Asset Purchase Transaction Costs

No definition available.

Name:	nhi_AssetPurchaseTransactionCosts
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

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

- 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

- 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

- 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

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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- 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

Name:	nhi_WriteOffOfStraightLineRentReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	nhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- 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
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-Topic 840
-SubTopic 20
-Section 25
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902458&loc=d3e40019-112707

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AmortizationOfLeaseIncentives
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- 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
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-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

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

- 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

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

- 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

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

- 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)
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-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

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

- 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)
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6812-107765

+ Details

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

- 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

Name:	us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- 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

Name:	us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- 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

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- 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

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

- 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

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
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-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4332-108586

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionValueOfLiabilitiesAssumed1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of separate real estate development properties located on land subject to ground leases.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfPropertiesSubjectToGroundLeases
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- 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 states the entity operates in as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates
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

- 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

+ Details

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

- Definition

The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue.

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Amount of operating loss carryforward, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws.

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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.

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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.

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Difference between actual rental income due and rental income recognized on a straight-line basis.

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Amount of the adjustment to rental revenues to measure escalating leasing revenues on a straight line basis.

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Real Estate (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Real Estate (Narrative) (Details)	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