National HealthCare (NHC) 10-K 20 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 12, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,110,859
Entity Public Float			$435,000,000
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	1047335
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Net patient revenues	$829,287	$735,837	$705,386
Other revenues	42,396	53,120	55,616
Net operating revenues	871,683	788,957	761,002
Costs and Expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	510,249	453,560	426,934
Other operating	217,143	194,989	196,230
Facility rent	39,731	39,449	39,355
Depreciation and amortization	34,384	28,547	29,792
Interest	2,165	331	455
Total costs and expenses	803,672	716,876	692,766
Income Before Non-Operating Income	68,011	72,081	68,236
Non-Operating Income	17,182	30,095	25,245
Income Before Income Taxes	85,193	102,176	93,481
Income Tax Provision	-31,824	-37,563	-34,181
Net Income	53,369	64,613	59,300
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders	-8,670	-8,671	-8,671
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$44,699	$55,942	$50,629
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$3.24	$4.05	$3.65
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$3.14	$3.87	$3.57
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	13,816,095	13,829,626	13,852,709
Diluted (in Shares)	14,222,133	16,698,803	16,598,816
Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in Dollars per share)	$1.34	$1.26	$2.20

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Income	$53,369	$64,613	$59,300
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments in marketable securities	30,416	-7,211	24,739
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on sale of securities	-379	-39	-1,640
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-11,614	2,627	-8,993
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	18,423	-4,623	14,106
Comprehensive Income	$71,792	$59,990	$73,406

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$69,767	$81,705
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	7,020	10,298
Marketable securities	132,535	105,009
Restricted marketable securities	19,805	14,027
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,738 and $4,972, respectively	78,843	79,856
Inventories	7,127	7,146
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,260	1,208
Notes receivable, current portion	441	417
Federal income tax receivable	4,727
Total current assets	322,525	299,666
Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment, at cost	821,792	734,682
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-307,048	-277,884
Net property and equipment	514,744	456,798
Other Assets:
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	3,631	3,631
Restricted marketable securities	138,468	127,976
Deposits and other assets	8,791	6,808
Goodwill	17,600	17,600
Notes receivable, less current portion	12,548	14,961
Deferred income taxes	18,700	18,164
Investments in limited liability companies	37,116	38,754
Total other assets	236,854	227,894
Total assets	1,074,123	984,358
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	15,877	13,050
Capital lease obligations, current portion	3,088
Accrued payroll	59,859	63,462
Amounts due to third party payors	22,931	21,619
Accrued risk reserves, current portion	26,825	24,325
Deferred income taxes	35,506	24,790
Other current liabilities	12,472	13,784
Dividends payable	7,000	6,730
Total current liabilities	183,558	167,760
Long-term debt	10,000	10,000
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	33,508
Accrued risk reserves, less current portion	79,393	86,232
Refundable entrance fees	10,219	10,720
Obligation to provide future services	3,927	3,689
Other noncurrent liabilities	16,011	14,525
Deferred revenue	3,359	3,320
Stockholders' Equity:
Series A convertible preferred stock; $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 10,836,659 and 10,837,665 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding; stated at liquidation value of $15.75 per share	170,494	170,510
Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 14,110,859 and 14,078,028 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding	140	140
Capital in excess of par value	154,965	153,061
Retained earnings	343,941	318,216
Accumulated other comprehensive income	64,608	46,185
Total stockholders’ equity	734,148	688,112
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,074,123	$984,358

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$5,738	$4,972
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares issued	10,836,659	10,837,665
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares outstanding	10,836,659	10,837,665
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; liquidation value (in Dollars per share)	$15.75	$15.75
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	14,110,859	14,078,028
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,110,859	14,078,028

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$53,369,000	$64,613,000	$59,300,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	34,384,000	28,547,000	29,792,000
Provision for doubtful accounts	6,228,000	5,226,000	2,455,000
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	-6,675,000	-14,188,000	-13,616,000
Distributions from unconsolidated investments	10,288,000	15,473,000	6,317,000
Gains on sale of marketable securities	-379,000	-39,000	-1,640,000
Gain on recovery of notes receivable		-5,454,000
Deferred income taxes	-1,434,000	-2,404,000	1,416,000
Stock-based compensation	2,021,000	2,298,000	2,366,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions:
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	-6,245,000	-10,405,000	-7,636,000
Accounts receivable	-5,215,000	-13,778,000	-7,263,000
Income tax receivable	-4,727,000	5,933,000	537,000
Inventories	19,000	-486,000	759,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,587,000	-76,000	-77,000
Trade accounts payable	2,827,000	2,495,000	831,000
Accrued payroll	-3,603,000	26,219,000	-16,418,000
Amounts due to third party payors	1,312,000	2,352,000	481,000
Other current liabilities and accrued risk reserves	-5,652,000	-6,401,000	11,675,000
Obligation to provide future services	238,000	1,898,000	-2,461,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,486,000	635,000	-2,354,000
Deferred revenue	39,000	-110,000	-91,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	75,694,000	102,348,000	64,373,000
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property and equipment	-53,298,000	-43,438,000	-22,003,000
Investments in unconsolidated limited liability companies	-1,975,000
Acquisition of real estate of six skilled nursing facilities		-21,000,000
Acquisition of non-controlling interest	-768,000		-7,500,000
Investments in notes receivable	-767,000		-600,000
Collections of notes receivable	3,156,000	11,865,000	1,260,000
Decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents	9,523,000	8,039,000	46,660,000
Purchases of marketable securities	-62,165,000	-93,155,000	-111,691,000
Sale of marketable securities	48,786,000	81,389,000	62,649,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-57,508,000	-56,300,000	-31,225,000
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Tax benefit (expense) from stock-based compensation	201,000	-225,000	-267,000
Principal payments under capital lease obligations	-2,436,000
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders	-8,670,000	-8,671,000	-8,671,000
Dividends paid to common stockholders	-18,704,000	-17,469,000	-30,849,000
Issuance of common shares	7,429,000	991,000	13,412,000
Repurchase of common shares	-6,995,000	-4,700,000
Entrance fee deposits (refunds)	-501,000	40,000	-1,310,000
(Increase) decrease in deposits	-448,000	-1,010,000	230,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-30,124,000	-31,044,000	-27,455,000
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-11,938,000	15,004,000	5,693,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	81,705,000	66,701,000	61,008,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	69,767,000	81,705,000	66,701,000
Supplemental Information:
Cash payments for interest	2,242,000	497,000	383,000
Cash payments for income taxes	36,642,000	34,273,000	34,142,000
Non-cash financing and investing activities include:
Buildings, personal property, and obligations recorded under capital lease agreements	39,032,000
NHC assigned the assets and liabilities of eight Solaris Hospice programs to Caris in exchange for an additional limited partnership interest.
Current assets assigned			1,862,000
Property and equipment assigned			303,000
Current liabilities assigned			-799,000
Goodwill			2,945,000
Investment in limited liability company			($4,311,000)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (USD $)	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Employee Stock Option [Member]	Total
			Employee Stock Option [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$170,515,000	$138,000		$139,183,000	$260,331,000	$36,702,000		$606,869,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	10,838,490	13,862,738
Net income					59,300,000			59,300,000
Other comprehensive income						14,106,000		14,106,000
Stock-based compensation				2,366,000				2,366,000
Tax expense (benefit) from exercise of stock options				-267,000				-267,000
Shares sold – options exercised		3,000		13,409,000				13,412,000
Shares sold – options exercised (in Shares)		295,371						295,371
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	-1,000			1,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in Shares)	-78	18
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders					-8,671,000			-8,671,000
Dividends declared to common stockholders					-30,967,000			-30,967,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	170,514,000	141,000		154,692,000	279,993,000	50,808,000		656,148,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	10,838,412	14,158,127
Net income					64,613,000			64,613,000
Other comprehensive income						-4,623,000		-4,623,000
Stock-based compensation				2,298,000				2,298,000
Tax expense (benefit) from exercise of stock options				-225,000				-225,000
Shares sold – options exercised				991,000				991,000
Shares sold – options exercised (in Shares)		19,722						19,722
Repurchase of common stock		-1,000		-4,699,000				-4,700,000
Repurchase of common stock (in Shares)		-100,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	-4,000			4,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in Shares)	-747	179
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders					-8,671,000			-8,671,000
Dividends declared to common stockholders					-17,719,000			-17,719,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	170,510,000	140,000		153,061,000	318,216,000	46,185,000		688,112,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	10,837,665	14,078,028
Net income					53,369,000			53,369,000
Other comprehensive income						18,423,000		18,423,000
Stock-based compensation				2,021,000				2,021,000
Tax expense (benefit) from exercise of stock options			201,000				201,000	201,000
Shares sold – options exercised		1,000		7,428,000				7,429,000
Shares sold – options exercised (in Shares)		157,590						157,590
Repurchase of common stock		-1,000		-6,994,000				-6,995,000
Repurchase of common stock (in Shares)		-125,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	-16,000			16,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in Shares)	-1,006	241
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest				-768,000				-768,000
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders					-8,670,000			-8,670,000
Dividends declared to common stockholders					-18,974,000			-18,974,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$170,494,000	$140,000		$154,965,000	$343,941,000	$64,608,000		$734,148,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	10,836,659	14,110,859

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Dividends declared to common stockholders per share	$1.34	$1.26	$2.20
Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders per share	$0.80	$0.80	$0.80
Common Stock [Member]
Dividends declared to common stockholders per share	$1.34	$1.26	$2.20

