PHI (PHIG) 10-Q 6 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 02, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	PHII
Entity Registrant Name	PHI INC
Entity Central Index Key	350,403
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,905,757
Non-Voting Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,684,205

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash	$ 5,552	$ 6,270
Short-term investments	284,835	185,244
Accounts receivable - net
Trade	153,088	178,833
Other	2,906	1,928
Inventories of spare parts - net	70,175	73,793
Prepaid expenses	11,569	9,314
Deferred income taxes	9,915	9,915
Income taxes receivable	1,227	1,227
Total current assets	539,267	466,524
Property and equipment - net	887,386	877,818
Restricted investments	15,336	15,485
Other assets	10,357	16,253
Total assets	1,452,346	1,376,080
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	28,639	27,700
Accrued and other current liabilities	50,141	52,812
Total current liabilities	78,780	80,512
Long-term debt	578,220	543,000
Deferred income taxes	156,514	140,532
Other long-term liabilities	$ 14,637	$ 14,968
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Shareholders' Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	$ 304,392	$ 301,533
Treasury stock, at cost - 8,018 shares	(252)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(188)	(211)
Retained earnings	318,683	294,197
Total shareholders' equity	624,195	597,068
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,452,346	1,376,080
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock	291	291
Non-Voting Common Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock	1,269	1,258
Total shareholders' equity	$ 1,269	$ 1,258

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Treasury stock, Shares	8,018
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	12,500,000	12,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	2,905,757	2,905,757
Common stock, shares outstanding	2,905,757	2,905,757
Non-Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,684,205	12,576,916
Common stock, shares outstanding	12,684,205	12,576,916

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues, net	$ 214,733	$ 216,294	$ 617,477	$ 625,510
Expenses:
Direct expenses	182,064	170,531	520,099	499,541
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11,575	10,903	34,859	31,891
Total operating expenses	193,639	181,434	554,958	531,432
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets	(165)	56	(238)	1,371
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliate	75	(319)	249	(213)
Operating income	21,184	35,123	62,508	92,920
Interest expense	7,366	7,084	21,691	22,121
Loss on debt extinguishment				29,833
Other income, net	(472)	(238)	(1,501)	(498)
Total expenses	6,894	6,846	20,190	51,456
Earnings before income taxes	14,290	28,277	42,318	41,464
Income tax expense	6,621	11,028	17,832	16,168
Net earnings	$ 7,669	$ 17,249	$ 24,486	$ 25,296
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	15,587	15,483	15,558	15,483
Diluted	15,652	15,727	15,640	15,646
Net earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.49	$ 1.11	$ 1.57	$ 1.63
Diluted	$ 0.49	$ 1.10	$ 1.57	$ 1.62

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 7,669	$ 17,249	$ 24,486	$ 25,296
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments	12	(165)	(7)	(126)
Other unrealized gain			24
Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations	4	(1)	4	9
Tax effect	(6)	64	3	45
Total comprehensive income	$ 7,679	$ 17,147	$ 24,510	$ 25,224

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Non-Voting Common Stock [Member]	Voting Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 559,965	$ 1,257	$ 291	$ 296,932		$ (24)	$ 261,509
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		12,568	2,906
Net earnings	25,296						25,296
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments	(77)					(77)
Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations	5					5
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation	3,289			3,289
Issuance of non-voting common stock (upon vesting of restricted stock units)	1	$ 1
Issuance of non-voting common stock (upon vesting of restricted stock units), shares		12
Cancellation of restricted non-voting stock units for tax withholdings on vested shares	(178)			(178)
Cancellation of restricted non-voting stock units for tax withholdings on vested shares, shares		(4)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	588,301	$ 1,258	$ 291	300,043		(96)	286,805
Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014		12,576	2,906
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	597,068	$ 1,258	$ 291	301,533		(211)	294,197
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		12,576	2,906
Net earnings	24,486						24,486
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments	(3)					(3)
Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations	2					2
Amortization of unearned stock-based compensation	5,059			5,059
Issuance of non-voting common stock (upon vesting of restricted stock units)	18	$ 18
Issuance of non-voting common stock (upon vesting of restricted stock units), shares		177
Cancellation of restricted non-voting stock units for tax withholdings on vested shares	(2,207)	$ (7)		(2,200)
Cancellation of restricted non-voting stock units for tax withholdings on vested shares, shares		(69)
Purchase of treasury stock	(252)				$ (252)
Other	24					24
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 624,195	$ 1,269	$ 291	$ 304,392	$ (252)	$ (188)	$ 318,683
Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2015		12,684	2,906

