National Health Investors (NHI) 10-Q/A 8 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report (amended) Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	1-May-14
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000877860	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	33,051,999

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Land	$93,290	$91,770
Buildings and improvements	1,363,727	1,320,567
Construction in progress	11,198	9,665
Real estate properties, gross	1,468,215	1,422,002
Less accumulated depreciation	-183,488	-174,262
Real estate properties, net	1,284,727	1,247,740
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	60,871	60,639
Investment in preferred stock, at cost	38,132	38,132
Cash and cash equivalents	6,245	11,312
Marketable securities	13,438	12,650
Straight-line rent receivable	22,886	18,691
Equity-method investment and other assets	46,903	66,656
Total Assets	1,473,202	1,455,820
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Debt	629,033	617,080
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000	2,600
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,058	8,011
Dividends Payable	25,450	24,293
Lease deposit liabilities	22,775	22,775
Deferred income	1,701	3,901
Total Liabilities	690,017	678,660
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 33,051,999 and 33,051,176 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	330	330
Capital in excess of par value	762,483	753,635
Cumulative dividends in excess of net income	1,126	3,043
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,741	9,538
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	772,680	766,546
Noncontrolling interest	10,505	10,614
Total Equity	783,185	777,160
Total Liabilities and Equity	$1,473,202	$1,455,820

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	33,051,999	33,051,176
Common stock, shares outstanding	33,051,999	33,051,176

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'	'
Rental income	$40,313	$24,105
Interest income from mortgage and other notes	1,756	1,969
Investment income and other	1,067	1,052
Revenues	43,136	27,126
Expenses:	'	'
Depreciation	9,237	4,248
Interest, including amortization of debt discount and issuance costs	6,887	1,123
Legal	73	277
Franchise, excise and other taxes	306	144
General and administrative	2,935	3,089
Loan and realty losses	0	4,037
Total operating expenses	19,438	12,918
Income before equity-method investee, discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest	23,698	14,208
Income from equity-method investee	158	22
Income from continuing operations	23,856	14,230
Income from discontinued operations	0	1,693
Net income	23,856	15,923
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-323	-180
Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-323	-180
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$23,533	$15,743
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic	33,051,415	27,876,176
Diluted	33,085,232	27,911,584
Basic:	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$0.71	$0.50
Discontinued operations	$0	$0.06
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$0.71	$0.56
Diluted:	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$0.71	$0.50
Discontinued operations	$0	$0.06
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$0.71	$0.56

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$23,856	$15,923
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Change in unrealized gains on securities	787	1,961
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains in net income	0	0
Increase (decrease) in fair value of cash flow hedge	-1,056	399
Less: reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	-528	-129
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-797	2,231
Comprehensive income	23,059	18,154
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	323	180
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	323	180
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$22,736	$17,974

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$23,856	$15,923
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	9,237	4,415
Amortization	343	82
Amortization of Financing Costs	368	82
Straight-line rental income	-4,195	-1,283
Write-off of debt issuance costs	2,145	0
Loan and realty losses	0	4,037
Share-based compensation	1,349	1,580
Income from equity-method investee	-158	-22
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Equity-method investment and other assets	-352	-406
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-1,149	-440
Deferred income	-2,200	-40
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,876	23,846
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Investment in mortgage and other notes receivable	-1,131	0
Collection of mortgage and other notes receivable	899	154
Investment in real estate	-16,307	0
Investment in real estate development	-2,572	-1,463
Investment in renovations of existing real estate	-1,311	-836
Payment of real estate purchase liability	1,600	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-22,022	-2,145
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net change in borrowings under revolving credit facilities	-60,000	0
Proceeds from convertible senior notes	200,000	0
Borrowings on term loan	130,000	0
Payments on term loans	-250,275	0
Debt issuance costs	-6,921	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	-146
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-432	-176
Dividends paid to stockholders	-24,293	-24,793
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-11,921	-24,823
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-5,067	-3,122
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	11,312	'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	6,245	'
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Interest Paid	4,383	1,010
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Tax deferred exchange funds applied to investment in real estate	23,813	0
Conditional consideration in asset acquisition	3,000	0
Accounts payable related to investments in real estate	$2,296	$0

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Equi

Consolidated Statement Of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Cumulative Dividends In Excess Of Net Income [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2013	$777,160	$330	$753,635	$3,043	$9,538	$766,546	$10,614
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	33,051,176	33,051,176	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income	23,059	'	'	23,533	-797	22,736	323
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-432	'	'	'	'	'	-432
Shares issued on stock options exercised, shares	'	823	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	1,349	'	1,349	'	'	1,349	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt	7,499	'	7,499	'	'	7,499	'
Dividends declared, $.77 per share	-25,450	'	'	-25,450	'	-25,450	'
Balance, value at Mar. 31, 2014	$783,185	$330	$762,483	$1,126	$8,741	$772,680	$10,505
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2014	33,051,999	33,051,999	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Equi1

Consolidated Statement Of Equity Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.77

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	We, the management of National Health Investors, Inc., ("NHI" or the "Company") believe that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of which these notes are an integral part include all normal, recurring adjustments which are necessary to fairly present the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NHI in all material respects. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. We assume that users of these condensed consolidated financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and that the adequacy of additional disclosure needed for a fair presentation, except in regard to material contingencies, may be determined in that context. Accordingly, footnotes and other disclosures which would substantially duplicate those contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 have been omitted. This condensed consolidated financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, acquisitions and dispositions, changes in interest rates, rents and the timing of debt and equity financings. For a better understanding of NHI and its condensed consolidated financial statements, we recommend reading these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, which are included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of which is available at our web site: www.nhireit.com.
	Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the joint venture entity over which we exercise control. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income is reduced by the portion of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
	We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance for our arrangements with variable interest entities ("VIEs") which requires us to identify entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights and to determine which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. A VIE is broadly defined as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. We consolidate investments in VIEs when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We may change our assessment of a VIE due to events such as modifications of contractual arrangements that affect the characteristics or adequacy of the entity's equity investments at risk and the disposal of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.
	We identify the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the entity. We perform this analysis on an ongoing basis. At March 31, 2014, we held an interest in one unconsolidated VIE, of which we were not the primary beneficiary.
	We also apply FASB guidance related to investments in joint ventures based on the type of controlling rights held by the members' interests in limited liability companies that may preclude consolidation by the majority equity owner in certain circumstances in which the majority equity owner would otherwise consolidate the joint venture.
	We structure our joint ventures to be compliant with the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") which permits NHI to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between a property company and an operating company and is designed to give NHI the opportunity to capture additional value on the improving performance of the operating company through distributions to a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). Accordingly, the TRS holds our equity interest in an unconsolidated operating company, which we do not control, and provides an organizational structure that will allow the TRS to engage in a broad range of activities and share in revenues that would otherwise be non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests.
	Equity-Method Investment - We report our TRS' investment in an unconsolidated entity, over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our pro rata share of the entity's earnings or losses is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we adjust our investment carrying amount to reflect our share of changes in an equity-method investee's capital resulting from its capital transactions.
	The initial carrying value of our equity-method investment is based on the fair value of the net assets of the entity at the time we acquired our interest. We estimate fair values of the net assets of our equity-method investee based on discounted cash flow models. The inputs we use in these models are based on assumptions that we believe to be within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments.
	We evaluate our equity-method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment may exceed the fair value. If it is determined that a decline in the fair value of our investment is not temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below its carrying value, an impairment is recorded. The determination of the fair value of our equity-method investments involves significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and other relevant factors.
	Noncontrolling Interest - We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we control (and thus consolidate) as noncontrolling interest and classify such interest as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total NHI stockholders' equity, in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Earnings Per Share - The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. Diluted earnings per share incorporate the potential dilutive impact of our 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2021, and stock options outstanding during the periods presented, unless their effect is anti-dilutive. In addition, we apply the if-converted method to our convertible debt instruments, the effect of which is that conversion will not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per share if the effect would be anti-dilutive.
	New Accounting Pronouncements - In the first quarter of 2014, we adopted ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under ASU 2014-08, disposals will be reported as discontinued operations only when the disposal represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. Previously, we reported the disposition of components that were either reporting units, subsidiaries, or asset groups as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components that occur on or after December 15, 2014. We have elected early adoption, under which terms we will prospectively apply ASU 2014-08 and report as discontinued operations only those disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported.
	We have reclassified for 2013 the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria as either being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are reported separately in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. There is no change to reported net income for the prior periods as a result of this reclassification.