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	National HealthCare Corporation ("NHC" or "the Company") operates, manages or provides services to skilled nursing facilities and associated assisted living centers, retirement centers and home health care programs located in 10 Southeastern, Northeastern and Midwestern states in the United States. The most significant part of our business relates to skilled and intermediate nursing care in which setting we provide assisted living and retirement services, rehabilitative therapy services, and home health care. We also have a non-controlling ownership interest in a hospice care business that services NHC owned health care centers and others. The health care environment has continually undergone changes with regard to Federal and state reimbursement programs and other payor sources, compliance regulations, competition among other health care providers and patient care litigation issues. We continually monitor these industry developments as well as other factors that affect our business.
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) include our wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries and affiliates. Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we have an interest have been consolidated when we have been identified as the primary beneficiary. Investments in ventures in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not have control over are accounted for using the equity method. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently are adjusted for our share of the venture’s earnings or losses and cash distributions. Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris Healthcare, LP (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services. Investments in entities in which we lack the ability to exercise significant influence are included in the consolidated financial statements at cost unless there has been a decline in the market value of our investment that is deemed to be other than temporary. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company revised the presentation of its accrued risk reserves to present only the amount expected to be settled within the next twelve month period as a current liability. Previously, the Company had presented the entire accrued risk reserve balance as a current liability. The Company also recorded a related reclassification to its restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted marketable securities to reflect its previous and continued expectation to use these assets held by its wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies to settle the accrued risk reserves. The impact of these adjustments also resulted in an impact on the classification of our deferred tax balances. Accordingly, the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 has been adjusted to reflect these reclassifications. The table below presents the affected balance sheet line items, the respective previously-reported balances, the reclassification amount and the adjusted balances as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands). The reclassifications were not material to the financial conditions, results of operations or liquidity for any periods presented.
		Previously Reported Balance		Reclassification Amount			As-Adjusted Balance
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (current assets section)	$	13,929	$	(3,631	)	$	10,298
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (other assets section)		-		3,631			3,631
	Restricted marketable securities (current assets section)		142,003		(127,976	)		14,027
	Restricted marketable securities (other assets section)		-		127,976			127,976
	Accounts receivable (current assets section)		85,511		(5,655	)		79,856
	Deposits and other assets (other assets section)		1,153		5,655			6,808
	Accrued risk reserves (current liability section)		110,557		(86,232	)		24,325
	Accrued risk reserves (non-current liability section)		-		86,232			86,232
	Deferred income taxes (other assets section)		14,531		3,633			18,164
	Deferred income taxes (current liabilities section)		21,157		3,633			24,790
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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.
	Net Patient Revenues and Accounts Receivable
	Revenues are derived from services rendered to patients for skilled and intermediate nursing, rehabilitation therapy, hospice, assisted living and retirement and home health care services.
	Revenues are recorded when services are provided based on established rates adjusted to amounts expected to be received under governmental programs and other third-party contractual arrangements based on contractual terms. These revenues and receivables are stated at amounts estimated by management to be at their net realizable value.
	For private pay patients in skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living facilities, the Company bills one month in advance for room and board charges, with the remittance being due on receipt of the statement and generally by the 10th day of the month the services are performed. A portion of the episodic Medicare payments for home health services are also received in advance of the services being rendered. All advance billings are initially deferred and then are recognized as revenue when the services are performed.
	We receive payments from the Medicare program under a prospective payment system ("PPS"). For skilled nursing services, Medicare pays a fixed fee per Medicare patient per day, based on the acuity level of the patient, to cover all post-hospital extended care routine service costs, ancillary costs and capital related costs.
	Medicaid program payments for long-term care services are generally based on fixed per diem rates subject to program cost ceilings.
	For homecare services, Medicare pays based on the acuity level of the patient and based on episodes of care. An episode of care is defined as a length of care up to 60 days with multiple continuous episodes allowed. The services covered by the episode payment include all disciplines of care, in addition to medical supplies, within the scope of the home health benefit. We are allowed to make a request for anticipated payment at the start of care equal to 60% of the expected payment for the initial episode. The remaining balance due is paid following the submission of the final claim at the end of the episode. Revenues are recognized when services are provided based on the number of days of service rendered in the episode. Deferred revenue is recorded for payments received for which the related services have not yet been provided.
	Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation. Noncompliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to regulatory actions including fines, penalties, and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. We believe that we are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
	Medicare program revenues, as well as certain Medicaid program revenues, are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment by government representatives. The Medicare PPS methodology requires that patients be assigned to Resource Utilization Groups ("RUGs") based on the acuity level of the patient to determine the amount paid to us for patient services. The assignment of patients to the various RUG categories is subject to post-payment review by Medicare intermediaries or their agents. In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews. Retroactive adjustments are estimated in the recording of revenues in the period the related services are rendered. Any differences between our original estimates of reimbursements and subsequent revisions are reflected in operations in the period in which the revisions are made often due to final determination or the period of payment no longer being subject to audit or review. We believe currently that any differences between the net revenues recorded and final determination will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements. We have made provisions of approximately $22,931,000 and $21,619,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for various Medicare and Medicaid current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews.
	Approximately 65% of our net patient revenues are derived from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs and other government programs.
	Other Revenues
	As discussed in Note 3 other revenues include revenues from the provision of insurance services, management and accounting services to other long-term care providers, and rental income. Our insurance revenues consist of premiums that are generally paid in advance and then amortized into income as earned over the related policy period. We charge for management services based on a percentage of net revenues. We charge for accounting services based on a monthly fee or a fixed fee per bed of the long-term care center under contract. We generally record other revenues on the accrual basis based on the terms of our contractual arrangements. However, with respect to management and accounting services revenue from certain long-term care providers, including but not limited to National Health Corporation ("National") as discussed in Note 3, where collection is not reasonably assured based on insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, our policy is to recognize income only in the period in which collection is assured and the amounts at question are believed by management to be fixed and determined.
	Certain management contracts, including, but not limited to contracts with National, subordinate the payment of management fees earned under those contracts to other expenditures of the long-term care center and to the availability of cash provided by the facility’s operations. Revenues from management services provided to the facilities that generate insufficient cash flow to pay the management fee, as prioritized under the contractual arrangement, are not recognized until such time as the amount of revenue earned is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. This recognition policy could cause our reported revenues and net income from management services to vary significantly from period to period.
	We recognize rental income based on the terms of our operating leases. Under certain of our leases, we receive contingent rent, which is based on the increase in revenues of a lessee over a base year. We recognize contingent rent annually or monthly, as applicable, when, based on the actual revenue of the lessee, receipt of such income is assured. We identify leased real estate properties as nonperforming if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due. Our policy related to rental income on non-performing leased real estate properties is to recognize rental income in the period when the income is received.
	Provision for Doubtful Accounts
	We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on factors such as payor type, historical collection trends and aging categories. We review these factors and determine an estimated provision for doubtful accounts. Historically, bad debts have resulted primarily from uncollectible private balances or from uncollectible coinsurance and deductibles. Receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts balance is assessed on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.
	The Company includes provisions for doubtful accounts in operating expenses in its consolidated statements of income. The provisions for doubtful accounts were $6,228,000, $5,226,000, and $2,455,000 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Other Operating Expenses
	Other operating expenses include the costs of care and services that we provide to the residents of our facilities and the costs of maintaining our facilities. Our primary patient care costs include drugs, medical supplies, purchased professional services, food, professional insurance and licensing fees. The primary facility costs include utilities and property insurance.
	General and Administrative Costs
	With the Company being a healthcare provider, the majority of our expenses are "cost of revenue" items. Costs that could be classified as "general and administrative" by the Company would include its corporate office costs, which were $36.2 million, $40.9 million, and $39.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.
	Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Marketable Securities
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted marketable securities primarily represent assets that are held by our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers' compensation and professional liability claims.
	Investments in Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities
	Our investments in marketable securities and restricted marketable securities include available for sale securities, which are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities that are deemed temporary are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. If any adjustment to fair value reflects a significant decline in the value of the security, we consider all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is "other than temporary". Credit losses are identified when we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount associated with the credit loss is recognized in earnings, with the amount of loss relating to other factors recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
	Inventories
	Inventories consist generally of food and supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.
	Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 310, Receivables, NHC evaluates the carrying values of its mortgage and other notes receivable on an instrument by instrument basis. On a quarterly basis, NHC reviews its notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable. If necessary, impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets estimated as follows: buildings and improvements, 20-40 years and equipment and furniture, 3-15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over periods that do not exceed the non-cancelable respective lease terms using the straight-line method.
	Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged against income as incurred. Betterments, which significantly extend the useful life, are capitalized. We remove the costs and related allowances for accumulated depreciation or amortization from the accounts for properties sold or retired, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income.
	In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we evaluate the recoverability of the carrying values of our properties on a property by property basis. We review our properties for recoverability when events or circumstances, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, and significant deteriorations of the underlying cash flows of the property, indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable. The need to recognize impairment is based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows from a property over the remaining useful life compared to the carrying value of that property. If recognition of impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.
	Goodwill
	The Company accounts for goodwill under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. Under the provisions of this guidance, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment tests based on their estimated fair value. Unamortized goodwill is continually reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment on the first day of the fourth quarter.
	Accrued Risk Reserves
	We are principally self-insured for risks related to employee health insurance and utilize wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers’ compensation and professional liability claims. Accrued risk reserves primarily represent the accrual for risks associated with employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims. The accrued risk reserves include a liability for unpaid reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims. Our policy with respect to a significant portion of our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an actuary to estimate our exposure for claims obligation (for both asserted and unasserted claims). Our health insurance reserve is based on our known claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but unreported claims determined by our analysis of historical claims paid. We reassess our accrued risk reserves on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.
	Other Current Liabilities
	Other current liabilities primarily represent accruals for current federal and state income taxes, real estate taxes and other current liabilities.
	Continuing Care Contracts and Refundable Entrance Fees
	We have one continuing care retirement center (“CCRC”) within our operations. Residents at this retirement center may enter into continuing care contracts with us. The contract provides that 10% of the resident entry fee becomes non-refundable upon occupancy, and the remaining refundable portion of the entry fee is calculated using the lessor of the price at which the apartment is re-assigned or 90% of the original entry fee, plus 40% of any appreciation if the apartment exceeds the original resident’s entry fee. In each case, we amortize the non-refundable part of these fees into revenue over the actuarially determined remaining life of the resident, which is the expected period of occupancy by the resident. We pay the refundable portion of our entry fees when residents relocate from our community and the apartment is re-occupied. Refundable entrance fees are classified as non-current liabilities and non-refundable entrance fees are classified as deferred revenue in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The balances of refundable entrance fees as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $10,219,000 and $10,720,000, respectively.
	Obligation to Provide Future Services
	We annually estimate the present value of the net cost of future services and the use of facilities to be provided to the current CCRC residents and compare that amount with the balance of non-refundable deferred revenue from entrance fees received. If the present value of the net cost of future services exceeds the related anticipated revenues, a liability is recorded (obligation to provide future services) with a corresponding charge to income. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have recorded a future service obligation in the amounts of $3,927,000 and $3,689,000, respectively.
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Other noncurrent liabilities include reserves primarily related to various uncertain income tax positions (see Note 12).
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National (as discussed in Note 2) and entrance fees that have been and are currently being received upon reservation and occupancy in the independent living centers we operate. The non-refundable portion (10%) of the entrance fee is included in deferred revenue and is being recognized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents.
Income Taxes
We utilize ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under this guidance, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 12 for further discussion of our accounting for income taxes.
Also under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Liabilities for income tax matters include amounts for income taxes, applicable penalties, and interest thereon and are the result of the potential alternative interpretations of tax laws and the judgmental nature of the timing of recognition of taxable income.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based awards granted include stock options, restricted stock units, and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the awards, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period only for those equity awards expected to vest.
The fair value of the restricted stock units is determined based on the stock price on the date of grant. We estimated the fair value of stock options and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan using the Black-Scholes model. This model utilizes the estimated fair value of common stock and requires that, at the date of grant, we use the expected term of the grant, the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yield of our common stock. The fair value is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.
Concentration of Credit Risks
Our credit risks primarily relate to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, restricted marketable securities and notes receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments. Restricted cash and cash equivalents is primarily invested in commercial paper and certificates of deposit with financial institutions and other interest bearing accounts. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from patients (funded through Medicare, Medicaid, other contractual programs and through private payors) and from other health care companies for management, accounting and other services. We perform continual credit evaluations of our clients and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts on these accounts receivable. Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities are held primarily in accounts with brokerage institutions. Notes receivable relate primarily to secured loans with health care facilities (recorded as notes receivable in the consolidated balance sheets) as discussed in Note 10.
At any point in time we have funds in our operating accounts and restricted cash accounts that are with third party financial institutions. These balances in the U.S. may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits. While we monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts, these cash and restricted cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets.
Our financial instruments, principally our notes receivable, are subject to the possibility of loss of the carrying values as a result of the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations. We obtain various collateral and other protective rights, and continually monitor these rights in order to reduce such possibilities of loss. We evaluate the need to provide reserves for potential losses on our financial instruments based on management's periodic review of the portfolio on an instrument by instrument basis. See Note 10 for additional information on the notes receivable.
Comprehensive Income
ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, requires that changes in the amounts of certain items, including unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, be shown in the consolidated financial statements as comprehensive income. We report comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and also in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.
Segment Disclosures
ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial reports issued to stockholders. Management believes that substantially all of our operations are part of the long-term health care industry segment. See Note 3 for a detail of other revenues provided within the long-term health care industry segment. Information about the costs and expenses associated with each of the components of other revenues is not separately identifiable.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This update is the result of a collaborative effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to simplify revenue recognition guidance, remove inconsistencies in the application of revenue recognition, and to improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. The FASB is amending the Accounting Standards Codification and creating a new Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For a public entity, the amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and control framework.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This standard changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations by raising the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The standard limits discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This standard is effective for the Company on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2015 and interim periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. When adopted, the Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note_2_Relationship_with_Natio

Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation
	National Health Corporation ("National"), which is wholly-owned by the National Health Corporation Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), was formed in 1986 and is our administrative services affiliate and contractor. As discussed below, all of the personnel conducting our business, including our executive management team, are employees of National and may have ownership interests in National only through their participation as employees in the ESOP.
	Management Contracts
	We currently manage five skilled nursing facilities for National under a management contract. We manage the centers for management fees that are comparable to those in the industry. The management contract has been extended until January 1, 2018. See Note 3 for additional information regarding management services fees recognized from National.
	Financing Activities
	During 1991, we borrowed $10,000,000 from National. The term note payable currently requires quarterly interest payments at the prime rate minus .85 percent. The entire principal is due at maturity in 2018.
	In conjunction with our management contract, we have entered into a line of credit arrangement whereby we may have amounts due from National from time to time. The maximum loan commitment under the line of credit is $2,000,000. The interest rate on the line of credit is prime plus one percent and the final maturity is January 20, 2018. At December 31, 2014, National did not have an outstanding balance on the line of credit.
	The maximum line of credit commitment amount of $2,000,000 is also the amount of a deferred gain that has been outstanding since NHC sold certain assets to National in 1988. The amount of the deferred gain is expected to remain deferred until the management contract with National expires, currently scheduled in January 2018. The deferred gain is included in deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Payroll and Related Services
	The personnel conducting our business, including our executive management team, are employees of National and may have ownership interests in National only through their participation in the ESOP. National provides payroll services to NHC, provides employee fringe benefits, and maintains certain liability insurance. We pay to National all the costs of personnel employed for our benefit, as well as an administrative fee equal to 1% of payroll costs. Such costs of personnel totaling approximately $510,249,000, $453,560,000, and $426,934,000, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively, are reflected as salaries, wages and benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The administrative fee paid to National for 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $4,395,000, $3,693,000, and $3,862,000, respectively. National owes us $2,155,000 and $5,785,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as a result of the differences between interim payments for payroll and benefits services costs made during the current and previous years and such actual costs. The amounts are included in accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets.
	National’s Ownership of Our Stock
	At December 31, 2014, National owns 1,046,147 shares (or approximately 7.4%) of our outstanding common stock and 1,271,147 shares (or approximately 11.7%) of our outstanding preferred stock.
	Consolidation Considerations
	Because of the contractual and management relationships between NHC and National as described in this note above, we have considered whether National should be consolidated by NHC under the guidance provided in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. We do not consolidate National because (1) NHC does not have any obligation or rights (current or future) to absorb losses or to receive benefits from National. The ESOP participants bear the current and future financial gain or burden of National, (2) National’s equity at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without past or future subordinated support from NHC or other parties, and (3) the equity holders of National (that is collectively the ESOP, its trustees, and the ESOP participants) possess the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, including voting rights that are proportional to their economic interests. Supporting the assertions above is the following: (1) substantive independent trustees are appointed for the benefit of the ESOP participants when decisions must be made that may create the appearance of a conflict of interest between NHC and the ESOP, and (2) National was designed, formed and is operated for the purpose of creating variability and passing that variability along to the ESOP participants—that is, to provide retirement benefits and value to the employees of NHC and NHC’s affiliates. The contractual and management relationships between NHC and National are with the skilled nursing facilities that are substantially less than 50% of the fair value of the total assets of National. NHC does not have a variable interest in National as a whole.