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 24,486	$ 25,296
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	54,312	36,906
Deferred income taxes	15,983	9,254
(Gain) loss on asset dispositions	(238)	1,371
Equity in loss (gain) of unconsolidated affiliate	249	(213)
Loss on debt extinguishment		29,833
Inventory valuation reserves	1,576
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	11,787	(46,362)
Net cash provided by operating activities	108,155	56,085
Investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(48,244)	(131,478)
Proceeds from asset dispositions	3,469	7,171
Purchase of short-term investments	(560,148)	(439,745)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	458,468	338,253
Refund of deposits on aircraft	6,010	9,506
Payment of deposits on aircraft	(1,207)	(6,882)
Other		(175)
Net cash used in investing activities	(141,652)	(223,350)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2019		500,000
Premium and costs to retire debt early		(26,749)
Repayment of Senior Notes due 2018		(300,000)
Debt issuance costs		(6,232)
Proceeds from line of credit	206,660	205,604
Payments on line of credit	(171,440)	(203,000)
Repurchase of common stock	(2,441)	(176)
Net cash provided by financing activities	32,779	169,447
(Decrease) increase in cash	(718)	2,182
Cash, beginning of period	6,270	934
Cash, end of period	5,552	3,116
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	27,161	24,896
Income taxes	3,061	9,950
Noncash investing activities:
Other current liabilities and accrued payables related to purchase of property and equipment	$ 45	$ 76

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PHI, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“PHI” or the “Company” or “we” or “our”). In the opinion of management, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal, recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial results for the interim periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the accompanying notes. Our financial results, particularly as they relate to our Oil and Gas segment, are influenced by seasonal fluctuations as discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. For this and other reasons, the results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. Accounting Policies - Revenue from Contracts with Customers In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	2. INVESTMENTS We classify all of our short-term investments as available-for-sale. We carry these at fair value and report unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), which is a separate component of shareholders’ equity in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These unrealized gains and losses are also reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. Cost, gains, and losses are determined using the specific identification method. Investments consisted of the following as of September 30, 2015: Cost Basis Unrealized Unrealized Fair (Thousands of dollars) Investments: Money market mutual funds $ 18,400 $ — $ — $ 18,400 Commercial paper 5,977 — (1 ) 5,976 U.S. Government agencies 3,501 1 (1 ) 3,501 Corporate bonds and notes 272,546 27 (279 ) 272,294 Subtotal 300,424 28 (281 ) 300,171 Deferred compensation plan assets included in other assets 2,229 — — 2,229 Total $ 302,653 $ 28 $ (281 ) $ 302,400 Investments consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014: Cost Basis Unrealized Unrealized Fair (Thousands of dollars) Investments: Money market mutual funds $ 68,612 $ — $ — $ 68,612 Municipal bonds and notes 1,500 2 — 1,502 Corporate bonds and notes 130,864 19 (268 ) 130,615 Subtotal 200,976 21 (268 ) 200,729 Deferred compensation plan assets included in other assets 2,386 — — 2,386 Total $ 203,362 $ 21 $ (268 ) $ 203,115 At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we classified $15.3 million and $15.5 million, respectively, of our aggregate investments as long-term investments and recorded them in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Restricted investments, as they are securing outstanding letters of credit with maturities beyond one year. The following table presents the cost and fair value of our debt investments based on maturities as of: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair (Thousands of dollars) Due in one year or less $ 145,914 $ 145,866 $ 70,180 $ 70,169 Due within two years 136,110 135,905 62,184 61,948 Total $ 282,024 $ 281,771 $ 132,364 $ 132,117 The following table presents the average coupon rate percentage and the average days to maturity of our debt investments as of: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Average Average Average Average Commercial paper 0.553 246 — — U.S. Government agencies 0.736 546 — — Municipal bonds and notes — — 0.528 134 Corporate bonds and notes 1.725 366 1.828 348 The following table presents the fair value and unrealized losses related to our investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (Thousands of dollars) Commercial paper $ 5,977 $ (1 ) $ — $ — U.S. Government agencies 2,499 (1 ) — — Corporate bonds and notes 187,323 (247 ) 30,332 (30 ) Total $ 195,799 $ (249 ) $ 30,332 $ (30 ) The following table presents the fair value and unrealized losses related to our investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months as of: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (Thousands of dollars) Corporate bonds and notes $ 28,966 $ (31 ) $ — $ — Total $ 28,966 $ (31 ) $ — $ — From time to time over the periods covered in our financial statements included herein, our investments have experienced net unrealized losses. We consider these declines in market value to be due to market conditions, and we do not plan to sell these investments prior to maturity. For these reasons, we do not consider any of our investments to be other than temporarily impaired at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014. We have also determined that we did not have any other-than-temporary impairments relating to credit losses on debt securities for the three months ended September 30, 2015. For additional information regarding our criteria for making these assessments, see Note 2 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Revenue Recognition and Valuati