Real_Estate

Real Estate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	REAL ESTATE
	As of March 31, 2014, we owned 161 health care real estate properties located in 30 states and consisting of 92 senior housing communities, 64 skilled nursing facilities, 3 hospitals and 2 medical office buildings. Our senior housing properties include assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and senior living campuses. These investments (excluding our corporate office of $887,000) consisted of properties with an original cost of approximately $1,467,328,000, rented under triple-net leases to 24 lessees.
	Acquisition and New Lease of Real Estate
	In March 2014 we completed the purchase of 3 skilled nursing facilities in Oregon totaling 196 beds and a 105-unit assisted living facility in Idaho from Prestige Senior Living ("Prestige"). The purchase price includes $40,115,000 in cash and a commitment to fund contingent earn out payments up to a maximum of $6,390,000 based on the achievement of certain financial metrics as measured periodically through December 31, 2015. Because the facilities were owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase. At acquisition, we estimated probable contingent payments of $3,000,000 to be likely and have, accordingly, reflected that amount in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	We have leased the 4 facilities to Prestige with a 15-year term at an initial rate of 8.4% plus fixed annual escalators. In addition, at 2 of the Oregon facilities we have committed to fund $2,000,000 for capital improvements which are expected to be completed by June 30, 2015.
	Holiday
	In December 2013 we acquired 25 independent living facilities from Holiday Acquisition Holdings LLC (“Holiday”), an affiliate of Holiday Retirement. We have leased this portfolio to NH Master Tenant, LLC, a subsidiary of Holiday. Our tenant continues to operate the facilities pursuant to a management agreement with a Holiday-affiliated manager. The master lease term of 17 years began in December 2013 and provides for initial base rent of $31,915,000 plus annual escalators of 4.5% in the first 3 years and a minimum of 3.5% each year thereafter.
	Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $10,954,000 (25%) was derived from Holiday for the three months ended March 31, 2014, consisting of $7,979,000 in billed rent and $2,975,000 in straight-line rent.
	NHC
	As of March 31, 2014, we leased 42 health care facilities under two master leases to National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”), a publicly-held company and the lessee of our legacy properties. The facilities leased to NHC consist of 3 independent living facilities and 39 skilled nursing facilities (4 of which are subleased to other parties for whom the lease payments are guaranteed to us by NHC). These facilities are leased to NHC under the terms of an amended master lease agreement originally dated October 17, 1991 ("the 1991 lease") which includes our 35 remaining legacy properties and a master lease agreement dated August 30, 2013 ("the 2013 lease") which includes 7 skilled nursing facilities acquired from ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. on August 31, 2013.
	The 1991 lease has been amended to extend the lease expiration to December 31, 2026. There are two additional 5-year renewal options, each at fair rental value of such leased property as negotiated between the parties and determined without including the value attributable to any improvements to the leased property voluntarily made by NHC at its expense. Under the terms of the lease, the base annual rental is $30,750,000 and rent escalates by 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility's revenue over a 2007 base year. The 2013 lease provides for a base annual rental of $3,450,000 and has a lease expiration of August 2028. Under the terms of the lease, rent escalates 4% of the increase in each facility's revenue over the 2014 base year. For both the 1991 lease and the 2013 lease, we refer to this additional rent component as “percentage rent.” During the last three years of the 2013 lease, NHC will have the option to purchase the facilities for $49,000,000.
	The following table summarizes the percentage rent income from NHC (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Current year	$	566	$	569
	Prior year final certification1	15		746
	Total percentage rent income	$	581	$	1,315
	1 For purposes of the percentage rent calculation described in the master lease Agreement, NHC’s annual revenue by facility for a given year is certified to NHI by March 31st of the following year.
	Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $9,118,000 (21%) and $8,947,000 (33%) were derived from NHC for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Bickford
	As of March 31, 2014, we owned an 85% equity interest and an affiliate of Bickford Senior Living ("Bickford") owned a 15% equity interest in our consolidated subsidiary ("PropCo") which owns 29 assisted living/memory care facilities and also has 1 facility under construction. The facilities are leased to an operating company, ("OpCo"), in which we also retain an 85/15 ownership interest with an affiliate of Bickford, who controls the entity. This joint venture is structured to comply with the provisions of RIDEA.
	For the stabilized portfolio of 27 properties, the current annual contractual rent from OpCo to PropCo is $19,108,000, plus fixed annual escalators. OpCo is continuing the lease-up of 2 assisted living facilities which opened in the fourth quarter of 2013. Under the terms of the current development lease agreement, PropCo receives rent from OpCo on the total amount of development costs, including land, which totaled $19,254,000 at March 31, 2014. Of these costs, $15,296,000 relate to the 2 facilities currently in lease-up. As of March 31, 2014, PropCo had purchased land and begun construction on one assisted living/memory care facility having a maximum cost of $9,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $3,958,000. Once the facilities stabilize, an annual rental amount will be determined between the parties. Rent income received from the development projects was $366,000 and $146,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. NHI has an exclusive right to Bickford's future acquisitions, development projects and refinancing transactions.
	Of our total revenues from continuing operations, $5,263,000 (12%) and $2,081,000 (8%) were recorded as rental income from Bickford for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In June 2013 PropCo acquired 14 properties from Care Investment Trust in a transaction we accounted for as a business combination. The unaudited pro forma revenue, net income and net income available to common stockholders of the combined entity is provided below had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Revenue	$	43,136	$	29,714
	Net income	$	23,899	$	16,341
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	23,576	$	16,161
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.71	$	0.58
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.71	$	0.58
	Supplemental pro forma information above includes revenues from the Care lease with OpCo, recognized on a straight-line basis, depreciation, and appropriate interest costs.
	Our revenue from continuing operations and our net income include $2,588,000 and $409,000, respectively, from the 14 Care properties for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