Note_3_Other_Revenues

Note 3 - Other Revenues	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Revenues [Abstract]
Other Revenues [Text Block]	Note 3 - Other Revenues
	Other revenues are outlined in the table below. Revenues from insurance services include premiums for workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance policies that our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance subsidiaries have written for certain skilled nursing facilities to which we provide management or accounting services. Revenues from management and accounting services include management and accounting fees provided to managed and other skilled nursing facilities. Revenues from rental income include health care real estate properties owned by us and leased to third party operators. Other revenues include miscellaneous health care related earnings.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Insurance services	$	7,215	$	15,143	$	15,671
	Management and accounting service fees		15,184		18,160		20,042
	Rental income		19,123		19,132		19,314
	Other		874		685		589
		$	42,396	$	53,120	$	55,616
	Management Fees from National
	We have managed skilled nursing facilities for National since 1988, and we currently manage five centers. See Note 2 regarding our relationship with National.
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, National paid and we recognized approximately $3,544,000, $3,491,000, and $3,397,000, respectively, of management fees and interest on management fees, which amounts are included in management and accounting service fees. Unrecognized and unpaid management fees and interest on management fees from National total $21,338,000, $21,349,000, and $21,333,000 at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We have recognized approximately $41,165,000 of management fees and interest from these facilities since 1988.
	The unpaid fees from these five facilities, because the amount collectable could not be reasonably determined when the management services were provided, and because we cannot estimate the timing or amount of expected future collections, will be recognized as revenues only when the collectability of these fees can be reasonably assured. Under the terms of our management agreement with National, the payment of these fees to us may be subordinated to other expenditures of the five skilled nursing facilities. We continue to manage these facilities so that we may be able to collect our fees in the future and because the incremental savings from discontinuing services to a facility may be small compared to the potential benefit. We may receive payment for the unrecognized management fees in whole or in part in the future only if cash flows from the operating and investing activities of centers or proceeds from the sale of the centers are sufficient to pay the fees. There can be no assurance that such future improved cash flows will occur.
	Management Fees and Financial and Accounting Services for Other Healthcare Centers
	In February 2014, we assumed management of a 147-bed skilled nursing facility located in Des Peres, Missouri. In June 2014, we began managing an 83-unit assisted living facility located in Augusta, Georgia. As of December 31, 2014, we provide management services to six healthcare centers (other than the five National centers) operated by third party owners. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized management fees of $2,205,000 from these centers. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized management fees of $4,413,000 and $6,999,000, respectively, from the 21 healthcare centers we managed during these years. The decrease in management services revenues is due to the discontinuation of management services to the non-profit entities SeniorTrust and ElderTrust that occurred in the second and third quarters of 2013. Effective September 1, 2013, we began leasing and operating the former ElderTrust facilities from National Health Investors, Inc. ("NHI"). Effective September 1, 2013 and thereafter, the revenues from these seven facilities have been included in net patient revenues in the consolidated statements of income.
	Effective October 1, 2014, the Company no longer provides accounting and financial services to seven healthcare facilities. At December 31, 2014, we provided accounting and financial services to 20 healthcare facilities. No management services are provided for entities in which we provide accounting and financial services.
	Insurance Services
	For workers’ compensation insurance services, the premium revenues reflected in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $4,434,000, $7,720,000, and $5,438,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, there was a positive insurance settlement reached with one of the states in which we provide workers' compensation insurance in the amount of $2,769,000. Associated losses and expenses are reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income as "Salaries, wages and benefits."
	For professional liability insurance services, the premium revenues reflected in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $2,781,000, $3,418,000, and $4,203,000, respectively. Associated losses and expenses including those for self-insurance are included in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income as "Other operating costs and expenses".
	Rental Income
	In 2007, NHC acquired all of the net assets of National Health Realty, Inc., which was a health care real estate investment trust. The properties acquired in the acquisition are the properties that have generated the majority of the rental income for NHC for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. The health care properties currently owned and leased to third party operators include nine skilled nursing facilities and four assisted living communities. We renewed the rental agreements in 2011 for a five year period, which ends on December 31, 2015.

Note_4_Nonoperating_Income

Note 4 - Non-operating Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Other Nonoperating Income and Expense [Text Block]	Note 4 - Non-Operating Income
	Non-operating income is outlined in the table below. Non-operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and other realized gains and losses on securities, interest income, and other miscellaneous non-operating income. Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris, a business that specializes in hospice care services. See Note 16 for additional disclosures regarding Caris. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the gain on the recovery of notes receivable was due to the collection of certain notes receivable. NHC had previously written down these notes due to their deteriorated credit qualities.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	$	6,675	$	14,188	$	13,616
	Dividends and net realized gains on sales of securities		5,957		5,216		7,006
	Interest income		4,550		5,237		4,623
	Gain on the recovery of notes receivable		−		5,454		−
		$	17,182	$	30,095	$	25,245

Note_5_Longterm_Leases

Note 5 - Long-term Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5 - Long-Term Leases
	Capital Leases
	Effective March 1, 2014, NHC began leasing and operating three senior healthcare facilities in the state of Missouri under three separate lease agreements. Two of the healthcare facilities are skilled nursing facilities that also include assisted living facilities and the third healthcare facility is a memory care facility. Each of the leases is a ten year lease with two five-year renewal options. Under the terms of the leases, base rent totals $5,200,000 annually with rent thereafter escalating by 4% of the increase in facility revenue over the 2014 base year. The leases also contain certain non-performance default provisions which result in capital lease classification. However, the initial measurement and recording of the capital lease assets and obligations does not include any expected payments under such default provisions, as the Company does not expect to incur an obligation for such payments.
	Fixed assets recorded under the capital leases, which are included in property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Buildings and personal property	$	39,032		$	−
	Accumulated amortization		(3,271	)		−
		$	35,761		$	−
	Operating Leases
	At December 31, 2014, we lease from National Health Investors, Inc. ("NHI") the real property of 35 skilled nursing facilities, seven assisted living centers and three independent living centers under two separate lease agreements. As part of the first lease agreement, we sublease four Florida skilled nursing facilities to four separate corporations, none of which we own or control.
	On January 1, 2007, a 15-year lease extension began which included three additional five-year renewal options. On December 26, 2012, NHC extended the lease agreement through the first of the three additional five-year renewal options, which extended the lease date through 2026. The two additional five-year renewal options on the lease still remain. Under the terms of the lease, base rent totals $30,750,000 with rent thereafter escalating by 4% of the increase in facility revenue over a 2007 base year. The percentage rent is based on a quarterly calculation of revenue increases and is payable on a quarterly basis. Percentage rent expense for 2014, 2013, and 2012 was approximately $2,334,000, $2,526,000, and $2,591,000, respectively.
	On September 1, 2013 and under the second lease agreement, NHC began operating seven skilled nursing facilities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The 15 year lease term consists of base rent of $3,450,000 annually with rent escalating by 4% of the increase in facility revenue over a 2014 base year. Additionally, NHC has the option to purchase the seven facilities from NHI in the 13th year of the lease for a purchase price of $49,000,000.
	Each lease with NHI is a "triple net lease" under which we are responsible for paying all taxes, utilities, insurance premium costs, repairs and other charges relating to the ownership of the facilities. We are obligated at our expense to maintain adequate insurance on the facilities' assets.
	We have a right of first refusal with NHI to purchase any of the properties transferred from us should NHI receive an offer from an unrelated party during the term of the lease or up to 180 days after termination of the related lease.
	Base rent expense under both NHI lease agreements totals $34,200,000.
	Minimum Lease Payments
	The approximate future minimum lease payments required under all leases that have remaining non-cancelable lease terms at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Operating Leases			Capital Leases
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	34,200		$	5,200
	2016		34,200			5,200
	2017		34,200			5,200
	2018		34,200			5,200
	2019		34,200			5,200
	Thereafter		245,150			21,667
	Total minimum lease payments	$	416,150		$	47,667
	Less: Amounts representing interest					(11,071	)
	Present value of minimum lease payments					36,596
	Less: Current portion					(3,088	)
	Long-term capital lease obligations				$	33,508

Note_6_Earnings_Per_Share

Note 6 - Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 6 - Earnings Per Share
	The following table summarizes the earnings and the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
	Basic:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,816,095		13,829,626		13,852,709
	Net income	$	53,369	$	64,613	$	59,300
	Dividends to preferred stockholders		8,670		8,671		8,671
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	44,699	$	55,942	$	50,629
	Earnings per common share, basic	$	3.24	$	4.05	$	3.65
	Diluted:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,816,095		13,829,626		13,852,709
	Dilutive effect of stock options		73,678		9,091		8,019
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock		3,691		4,740		5,526
	Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock		328,669		232,118		109,233
	Convertible preferred stock		−		2,623,228		2,623,329
	Assumed average common shares outstanding		14,222,133		16,698,803		16,598,816
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	44,699	$	55,942	$	50,629
	Add dilutive preferred stock dividends for effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock		−		8,671		8,671
	Net income for diluted earnings per common share	$	44,699	$	64,613	$	59,300
	Earnings per common share, diluted	$	3.14	$	3.87	$	3.57
	Excluded in the above table are -0-; 929,000; and 1,068,302 shares associated with stock options for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, due to their antidilutive impact. We have also excluded 2,622,956 of common shares issuable upon the conversation of preferred stock for the year ended December 31, 2014 due to their anti-dilutive impact.

Note_7_Investments_in_Marketab

Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities
	Our investments in marketable securities include available for sale securities. Realized gains and losses from securities sales are determined on the specific identification of the securities. Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities consist of the following:
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Amortized		Fair		Amortized		Fair
		Cost		Value		Cost		Value
	Investments available for sale:
	Marketable equity securities	$	30,176	$	132,535	$	30,176	$	105,009
	Restricted investments available for sale:
	Corporate debt securities		68,594		68,916		65,852		65,006
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		63,351		63,252		46,977		45,856
	U.S. Treasury securities		14,623		14,728		22,932		22,841
	State and municipal securities		11,074		11,377		8,123		8,300
		$	187,818	$	290,808	$	174,060	$	247,012
	Included in the available for sale marketable equity securities are the following (in thousands, except share amounts):
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Shares		Cost		Fair		Shares		Cost		Fair
						Value						Value
	NHI Common Stock		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	114,080		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	91,479
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities classified as available for sale, by contractual maturity, are as follows:
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
	Maturities:
	Within 1 year	$	11,161	$	11,190	$	9,279	$	9,324
	1 to 5 years		83,542		84,028		91,787		92,011
	6 to 10 years		58,863		58,872		40,387		38,335
	Over 10 years		4,076		4,183		2,431		2,333
		$	157,642	$	158,273	$	143,884	$	142,003
	Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale securities are $103,814,000 and $75,702,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Gross unrealized losses related to available for sale securities were $824,000 and $2,750,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the marketable securities in gross unrealized loss positions, (a) it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the investment securities before recovery of the unrealized losses, and (b) the Company expects that the contractual principal and interest will be received on the investment securities. As a result, the Company recognized no other-than-temporary impairments for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Proceeds from the sale of investments in marketable securities during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $48,786,000, $81,389,000, and $62,649,000, respectively. Net investment gains of $379,000, $39,000, and $1,640,000 were realized on these sales during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Note_8_Fair_Value_Measurements

Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements
	The accounting standard for fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1 - The valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
	Level 2 - The valuation is based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
	Level 3 - The valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by minimal or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the instrument. Level 3 valuations are typically performed using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate management’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, or valuations that require significant management judgment or estimation.
	A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Valuation of Marketable Securities
	The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 1 inputs through quoted market prices. The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 2 inputs through broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Our Level 2 marketable securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each month, typically utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value. These observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, and other industry and economic events.
	We validated the prices provided by our broker by reviewing their pricing methods, obtaining market values from other pricing sources, analyzing pricing data in certain instances and confirming that the relevant markets are active. After completing our validation procedures, we did not adjust or override any fair value measurements provided by our broker as of December 31, 2014 or 2013. We did not have any transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Other
	The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The estimated fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value based principally on their underlying interest rates and terms, maturities, collateral and credit status of the receivables. Our long-term debt approximates fair value due to variable interest rates. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no material differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of NHC’s financial instruments.
	The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements Using
	31-Dec-14	Fair		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Value		For Identical Assets				(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	69,767	$	69,767	$	-	$	-
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents		10,651		10,651		-		-
	Marketable equity securities		132,535		132,535		-		-
	Corporate debt securities		68,916		39,909		29,007		-
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		63,252		-		63,252		-
	U.S. Treasury securities		14,728		14,728		-		-
	State and municipal securities		11,377		2,216		9,161		-
	Total financial assets	$	371,226	$	269,806	$	101,420	$	-
		Fair Value Measurements Using
	31-Dec-13	Fair		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Value		For Identical Assets				(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	81,705	$	81,705	$	-	$	-
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents		13,929		13,929		-		-
	Marketable equity securities		105,009		105,009		-		-
	Corporate debt securities		65,006		-		65,006		-
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		45,856		-		45,856		-
	U.S. Treasury securities		22,841		22,841		-		-
	State and municipal securities		8,300		-		8,300		-
	Total financial assets	$	342,646	$	223,484	$	119,162	$	-

Note_9_Property_and_Equipment

Note 9 - Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9 - Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land	$	58,672		$	57,272
	Leasehold improvements		98,302			94,066
	Buildings and improvements		487,021			427,471
	Furniture and equipment		142,110			134,255
	Construction in progress		35,687			21,618
			821,792			734,682
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(307,048	)		(277,884	)
		$	514,744		$	456,798
	The Company is obligated to complete construction in progress of approximately $25,541,000 at December 31, 2014.

Note_10_Notes_Receivable

Note 10 - Notes Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 10 - Notes Receivable
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have notes receivable from managed and other skilled nursing facilities totaling $12,989,000 and $15,378,000, respectively, reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The notes are first and second mortgages with interest rates ranging from prime plus 2% to 8.5% fixed rate with periodic payments required prior to maturity. The notes mature in the years from 2016 through 2022. The proceeds of the notes were used by the skilled nursing facilities for construction costs, development costs incurred during construction, and working capital.

Note_11_Longterm_Debt

Note 11 - Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11 - Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
		Weighted
		Average			December 31,
		Interest Rate		Maturities	2014		2013
	Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable,		2015	$	-	$	-
		0.90%
	Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable,		2018		10,000		10,000
		2.80%
						10,000		10,000
	Less current portion					-		-
					$	10,000	$	10,000
	$75,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement
	Effective October 22, 2014, we extended the maturity of our Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A., as lender (the "Lender"). The Credit Agreement provides for a $75,000,000 revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"), of which up to $5,000,000 may be utilized for letters of credit.
	Borrowings bear interest at either (i) the Eurodollar rate plus 0.70% or (ii) the base rate. Letter of credit fees are equal to 0.10% times the maximum amount available to be drawn under outstanding letters of credit. The rates and fees are unchanged from those in effect prior to the extension.
	Commitment fees are payable on the daily unused portion of the Credit Facility at a rate of twenty (20) basis points per annum. NHC is permitted to prepay the loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time, without penalty.
	The Credit Facility matures on October 21, 2015. Between 90 and 120 days prior to the maturity date, NHC may request the extension of the maturity date. If the Lender elects to consent to such extension, subject to certain conditions, the maturity date will be extended to the date which is 364 days after the then maturity date.
	NHC’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain NHC subsidiaries and are secured by pledges by NHC and the guarantors of (i) 100% of the equity interests of domestic subsidiaries and (ii) up to 65% of the voting equity interests and 100% of the non-voting equity interests of foreign subsidiaries, in each case, held by NHC or the guarantors.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and covenants, including covenants that restrict, among other things, asset dispositions, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, restricted payments, debt, liens, investments and affiliate transactions. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default.
	The Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.
	The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Long-Term
		Debt
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	−
	2016		−
	2017		−
	2018		10,000
	2019		−
	Total	$	10,000