Revenue Recognition and Valuation Accounts	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition and Valuation Accounts	3. REVENUE RECOGNITION AND VALUATION ACCOUNTS We establish the amount of our allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors relating to the credit risk of specific customers, current market conditions, and other information. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $2.5 million at September 30, 2015, and $1.4 million at December 31, 2014, respectively. Revenues related to flights generated by our Air Medical segment are recorded net of contractual allowances under agreements with third party payors and estimated uncompensated care when the services are provided. The allowance for contractual discounts was $114.6 million and $96.6 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The allowance for uncompensated care was $38.7 million and $41.9 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Included in the allowance for uncompensated care listed above is the value of services to patients who are unable to pay when it is determined that they qualify for charity care. The value of these services was $2.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The estimated cost of providing charity services was $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The value of these services was $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The estimated cost of providing charity services was $1.5 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The estimated costs of providing charity services are based on a calculation that applies a ratio of costs to the charges for uncompensated charity care. The ratio of costs to charges is based on our Air Medical segment’s total expenses divided by gross patient service revenue. The allowance for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care (expressed as a percentage of gross segment accounts receivable) was as follows: As of September 30, December 31, Allowance for Contractual Discounts 57 % 53 % Allowance for Uncompensated Care 19 % 23 % Our contract in the Middle East requires us to provide multiple services, including helicopter leasing, flight services for helicopter emergency medical service operations, aircraft maintenance, provision of spare parts, insurance coverage for the customer-owned aircraft, training services, and base construction. All services are delivered and earned monthly over a three-year contractual period which began on September 29, 2012. The original expiration date of September 29, 2015 was subsequently extended to December 29, 2015 and we are currently negotiating a replacement contract with this customer. Each of the major services mentioned above qualify as separate units of accounting under the accounting guidance for such arrangements. The selling price for each specific service was determined based upon third-party evidence and estimates. We have also established valuation reserves related to obsolete and slow-moving spare parts inventory. The inventory valuation reserves were $14.5 million and $13.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Accounting standards require that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. The following table summarizes the valuation of our investments and financial instruments by the above pricing levels as of the valuation dates listed: September 30, 2015 Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Thousands of dollars) Investments: Money market mutual funds $ 18,400 $ 18,400 $ — Commercial paper 5,976 — 5,976 U.S. Government agencies 3,501 — 3,501 Corporate bonds and notes 272,294 — 272,294 300,171 18,400 281,771 Deferred compensation plan assets 2,229 2,229 — Total $ 302,400 $ 20,629 $ 281,771 December 31, 2014 Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Thousands of dollars) Investments: Money market mutual funds $ 68,612 $ 68,612 $ — Municipal bonds and notes 1,502 — 1,502 Corporate bonds and notes 130,615 — 130,615 200,729 68,612 132,117 Deferred compensation plan assets 2,386 2,386 — Total $ 203,115 $ 70,998 $ 132,117 We hold our short-term investments in an investment fund consisting of high quality money market instruments of governmental and private issuers, which is classified as a short-term investment. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. These items are traded with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing on an ongoing basis. The fair values of the shares of these funds are based on observable market prices, and therefore, have been categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities that are not actively traded. These items may not be traded daily; examples include corporate bonds and U.S. government agencies debt. There have been no reclassifications of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 investments during the periods covered by the financial statements included in this report. We hold no Level 3 investments. Investments reflected on our balance sheets as Other assets, which relate to our liability under the Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan, consist mainly of multiple investment funds that are highly liquid and diversified. Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and our revolving credit facility debt all had fair values approximating their carrying amounts at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Our determination of the estimated fair value of our Senior Notes and our revolving credit facility debt is derived using Level 2 inputs, including quoted market indications of similar publicly-traded debt. The fair value of our Senior Notes, based on quoted market prices, was $430.3 million and $425.6 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Long Term Debt