EquityMethod_Investment_And_Ot

Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments And Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT AND OTHER ASSETS
	Our equity-method investment in OpCo and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Equity-method investment in OpCo	$	9,652	$	9,494
	Debt issuance costs	11,526		7,366
	Accounts receivable and other assets	2,242		2,502
	Replacement reserve and tax escrows - Fannie Mae	708		706
	Lease escrow deposits	22,775		22,775
	Escrow deposit for tax deferred exchange	—		23,813
		$	46,903	$	66,656
	Upon the acquisition of our equity method investment in OpCo in 2012, our purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired based upon their estimated relative fair values. Accounting guidance for equity method investments requires that we account for the difference between the cost basis of our investment in OpCo and our pro rata share of the amount of underlying equity in the net assets of OpCo as though OpCo were a consolidated subsidiary. Accordingly, the excess of the original purchase price over the fair value of identified tangible assets at acquisition of $8,986,000 is treated as implied goodwill and is subject to periodic review for impairment in conjunction with our equity method investment. When we acquired 17 properties leased or managed by Bickford in June 2013, an assignment was entered into whereby the operations of the related facilities were conveyed by an affiliate of Bickford to OpCo. The transaction mandated the effective cut-off of operating revenues and expenses and the settlement of operating assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. Specified remaining net tangible assets were assigned to OpCo at the transferor's carryover basis resulting in an adjustment, through NHI's capital in excess of par value to our equity method investment in OpCo, of $817,000. We monitor and periodically review our equity method investment in OpCo for impairment to determine whether a decline, if any, in the value of the investment is other-than temporary. We noted no decline in value as of March 31, 2014.
	OpCo is intended to be self-financing, and aside from initial investments therein, no direct support has been provided by NHI to OpCo since inception on September 30, 2012. While PropCo's rental revenues associated with the related properties are sourced from OpCo, a decision to furnish additional direct support would be at our discretion and not obligatory. As a result, we believe our maximum exposure to loss at March 31, 2014, due to our investment in OpCo, would be limited to our equity interest. We have concluded that OpCo meets the accounting criteria to be considered a VIE. However, because we do not control the entity, nor do we have any role in the day-to-day management, we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity, and we account for our investment using the equity method. There were no distributions declared during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	At March 31, 2014, we held lease escrow deposits of $22,775,000 in regard to our lease with Holiday. The Holiday deposits include $21,275,000 as a lease security deposit which remains for the term of the 17-year lease commencing in December 2013 and is payable to Holiday at the end of the lease term. The remaining $1,500,000 is reserved for specified capital improvements.
	In March 2014 we utilized $23,813,000 held with a qualified intermediary to provide a portion of the funding for the Prestige acquisition discussed in Note 2.

Mortgage_And_Other_Notes_Recei

Mortgage And Other Notes Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Net [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Notes Receivable	'
	MORTGAGE AND OTHER NOTES RECEIVABLE
	At March 31, 2014, we had investments in mortgage notes receivable with a carrying value of $35,158,000 secured by real estate and UCC liens on the personal property of 11 health care properties and other notes receivable with a carrying value of $25,713,000 guaranteed by significant parties to the notes or by cross-collateralization of properties with the same owner. No allowance for doubtful accounts was considered necessary at March 31, 2014.
	Due to non-receipt of contractual payments, in March 2013 we evaluated the recoverability of the SeniorTrust notes and recognized an impairment to the carrying value in the total amount of $4,037,000.

Investment_In_Preferred_Stock_

Investment In Preferred Stock, At Cost	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment In Preferred Stock, At Cost [Abstract]	'
Investment In Preferred Stock, At Cost	'
	INVESTMENT IN PREFERRED STOCK, AT COST
	We recognized $818,000 in preferred dividend income from LTC (a publicly-traded REIT) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 on our investment in 2,000,000 shares of their cumulative preferred stock carried at its original cost of $38,132,000. The preferred stock, which was purchased in September 1998, is not listed on a stock exchange, is considered a non-marketable security and is recorded at cost in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The non-voting preferred stock is convertible into 2,000,000 shares of LTC common stock whose closing price at March 31, 2014 was $37.63 per share. The preferred stock has an annual cumulative coupon rate of 8.5% payable quarterly and a liquidation preference of $19.25 per share. While not the fair value of our preferred stock investment, we provide the above information as pertinent to the reader's estimation of the fair value of our investment. In accordance with ASC Topic 825 Financial Instruments, paragraph 10-50 Disclosure-Overall, we have determined that due to excessive costs, it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of our cost basis investment in preferred stock because of inherent subjectivities in refining the estimate to a degree that is likely to materially augment the information provided above. Further, we have identified no events that may have had an adverse effect on its fair value which would have required revisiting the instrument's carrying value.