Note_12_Income_Taxes

Note 12 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 12 - Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following components:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current Tax Provision
	Federal	$	30,235		$	34,680		$	29,147
	State		3,095			5,588			4,010
			33,330			40,268			33,157
	Deferred Tax Provision
	Federal		(1,172	)		(2,226	)		892
	State		(334	)		(479	)		132
			(1,506	)		(2,705	)		1,024
	Income Tax Provision	$	31,824		$	37,563		$	34,181
	The deferred tax assets and liabilities, consisting of temporary differences tax effected at the respective income tax rates, are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Current deferred tax asset:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	2,138		$	1,802
	Accrued risk reserves		964			857
	Accrued expenses		3,635			3,593
			6,737			6,252
	Current deferred tax liability:
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities		(39,958	)		(29,120	)
	Other		(2,284	)		(1,922	)
			(42,242	)		(31,042	)
	Net current deferred tax liability	$	(35,505	)	$	(24,790	)
	Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities	$	(183	)	$	593
	Financial reporting depreciation in excess of tax depreciation		7,191			5,872
	Deferred gain on sale of assets (net)		(3,135	)		(3,135	)
	Tax basis intangible asset in excess of financial reporting basis		(409	)		127
	Stock-based compensation		2,879			2,214
	Long-term investments		(2,445	)		(2,276	)
	Nonrefundable entrance fees		129			45
	Refundable entrance fees		1,739			1,647
	Obligation to provide future services		1,532			1,439
	Accrued risk reserves, less current portion		2,295			3,040
	Accrued expenses		2,910			2,502
	Deferred revenue		6,197			6,096
	Net noncurrent deferred tax asset	$	18,700		$	18,164
	A reconciliation of income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Tax provision at federal statutory rate	$	29,818		$	35,762		$	32,718
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	State, net of federal benefit		2,207			2,325			3,261
	Nondeductible expenses		363			197			118
	Insurance expense		27			35			39
	Other, net		439			(258	)		823
	Unrecognized tax benefits		512			1,107			409
	Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,542	)		(1,605	)		(3,187	)
			2,006			1,801			1,463
	Effective income tax expense	$	31,824		$	37,563		$	34,181
	The exercise of non-qualified stock options results in state and federal income tax benefits to the Company related to the difference between the market price at the date of exercise and the option exercise price. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, $201,000, $(225,000), and $(267,000), respectively, attributable to the tax benefit of stock options exercised and restricted stock, was credited to additional paid-in capital.
	Our deferred tax assets have been evaluated for realization based on historical taxable income, tax planning strategies, the expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income anticipated. Our deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in full due to the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character under the tax law. As such, there is no need for a valuation allowance.
	Uncertain tax positions may arise where tax laws may allow for alternative interpretations or where the timing of recognition of income is subject to judgment. We believe we have adequate provisions for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions. However, because of uncertainty of interpretation by various tax authorities and the possibility that there are issues that have not been recognized by management, we cannot guarantee we have accurately estimated our tax liabilities. We believe that our liabilities reflect the anticipated outcome of known uncertain tax positions in conformity with ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes. Our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are presented in the consolidated balance sheets within other noncurrent liabilities.
	Also under ASC Topic 740, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.
	In accordance with current guidance, the Company has established a liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which are differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured. Generally a liability is created for an unrecognized tax benefit because it represents a company’s potential future obligation to a taxing authority for a tax position that was not recognized per above.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		Deferred Tax Asset			Liability For Unrecognized Tax Benefits			Liability For Interest and Penalties			Liability Total
	Balance, January 1, 2012	$	9,926		$	13,765		$	2,479		$	16,244
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,695			185			1,880
Additions for tax positions of prior years		728			845			170			1,015
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(1,999	)		(4,309	)		(940	)		(5,249	)
Balance, December 31, 2012		8,655			11,996			1,894			13,890
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,832			198			2,030
Additions for tax positions of prior years		2,120			1,427			641			2,068
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(2,177	)		(2,802	)		(661	)		(3,463	)
Balance, December 31, 2013		8,598			12,453			2,072			14,525
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			2,008			216			2,224
Additions for tax positions of prior years		2,032			1,218			706			1,924
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(1,523	)		(2,059	)		(603	)		(2,662	)
Balance, December 31, 2014	$	9,107		$	13,620		$	2,391		$	16,011
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we have recognized a $2,059,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $1,120,000 of temporary differences and $939,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $603,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse. The favorable impact on our tax provision was $1,542,000 composed of $939,000 tax and $492,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $111,000 interest and penalties on temporary differences.
At December 31, 2014, we had $13,620,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $8,725,000 of deferred tax assets and $4,895,000 of permanent differences. Accrued interest and penalties of $2,391,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014. Unrecognized tax benefits of $4,895,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2014, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized. Accrued interest and penalties of $2,118,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2014. We do not expect to recognize significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits within the twelve months beginning December 31, 2014, except for the effect of decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations estimated at $2,585,000, composed of temporary differences of $1,520,000, and permanent differences of $1,065,000. Interest and penalties of $615,000 relate to these temporary and permanent difference changes within 12 months beginning December 31, 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we have recognized a $2,802,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $1,817,000 of temporary differences and $985,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $661,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse. The favorable impact on our tax provision was $1,605,000 composed of $976,000 tax and $451,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $178,000 interest and penalties on temporary differences.
At December 31, 2013, we had $12,453,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $8,253,000 of deferred tax assets and $4,200,000 of permanent differences. Accrued interest and penalties of $2,072,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013. Unrecognized tax benefits of $4,200,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2013, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized. Accrued interest and penalties of $1,835,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2013. We do not expect to recognize significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits within the twelve months beginning December 31, 2013, except for the effect of decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations estimated at $2,330,000, composed of temporary differences of $1,390,000, and permanent differences of $940,000. Interest and penalties of $566,000 relate to these temporary and permanent difference changes within 12 months beginning December 31, 2013.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, we have recognized a $4,309,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $1,999,000 of temporary differences and $2,310,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $940,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse. The favorable impact on our tax provision was $3,187,000 composed of $2,310,000 tax and $707,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $170,000 interest and penalties on temporary differences.
At December 31, 2012, we had $11,996,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $8,292,000 of deferred tax assets and $3,704,000 of permanent differences. Accrued interest and penalties of $1,894,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012. Unrecognized tax benefits of $3,704,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2012, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized. Accrued interest and penalties of $1,531,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2012.
Interest and penalties expense related to U.S. federal and state income tax returns are included within income tax expense. Interest and penalties expense (benefit) was $319,000, $178,000 and ($585,000) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011 (with few state exceptions). Currently, there are no U.S. federal and state returns under examination.

Note_13_Stock_Repurchase_Progr

Note 13 - Stock Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	Note 13 - Stock Repurchase Program
	On August 5, 2014 the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a new stock repurchase program that will allow the Company to repurchase up to $25 million of its common stock. The program expires on August 31, 2015. Under the stock repurchase program, the Company may repurchase its common stock from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions and other considerations. The Company’s repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions. The Company intends to fund repurchases under the new stock repurchase program from cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital market sources. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. On August 11, 2014, the Company repurchased 125,000 shares of its common stock for a total cost of $6,995,000. The shares were funded from cash on hand and were cancelled and returned to the status of authorized but unissued.
	On August 1, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a stock repurchase program that allowed the Company to repurchase up to $25 million of its common stock over a one year period. The program expired on July 31, 2014. No repurchases of common stock were executed under this program.
	On August 1, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $25 million of its outstanding shares of common stock. On February 19, 2013, the Company repurchased 100,000 shares for a total cost of $4.7 million. These were the only shares repurchased pursuant to the program’s authorization. The shares were funded from cash on hand and were cancelled and returned to the status of authorized but unissued. This program expired on July 31, 2013.

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation
	NHC recognizes stock-based compensation for all stock options and restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the fair value for these grants as estimated at the date of grant either using the Black-Scholes pricing model for stock options or the quoted market price for restricted stock.
	The 2005 and 2010 Stock-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 any 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 2005, our stockholders approved the 2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan ("the 2005 Plan") pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock-based payments to key employees, directors, and non-employee consultants. At December 31, 2014, 220,620 shares were available for future grants under the 2005 Plan.
	In May 2010, our stockholders approved the 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan ("the 2010 Plan") pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock-based payments to key employees, directors, and non-employee consultants. At December 31, 2014, 398,744 shares were available for future grants under the 2010 Plan.
	Under both the 2005 and 2010 Plans, the individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to five years. The term of the options outstanding under both Plans is five years from the date of the grant. Our policy is to issue new shares to satisfy option exercises.
	Additionally, we have an employee stock purchase plan that allows employees to purchase our shares of stock through payroll deductions. The plan allows employees to terminate participation at any time.
	Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest. Stock-based compensation totaled $2,021,000, $2,298,000, and $2,366,000, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The expense for the 2014 year consisted of $1,814,000 for stock options and $207,000 for restricted stock. Stock-based compensation is included in salaries, wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of income. Tax deductions for the options exercised and restricted stock vested totaled $697,000, $196,000, and $404,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The total intrinsic value of shares exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $855,000.
	At December 31, 2014, we had $2,005,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation awards, which consisted of $1,933,000 for stock options and $72,000 for restricted stock. This expense will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period, which is approximately 1.2 years for stock options and 0.3 years for restricted stock.
	Stock Options
	The Company is required to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant. The fair value of each option award is estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the weighted average assumptions indicated in the following table. Each grant is valued as a single award with an expected term based upon expected employment and termination behavior. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period in a manner consistent with the option vesting provisions. The straight-line attribution method requires that compensation expense is recognized at least equal to the portion of the grant-date fair value that is vested at that date. The expected volatility is derived using weekly historical data for periods immediately preceding the date of grant. The risk-free interest rate is the approximate yield on the United States Treasury Strips having a life equal to the expected option life on the date of grant. The expected life is an estimate of the number of years an option will be held before it is exercised. The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value the options granted in the periods shown.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate			0.52	%		0.25	%		0.28	%
	Expected volatility			17.3	%		31.3	%		38.8	%
	Expected life, in years			2.2			2.1			2.1
	Expected dividend yield			2.68	%		2.81	%		2.91	%
	The following table summarizes option activity:
			Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2012			1,482,077		$	46.92		$	−
	Options granted			63,516			44.28			−
	Options exercised			(295,371	)		45.41			−
	Options cancelled			(115,620	)		50.99			−
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,134,602			46.75			−
	Options granted			57,672			47.95			−
	Options exercised			(19,722	)		45.63			−
	Options cancelled			(98,000	)		51.11			−
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,074,552			46.44			−
	Options granted			57,716			53.1			−
	Options exercised			(157,590	)		45.97			−
	Options cancelled			(20,000	)		46.69			−
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014			954,678		$	46.92		$	15,202,000
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014			158,573		$	48.06		$	2,344,000
		Options			Exercise Prices	Weighted Average			Weighted Average
		Outstanding				Exercise Price			Remaining Contractual
		31-Dec-14							Life in Years
			909,678		$44.80 - $47.45	$	46.62			1.3
			45,000		$52.93	$	52.93			4.3
			954,678			$	46.92			1.5
	Restricted Stock
	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:
			Number of			Weighted			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			Shares			Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2012			24,000		$	34.46		$	−
	Award shares granted			−			−			−
	Award shares vested			6,000			34.46			−
	Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2012			18,000			34.46			−
	Award shares granted			−			−			−
	Award shares vested			6,000			34.46			−
	Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2013			12,000			34.46			−
	Award shares granted			−			−			−
	Award shares vested			6,000			34.46			−
	Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2014			6,000		$	34.46		$	170,000
	The weighted average remaining contractual life of restricted stock at December 31, 2014 is 0.3 years.

Note_15_Contingencies_and_Guar

Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees
	Accrued Risk Reserves
	We are self-insured for risks related to health insurance and have wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies that insure risks related to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability insurance claims both for our owned or leased entities and certain of the entities to which we provide management or accounting services. The liability we have recognized for reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims totals $106,218,000 and $110,557,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The liability is included in accrued risk reserves in the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are subject to adjustment for actual claims incurred. It is possible that these claims plus unasserted claims could exceed our insurance coverages and our reserves, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	As a result of the terms of our insurance policies and our use of wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies, we have retained significant insurance risk with respect to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability. We use independent actuaries to estimate our exposures for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted claims) related to deductibles and exposures in excess of coverage limits, and we maintain reserves for these obligations. Such estimates are based on many variables including historical and statistical information and other factors.
	Workers’ Compensation
	For workers’ compensation, we utilize a wholly-owned Tennessee domiciled property/casualty insurance company to write coverage for NHC affiliates and for third-party customers. Policies are written for a duration of twelve months and cover only risks related to workers’ compensation losses. All customers are companies which operate in the long-term care industry. Business is written on a direct basis. For direct business, coverage is written for statutory limits and the insurance company’s losses in excess of $1,000,000 per claim are covered by reinsurance.
	General and Professional Liability Insurance and Lawsuits
	The long term care industry has experienced significant increases in both the number of personal injury/wrongful death claims and in the severity of awards based upon alleged negligence by nursing facilities and their employees in providing care to residents. As of December 31, 2014, we and/or our managed centers are currently defendants in 34 such claims covering the years 2006 through December 31, 2014.
	In 2002, due to the unavailability and/or prohibitive cost of third-party professional liability insurance coverage, we established and capitalized a wholly-owned licensed liability insurance company incorporated in the Cayman Island, for the purpose of managing our losses related to these risks. Thus, since 2002, insurance coverage for incidents occurring at all NHC owned providers, and most providers managed by us, is provided through this wholly-owned insurance company.
	Insurance coverage for all years includes both primary policies and excess policies. Beginning in 2003, both primary and excess coverage is provided through our wholly-owned insurance company. The primary coverage is in the amount of $1.0 million per incident, $3.0 million per location with an annual primary policy aggregate limit that is adjusted on an annual basis. The excess coverage is $7.5 million annual excess in the aggregate applicable to years 2005-2007, $9.0 million annual excess in the aggregate for years 2008-2010 and $4.0 million excess per occurrence for 2011-2014.
	Beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2014, additional insurance is purchased through third party providers that serve to supplement the coverage provided through our wholly-owned captive insurance company.
	Civil Investigation Demand
	On December 19, 2013, the Company was served with a civil investigative demand from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee requesting the production of documents and interrogatory responses regarding the billing and medical necessity of certain rehabilitative therapy services.  Based upon our review, the request appears to relate to services provided at our facilities based in Knoxville, Tennessee.
	On October 7, 2014, the Company received a subpoena from the Office of Inspector General of the United Department of Health and Human Services (“OIG Subpoena”) related to the current DOJ Investigation.  The OIG Subpoena requests certain financial and organizational documents from the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and SNFs and medical records from certain of the Company’s Tennessee-based SNFs.
	The Company is cooperating fully with these requests. Because we are in the early stages of these investigations, we are unable to evaluate the outcomes of these investigations.
	Caris HealthCare, L.P. Lawsuit
	On December 9, 2014, Caris Healthcare, L.P. (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services in Company-owned health care centers and in other settings in Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia, received notice from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the Attorney Generals’ Offices for the State of Tennessee and State of Virginia that those government entities were conducting an investigation regarding patient eligibility for hospice services provided by Caris. We have a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris. We are cooperating with these government entities in connection with this investigation. Because Caris and the Company are in the early stages of this investigation, we are unable to evaluate the outcome of this investigation.
	There is certain additional litigation incidental to our business, none of which, based upon information available to date, would be material to our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In addition, the long-term care industry is continuously subject to scrutiny by governmental regulators, which could result in litigation or claims related to regulatory compliance matters.
	Debt Guarantees
	At December 31, 2014, no agreement to guarantee the debt of other parties exists.