Long Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long Term Debt	5. LONG-TERM DEBT The components of long-term debt as of the dates indicated below were as follows: September 30, December 31, (Thousands of dollars) Senior Notes dated March 17, 2014, interest only payable semi-annually at 5.25%, maturing March 15, 2019 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 Revolving Credit Facility due October 1, 2017 with a group of commercial banks, interest payable at variable rates 78,220 43,000 Total long-term debt $ 578,220 $ 543,000 Senior Notes Our 5.25% Senior Notes (the “2019 Notes”) will mature on March 15, 2019, are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by the each of PHI’s domestic subsidiaries, and are the general, unsecured obligations of PHI and the guarantors. Interest is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2014. PHI has the option to redeem some or all of the 2019 Notes at any time on or after March 15, 2016 at specified redemption prices. Prior to that time, PHI has the option to redeem some or all of the 2019 Notes pursuant to certain “make-whole” provisions or to redeem a portion of the 2019 Notes with the net proceeds of certain specified equity offerings. The indenture governing the 2019 Notes (the “2019 Indenture”) contains, among other things, certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on incurring indebtedness, creating liens, selling assets and entering into certain transactions with affiliates. The covenants also limit PHI’s ability to, among other things, pay cash dividends on common stock, repurchase or redeem common or preferred equity, prepay subordinated debt and make certain investments. Upon the occurrence of a “Change in Control Repurchase Event” (as defined in the 2019 Indenture), PHI will be required, unless it has previously elected to redeem the 2019 Notes as described above, to make an offer to purchase the 2019 Notes for a cash price equal to 101% of their principal amount. Revolving Credit Facility – Other - Cash paid to fund interest expense was $13.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and $13.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Cash paid to fund interest expense was $27.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $24.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Included in the 2014 interest expense was $10.7 million of accrued interest expense paid for the 8.625% Senior Notes that we purchased on March 17, 2014 and April 16, 2014 in the transactions described above.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	6. EARNINGS PER SHARE The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, basic 15,587 15,483 15,558 15,483 Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units 65 244 82 163 Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, diluted 15,652 15,727 15,640 15,646

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION We recognize the cost of employee compensation received in the form of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of those awards. The table below sets forth the total amount of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of dollars) Stock-based compensation expense: Time-based restricted stock units $ 619 $ 584 $ 1,827 $ 1,033 Performance-based restricted stock units 1,081 975 3,232 2,256 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 1,700 $ 1,559 $ 5,059 $ 3,289 During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015, 13,545 and 33,593 time-based restricted stock units were awarded to managerial employees, respectively. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015, 765 and 152,331 performance-based restricted stock units were awarded to managerial employees, respectively. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 2,197 and 138,864 time-based restricted stock units were awarded to managerial employees, respectively. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 806 and 116,612 performance-based restricted stock units were awarded to managerial employees, respectively.