Investments_In_Marketable_Secu

Investments In Marketable Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments In Marketable Securities [Text Block]	'
	INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	Our investments in marketable securities include available-for-sale securities which are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses from securities sales are determined based upon specific identification of the securities.
	Marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Common stock of other healthcare REITs	$	4,088	$	13,438	$	4,088	$	12,650
	Gross unrealized gains related to available-for-sale securities were $9,350,000 at March 31, 2014 and $8,562,000 at December 31, 2013.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure	'
	DEBT
	Debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Convertible senior notes - unsecured (net of discount of $7,747)	$	192,253		$	—
	Revolving credit facility - unsecured	107,000			167,000
	Bank term loans - unsecured	250,000			370,000
	Fannie Mae term loans - secured (including a premium of $1,732)	79,780			80,080
		$	629,033		$	617,080
	In March 2014 we issued $200,000,000 of 3.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due April 2021 (the "Notes"). Interest is payable April 1st and October 1st of each year. The Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 13.926 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing a conversion price of approximately $71.81 per share for a total of approximately 2,785,200 underlying shares. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, as defined in the indenture governing the Notes, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest except in limited circumstances. Upon conversion, NHI's conversion obligation may be satisfied, at our option, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Because the conversion price is in excess of the average stock price for the quarter, the impact of the conversion option is currently anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation and as such has no effect on our earnings per share.
	The Notes are split into a debt component and an equity component since they may be settled in cash upon conversion. The value of the debt component is based upon the estimated fair value of a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature at the time of issuance and was estimated to be approximately $192,238,000. The $7,762,000 difference between the contractual principal on the debt and the value allocated to the debt was recorded as an equity component and represents the estimated value of the conversion feature of the instrument. The excess of the contractual principal amount of the debt over its estimated fair value, the original issue discount, is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the Notes. The effective interest rate used to amortize the debt discount and the liability component of the debt issue costs was approximately 3.9% based on our estimated non-convertible borrowing rate at the date the Notes were issued.
	The total cost of issuing the Notes was $5,969,000, of which $5,706,000 was allocated to the debt component and $263,000 to the equity component.
	On March 27, 2014, we entered into an amended $700,000,000 senior unsecured credit facility. The facility can be expanded, subject to certain conditions, up to an additional $130,000,000. At closing, the new facility amended a smaller credit facility that provided for $620,000,000 of total commitments.
	The amended credit facility provides for: (1) a $450,000,000 unsecured, revolving credit facility that matures in March 2019 (inclusive of an embedded 1-year extension option) with interest at 150 basis points over LIBOR; (2) a $130,000,000 unsecured term loan that matures in June 2020 with interest at 175 basis points over LIBOR of which interest of 3.91% is fixed with an interest rate swap agreement; and (3) two existing term loans which remain in place totaling $120,000,000, maturing in June 2020 and bearing interest at 175 basis points over LIBOR, a notional amount of $40,000,000 being fixed at 3.29% until 2019 and $80,000,000 being fixed at 3.86% until 2020.
	At March 31, 2014, we had $343,000,000 available to draw on the revolving portion of the credit facility. The unused commitment fee is 40 basis points per annum. The unsecured credit facility requires that we maintain certain financial ratios within limits set by our creditors. To date, these ratios, which are calculated quarterly, have been within the limits required by the credit facility agreements.
	As part of the Care acquisition, we assumed Fannie Mae mortgage loans, with principal balances of $70,840,000 and $7,208,000 on March 31, 2014, which have interest at rates of 6.85% and 7.17%, respectively, and mature on July 1, 2015 (prepayable without penalty after December 31, 2014).
	The following table summarizes interest expense (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense	$	4,374		$	1,041
	Debt issuance costs expensed due to credit facility modifications	2,145			—
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	368			82
	Total interest expense	$	6,887		$	1,123
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements
	To mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into the following interest rate swap contracts on our bank term loans as of March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	Date Entered		Maturity Date	Fixed Rate		Rate Index	Notional Amount		Fair Value
	May-12		Apr-19	3.29%		1-month LIBOR	$	40,000	$	377
	Jun-13		Jun-20	3.86%		1-month LIBOR	$	80,000	$	(247	)
	Mar-14		Jun-20	3.91%		1-month LIBOR	$	130,000	$	(739	)
	See Note 12 for fair value disclosures about our Fannie Mae mortgage loan and interest rate swap agreements.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Bickford
	As of March 31, 2014, our subsidiary PropCo had purchased land and begun construction on one assisted living facility having a maximum cost of $9,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $3,958,000. The facility is expected to open by the end of the third quarter of 2014. In February 2014 NHI entered into a commitment of $2,785,000 on a letter of credit for the benefit of our joint venture partner, an affiliate of Bickford, which holds a minority interest in PropCo.
	Chancellor
	In October 2013, we entered into a $7,500,000 commitment to build a 46-unit free-standing assisted living and memory care community, expanding our Linda Valley senior living campus in Loma Linda, California. We began construction during the first quarter of 2014 and had funded $521,000 as of March 31, 2014. The initial lease term is for 15 years at an annual rate of 9% plus a fixed annual escalator. NHI purchased the Linda Valley campus in 2012 and leased it to Chancellor Health Care, who has been operating the campus since 1993. We also committed to provide up to $500,000 for renovations and improvements related to our recent acquisition of a 63-unit senior housing community in Baltimore, Maryland which we have leased to Chancellor Health Care. We began renovations during the first quarter of 2014 and had funded $109,000 as of March 31, 2014. We receive rent income on funds advanced for both construction projects.
	Discovery
	As a lease inducement, we have a contingent commitment to fund a series of payments up to $2,500,000 in connection with our September 2013 lease to Discovery of a senior living campus in Rainbow City, Alabama. Discovery would earn the contingent payments upon obtaining and maintaining a specified lease coverage ratio. As earned, the payments would be due in installments of $750,000 in each of years two and three of the lease with the residual due in year four. As of March 31, 2014, the likelihood that we would incur the contingent payments was not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Fundamental
	In April 2013, we completed the purchase of two skilled nursing facilities located in Canton and Corinth, Texas for a purchase price of $26,150,000 in cash, plus consideration related to the Corinth facility of $1,600,000 conditional upon the achievement of certain operating metrics. In March 2014 upon satisfactory achievement of the required operating metrics, we made the full $1,600,000 payment to Fundamental.
	Kentucky River
	In March 2012, we entered into a long-term lease extension and construction commitment to Jackson Hospital Corporation, an affiliate of Community Health Systems, to provide up to $8,000,000 for extensive renovations and additions to our Kentucky River Medical Center, a general acute care hospital in Jackson, Kentucky. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated. The construction project commenced during the first quarter of 2013 and is expected to continue over two years. Total construction costs incurred as of March 31, 2014 were $6,468,000. The 10-year lease extension began July 1, 2012, with an additional 5-year renewal option.
	Prestige
	We have agreed to fund capital improvements of up to $2,000,000 in connection with our lease of facilities to Prestige. The capital improvements will be an addition to our investment in the properties when funded and will be included in the lease base. Additionally, we have committed to fund contingent earn out payments up to a maximum of $6,390,000 based on the achievement of certain financial metrics as measured periodically through December 31, 2015. At acquisition, we estimated probable contingent payments of $3,000,000 to be likely and have reflected that amount in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Santé
	We have a $2,000,000 supplemental construction commitment to our borrower, Santé Partners, LLC (“Santé”). This additional loan amount becomes available to the borrower when the 70-bed transitional rehabilitation hospital, completed in March 2011, achieves certain operating metrics. NHI also has the option to purchase and lease back the hospital when it achieves a predetermined level of stabilized net operating income.
	In connection with our Silverdale, Washington senior living campus, we have a contingent commitment to fund two lease inducement payments of $1,000,000 each. Santé would earn the payments upon obtaining and maintaining a specified lease coverage ratio. If earned, the first payment would be due after the second lease year and the second payment would be due after the third lease year. At acquisition, the likelihood that we would incur the contingent payments was not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Helix Healthcare
	In March 2010, we completed a purchase/leaseback transaction with Helix Healthcare (“Helix”) for $12,500,000. The purchase price includes a conditional payment of $1,000,000, which is recorded as a purchase liability.
	Litigation
	Our Health Care Facilities are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and borrowers have indemnified, and are obligated to continue to indemnify us, against all liabilities arising from both the operation of the Health Care Facilities and are further obligated to indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such facilities. While there may be lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the Health Care Facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	We recognize share-based compensation for all stock options granted over the requisite service period using the fair value of these grants as estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, and all restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the market value of our publicly-traded common stock on the date of grant.
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("the Committee") has the authority to select the participants to be granted options; to designate whether the option granted is an incentive stock option ("ISO"), a non-qualified option, or a stock appreciation right; to establish the number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the option; to establish the vesting provision for any award; and to establish the term any award may be outstanding. The exercise price of any ISO’s granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted, and the term of an ISO may not be more than ten years. The exercise price of any non-qualified options granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.
	In May 2012, our stockholders approved the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan ("the 2012 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of March 31, 2014, there were 740,000 shares available for future grants under the 2012 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to five years. The term of the options under the 2012 Plan is up to five years from the date of grant.
	In May 2005, our stockholders approved the NHI 2005 Stock Option Plan ("the 2005 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of March 31, 2014, there were 20,635 shares available for future grants under the 2005 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to ten years. The term of the options outstanding under the 2005 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant.
	Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest. Accordingly, forfeitures that were not expected may result in the reversal of previously recorded compensation expense. The compensation expense reported for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1,349,000 and $1,580,000, respectively.
	At March 31, 2014, we had, net of expected forfeitures, $1,037,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options which is expected to be expensed over the following periods: 2014 - $670,000, 2015 - $331,000 and 2016 - $36,000. Stock-based compensation is included in general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	The following table summarize our outstanding stock options:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Options outstanding January 1,	516,674		211,675
	Options granted under 2012 Plan	400,000		360,000
	Options exercised under 2005 Plan	(3,334	)	(55,001	)
	Options outstanding, March 31,	913,340		516,674
	Exercisable at March 31,	686,659		323,330