Note_16_Equity_Method_Investme

Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P.	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P.
	As of December 31, 2014, we have a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris, a business that specializes in hospice care services in NHC owned health care centers and in other settings. The carrying value of our investment is $35,020,000 and $37,185,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The carrying amounts are included in investments in limited liability companies in the consolidated balance sheets. The difference between the carrying value of our investment and our capital account balance in Caris is due to the additional limited partner ownership interest the Company acquired from current and former partners. Summarized financial information of Caris for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is provided below.
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		( in thousands)
	Current assets	$	20,922	$	25,212	$	30,731
	Noncurrent assets		11,540		11,685		9,051
	Liabilities		7,305		8,879		9,365
	Partners’ capital		25,157		28,018		30,417
	Revenue		51,441		58,918		59,422
	Expenses		40,908		40,112		40,341
	Net income		10,533		18,806		19,081
	Consolidation Considerations
	Due to our ownership percentage in Caris, we have considered whether Caris should be consolidated by NHC under the guidance provided in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. We do not consolidate Caris because (1) Caris’ equity at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) the general partner of the Partnership has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Caris, and (3) the equity holders of Caris possess the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, including voting rights that are proportional to their economic interests. Supporting the assertions above is the following: (1) the ownership percentage of the general partner remains equally divided between NHC and another party, (2) the general partner manages and controls the Partnership with full and complete discretion, and (3) the limited partners have no right or power to take part in the control of the business of the Partnership, which is where our ownership percentage increases have occurred.

Note_17_Variable_Interest_Enti

Note 17 - Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity [Text Block]	Note 17 - Variable Interest Entity
	Accounting guidance requires that a variable interest entity (“VIE”), according to the provisions of ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, must be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party that has both the power to direct activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We perform ongoing qualitative analysis to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. At December 31, 2014, we are the primary beneficiary of one VIE and therefore consolidate that entity.
	Springfield, Missouri Lease
	In December 2010, we signed an operating agreement to lease Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in Springfield, Missouri. The terms of the lease include a ten year lease and include five additional, five year lease options as well as a purchase option. The operating lease agreement was established on the same date third party owners purchased the real estate of the 120-bed skilled nursing facility. The third party owners purchased the real estate for $4,500,000, which is the amount NHC loaned the owners to purchase the facility under the terms of the lease agreement and the mortgage note. The risks and rewards associated with the operations of the facility and any appreciation or deprecation in the value of the real estate of the facility is borne by NHC. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the $4,500,000 mortgage note receivable from the third party owners is eliminated in our consolidated financial statements. Land and buildings and improvements of $4,500,000 have been recorded in our consolidated financial statements, as well as the operations of the facility since December 1, 2010, because we are the primary beneficiary in the relationship.

Note_18_Series_A_Convertible_P

Note 18 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Preferred Stock [Text Block]	Note 18 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
	On October 31, 2007, NHC issued $170,555,000 of NHC Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") with a liquidation preference of $15.75. Each share of the Preferred Stock is entitled to annual preferred dividends of $0.80 per share. Dividends on the Preferred Stock are cumulative.
	The Preferred Stock, which is listed on the NYSE MKT exchange with the symbol "NHC.PRA", is convertible at any time at the option of the stockholder into NHC common stock at a conversion price of $65.07. Each share of the Preferred Stock will be convertible into 0.24204 of a share of NHC common stock. After the fifth anniversary of the closing date, NHC will have the option to redeem the Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, for $15.75 cash per share (plus accrued but unpaid dividends); provided that the Preferred Stock will not be redeemable prior to the eighth anniversary of the closing date unless the average closing price for NHC common stock for 20 trading sessions equals or exceeds the conversion price. The conversion price will be adjusted to reflect any future NHC common stock splits or stock dividends.

Note_19_Series_B_Junior_Partic

Note 19 - Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholder Rights Plan Disclosure [Abstract]
Stockholder Rights Plan Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 19 - Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock
	On August 2, 2007, the NHC Board of Directors approved the adoption of a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend distribution of one right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of NHC common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 2, 2007. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from NHC a unit consisting of one one-ten thousandth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value at a purchase price of $250 per Unit, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a rights agreement between NHC and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent, dated as of August 2, 2007, as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time. No shares have been issued pursuant to this stockholder rights plan.

Note_20_Selected_Quarterly_Fin

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data
	(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
	The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial data for the two most recent fiscal years.
	2014	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	Net Operating Revenues	$	210,531	$	216,555	$	218,223	$	226,374
	Income Before Non-Operating Income		16,988		16,083		14,736		20,204
	Non-Operating Income		4,572		4,281		3,937		4,392
	Net Income		13,229		12,511		12,829		14,800
	Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,167		2,167		2,168
	Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		11,061		10,344		10,662		12,632
	Basic Earnings Per Share		0.8		0.75		0.77		0.92
	Diluted Earnings Per Share		0.78		0.72		0.75		0.88
	2013	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	Net Operating Revenues	$	194,378	$	192,011	$	195,772	$	206,796
	Income Before Non-Operating Income		15,996		17,001		19,265		19,819
	Non-Operating Income		6,618		6,632		11,171		5,674
	Net Income		13,805		14,342		19,877		16,589
	Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,167		2,168
	Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		11,637		12,174		17,710		14,421
	Basic Earnings Per Share		0.84		0.88		1.28		1.04
	Diluted Earnings Per Share		0.82		0.86		1.19		0.99

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
	SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012
	(in thousands)
	Column A	Column B		Column C				Column D			Column E
				Additions
	Description	Balance-		Charged to		Charged		Deductions			Balance-
		Beginning		Costs and		to other					End of
		of Period		Expenses		Accounts					Period
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,713	$	2,455	$	−	$	3,002	-1	$	3,166
	Accrued risk reserves	$	98,732	$	67,900	$	−	$	56,301		$	110,331
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,166	$	5,226	$	−	$	3,420	-1	$	4,972
	Accrued risk reserves	$	110,331	$	57,515	$	−	$	57,289		$	110,557
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4,972	$	6,228	$	−	$	5,462	-1	$	5,738
	Accrued risk reserves	$	110,557	$	62,083	$	−	$	65,896		$	106,744
	(1) Amounts written off, net of recoveries

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) include our wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries and affiliates. Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we have an interest have been consolidated when we have been identified as the primary beneficiary. Investments in ventures in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not have control over are accounted for using the equity method. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently are adjusted for our share of the venture’s earnings or losses and cash distributions. Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris Healthcare, LP (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services. Investments in entities in which we lack the ability to exercise significant influence are included in the consolidated financial statements at cost unless there has been a decline in the market value of our investment that is deemed to be other than temporary. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company revised the presentation of its accrued risk reserves to present only the amount expected to be settled within the next twelve month period as a current liability. Previously, the Company had presented the entire accrued risk reserve balance as a current liability. The Company also recorded a related reclassification to its restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted marketable securities to reflect its previous and continued expectation to use these assets held by its wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies to settle the accrued risk reserves. The impact of these adjustments also resulted in an impact on the classification of our deferred tax balances. Accordingly, the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 has been adjusted to reflect these reclassifications. The table below presents the affected balance sheet line items, the respective previously-reported balances, the reclassification amount and the adjusted balances as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands). The reclassifications were not material to the financial conditions, results of operations or liquidity for any periods presented.
		Previously Reported Balance		Reclassification Amount			As-Adjusted Balance
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (current assets section)	$	13,929	$	(3,631	)	$	10,298
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (other assets section)		-		3,631			3,631
	Restricted marketable securities (current assets section)		142,003		(127,976	)		14,027
	Restricted marketable securities (other assets section)		-		127,976			127,976
	Accounts receivable (current assets section)		85,511		(5,655	)		79,856
	Deposits and other assets (other assets section)		1,153		5,655			6,808
	Accrued risk reserves (current liability section)		110,557		(86,232	)		24,325
	Accrued risk reserves (non-current liability section)		-		86,232			86,232
	Deferred income taxes (other assets section)		14,531		3,633			18,164
	Deferred income taxes (current liabilities section)		21,157		3,633			24,790
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Net Patient Revenues and Accounts Receivable
	Revenues are derived from services rendered to patients for skilled and intermediate nursing, rehabilitation therapy, hospice, assisted living and retirement and home health care services.
	Revenues are recorded when services are provided based on established rates adjusted to amounts expected to be received under governmental programs and other third-party contractual arrangements based on contractual terms. These revenues and receivables are stated at amounts estimated by management to be at their net realizable value.
	For private pay patients in skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living facilities, the Company bills one month in advance for room and board charges, with the remittance being due on receipt of the statement and generally by the 10th day of the month the services are performed. A portion of the episodic Medicare payments for home health services are also received in advance of the services being rendered. All advance billings are initially deferred and then are recognized as revenue when the services are performed.
	We receive payments from the Medicare program under a prospective payment system ("PPS"). For skilled nursing services, Medicare pays a fixed fee per Medicare patient per day, based on the acuity level of the patient, to cover all post-hospital extended care routine service costs, ancillary costs and capital related costs.
	Medicaid program payments for long-term care services are generally based on fixed per diem rates subject to program cost ceilings.
	For homecare services, Medicare pays based on the acuity level of the patient and based on episodes of care. An episode of care is defined as a length of care up to 60 days with multiple continuous episodes allowed. The services covered by the episode payment include all disciplines of care, in addition to medical supplies, within the scope of the home health benefit. We are allowed to make a request for anticipated payment at the start of care equal to 60% of the expected payment for the initial episode. The remaining balance due is paid following the submission of the final claim at the end of the episode. Revenues are recognized when services are provided based on the number of days of service rendered in the episode. Deferred revenue is recorded for payments received for which the related services have not yet been provided.
	Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation. Noncompliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to regulatory actions including fines, penalties, and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. We believe that we are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
	Medicare program revenues, as well as certain Medicaid program revenues, are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment by government representatives. The Medicare PPS methodology requires that patients be assigned to Resource Utilization Groups ("RUGs") based on the acuity level of the patient to determine the amount paid to us for patient services. The assignment of patients to the various RUG categories is subject to post-payment review by Medicare intermediaries or their agents. In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews. Retroactive adjustments are estimated in the recording of revenues in the period the related services are rendered. Any differences between our original estimates of reimbursements and subsequent revisions are reflected in operations in the period in which the revisions are made often due to final determination or the period of payment no longer being subject to audit or review. We believe currently that any differences between the net revenues recorded and final determination will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements. We have made provisions of approximately $22,931,000 and $21,619,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for various Medicare and Medicaid current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews.
	Approximately 65% of our net patient revenues are derived from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs and other government programs.
Revenue Recognition for Alternative Revenue Programs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Revenues
	As discussed in Note 3 other revenues include revenues from the provision of insurance services, management and accounting services to other long-term care providers, and rental income. Our insurance revenues consist of premiums that are generally paid in advance and then amortized into income as earned over the related policy period. We charge for management services based on a percentage of net revenues. We charge for accounting services based on a monthly fee or a fixed fee per bed of the long-term care center under contract. We generally record other revenues on the accrual basis based on the terms of our contractual arrangements. However, with respect to management and accounting services revenue from certain long-term care providers, including but not limited to National Health Corporation ("National") as discussed in Note 3, where collection is not reasonably assured based on insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, our policy is to recognize income only in the period in which collection is assured and the amounts at question are believed by management to be fixed and determined.
	Certain management contracts, including, but not limited to contracts with National, subordinate the payment of management fees earned under those contracts to other expenditures of the long-term care center and to the availability of cash provided by the facility’s operations. Revenues from management services provided to the facilities that generate insufficient cash flow to pay the management fee, as prioritized under the contractual arrangement, are not recognized until such time as the amount of revenue earned is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. This recognition policy could cause our reported revenues and net income from management services to vary significantly from period to period.
	We recognize rental income based on the terms of our operating leases. Under certain of our leases, we receive contingent rent, which is based on the increase in revenues of a lessee over a base year. We recognize contingent rent annually or monthly, as applicable, when, based on the actual revenue of the lessee, receipt of such income is assured. We identify leased real estate properties as nonperforming if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due. Our policy related to rental income on non-performing leased real estate properties is to recognize rental income in the period when the income is received.
Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Estimation Methodology, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Provision for Doubtful Accounts
	We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on factors such as payor type, historical collection trends and aging categories. We review these factors and determine an estimated provision for doubtful accounts. Historically, bad debts have resulted primarily from uncollectible private balances or from uncollectible coinsurance and deductibles. Receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts balance is assessed on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.
	The Company includes provisions for doubtful accounts in operating expenses in its consolidated statements of income. The provisions for doubtful accounts were $6,228,000, $5,226,000, and $2,455,000 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Other Operating Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Operating Expenses
	Other operating expenses include the costs of care and services that we provide to the residents of our facilities and the costs of maintaining our facilities. Our primary patient care costs include drugs, medical supplies, purchased professional services, food, professional insurance and licensing fees. The primary facility costs include utilities and property insurance.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	General and Administrative Costs
	With the Company being a healthcare provider, the majority of our expenses are "cost of revenue" items. Costs that could be classified as "general and administrative" by the Company would include its corporate office costs, which were $36.2 million, $40.9 million, and $39.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.
Cash and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Marketable Securities [Policy Text Block]	Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Marketable Securities
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted marketable securities primarily represent assets that are held by our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers' compensation and professional liability claims.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investments in Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities
	Our investments in marketable securities and restricted marketable securities include available for sale securities, which are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities that are deemed temporary are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. If any adjustment to fair value reflects a significant decline in the value of the security, we consider all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is "other than temporary". Credit losses are identified when we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount associated with the credit loss is recognized in earnings, with the amount of loss relating to other factors recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories
	Inventories consist generally of food and supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 310, Receivables, NHC evaluates the carrying values of its mortgage and other notes receivable on an instrument by instrument basis. On a quarterly basis, NHC reviews its notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable. If necessary, impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets estimated as follows: buildings and improvements, 20-40 years and equipment and furniture, 3-15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over periods that do not exceed the non-cancelable respective lease terms using the straight-line method.
	Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged against income as incurred. Betterments, which significantly extend the useful life, are capitalized. We remove the costs and related allowances for accumulated depreciation or amortization from the accounts for properties sold or retired, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income.
	In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we evaluate the recoverability of the carrying values of our properties on a property by property basis. We review our properties for recoverability when events or circumstances, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, and significant deteriorations of the underlying cash flows of the property, indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable. The need to recognize impairment is based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows from a property over the remaining useful life compared to the carrying value of that property. If recognition of impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill
	The Company accounts for goodwill under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. Under the provisions of this guidance, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment tests based on their estimated fair value. Unamortized goodwill is continually reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment on the first day of the fourth quarter.
Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accrued Risk Reserves
	We are principally self-insured for risks related to employee health insurance and utilize wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers’ compensation and professional liability claims. Accrued risk reserves primarily represent the accrual for risks associated with employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims. The accrued risk reserves include a liability for unpaid reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims. Our policy with respect to a significant portion of our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an actuary to estimate our exposure for claims obligation (for both asserted and unasserted claims). Our health insurance reserve is based on our known claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but unreported claims determined by our analysis of historical claims paid. We reassess our accrued risk reserves on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.
Other Current Liabilities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Current Liabilities
	Other current liabilities primarily represent accruals for current federal and state income taxes, real estate taxes and other current liabilities.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Advance Fees, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Continuing Care Contracts and Refundable Entrance Fees
	We have one continuing care retirement center (“CCRC”) within our operations. Residents at this retirement center may enter into continuing care contracts with us. The contract provides that 10% of the resident entry fee becomes non-refundable upon occupancy, and the remaining refundable portion of the entry fee is calculated using the lessor of the price at which the apartment is re-assigned or 90% of the original entry fee, plus 40% of any appreciation if the apartment exceeds the original resident’s entry fee. In each case, we amortize the non-refundable part of these fees into revenue over the actuarially determined remaining life of the resident, which is the expected period of occupancy by the resident. We pay the refundable portion of our entry fees when residents relocate from our community and the apartment is re-occupied. Refundable entrance fees are classified as non-current liabilities and non-refundable entrance fees are classified as deferred revenue in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The balances of refundable entrance fees as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $10,219,000 and $10,720,000, respectively.
	Obligation to Provide Future Services
	We annually estimate the present value of the net cost of future services and the use of facilities to be provided to the current CCRC residents and compare that amount with the balance of non-refundable deferred revenue from entrance fees received. If the present value of the net cost of future services exceeds the related anticipated revenues, a liability is recorded (obligation to provide future services) with a corresponding charge to income. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have recorded a future service obligation in the amounts of $3,927,000 and $3,689,000, respectively.
Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Noncurrent Liabilities
	Other noncurrent liabilities include reserves primarily related to various uncertain income tax positions (see Note 12).
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Revenue
	Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National (as discussed in Note 2) and entrance fees that have been and are currently being received upon reservation and occupancy in the independent living centers we operate. The non-refundable portion (10%) of the entrance fee is included in deferred revenue and is being recognized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
	We utilize ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under this guidance, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 12 for further discussion of our accounting for income taxes.
	Also under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Liabilities for income tax matters include amounts for income taxes, applicable penalties, and interest thereon and are the result of the potential alternative interpretations of tax laws and the judgmental nature of the timing of recognition of taxable income.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based awards granted include stock options, restricted stock units, and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the awards, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period only for those equity awards expected to vest.
	The fair value of the restricted stock units is determined based on the stock price on the date of grant. We estimated the fair value of stock options and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan using the Black-Scholes model. This model utilizes the estimated fair value of common stock and requires that, at the date of grant, we use the expected term of the grant, the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yield of our common stock. The fair value is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentration of Credit Risks
	Our credit risks primarily relate to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, restricted marketable securities and notes receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments. Restricted cash and cash equivalents is primarily invested in commercial paper and certificates of deposit with financial institutions and other interest bearing accounts. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from patients (funded through Medicare, Medicaid, other contractual programs and through private payors) and from other health care companies for management, accounting and other services. We perform continual credit evaluations of our clients and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts on these accounts receivable. Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities are held primarily in accounts with brokerage institutions. Notes receivable relate primarily to secured loans with health care facilities (recorded as notes receivable in the consolidated balance sheets) as discussed in Note 10.
	At any point in time we have funds in our operating accounts and restricted cash accounts that are with third party financial institutions. These balances in the U.S. may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits. While we monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts, these cash and restricted cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets.
	Our financial instruments, principally our notes receivable, are subject to the possibility of loss of the carrying values as a result of the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations. We obtain various collateral and other protective rights, and continually monitor these rights in order to reduce such possibilities of loss. We evaluate the need to provide reserves for potential losses on our financial instruments based on management's periodic review of the portfolio on an instrument by instrument basis. See Note 10 for additional information on the notes receivable.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Income
	ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, requires that changes in the amounts of certain items, including unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, be shown in the consolidated financial statements as comprehensive income. We report comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and also in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Segment Disclosures
	ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial reports issued to stockholders. Management believes that substantially all of our operations are part of the long-term health care industry segment. See Note 3 for a detail of other revenues provided within the long-term health care industry segment. Information about the costs and expenses associated with each of the components of other revenues is not separately identifiable.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This update is the result of a collaborative effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to simplify revenue recognition guidance, remove inconsistencies in the application of revenue recognition, and to improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. The FASB is amending the Accounting Standards Codification and creating a new Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For a public entity, the amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and control framework.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This standard changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations by raising the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The standard limits discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This standard is effective for the Company on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2015 and interim periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. When adopted, the Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]		Previously Reported Balance		Reclassification Amount			As-Adjusted Balance
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (current assets section)	$	13,929	$	(3,631	)	$	10,298
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents (other assets section)		-		3,631			3,631
	Restricted marketable securities (current assets section)		142,003		(127,976	)		14,027
	Restricted marketable securities (other assets section)		-		127,976			127,976
	Accounts receivable (current assets section)		85,511		(5,655	)		79,856
	Deposits and other assets (other assets section)		1,153		5,655			6,808
	Accrued risk reserves (current liability section)		110,557		(86,232	)		24,325
	Accrued risk reserves (non-current liability section)		-		86,232			86,232
	Deferred income taxes (other assets section)		14,531		3,633			18,164
	Deferred income taxes (current liabilities section)		21,157		3,633			24,790