Asset Disposals

Asset Disposals	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Asset Disposals	8. ASSET DISPOSALS During the third quarter of 2015, we sold or disposed of six light aircraft previously utilized in the Oil and Gas segment. Cash proceeds totaled $2.3 million, resulting in a gain on the sale of these assets of $0.2 million. These aircraft no longer met our strategic needs. There were no sales or disposals of aircraft during the third quarter of 2014, but we did have minor sales and disposals of various ancillary equipment.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments Total aircraft deposits of $3.5 million were included in Other assets as of September 30, 2015. This amount represents deposits paid by us as required under aircraft purchase contracts. On January 2, 2015, we purchased one heavy aircraft previously leased by us pursuant to a purchase option in the lease contract for an aggregate purchase price of $17.7 million. As of September 30, 2015, we had options to purchase various aircraft that we currently operate under lease agreements with the aircraft owners. These options will become exercisable at various dates in 2016 through 2019. The aggregate option purchase prices are $67.8 million in 2016, $55.7 million in 2017, $127.0 million in 2018, and $150.4 million in 2019. Whether we exercise these options will depend upon market conditions and our available cash at the respective exercise dates. Environmental Matters – Legal Matters – Operating Leases At September 30, 2015, we had approximately $304.1 million in aggregate commitments under operating leases of which approximately $12.9 million is payable through December 31, 2015. The total lease commitments include $288.4 million for aircraft and $15.7 million for facility lease commitments.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	10. SEGMENT INFORMATION PHI is primarily a provider of helicopter transport services, including helicopter maintenance and repair services. We report our financial results through the three reportable segments further described below. Each segment’s operating profit is its operating revenues less its direct expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. Each segment has a portion of our total selling, general and administrative expenses that is charged directly to the segment and a small portion that is allocated to that segment. Allocated selling, general and administrative expenses are based primarily on total segment direct expenses as a percentage of total direct expenses. Unallocated overhead consists primarily of corporate selling, general and administrative expenses that we do not allocate to the reportable segments. During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, we offered a Voluntary Employee Retirement Package (“VERP”) to each pilot and base manager in our Oil and Gas segment who had attained age 65 and a minimum of 20 years of service with PHI. Thirty-seven employees accepted this VERP. We recorded related severance costs of $6.5 million during the third quarter of 2015. At September 30, 2015, $4.9 million of these severance costs remained unpaid. Subsequent to September 30, 2015, we offered a VERP to each pilot in our Oil and Gas and Air Medical segments who have attained age 65 and to all other employees in our Oil and Gas segment and corporate operations who had attained age 65 and a minimum of 20 years of service with PHI. Eligible employees must accept these offers before November 30, 2015. If all eligible employees accept these offers, our estimated total severance costs associated with these offers would be approximately $8.1 million. However, we cannot estimate at this time what percentage of eligible employees will accept these offers. Oil and Gas Segment. Operating revenue from our Oil and Gas segment is derived mainly from contracts that include a fixed monthly rate for a particular model of aircraft, plus a variable rate for flight time. A small portion of our Oil and Gas segment revenue is derived from providing services on an “ad hoc” basis. Operating costs for our Oil and Gas segment are primarily aircraft operations costs, including costs for pilots and maintenance personnel. Total fuel cost is included in direct expense and any reimbursement of a portion of these costs above a contracted per-gallon amount is included in revenue. For the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, approximately 56% and 62% of our total operating revenues were generated by our Oil and Gas segment. Our Oil and Gas segment generated approximately 57% and 62% of our total operating revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Air Medical Segment. As of September 30, 2015, 106 aircraft were assigned to our Air Medical segment. At such date, we operated approximately 93 aircraft domestically, providing air medical transportation services for hospitals and emergency service agencies in 18 states at 74 separate locations. We also provide air medical transportation services for a customer overseas. For this program, we have deployed nine aircraft at five locations, with eight aircraft generating revenues as of September 30, 2015. Our Air Medical segment operates primarily under the independent provider model and, to a lesser extent, under the traditional provider model. Under the independent provider model, we have no fixed revenue stream and compete for