diff --git a/apps/document_indexing/models.py b/apps/document_indexing/models.py
index 01f74a2397..ca1e573eac 100644
--- a/apps/document_indexing/models.py
+++ b/apps/document_indexing/models.py
@@ -53,6 +53,12 @@ class Index(models.Model):
     def natural_key(self):
         return (self.name,)
 
+    def get_instance_node_count(self):
+        try:
+            return self.instance_root.get_descendant_count()
+        except IndexInstanceNode.DoesNotExist:
+            return 0
+
     class Meta:
         verbose_name = _(u'index')
         verbose_name_plural = _(u'indexes')
diff --git a/apps/document_indexing/views.py b/apps/document_indexing/views.py
index 6eeccd522e..bc2cd9f519 100644
--- a/apps/document_indexing/views.py
+++ b/apps/document_indexing/views.py
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ def index_list(request):
         'title': _(u'indexes'),
         'hide_links': True,
         'extra_columns': [
-            {'name': _(u'nodes'), 'attribute': encapsulate(lambda x: x.instance_root.get_descendant_count())},
+            {'name': _(u'nodes'), 'attribute': 'get_instance_node_count'},
             {'name': _(u'document types'), 'attribute': 'get_document_types_names'},
         ],
     }