Note_3_Other_Revenues_Tables

Note 3 - Other Revenues (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Revenues [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Revenues [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Insurance services	$	7,215	$	15,143	$	15,671
	Management and accounting service fees		15,184		18,160		20,042
	Rental income		19,123		19,132		19,314
	Other		874		685		589
		$	42,396	$	53,120	$	55,616

Note_4_Nonoperating_Income_Tab

Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	$	6,675	$	14,188	$	13,616
	Dividends and net realized gains on sales of securities		5,957		5,216		7,006
	Interest income		4,550		5,237		4,623
	Gain on the recovery of notes receivable		−		5,454		−
		$	17,182	$	30,095	$	25,245

Note_5_Longterm_Leases_Tables

Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Buildings and personal property	$	39,032		$	−
	Accumulated amortization		(3,271	)		−
		$	35,761		$	−
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]		Operating Leases			Capital Leases
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	34,200		$	5,200
	2016		34,200			5,200
	2017		34,200			5,200
	2018		34,200			5,200
	2019		34,200			5,200
	Thereafter		245,150			21,667
	Total minimum lease payments	$	416,150		$	47,667
	Less: Amounts representing interest					(11,071	)
	Present value of minimum lease payments					36,596
	Less: Current portion					(3,088	)
	Long-term capital lease obligations				$	33,508

Note_6_Earnings_Per_Share_Tabl

Note 6 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
	Basic:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,816,095		13,829,626		13,852,709
	Net income	$	53,369	$	64,613	$	59,300
	Dividends to preferred stockholders		8,670		8,671		8,671
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	44,699	$	55,942	$	50,629
	Earnings per common share, basic	$	3.24	$	4.05	$	3.65
	Diluted:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,816,095		13,829,626		13,852,709
	Dilutive effect of stock options		73,678		9,091		8,019
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock		3,691		4,740		5,526
	Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock		328,669		232,118		109,233
	Convertible preferred stock		−		2,623,228		2,623,329
	Assumed average common shares outstanding		14,222,133		16,698,803		16,598,816
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	44,699	$	55,942	$	50,629
	Add dilutive preferred stock dividends for effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock		−		8,671		8,671
	Net income for diluted earnings per common share	$	44,699	$	64,613	$	59,300
	Earnings per common share, diluted	$	3.14	$	3.87	$	3.57

Note_7_Investments_in_Marketab1

Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Amortized		Fair		Amortized		Fair
		Cost		Value		Cost		Value
	Investments available for sale:
	Marketable equity securities	$	30,176	$	132,535	$	30,176	$	105,009
	Restricted investments available for sale:
	Corporate debt securities		68,594		68,916		65,852		65,006
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		63,351		63,252		46,977		45,856
	U.S. Treasury securities		14,623		14,728		22,932		22,841
	State and municipal securities		11,074		11,377		8,123		8,300
		$	187,818	$	290,808	$	174,060	$	247,012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Shares		Cost		Fair		Shares		Cost		Fair
						Value						Value
	NHI Common Stock		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	114,080		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	91,479
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
	Maturities:
	Within 1 year	$	11,161	$	11,190	$	9,279	$	9,324
	1 to 5 years		83,542		84,028		91,787		92,011
	6 to 10 years		58,863		58,872		40,387		38,335
	Over 10 years		4,076		4,183		2,431		2,333
		$	157,642	$	158,273	$	143,884	$	142,003

Note_8_Fair_Value_Measurements1

Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]		Fair Value Measurements Using
	31-Dec-14	Fair		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Value		For Identical Assets				(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	69,767	$	69,767	$	-	$	-
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents		10,651		10,651		-		-
	Marketable equity securities		132,535		132,535		-		-
	Corporate debt securities		68,916		39,909		29,007		-
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		63,252		-		63,252		-
	U.S. Treasury securities		14,728		14,728		-		-
	State and municipal securities		11,377		2,216		9,161		-
	Total financial assets	$	371,226	$	269,806	$	101,420	$	-
		Fair Value Measurements Using
	31-Dec-13	Fair		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Value		For Identical Assets				(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	81,705	$	81,705	$	-	$	-
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents		13,929		13,929		-		-
	Marketable equity securities		105,009		105,009		-		-
	Corporate debt securities		65,006		-		65,006		-
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		45,856		-		45,856		-
	U.S. Treasury securities		22,841		22,841		-		-
	State and municipal securities		8,300		-		8,300		-
	Total financial assets	$	342,646	$	223,484	$	119,162	$	-

Note_9_Property_and_Equipment_

Note 9 - Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land	$	58,672		$	57,272
	Leasehold improvements		98,302			94,066
	Buildings and improvements		487,021			427,471
	Furniture and equipment		142,110			134,255
	Construction in progress		35,687			21,618
			821,792			734,682
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(307,048	)		(277,884	)
		$	514,744		$	456,798

Note_11_Longterm_Debt_Tables

Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]		Weighted
		Average			December 31,
		Interest Rate		Maturities	2014		2013
	Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable,		2015	$	-	$	-
		0.90%
	Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable,		2018		10,000		10,000
		2.80%
						10,000		10,000
	Less current portion					-		-
					$	10,000	$	10,000
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]		Long-Term
		Debt
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	−
	2016		−
	2017		−
	2018		10,000
	2019		−
	Total	$	10,000

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current Tax Provision
	Federal	$	30,235		$	34,680		$	29,147
	State		3,095			5,588			4,010
			33,330			40,268			33,157
	Deferred Tax Provision
	Federal		(1,172	)		(2,226	)		892
	State		(334	)		(479	)		132
			(1,506	)		(2,705	)		1,024
	Income Tax Provision	$	31,824		$	37,563		$	34,181
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Current deferred tax asset:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	2,138		$	1,802
	Accrued risk reserves		964			857
	Accrued expenses		3,635			3,593
			6,737			6,252
	Current deferred tax liability:
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities		(39,958	)		(29,120	)
	Other		(2,284	)		(1,922	)
			(42,242	)		(31,042	)
	Net current deferred tax liability	$	(35,505	)	$	(24,790	)
	Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities	$	(183	)	$	593
	Financial reporting depreciation in excess of tax depreciation		7,191			5,872
	Deferred gain on sale of assets (net)		(3,135	)		(3,135	)
	Tax basis intangible asset in excess of financial reporting basis		(409	)		127
	Stock-based compensation		2,879			2,214
	Long-term investments		(2,445	)		(2,276	)
	Nonrefundable entrance fees		129			45
	Refundable entrance fees		1,739			1,647
	Obligation to provide future services		1,532			1,439
	Accrued risk reserves, less current portion		2,295			3,040
	Accrued expenses		2,910			2,502
	Deferred revenue		6,197			6,096
	Net noncurrent deferred tax asset	$	18,700		$	18,164
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Tax provision at federal statutory rate	$	29,818		$	35,762		$	32,718
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	State, net of federal benefit		2,207			2,325			3,261
	Nondeductible expenses		363			197			118
	Insurance expense		27			35			39
	Other, net		439			(258	)		823
	Unrecognized tax benefits		512			1,107			409
	Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,542	)		(1,605	)		(3,187	)
			2,006			1,801			1,463
	Effective income tax expense	$	31,824		$	37,563		$	34,181
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]		Deferred Tax Asset			Liability For Unrecognized Tax Benefits			Liability For Interest and Penalties			Liability Total
	Balance, January 1, 2012	$	9,926		$	13,765		$	2,479		$	16,244
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,695			185			1,880
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		728			845			170			1,015
	Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(1,999	)		(4,309	)		(940	)		(5,249	)
	Balance, December 31, 2012		8,655			11,996			1,894			13,890
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,832			198			2,030
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		2,120			1,427			641			2,068
	Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(2,177	)		(2,802	)		(661	)		(3,463	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		8,598			12,453			2,072			14,525
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			2,008			216			2,224
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		2,032			1,218			706			1,924
	Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(1,523	)		(2,059	)		(603	)		(2,662	)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	9,107		$	13,620		$	2,391		$	16,011