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	We have reclassified, for periods before adoption of ASU 2014-08, the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria for properties being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations.
	In December 2013, we sold three older skilled nursing facilities to affiliates of our current tenant, Fundamental, for $18,500,000 and recorded a gain of $1,269,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from these facilities was $844,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Pursuant to the purchase option, rents associated with the two remaining properties will be fixed at $250,000 per month, without escalation, through the first renewal term in February 2016.
	In October 2013, our tenant, Weatherly Associates, LLC, exercised their option to purchase a senior housing facility in Pennsylvania for $5,315,000. The sale was completed in December 2013, and we recorded a gain of $1,619,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from the facility was $101,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	In August 2013 we sold six older skilled nursing facilities to NHC for $21,000,000 and recorded a gain of $19,370,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from the facilities was $915,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	Income from discontinued operations is summarized below (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	—	$	1,859
	Other income	—		1
	Expenses:
	Depreciation	—		167
	Total discontinued operations	$	—	$	1,693
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	33,051,415		27,876,176
	Diluted	33,085,232		27,911,584
	Discontinued operations income per share:
	Basic	$	—	$	0.06
	Diluted	$	—	$	0.06

Earnings_and_Dividends_Per_Sha

Earnings and Dividends Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	EARNINGS AND DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
	The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive.
	The following table summarizes the average number of common shares and the net income used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	23,533	$	14,050
	Discontinued operations	—		1,693
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	23,533	$	15,743
	BASIC:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,051,415		27,876,176
	Income from continuing operations per common share	$	0.71	$	0.5
	Discontinued operations per common share	—		0.06
	Net income per common share	$	0.71	$	0.56
	DILUTED:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,051,415		27,876,176
	Stock options	33,817		35,408
	Average dilutive common shares outstanding	33,085,232		27,911,584
	Income from continuing operations per common share	$	0.71	$	0.5
	Discontinued operations per common share	—		0.06
	Net income per common share	$	0.71	$	0.56
	Incremental shares excluded since anti-dilutive:
	Stock options with an exercise price in excess of the average market price for our common shares	40,153		11,964
	Regular dividends declared per common share	$	0.77	$	0.695

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (based on the hierarchy of the three levels of inputs described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K) on a recurring basis include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments and contingent consideration arrangements. Marketable securities consist of common stock of other healthcare REITs. Derivative financial instruments include our interest rate swap agreements. Contingent consideration arrangements relate to certain provisions of recent real estate purchase agreements involving both business combinations.
	Marketable securities. We utilize quoted prices in active markets to measure debt and equity securities; these items are classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy and include the common and preferred stock of other healthcare REITs.
	Derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. The market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation model for interest rate swaps are observable in active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.
	Contingent consideration. Contingent consideration arrangements are classified as Level 3 and are valued using unobservable inputs about the nature of the contingent arrangement and the counter-party to the arrangement, as well as our assumptions about the probability of full settlement of the contingency.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurement
		Balance Sheet Classification		March 31,				December 31,
				2014				2013
	Level 1
	Common stock of other healthcare REITs	Marketable securities		$	13,438			$	12,650
	Level 2
	Interest rate swap asset	Other assets		$	377			$	975
	Interest rate swap liability	Accrued expenses		$	986			$	—
	Level 3
	Contingent consideration	Real estate purchase liabilities		$	4,000			$	2,600
	The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Beginning of Period				Transfers Into Level 3				Realized Gains and (Losses)		Purchases, Issuances and Settlements, net		Fair Value at End of Period		Total Period Losses Included in Earnings Attributable to the Change in Unrealized Losses Relating to Assets Held at End of Year
	2014
	Contingent consideration	$	2,600			$	—			$	—	$	1,400	$	4,000	$	—
	2013
	Contingent consideration	$	4,256			$	—			$	—	$	—	$	4,256	$	—
	Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
		Carrying Amount								Fair Value Measurement
		2014				2013				2014		2013
	Level 2
	Variable rate debt	$	357,000			$	537,000			$	357,000	$	537,000
	Fixed rate debt	$	279,778			$	80,080			$	279,903	$	79,365
	Level 3
	Mortgage and other notes receivable	$	60,871			$	60,639			$	68,484	$	67,201
	The fair value of mortgage and other notes receivable is based on credit risk and discount rates that are not observable in the marketplace and therefore represents a Level 3 measurement.
	Fixed rate debt. Fixed rate debt is classified as Level 2 and its value is based on quoted prices for similar instruments or calculated utilizing model derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable in active markets.
	Carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of our borrowings under our credit facility are reasonably estimated at their carrying value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, due to the predominance of floating interest rates, which generally reflect market conditions.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Policy Text Block [Abstract]	'
Consolidation, Policy	'
	Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the joint venture entity over which we exercise control. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income is reduced by the portion of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
	We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance for our arrangements with variable interest entities ("VIEs") which requires us to identify entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights and to determine which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. A VIE is broadly defined as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. We consolidate investments in VIEs when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We may change our assessment of a VIE due to events such as modifications of contractual arrangements that affect the characteristics or adequacy of the entity's equity investments at risk and the disposal of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.
	We identify the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the entity. We perform this analysis on an ongoing basis. At March 31, 2014, we held an interest in one unconsolidated VIE, of which we were not the primary beneficiary.
	We also apply FASB guidance related to investments in joint ventures based on the type of controlling rights held by the members' interests in limited liability companies that may preclude consolidation by the majority equity owner in certain circumstances in which the majority equity owner would otherwise consolidate the joint venture.
	We structure our joint ventures to be compliant with the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") which permits NHI to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between a property company and an operating company and is designed to give NHI the opportunity to capture additional value on the improving performance of the operating company through distributions to a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). Accordingly, the TRS holds our equity interest in an unconsolidated operating company, which we do not control, and provides an organizational structure that will allow the TRS to engage in a broad range of activities and share in revenues that would otherwise be non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests.
	Equity-Method Investment - We report our TRS' investment in an unconsolidated entity, over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our pro rata share of the entity's earnings or losses is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we adjust our investment carrying amount to reflect our share of changes in an equity-method investee's capital resulting from its capital transactions.
	The initial carrying value of our equity-method investment is based on the fair value of the net assets of the entity at the time we acquired our interest. We estimate fair values of the net assets of our equity-method investee based on discounted cash flow models. The inputs we use in these models are based on assumptions that we believe to be within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments.
	We evaluate our equity-method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment may exceed the fair value. If it is determined that a decline in the fair value of our investment is not temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below its carrying value, an impairment is recorded. The determination of the fair value of our equity-method investments involves significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and other relevant factors.
	Noncontrolling Interest - We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we control (and thus consolidate) as noncontrolling interest and classify such interest as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total NHI stockholders' equity, in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Use of Estimates, Policy	'
	Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings Per Share, Policy	'
	Earnings Per Share - The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. Diluted earnings per share incorporate the potential dilutive impact of our 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2021, and stock options outstanding during the periods presented, unless their effect is anti-dilutive. In addition, we apply the if-converted method to our convertible debt instruments, the effect of which is that conversion will not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per share if the effect would be anti-dilutive.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements - In the first quarter of 2014, we adopted ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under ASU 2014-08, disposals will be reported as discontinued operations only when the disposal represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. Previously, we reported the disposition of components that were either reporting units, subsidiaries, or asset groups as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components that occur on or after December 15, 2014. We have elected early adoption, under which terms we will prospectively apply ASU 2014-08 and report as discontinued operations only those disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported.
	We have reclassified for 2013 the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria as either being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are reported separately in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. There is no change to reported net income for the prior periods as a result of this reclassification