transport referrals on a daily basis with other independent operators in the area. Under the traditional provider model, we contract directly with the customer to provide their transportation services, with the contracts typically awarded through competitive bidding. For the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, approximately 40% and 37% of our total operating revenues were generated by our Air Medical segment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, approximately 37% and 36% of our total operating revenues were generated by our Air Medical segment, respectively. As an independent provider, we bill for our services on the basis of a flat rate plus a variable charge per patient-loaded mile, regardless of aircraft model, and are typically compensated by private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, or directly by transported patients who self-pay. As further described in Note 3, revenues are recorded net of contractual allowances under agreements with third party payors and estimated uncompensated care at the time the services are provided. Contractual allowances and uncompensated care are estimated based on historical collection experience by payor category (consisting mainly of insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and self-pay). Estimates regarding the payor mix and changes in reimbursement rates are the factors most subject to sensitivity and variability in calculating our allowances. We compute a historical payment analysis of accounts fully closed, by category. Provisions for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care for our Air Medical segment (expressed as a percentage of gross segment billings) were as follows: Revenue Quarter Ended Nine Months 2015 2014 2015 2014 Provision for contractual discounts 63 % 73 % 65 % 71 % Provision for uncompensated care 11 % 0 % 9 % 3 % These percentages are affected by various factors, including rate increases and changes in the number of transports by payor mix. Net reimbursement per transport from commercial payors generally increases when a rate increase is implemented. Net reimbursement from certain commercial payors, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, generally does not increase proportionately with rate increases. Net revenue attributable to Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and Self-Pay (expressed as a percentage of net Air Medical revenues) were as follows: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Insurance 74 % 76 % 74 % 74 % Medicare 17 % 16 % 17 % 18 % Medicaid 8 % 8 % 8 % 8 % Self-Pay 1 % 0 % 1 % 0 % We also have a limited number of contracts with hospitals under which we receive a fixed monthly rate for aircraft availability and an hourly rate for flight time. Those contracts generated approximately 34% and 36% of the segment’s revenues for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, these contracts generated approximately 37% and 39% of the segment’s revenues. Technical Services Segment. For the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, approximately 4% and 2%, respectively, of our total operating revenues were generated by our Technical Services segment. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, approximately 4% and 2%, respectively, of our total operating revenues were generated by our Technical Services segment. Summarized financial information concerning our reportable operating segments is as follows: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of dollars) (Thousands of dollars) Segment operating revenues Oil and Gas $ 121,190 $ 133,763 $ 354,425 $ 387,782 Air Medical 85,516 79,080 239,543 226,459 Technical Services 8,027 3,451 23,509 11,269 Total operating revenues, net 214,733 216,294 617,477 625,510 Segment direct expenses (1) Oil and Gas (2) 109,500 105,252 310,093 306,076 Air Medical 65,474 61,215 189,089 183,320 Technical Services 7,165 3,745 21,166 9,932 Total direct expenses 182,139 170,212 520,348 499,328 Segment selling, general and administrative expenses Oil and Gas 1,397 1,047 3,831 3,570 Air Medical 2,302 2,212 7,458 7,301 Technical Services 230 — 552 3 Total segment selling, general and administrative expenses 3,929 3,259 11,841 10,874 Total segment expenses 186,068 173,471 532,189 510,202 Net segment profit (loss) Oil and Gas 10,293 27,464 40,501 78,136 Air Medical 17,740 15,653 42,996 35,838 Technical Services 632 (294 ) 1,791 1,334 Total 28,665 42,823 85,288 115,308 Other, net (3) 637 182 1,739 (873 ) Unallocated selling, general and administrative costs (1) (7,646 ) (7,644 ) (23,018 ) (21,017 ) Interest expense (7,366 ) (7,084 ) (21,691 ) (22,121 ) Loss on debt extinguishment — — — (29,833 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 14,290 $ 28,277 $ 42,318 $ 41,464 (1) Included in direct expenses and unallocated selling, general, and administrative costs are the depreciation and amortization expense amounts below: Depreciation and Amortization Expense Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Segment Direct Expense: Oil and Gas $ 11,194 $ 7,515 $ 32,797 $ 21,751 Air Medical 4,100 3,232 12,948 9,541 Technical Services 130 94 390 269 Total $ 15,424 $ 10,841 $ 46,135 $ 31,561 Unallocated SG&A $ 2,376 $ 2,246 $ 8,177 $ 5,345 (2) Includes Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate. (3) Consists of gains on disposition of property and equipment, and other income.