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio1

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate			0.52	%		0.25	%		0.28	%
	Expected volatility			17.3	%		31.3	%		38.8	%
	Expected life, in years			2.2			2.1			2.1
	Expected dividend yield			2.68	%		2.81	%		2.91	%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]			Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2012			1,482,077		$	46.92		$	−
	Options granted			63,516			44.28			−
	Options exercised			(295,371	)		45.41			−
	Options cancelled			(115,620	)		50.99			−
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,134,602			46.75			−
	Options granted			57,672			47.95			−
	Options exercised			(19,722	)		45.63			−
	Options cancelled			(98,000	)		51.11			−
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,074,552			46.44			−
	Options granted			57,716			53.1			−
	Options exercised			(157,590	)		45.97			−
	Options cancelled			(20,000	)		46.69			−
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014			954,678		$	46.92		$	15,202,000
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014			158,573		$	48.06		$	2,344,000
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]		Options			Exercise Prices	Weighted Average			Weighted Average
		Outstanding				Exercise Price			Remaining Contractual
		31-Dec-14							Life in Years
			909,678		$44.80 - $47.45	$	46.62			1.3
			45,000		$52.93	$	52.93			4.3
			954,678			$	46.92			1.5
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]			Number of			Weighted			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			Shares			Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2012			24,000		$	34.46		$	−
	Award shares granted			−			−			−
	Award shares vested			6,000			34.46			−
	Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2012			18,000			34.46			−
	Award shares granted			−			−			−
	Award shares vested			6,000			34.46			−
	Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2013			12,000			34.46			−
	Award shares granted			−			−			−
	Award shares vested			6,000			34.46			−
	Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2014			6,000		$	34.46		$	170,000

Note_16_Equity_Method_Investme1

Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P. (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		( in thousands)
	Current assets	$	20,922	$	25,212	$	30,731
	Noncurrent assets		11,540		11,685		9,051
	Liabilities		7,305		8,879		9,365
	Partners’ capital		25,157		28,018		30,417
	Revenue		51,441		58,918		59,422
	Expenses		40,908		40,112		40,341
	Net income		10,533		18,806		19,081

Note_20_Selected_Quarterly_Fin1

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	2014	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	Net Operating Revenues	$	210,531	$	216,555	$	218,223	$	226,374
	Income Before Non-Operating Income		16,988		16,083		14,736		20,204
	Non-Operating Income		4,572		4,281		3,937		4,392
	Net Income		13,229		12,511		12,829		14,800
	Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,167		2,167		2,168
	Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		11,061		10,344		10,662		12,632
	Basic Earnings Per Share		0.8		0.75		0.77		0.92
	Diluted Earnings Per Share		0.78		0.72		0.75		0.88
	2013	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	Net Operating Revenues	$	194,378	$	192,011	$	195,772	$	206,796
	Income Before Non-Operating Income		15,996		17,001		19,265		19,819
	Non-Operating Income		6,618		6,632		11,171		5,674
	Net Income		13,805		14,342		19,877		16,589
	Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,167		2,168
	Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		11,637		12,174		17,710		14,421
	Basic Earnings Per Share		0.84		0.88		1.28		1.04
	Diluted Earnings Per Share		0.82		0.86		1.19		0.99

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]	Column A	Column B		Column C				Column D			Column E
				Additions
	Description	Balance-		Charged to		Charged		Deductions			Balance-
		Beginning		Costs and		to other					End of
		of Period		Expenses		Accounts					Period
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,713	$	2,455	$	−	$	3,002	-1	$	3,166
	Accrued risk reserves	$	98,732	$	67,900	$	−	$	56,301		$	110,331
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,166	$	5,226	$	−	$	3,420	-1	$	4,972
	Accrued risk reserves	$	110,331	$	57,515	$	−	$	57,289		$	110,557
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4,972	$	6,228	$	−	$	5,462	-1	$	5,738
	Accrued risk reserves	$	110,557	$	62,083	$	−	$	65,896		$	106,744

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_2

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number of States in which Entity Operates	10
Homecare Services Anticipated Payment Deferred RevenuePercentage	60.00%
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	$6,228,000	$5,226,000	$2,455,000
General and Administrative Expense	36,200,000	40,900,000	39,300,000
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Advance Fees, Obligation for Future Services, Amount	3,927,000	3,689,000
Medicare and Medicaid [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	22,931,000	21,619,000
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Caris [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.10%
Refundable Advance Fees [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Nonrefundable Resident Entry Fee Percentage	10.00%
Customer Refundable Fees	$10,219,000	$10,720,000
Original Entry Fee [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Refundable Resident Entry Fee Percentage	90.00%
Appreciation [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Appreciation of Apartment Over Original Resident's Entry Fee, Percentage	40.00%
Percent of Revenues Derived from Medicare, Medicaid, and Other Government Programs [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	65.00%

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_3

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Reclassified Balance Sheet Items (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (current assets section)	$7,020	$10,298
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (other assets section)	3,631	3,631
Restricted marketable securities (current assets section)	19,805	14,027
Restricted marketable securities (other assets section)	138,468	127,976
Accounts receivable (current assets section)	78,843	79,856
Deposits and other assets (other assets section)	8,791	6,808
Accrued risk reserves (current liability section)	26,825	24,325
Accrued risk reserves (non-current liability section)	79,393	86,232
Deferred income taxes (other assets section)	18,700	18,164
Deferred income taxes (current liabilities section)	35,506	24,790
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (current assets section)		13,929
Restricted marketable securities (current assets section)		142,003
Accounts receivable (current assets section)		85,511
Deposits and other assets (other assets section)		1,153
Accrued risk reserves (current liability section)		110,557
Deferred income taxes (other assets section)		14,531
Deferred income taxes (current liabilities section)		21,157
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (current assets section)		-3,631
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (other assets section)		3,631
Restricted marketable securities (current assets section)		-127,976
Restricted marketable securities (other assets section)		127,976
Accounts receivable (current assets section)		-5,655
Deposits and other assets (other assets section)		5,655
Accrued risk reserves (current liability section)		-86,232
Accrued risk reserves (non-current liability section)		86,232
Deferred income taxes (other assets section)		3,633
Deferred income taxes (current liabilities section)		$3,633

Note_2_Relationship_with_Natio1

Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
National [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Details) [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding (in Shares)	1,046,147
Equity Owned by Related Parties	7.40%
National [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Details) [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding (in Shares)	1,271,147
Equity Owned by Related Parties	11.70%
National [Member] | Loans Payable [Member]
Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Related Parties	$10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.85%
National [Member]
Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Revenue	2,000,000
Payroll and Related Services, Administrative Fee, Percentage	1.00%
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation	510,249,000	453,560,000	426,934,000
Payment for Administrative Fees	4,395,000	3,693,000	3,862,000
Due from Related Parties	2,155,000	5,785,000
National HealthCare [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | National [Member]
Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Long-term Line of Credit	0
National HealthCare [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | National [Member]
Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$2,000,000
National [Member]
Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Skilled Nursing Centers	5

Note_3_Other_Revenues_Details

Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			324 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014
Cancelled Accounting and Financial Servicies [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Healthcare Facilities					7
Accounting and Financial Services Provided [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Healthcare Facilities	20			20
Workers Compensation Premium Revenue [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) [Line Items]
Health Care Organization, Premium Revenue	$4,434,000	$7,720,000	$5,438,000
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities		2,769,000
Professional Liability Insurance [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) [Line Items]
Health Care Organization, Premium Revenue	2,781,000	3,418,000	4,203,000
National [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Skilled Nursing Centers	5			5
Management Fees Revenue	3,544,000	3,491,000	3,397,000	41,165,000
Unbilled Receivables, Current	21,338,000	21,349,000	21,333,000	21,338,000
Other Nursing Centers [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Skilled Nursing Centers		21
Management Fees Revenue	$2,205,000	$4,413,000	$6,999,000
Number of Skilled Nursing Centers Leased From NHI	7			7

Note_3_Other_Revenues_Details_

Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) - Summary of Other Revenues (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) - Summary of Other Revenues [Line Items]
Other Revenues	$42,396	$53,120	$55,616
Insurance Services [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) - Summary of Other Revenues [Line Items]
Other Revenues	7,215	15,143	15,671
Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) - Summary of Other Revenues [Line Items]
Other Revenues	15,184	18,160	20,042
Rental Income [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) - Summary of Other Revenues [Line Items]
Other Revenues	19,123	19,132	19,314
Other Income [Member]
Note 3 - Other Revenues (Details) - Summary of Other Revenues [Line Items]
Other Revenues	$874	$685	$589

Note_4_Nonoperating_Income_Det

Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Details) (Caris [Member])	Dec. 31, 2014
Caris [Member]
Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.10%

Note_4_Nonoperating_Income_Det1

Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Details) - Non-operating Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Details) - Non-operating Income [Line Items]
Non-operating Income	$17,182	$30,095	$25,245
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Investments [Member]
Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Details) - Non-operating Income [Line Items]
Non-operating Income	6,675	14,188	13,616
Dividends and Other Net Realized Gains and Losses on Sales of Securities [Member]
Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Details) - Non-operating Income [Line Items]
Non-operating Income	5,957	5,216	7,006
Interest Income [Member]
Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Details) - Non-operating Income [Line Items]
Non-operating Income	4,550	5,237	4,623
Gain on Recovery of Notes Receivable [Member]
Note 4 - Non-operating Income (Details) - Non-operating Income [Line Items]
Non-operating Income		$5,454

Note_5_Longterm_Leases_Details

Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 26, 2012	Jan. 01, 2007	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Additional Lease Options	5
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	10 years
Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] | Capital Lease [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Facilities Under Capitalized Lease		2
Capital Lease [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Facilities Under Capitalized Lease		3
Number of Capitalized Lease Agreements		3
Initial Lease Term		10 years
Number of Additional Lease Options		2
Term of Additional Lease Option		5 years
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments (in Dollars)		$5,200,000
Capital Lease Additional Percentage Rent Percentage		4.00%
Two Leases with NHI [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Skilled Nursing Centers Leased From NHI		35
Number of Assisted Living Centers Leased From NHI		7
Number of Independent Living Centers Leased From NHI		3
Number of Lease Agreements with NHI		2
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals (in Dollars)		34,200,000
Lease One with NHI [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Additional Lease Options			2	3
Term of Additional Lease Option				5 years
Number of Skilled Nursing Facilities Subleased		4
Number of Corporations Subleased To		4
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract				15 years
Operating Leases, Year of Expiration			2026
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals (in Dollars)			30,750,000
Operating Lease Additional Percentage Rent Percentage			4.00%
Operating Leases, Percentage Rent Expense (in Dollars)		2,334,000			2,526,000	2,591,000
Lease 2 with NHI [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract							15 years
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals (in Dollars)							3,450,000
Operating Lease Additional Percentage Rent Percentage							4.00%
Number of Skilled Nursing Centers							7
Facility Purchase Price (in Dollars)							$49,000,000,000

Note_5_Longterm_Leases_Details1

Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) - Fixed Assets Recorded under Capital Leases (Buildings and Personal Property [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Buildings and Personal Property [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Buildings and personal property	$39,032	$0
Accumulated amortization	-3,271	0
	$35,761	$0

Note_5_Longterm_Leases_Details2

Note 5 - Long-term Leases (Details) - Future Minimum Lease Payments (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Minimum Lease Payments [Abstract]
2015	$34,200
2015	5,200
2016	34,200
2016	5,200
2017	34,200
2017	5,200
2018	34,200
2018	5,200
2019	34,200
2019	5,200
Thereafter	245,150
Thereafter	21,667
Total minimum lease payments	416,150
Total minimum lease payments	47,667
Less: Amounts representing interest	-11,071
Present value of minimum lease payments	36,596
Less: Current portion	-3,088
Long-term capital lease obligations	$33,508

Note_6_Earnings_Per_Share_Deta

Note 6 - Earnings Per Share (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Incentive Stock Option [Member]
Note 6 - Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	929,000	1,068,302
Common Shares Issuable Upon Conversion Of Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 6 - Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,622,956

Note_6_Earnings_Per_Share_Deta1

Note 6 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Summary of Earnings and Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 6 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Summary of Earnings and Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic									13,816,095	13,829,626	13,852,709
Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock									328,669	232,118	109,233
Convertible preferred stock										2,623,228	2,623,329
Assumed average common shares outstanding									14,222,133	16,698,803	16,598,816
Net income (in Dollars)	$14,800	$12,829	$12,511	$13,229	$16,589	$19,877	$14,342	$13,805	$53,369	$64,613	$59,300
Dividends to preferred stockholders (in Dollars)									8,670	8,671	8,671
Net income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)	12,632	10,662	10,344	11,061	14,421	17,710	12,174	11,637	44,699	55,942	50,629
Add dilutive preferred stock dividends for effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock (in Dollars)										8,671	8,671
Net income for diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars)									$44,699	$64,613	$59,300
Earnings per common share, diluted (in Dollars per share)	$0.88	$0.75	$0.72	$0.78	$0.99	$1.19	$0.86	$0.82	$3.14	$3.87	$3.57
Earnings per common share, basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.92	$0.77	$0.75	$0.80	$1.04	$1.28	$0.88	$0.84	$3.24	$4.05	$3.65
Equity Option [Member]
Note 6 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Summary of Earnings and Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive effect of securities									73,678	9,091	8,019
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 6 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Summary of Earnings and Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive effect of securities									3,691	4,740	5,526

Note_7_Investments_in_Marketab2

Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	$103,814,000	$75,702,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	824,000	2,750,000
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities	48,786,000	81,389,000	62,649,000
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$379,000	$39,000	$1,640,000