Real_Estate_Tables

Real Estate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Summary of NHC Percentage Rent [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the percentage rent income from NHC (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Current year	$	566	$	569
	Prior year final certification1	15		746
	Total percentage rent income	$	581	$	1,315
	1 For purposes of the percentage rent calculation described in the master lease Agreement, NHC’s annual revenue by facility for a given year is certified to NHI by March 31st of the following year.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The unaudited pro forma revenue, net income and net income available to common stockholders of the combined entity is provided below had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Revenue	$	43,136	$	29,714
	Net income	$	23,899	$	16,341
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	23,576	$	16,161
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.71	$	0.58
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.71	$	0.58
	Supplemental pro forma information above includes revenues from the Care lease with OpCo, recognized on a straight-line basis, depreciation, and appropriate interest costs.

EquityMethod_Investment_And_Ot1

Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
	Our equity-method investment in OpCo and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Equity-method investment in OpCo	$	9,652	$	9,494
	Debt issuance costs	11,526		7,366
	Accounts receivable and other assets	2,242		2,502
	Replacement reserve and tax escrows - Fannie Mae	708		706
	Lease escrow deposits	22,775		22,775
	Escrow deposit for tax deferred exchange	—		23,813
		$	46,903	$	66,656

Investments_In_Marketable_Secu1

Investments In Marketable Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Marketable Securities	'
	Marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Common stock of other healthcare REITs	$	4,088	$	13,438	$	4,088	$	12,650

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
	Debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Convertible senior notes - unsecured (net of discount of $7,747)	$	192,253		$	—
	Revolving credit facility - unsecured	107,000			167,000
	Bank term loans - unsecured	250,000			370,000
	Fannie Mae term loans - secured (including a premium of $1,732)	79,780			80,080
		$	629,033		$	617,080
Schedule of Interest Expense	'
	The following table summarizes interest expense (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense	$	4,374		$	1,041
	Debt issuance costs expensed due to credit facility modifications	2,145			—
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	368			82
	Total interest expense	$	6,887		$	1,123
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives	'
	March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	Date Entered		Maturity Date	Fixed Rate		Rate Index	Notional Amount		Fair Value
	May-12		Apr-19	3.29%		1-month LIBOR	$	40,000	$	377
	Jun-13		Jun-20	3.86%		1-month LIBOR	$	80,000	$	(247	)
	Mar-14		Jun-20	3.91%		1-month LIBOR	$	130,000	$	(739	)

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarize our outstanding stock options:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Options outstanding January 1,	516,674		211,675
	Options granted under 2012 Plan	400,000		360,000
	Options exercised under 2005 Plan	(3,334	)	(55,001	)
	Options outstanding, March 31,	913,340		516,674
	Exercisable at March 31,	686,659		323,330

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Income From Discontinued Operations	'
	Income from discontinued operations is summarized below (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	—	$	1,859
	Other income	—		1
	Expenses:
	Depreciation	—		167
	Total discontinued operations	$	—	$	1,693
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	33,051,415		27,876,176
	Diluted	33,085,232		27,911,584
	Discontinued operations income per share:
	Basic	$	—	$	0.06
	Diluted	$	—	$	0.06

Earnings_and_Dividends_Per_Sha1

Earnings and Dividends Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table summarizes the average number of common shares and the net income used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	23,533	$	14,050
	Discontinued operations	—		1,693
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	23,533	$	15,743
	BASIC:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,051,415		27,876,176
	Income from continuing operations per common share	$	0.71	$	0.5
	Discontinued operations per common share	—		0.06
	Net income per common share	$	0.71	$	0.56
	DILUTED:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,051,415		27,876,176
	Stock options	33,817		35,408
	Average dilutive common shares outstanding	33,085,232		27,911,584
	Income from continuing operations per common share	$	0.71	$	0.5
	Discontinued operations per common share	—		0.06
	Net income per common share	$	0.71	$	0.56
	Incremental shares excluded since anti-dilutive:
	Stock options with an exercise price in excess of the average market price for our common shares	40,153		11,964
	Regular dividends declared per common share	$	0.77	$	0.695

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurement
		Balance Sheet Classification		March 31,				December 31,
				2014				2013
	Level 1
	Common stock of other healthcare REITs	Marketable securities		$	13,438			$	12,650
	Level 2
	Interest rate swap asset	Other assets		$	377			$	975
	Interest rate swap liability	Accrued expenses		$	986			$	—
	Level 3
	Contingent consideration	Real estate purchase liabilities		$	4,000			$	2,600
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Beginning of Period				Transfers Into Level 3				Realized Gains and (Losses)		Purchases, Issuances and Settlements, net		Fair Value at End of Period		Total Period Losses Included in Earnings Attributable to the Change in Unrealized Losses Relating to Assets Held at End of Year
	2014
	Contingent consideration	$	2,600			$	—			$	—	$	1,400	$	4,000	$	—
	2013
	Contingent consideration	$	4,256			$	—			$	—	$	—	$	4,256	$	—
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	'
	Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
		Carrying Amount								Fair Value Measurement
		2014				2013				2014		2013
	Level 2
	Variable rate debt	$	357,000			$	537,000			$	357,000	$	537,000
	Fixed rate debt	$	279,778			$	80,080			$	279,903	$	79,365
	Level 3
	Mortgage and other notes receivable	$	60,871			$	60,639			$	68,484	$	67,201

Real_Estate_Summary_of_NHC_Per

Real Estate (Summary of NHC Percentage Rent) (Details) (National Healthcare Corporation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Total percentage rent	$581	$1,315
Current year [Member]	'	'
Total percentage rent	566	569
Prior year final certification [Member]	'	'
Total percentage rent	$15	$746

Real_Estate_Significant_Busine

Real Estate (Significant Business Combination Proforma) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Significant Business Combination Proforma [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue	$43,136	$29,714
Net income	23,899	16,341
Net income available to common stockholders	$23,576	$16,161
Basic earnings per share	$0.71	$0.58
Diluted earnings per share	$0.71	$0.58

