for within the US GAAP taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.10) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
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- Definition The net gain (loss) resulting from sales and other disposals of real estate owned for investment purposes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(b)(9)(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(b)(7)(c)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(14)(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873765&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(3)(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873790&loc=SL114874131-224263 + Details
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- Definition Amount before accumulated depletion of real estate held for productive use, excluding land held for sale. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.13) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6812-107765 + Details
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- Definition Term of lessee's operating lease, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888426&loc=SL77918673-209980 + Details
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- Definition Term of lessor's operating lease renewal, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888428&loc=SL77919359-209981 + Details
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- Definition Term of lessor's operating lease, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888428&loc=SL77919359-209981 + Details
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- Definition Amount of investment in mortgage loan on real estate by entity with substantial portion of business acquiring and holding investment real estate or interest in real estate. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 948 -SubTopic 310 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-29(Column G)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6589523&loc=d3e617274-123014 + Details
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- Definition The total amount of [all] liabilities that an Entity assumes in acquiring a business or in consideration for an asset received in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4313-108586 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4304-108586 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4332-108586 + Details
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- Definition Number of separate real estate development properties located on land subject to ground leases. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The number of real estate properties owned as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The number of states the entity operates in as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The number of units in a real estate property owned as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition This element represents a liability associated with the acquisition of an off-market lease when the terms of the lease are unfavorable to the market terms for the lease at the date of acquisition. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
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- Definition The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902458&loc=d3e39896-112707 + Details
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- Definition Amount of operating loss carryforward, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32559-109319 + Details
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- Definition The cash outflow from the acquisition of a piece of land, anything permanently fixed to it, including buildings, structures on it and so forth; includes real estate intended to generate income for the owner; excludes real estate acquired for use by the owner. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
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- Definition This element represents the rental revenue earned during the period from lessee-operators based on revenues generated in their operations, generally in excess of a base amount. Such rental revenue is generally stipulated in the lease agreement, usually will provide for a fixed percentage of revenue to be paid as additional (or possibly only) rent due the lessor, and may be based on gross revenues, net revenues, or multiple variations thereof. Percentage rent is often required under leases with retail outlets located on premises owned by hoteliers, cruise lines, others in the hospitality industry, and shopping mall operators, among others. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
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- Definition Difference between actual rental income due and rental income recognized on a straight-line basis. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
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