Note_7_Investments_in_Marketab3

Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Details) - Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	$157,642	$143,884
	187,818	174,060
	290,808	247,012
Equity Securities [Member]
Investments available for sale:
Marketable equity securities	30,176	30,176
Marketable equity securities	132,535	105,009
Restricted investments available for sale:
	132,535	105,009
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	68,594	65,852
Fair Value	68,916	65,006
	68,916	65,006
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	63,351	46,977
Fair Value	63,252	45,856
	63,252	45,856
US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	14,623	22,932
Fair Value	14,728	22,841
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	11,074	8,123
Fair Value	11,377	8,300
	$11,377	$8,300

Note_7_Investments_in_Marketab4

Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Details) - Available for Sale Marketable Equity Securities (NHI Common Stock [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
NHI Common Stock [Member]
Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Details) - Available for Sale Marketable Equity Securities [Line Items]
NHI Common Stock (in Shares)	1,630,642	1,630,642
NHI Common Stock	$24,734	$24,734
NHI Common Stock	$114,080	$91,479

Note_7_Investments_in_Marketab5

Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Details) - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities as Available for Sale (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Maturities:
Within 1 year	$11,161	$9,279
Within 1 year	11,190	9,324
1 to 5 years	83,542	91,787
1 to 5 years	84,028	92,011
6 to 10 years	58,863	40,387
6 to 10 years	58,872	38,335
Over 10 years	4,076	2,431
Over 10 years	4,183	2,333
	157,642	143,884
	$158,273	$142,003

Note_8_Fair_Value_Measurements2

Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$69,767	$81,705
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	10,651	13,929
Available for sale securities	290,808	247,012
Total financial assets	371,226	342,646
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	132,535	105,009
Equity Securities [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	132,535	105,009
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	39,909
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	29,007	65,006
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	68,916	65,006
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	63,252	45,856
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	63,252	45,856
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	14,728	22,841
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	14,728	22,841
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	2,216
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	9,161	8,300
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	11,377	8,300
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	69,767	81,705
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	10,651	13,929
Total financial assets	269,806	223,484
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level [Line Items]
Total financial assets	$101,420	$119,162

Note_9_Property_and_Equipment_1

Note 9 - Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 9 - Property and Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Construction in Progress, Gross	$35,687,000	$21,618,000
Obligation to Complete [Member]
Note 9 - Property and Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Construction in Progress, Gross	$25,541,000

Note_9_Property_and_Equipment_2

Note 9 - Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment at Cost (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property and Equipment at Cost [Abstract]
Land	$58,672	$57,272
Leasehold improvements	98,302	94,066
Buildings and improvements	487,021	427,471
Furniture and equipment	142,110	134,255
Construction in progress	35,687	21,618
	821,792	734,682
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-307,048	-277,884
	$514,744	$456,798

Note_10_Notes_Receivable_Detai

Note 10 - Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 10 - Notes Receivable (Details) [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$12,989,000	$15,378,000
Prime Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 10 - Notes Receivable (Details) [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Prime Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 10 - Notes Receivable (Details) [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	8.50%

Note_11_Longterm_Debt_Details

Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.70%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	75,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.20%
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	21-Oct-15
Letter of Credit [Member]
Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	5,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.10%

Note_11_Longterm_Debt_Details_

Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$10,000
	10,000	10,000
Unsecured Term Note Payable [Member]
Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Maturities	2018
Long-term Debt	$10,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Maturities	2015

Note_11_Longterm_Debt_Details_1

Note 11 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Debt (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2018	$10,000
Total	$10,000

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net		$201,000		($225,000)		($267,000)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)		-2,059,000		-2,802,000		-4,309,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations		1,542,000		1,605,000		3,187,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	13,620,000	13,620,000	12,453,000	12,453,000	11,996,000	11,996,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	2,391,000	2,391,000	2,072,000	2,072,000	1,894,000	1,894,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	4,895,000	4,895,000	4,200,000	4,200,000	3,704,000	3,704,000
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense		319,000		178,000		-585,000
Temporary Difference [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)		-1,120,000		-1,817,000		-1,999,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations		111,000		178,000		170,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	-1,520,000	-1,520,000	-1,390,000	-1,390,000
Permanent Differences [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)		-939,000		-985,000		-2,310,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations		492,000		451,000		707,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	4,895,000	4,895,000	4,200,000	4,200,000	3,704,000	3,704,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	2,118,000	2,118,000	1,835,000	1,835,000	1,531,000	1,531,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	-1,065,000	-1,065,000	-940,000	-940,000
Liability For Interest And Penalties [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	603,000	603,000	661,000	661,000	940,000	940,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	2,391,000	2,391,000	2,072,000	2,072,000	1,894,000	1,894,000	2,479,000
Portion Composed of Tax [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations		939,000		976,000		2,310,000
Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	1,523,000		2,177,000		1,999,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	8,725,000	8,725,000	8,253,000	8,253,000	8,292,000	8,292,000	9,926,000
Lapse of Statute of Limitations [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	-2,585,000	-2,585,000	-2,330,000	-2,330,000
Permanent and Temporary Differences [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$615,000	$615,000	$566,000	$566,000

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_P

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Tax Provision
Federal	$30,235	$34,680	$29,147
State	3,095	5,588	4,010
	33,330	40,268	33,157
Deferred Tax Provision
Federal	-1,172	-2,226	892
State	-334	-479	132
	-1,506	-2,705	1,024
Income Tax Provision	$31,824	$37,563	$34,181

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_D

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current deferred tax asset:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$2,138	$1,802
Accrued risk reserves	964	857
Accrued expenses	3,635	3,593
	6,737	6,252
Current deferred tax liability:
Unrealized gains on marketable securities	-39,958	-29,120
Other	-2,284	-1,922
	-42,242	-31,042
Net current deferred tax liability	-35,505	-24,790
Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
Unrealized gains on marketable securities	-183	593
Financial reporting depreciation in excess of tax depreciation	7,191	5,872
Deferred gain on sale of assets (net)	-3,135	-3,135
Tax basis intangible asset in excess of financial reporting basis	-409	127
Stock-based compensation	2,879	2,214
Long-term investments	-2,445	-2,276
Obligation to provide future services	1,532	1,439
Accrued risk reserves, less current portion	2,295	3,040
Accrued expenses	2,910	2,502
Deferred revenue	6,197	6,096
Net noncurrent deferred tax asset	18,700	18,164
Nonrefundable Entrance Fees [Member]
Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
Entrance fees	129	45
Refundable Entrance Fees [Member]
Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
Entrance fees	$1,739	$1,647

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_R

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense [Abstract]
Tax provision at federal statutory rate	$29,818,000	$35,762,000	$32,718,000
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State, net of federal benefit	2,207,000	2,325,000	3,261,000
Nondeductible expenses	363,000	197,000	118,000
Insurance expense	27,000	35,000	39,000
Other, net	439,000	-258,000	823,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	512,000	1,107,000	409,000
Expiration of statute of limitations	-1,542,000	-1,605,000	-3,187,000
	2,006,000	1,801,000	1,463,000
Effective income tax expense	$31,824,000	$37,563,000	$34,181,000

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_R1

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Balance,	$13,620,000	$13,620,000	$12,453,000	$12,453,000	$11,996,000	$11,996,000
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		-1,542,000		-1,605,000		-3,187,000
Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Balance,	8,725,000	8,725,000	8,253,000	8,253,000	8,292,000	8,292,000	9,926,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	2,032,000		2,120,000		728,000
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	-1,523,000		-2,177,000		-1,999,000
Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Balance,	13,620,000	13,620,000	12,453,000	12,453,000	11,996,000	11,996,000	13,765,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,008,000		1,832,000		1,695,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,218,000		1,427,000		845,000
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	-2,059,000		-2,802,000		-4,309,000
Liability For Interest And Penalties [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Balance,	2,391,000	2,391,000	2,072,000	2,072,000	1,894,000	1,894,000	2,479,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	216,000		198,000		185,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	706,000		641,000		170,000
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	-603,000	-603,000	-661,000	-661,000	-940,000	-940,000
Total Liability [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Balance,	16,011,000	16,011,000	14,525,000	14,525,000	13,890,000	13,890,000	16,244,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,224,000		2,030,000		1,880,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,924,000		2,068,000		1,015,000
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	($2,662,000)		($3,463,000)		($5,249,000)

Note_13_Stock_Repurchase_Progr1

Note 13 - Stock Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Aug. 11, 2014	Aug. 01, 2013	Feb. 19, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 05, 2014	Aug. 01, 2013	Aug. 01, 2012
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						$25,000,000	$25,000,000	$25,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)	125,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	6,995,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired (in Shares)		0	100,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$4,700,000	$6,995,000	$4,700,000

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio2

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-05	31-May-10
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$2,021,000	$2,298,000	$2,366,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	697,000	196,000	404,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	855,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	2,005,000
Incentive Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Restricted Stock and Option Grant Awards [Member] | Plans 2005 and 2010 [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,814,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,933,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 73 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	207,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$72,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	109 days
2005 Plan [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)				1,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)	220,620
2010 Plan [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)					1,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)	398,744
Plans 2005 and 2010 [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio3

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Assumptions Used to Value Options Granted	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Assumptions Used to Value Options Granted [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	0.52%	0.25%	0.28%
Expected volatility	17.30%	31.30%	38.80%
Expected life, in years	2 years 73 days	2 years 36 days	2 years 36 days
Expected dividend yield	2.68%	2.81%	2.91%

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio4

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Outstanding Stock Options (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Outstanding Stock Options [Abstract]
Number of Shares - Options Outstanding	1,074,552	1,134,602	1,482,077
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Outstanding	$46.44	$46.75	$46.92
Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	158,573
Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	$48.06
Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	$2,344,000
Number of Shares - Options Granted	57,716	57,672	63,516
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Granted	$53.10	$47.95	$44.28
Number of Shares - Options Exercised	-157,590	-19,722	-295,371
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Exercised	$45.97	$45.63	$45.41
Number of Shares, Cancelled	-20,000	-98,000	-115,620
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled	$46.69	$51.11	$50.99
Number of Shares - Options Outstanding	954,678	1,074,552	1,134,602
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Outstanding	$46.92	$46.44	$46.75
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Options Outstanding	$15,202,000

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio5

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Options Outstanding (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)		954,678
Weighted Average Exercise Price		$46.92
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		1 year 6 months
Exercise Price Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)		909,678
Lower Exercise Prices	$44.80
Upper Exercise Prices	$47.45
Weighted Average Exercise Price		$46.62
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		1 year 109 days
Exercise Price Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)		45,000
Lower Exercise Prices	$52.93
Weighted Average Exercise Price		$52.93
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		4 years 109 days

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio6

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity [Line Items]
Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2012	12,000	18,000	24,000
Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2012	$34.46	$34.46	$34.46
Number of Shares, Vested	6,000	6,000	6,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$34.46	$34.46	$34.46
Number of Shares	6,000	12,000	18,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$34.46	$34.46	$34.46
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$170,000

Note_15_Contingencies_and_Guar1

Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	36 Months Ended		48 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees (Details) [Line Items]
Self Insurance Reserve	$106,218,000			$106,218,000	$110,557,000
Direct Business Coverage Statutory Limits	1,000,000
Malpractice Loss Contingency, Number of Claims	34			34
Annual Excess Coverage		9,000,000	7,500,000	4,000,000
Coverage Amount per Incident [Member]
Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees (Details) [Line Items]
Primary Insurance Coverage Amount Per Incident	1,000,000
Coverage Amount per Location [Member]
Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees (Details) [Line Items]
Primary Insurance Coverage Amount Per Location	$3,000,000
Caris [Member]
Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.10%			75.10%

Note_16_Equity_Method_Investme2

Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P. (Details) (Caris [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Caris [Member]
Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P. (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.10%
Equity Method Investments	$35,020,000	$37,185,000

Note_16_Equity_Method_Investme3

Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P. (Details) - Summary of Financial Information of Caris (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Financial Information of Caris [Abstract]
Current assets	$20,922	$25,212	$30,731
Noncurrent assets	11,540	11,685	9,051
Liabilities	7,305	8,879	9,365
Partners’ capital	25,157	28,018	30,417
Revenue	51,441	58,918	59,422
Expenses	40,908	40,112	40,341
Net income	$10,533	$18,806	$19,081

Note_17_Variable_Interest_Enti1

Note 17 - Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Number Of Variable Interest Entities		1
Number Of Patient Beds In Facility	120
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	10 years
Number of Additional Lease Options	5
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current	$4,500,000
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Current		4,500,000	4,500,000
Land and Land Improvements		$4,500,000

Note_18_Series_A_Convertible_P1

Note 18 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 18 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued (in Dollars)		$170,494,000	$170,510,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share		$15.75	$15.75
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 18 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued (in Dollars)	$170,555,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$15.75
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount	$0.80
Preferred Stock Conversion Price	$65.07
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion (in Shares)	0.24204
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$15.75

Note_19_Series_B_Junior_Partic1

Note 19 - Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 02, 2007
Note 19 - Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Dividend Distribution Rights (in Shares)			1
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 19 - Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share			0.01
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share			250

Note_20_Selected_Quarterly_Fin2

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net Operating Revenues	$226,374	$218,223	$216,555	$210,531	$206,796	$195,772	$192,011	$194,378	$871,683	$788,957	$761,002
Income Before Non-Operating Income	20,204	14,736	16,083	16,988	19,819	19,265	17,001	15,996	68,011	72,081	68,236
Non-Operating Income	4,392	3,937	4,281	4,572	5,674	11,171	6,632	6,618
Net Income	14,800	12,829	12,511	13,229	16,589	19,877	14,342	13,805	53,369	64,613	59,300
Preferred Dividends	2,168	2,167	2,167	2,168	2,168	2,167	2,168	2,168	8,670	8,671	8,671
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$12,632	$10,662	$10,344	$11,061	$14,421	$17,710	$12,174	$11,637	$44,699	$55,942	$50,629
Basic Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.92	$0.77	$0.75	$0.80	$1.04	$1.28	$0.88	$0.84	$3.24	$4.05	$3.65
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.88	$0.75	$0.72	$0.78	$0.99	$1.19	$0.86	$0.82	$3.14	$3.87	$3.57

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Summary of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Balance	$4,972		$3,166		$3,713
Charged to Costs and Expenses	6,228		5,226		2,455
Charged to other Accounts	5,462	[1]	3,420	[1]	3,002	[1]
Balance	5,738		4,972		3,166
Accrued Risk Reserves [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Balance	110,557		110,331		98,732
Charged to Costs and Expenses	62,083		57,515		67,900
Charged to other Accounts	65,896		57,289		56,301
Balance	$106,744		$110,557		$110,331
[1]	Amounts written off, net of recoveries