Real_Estate_Narrative_Details

Real Estate (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	properties
Number of Real Estate Properties	161	'	'
Number of States in which Entity Operates	30	'	'
Nonportfolio Assets, Original Cost	$887,000	'	'
Real Estate Investment Property, Portfolio Assets	1,467,328,000	'	'
Number of Lessees	24	'	'
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	40,313,000	24,105,000	'
Straight Line Rent	4,195,000	1,283,000	'
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	2,588,000	'	'
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	409,000	'	'
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000,000	'	2,600,000
Prestige Senior Living [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	4	'	'
Number of years in initial lease term	'15 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Significant Acquisition, Cost, Cash	40,115,000	'	'
Asset Purchase, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Earn Out Payments	6,390,000	'	'
Initial lease rate	8.40%	'	'
Real estate purchase liabilities	3,000,000	'	'
Prestige Senior Living [Member] | Capital Improvement Commitment [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	2	'	'
Capital Improvements Commitment	2,000,000	'	'
Care Investment Trust [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	14	'	'
Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	25	'	'
Number of years in initial lease term	'17 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Initial Lease Amount	31,915,000	'	'
Lease Escalator Rate, From Lease Year 1 to Lease Year 3	4.50%	'	'
Number of Years Until Lease Rate Escalator Change	'3 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Lease Escalator Rate, After Lease Year 3	3.50%	'	'
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	10,954,000	'	'
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	25.00%	'	'
Billed Rent	7,979,000	'	'
Straight Line Rent	2,975,000	'	'
Bickford Senior Living [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	29	'	'
Initial Lease Amount	19,108,000	'	'
Joint Venture Contributed Properties Ownership Interest Retained	85.00%	'	'
Joint Venture Contributed Properties Ownership Interest Surrendered	15.00%	'	'
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	5,263,000	2,081,000	'
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	12.00%	8.00%	'
Construction and Development Costs	19,254,000	'	'
Bickford Senior Living [Member] | Bickford Development Properties [Member]	'	'	'
Number Of Development Projects Active	1	'	'
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	9,000,000	'	'
Construction and Development Costs	3,958,000	'	'
Bickford Senior Living [Member] | Stabilized Portfolio [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	27	'	'
Bickford Senior Living [Member] | Unstabilized Portfolio [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	2	'	'
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	366,000	146,000	'
Construction and Development Costs	15,296,000	'	'
National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	42	'	'
Number of Master Leases	2	'	'
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	9,118,000	8,947,000	'
Percentage of Continuing Revenue	21.00%	33.00%	'
Percentage rent	581,000	1,315,000	'
National Healthcare Corporation [Member] | NHC - 1991 Lease [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	35	'	'
Number of additional lease renewal options	2	'	'
Lease Renewal Period In Years	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Minimum Annual Lease Income	30,750,000	'	'
National Healthcare Corporation [Member] | NHC - 2013 Lease [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	7	'	'
Percentage Rent Rate	0.04	'	'
Minimum Annual Lease Income	3,450,000	'	'
Purchase Option Amount	$49,000,000	'	'
Senior Housing Community [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	92	'	'
Independent Living Facility [Member] | National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	3	'	'
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	64	'	'
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] | Prestige Senior Living [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	3	'	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	196	'	'
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] | National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	39	'	'
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] | National Healthcare Corporation [Member] | Subleased Facilities [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	4	'	'
Assisted Living Facility [Member] | Prestige Senior Living [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	105	'	'
Hospital [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	3	'	'
Medical Office Building [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	2	'	'

EquityMethod_Investment_And_Ot2

Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets (Schedule of Equity-Method Investment and Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Other Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Equity-method investment in OpCo	$9,652,000	$9,494,000
Debt issuance costs	11,526,000	7,366,000
Accounts receivable and others assets	2,242,000	2,502,000
Replacement reserve and tax escrows - Fannie Mae	708,000	706,000
Lease escrow deposits	22,775,000	22,775,000
Escrow deposit for tax deferred exchange	0	23,813,000
Equity-method investment and other assets	$46,903,000	$66,656,000

EquityMethod_Investment_And_Ot3

Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	18 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	properties			properties
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity	'	'	$8,986,000	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	161	'	'	161	'
Net Assets Received In Acquisition of Equity-Method Investee	'	'	817,000	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount	'	'	'	0	'
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	0	0	'	'	'
Lease escrow deposits	22,775,000	'	'	22,775,000	22,775,000
Payments for Delayed Tax Exempt Exchange	23,813,000	'	'	'	'
Bickford Senior Living [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	'	'	17	'	'
Lease Security [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Lease escrow deposits	21,275,000	'	'	21,275,000	'
Capital Improvements Reserve [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Lease escrow deposits	$1,500,000	'	'	$1,500,000	'
Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Real Estate Properties	25	'	'	25	'
Number of years in initial lease term	'17 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'17 years 0 months 0 days	'

Mortgage_And_Other_Notes_Recei1

Mortgage And Other Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		properties
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	'	$60,871,000	$60,639,000
Number of health care properties related to mortgage notes receivables	'	11	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	'	0	'
Loan and realty (recoveries) losses, net	4,037,000	'	'
Secured By Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	'	35,158,000	'
Not Secured By Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	'	$25,713,000	'

Investment_In_Preferred_Stock_1

Investment In Preferred Stock, At Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Investment income and other	$1,067,000	$1,052,000
Investment in cumulative preferred stock of LTC properties	2,000,000	'
Original cost of cost method investments	38,132,000	'
Nonvoting Convertible Preferred Stock	2,000,000	'
Closing Price Of LTC's Common Stock	$37.63	'
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	8.50%	'
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$19.25	'
Preferred Dividends [Member]	'	'
Investment income and other	$818,000	'

Investments_In_Marketable_Secu2

Investments In Marketable Securities (Schedule Of Marketable Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$4,088	$4,088
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$13,438	$12,650

Investments_In_Marketable_Secu3

Investments In Marketable Securities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	$9,350	$8,562	'
Fannie Mae term loans - secured (including a premium of $1,756)	$79,780	'	$80,080

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Details

Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Debt [Abstract]	'	'	'
Convertible Debt	$192,253	$192,238	$0
Revolving credit facility - unsecured	107,000	'	167,000
Bank term loans - unsecured	250,000	'	370,000
Long-term Debt	79,780	'	80,080
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$629,033	'	$617,080

Debt_Schedule_of_Interest_Expe

Debt (Schedule of Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'
Interest expense	$4,374	$1,041
Write-off of debt issuance costs	2,145	0
Amortization of Financing Costs	368	82
Total interest expense	$6,887	$1,123

Debt_Schedule_of_Interest_Rate

Debt (Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, May 2012 [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Inception Date	31-May-12
Derivative, Maturity Date	30-Apr-19
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.29%
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	'1-month LIBOR
Derivative, Notional Amount	$40,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value	377
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, June 2013 [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Inception Date	30-Jun-13
Derivative, Maturity Date	30-Jun-20
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.86%
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	'1-month LIBOR
Derivative, Notional Amount	80,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value	-247
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, March 2014 [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Inception Date	31-Mar-14
Derivative, Maturity Date	30-Jun-20
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.91%
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	'1-month LIBOR
Derivative, Notional Amount	130,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value	($739)

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Proceeds from convertible senior notes	$200,000,000	$0	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	700,000,000	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	79,780,000	'	'	80,080,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio	13.926	'	'	'
Convertible Debt Instrument, Conversion Ratio, Principal Amount, Basis	1,000	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$71.81	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments	2,785,200	'	'	'
Convertible Debt	192,253,000	'	192,238,000	0
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component	7,762,000	'	'	'
Credit Facility, Current Revolving Borrowing Capacity	450,000,000	'	'	'
Credit Facility Expansion Amount	130,000,000	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Fee, Basis Points	40	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Name, Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.25%	'	'	'
Debt Issuance Cost	5,969,000	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Name, Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Maturity, Extension Option, Number Of Years	'1	'	'	'
Number of basis points over LIBOR	150	'	'	'
Unused balance of the unsecured revolving credit facility	'	'	'	343,000,000
Debt Instrument Name, Old Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	620,000,000	'	'	'
Debt Instrument Name, $130m Term Loan - June 2020 Maturity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Term Loans, Outstanding Balance	130,000,000	'	'	'
Number of basis points over LIBOR	175	'	'	'
Debt Instrument Name, $120m Term Loans - June 2020 Maturity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Term Loans, Outstanding Balance	120,000,000	'	'	'
Number of basis points over LIBOR	175	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Name, Fannie Mae (A) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	'	'	70,840,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	6.85%
Debt Instrument, Name, Fannie Mae (B) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	'	'	7,208,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	7.17%
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, March 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.91%	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	130,000,000	'	'	'
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, May 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.29%	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	40,000,000	'	'	'
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, June 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.86%	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	80,000,000	'	'	'
Allocated to Debt [Member] | Debt Instrument, Name, Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Issuance Cost	5,706,000	'	'	'
Allocated to Equity [Member] | Debt Instrument, Name, Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Issuance Cost	$263,000	'	'	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 06, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

properties

Acquisition Helix Healthcare [Member]

Acquisition Helix Healthcare [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

Bickford Senior Living [Member]

Chancellor Healthcare [Member]

Kentucky River [Member]

Discovery Regency Pointe [Member]

Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]

Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]

Prestige Senior Living [Member]

Development Commitment [Member]

Chancellor Healthcare [Member]

Bickford Commitment [Member]

Kentucky River Commitment [Member]

1st Contingent Payment Amount [Member]

Bickford Development Properties [Member]

Sante Partners Commitment [Member]

beds_or_units

properties

beds_or_units

properties

properties

Chancellor Healthcare [Member]

Discovery Regency Pointe [Member]

Bickford Senior Living [Member]

beds_or_units

properties

Number of Real Estate Properties To Be Constructed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7,500,000

'

$9,000,000

'

'

$9,000,000

'

Construction and Development Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,254,000

'

6,468,000

'

'

'

'

'

521,000

'

'

'

3,958,000

'

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

'

'

2,785,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Significant development and lease transactions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

'

'

'

Construction Commitment Period in Years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

Lease Extension Period in Years

'10 years 0 months 0 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease Renewal Period In Years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years 0 months 0 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset Purchase, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Probable Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Real Estate Properties

161

'

'

'

'

'

'

29

'

'

'

2

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of years in initial lease term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years 0 months 0 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial lease rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Significant acquisitions and disposals, acquisition costs or sale proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

12,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of real estate purchase liability

1,600,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Supplemental Construction Loan Commitment Draw

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds

'

'

'

'

'

'

70

'

63

'

'

'

'

'

46

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Improvements Commitment Funded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

109,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital improvements commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease Incentive Commitment Assessed As Not Probable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

Conditional future payments related to purchase/leaseback transaction

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Real estate purchase liabilities

4,000,000

'

'

2,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

750,000

'

'

Significant Acquisition, Cost, Cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$26,150,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
					2012 Plan [Member]	2012 Plan [Member]	2005 Plan [Member]	2005 Plan [Member]
Options outstanding, January 1	913,340	516,674	516,674	211,675	'	'	'	'
Options granted	'	'	'	'	400,000	360,000	'	'
Options exercised	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,334	-55,001
Options outstanding, March 31	913,340	516,674	516,674	211,675	'	'	'	'
Options exercisable, December 31	686,659	'	323,330	'	'	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	31-May-12	Mar. 31, 2014	31-May-05	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
			2012 Plan [Member]	2012 Plan [Member]	2005 Plan [Member]	2005 Plan [Member]	Expected To Be Recognized During 2014 [Member]	Expected To Be Recognized During 2015 [Member]	Expected To Be Recognized During 2016 [Member]
Shares available for grants	'	'	740,000	1,500,000	20,635	1,500,000	'	'	'
Stock Option Plan, Award Vesting Period	'	'	'5 years	'	'10 years	'	'	'	'
Common stock on date granted term period, years	'	'	5	'	10	'	'	'	'
Combined share-based compensation expense for 2005 Plan and 1997 Plan	$1,349	$1,580	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	$1,037	'	'	'	'	'	$670	$331	$36

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations (Schedule Of Income From Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'	'
Rental income	$0	$1,859
Other income	0	1
Expenses:	'	'
Depreciation	0	167
Income from discontinued operations	$0	$1,693
Basic	33,051,415	27,876,176
Diluted	33,085,232	27,911,584
Basic	$0	$0.06
Discontinued operations per common share	$0	$0.06

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	properties	Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]	Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]	Weatherly Associates [Member]	Weatherly Associates [Member]	Weatherly Associates [Member]	National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]	Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]
			properties						properties	properties	properties
Number of Real Estate Properties	161	'	3	'	'	'	'	'	6	2	2
Asset Sold, Selling Price	'	'	$18,500,000	'	'	$5,315,000	'	'	$21,000,000	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	'	844,000	'	101,000	'	'	'	915,000	'	'	'
Expected Annual Rental Income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	250,000	'
Gain on sale of real estate	'	'	$1,269,000	'	$1,619,000	'	$19,370,000	'	'	'	'

Earnings_and_Dividends_Per_Sha2

Earnings and Dividends Per Share (Summary Of Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$23,533	$14,050
Income from discontinued operations	0	1,693
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$23,533	$15,743
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	33,051,415	27,876,176
Income from continuing operations per common share, basic	$0.71	$0.50
Discontinued operations per common share, basic	$0	$0.06
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$0.71	$0.56
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	33,051,415	27,876,176
Stock options, diluted	33,817	35,408
Average dilutive common shares outstanding	33,085,232	27,911,584
Income from continuing operations per common share	$0.71	$0.50
Discontinued operations per common share	$0	$0.06
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$0.71	$0.56
Stock options with an exercise price in excess of the market price for our common shares	40,153	11,964
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared, Regular	$0.77	$0.70

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$13,438,000	$12,650,000	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Assets at Fair Value	377,000	975,000	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value	986,000	0	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$4,000,000	$2,600,000	$4,256,000	$4,256,000

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	'	'	$0	$0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0	0	'	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0	'	'
Payment of real estate purchase liability	1,600,000	0	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,400,000	'	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$4,000,000	$4,256,000	$2,600,000	$4,256,000

Recovered_Sheet1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	$60,871	$60,639
Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	60,871	60,639
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	68,484	67,201
Variable Interest Rate Debt [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	357,000	537,000
Variable Interest Rate Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	357,000	537,000
Fixed Interest Rate Debt [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	279,778	80,080
Fixed Interest Rate Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$279,903	$79,365