Investment in Variable Interest

Investment in Variable Interest Entity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Investment in Variable Interest Entity	11. INVESTMENT IN VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY We account for our investment in our West African operations as a variable interest entity, which is defined as an entity that either (a) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its operations without additional subordinated financial support or (b) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. As of September 30, 2015, we had a 49% investment in the common stock of PHI Century Limited (“PHIC”), a Ghanaian entity. We acquired our 49% interest on May 26, 2011, PHIC’s date of incorporation. The purpose of PHIC is to provide oil and gas flight services in Ghana and the West African region. For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a loss in equity of unconsolidated affiliate of $0.1 million, compared to income of $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, relative to our 49% equity ownership. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a loss in equity of unconsolidated affiliate of $0.2 million, compared to income of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, relative to our 49% equity ownership. In addition, we had $2.8 million of trade receivables and $1.2 million of accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2015 from PHIC. We had $2.8 million of trade receivables and a $0.9 million of accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2014. The trade receivables are included in Accounts receivable - trade on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accrued liabilities are included in Accrued and other current liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our investment in the common stock of PHIC is included in Other assets on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and was $-0- million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	12. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income are not material and, therefore, not presented separately in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Condensed Consolidating Financi

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	13. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION As discussed further in Note 5, on March 17, 2014, PHI, Inc. issued $500 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2019 that are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several, senior basis by all of our domestic subsidiaries. PHI, Inc. directly or indirectly owns 100% of all of its domestic subsidiaries. The following supplemental condensed financial information on the following pages sets forth, on a consolidated basis, the balance sheet, statement of operations, statement of comprehensive income, and statement of cash flows information for PHI, Inc. (“Parent Company Only”) and the guarantor subsidiaries. The eliminating entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, intercompany balances, and intercompany revenues and expenses. The condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements of PHI, Inc. The equity method is followed by the parent company within the financial information presented below. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash $ 1,460 $ 4,092 $ — $ 5,552 Short-term investments 284,835 — — 284,835 Accounts receivable – net 91,899 64,095 — 155,994 Intercompany receivable — 96,250 (96,250 ) — Inventories of spare parts – net 60,893 9,282 — 70,175 Prepaid expenses 8,706 2,863 — 11,569 Deferred income taxes 9,915 — — 9,915 Income taxes receivable 1,068 159 — 1,227 Total current assets 458,776 176,741 (96,250 ) 539,267 Investment in subsidiaries 332,687 — (332,687 ) — Property and equipment – net 638,569 248,817 — 887,386 Restricted investments 15,336 — — 15,336 Other assets 10,161 196 — 10,357 Total assets $ 1,455,529 $ 425,754 $ (428,937 ) $ 1,452,346 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 20,510 $ 8,129 $ — $ 28,639 Accrued and other current liabilities 35,399 14,742 — 50,141 Intercompany payable 96,250 — (96,250 ) — Total current liabilities 152,159 22,871 (96,250 ) 78,780 Long-term debt 578,220 — — 578,220 Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities 100,955 70,196 — 171,151 Shareholders’ Equity: Common stock and paid-in capital 305,700 86,081 (86,081 ) 305,700 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (188 ) — — (188 ) Retained earnings 318,683 246,606 (246,606 ) 318,683 Total shareholders’ equity 624,195 332,687 (332,687 ) 624,195 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,455,529 $ 425,754 $ (428,937 ) $ 1,452,346 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors subsidiaries’ amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) December 31, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash $ 51 $ 6,219 $ — $ 6,270 Short-term investments 185,244 — — 185,244 Accounts receivable – net 98,001 82,760 — 180,761 Intercompany receivable — 95,399 (95,399 ) — Inventories of spare parts – net 65,341 8,452 — 73,793 Prepaid expenses 7,610 1,704 — 9,314 Deferred income taxes 9,915 — — 9,915 Income taxes receivable 1,068 159 — 1,227 Total current assets 367,230 194,693 (95,399 ) 466,524 Investment in subsidiaries and others 358,080 — (358,080 ) — Property and equipment, net 638,437 239,381 — 877,818 Restricted investments 15,485 — — 15,485 Other assets 16,055 198 — 16,253 Total assets $ 1,395,287 $ 434,272 $ (453,479 ) $ 1,376,080 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 22,578 $ 5,122 $ — $ 27,700 Accrued and other current liabilities 34,477 18,335 — 52,812 Intercompany payable 95,270 — (95,270 ) — Total current liabilities 152,325 23,457 (95,270 ) 80,512 Long-term debt 543,000 — — 543,000 Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities 102,894 52,606 — 155,500 Shareholders’ Equity: Common stock and paid-in capital 303,082 137,647 (137,647 ) 303,082 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (211 ) — — (211 ) Retained earnings 294,197 220,562 (220,562 ) 294,197 Total shareholders’ equity 597,068 358,209 (358,209 ) 597,068 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,395,287 $ 434,272 $ (453,479 ) $ 1,376,080 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors subsidiaries’ amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the quarter ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues, net $ 124,505 $ 90,228 $ — $ 214,733 Expenses: Direct expenses 111,876 70,192 (4 ) 182,064 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,219 2,356 — 11,575 Total operating expenses 121,095 72,548 (4 ) 193,639 Gain on disposal of assets, net (165 ) — — (165 ) Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate 75 — — 75 Operating income 3,500 17,680 4 21,184 Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries (10,682 ) — 10,682 — Interest expense 7,274 92 — 7,366 Other income, net (474 ) (2 ) 4 (472 ) (3,882 ) 90 10,686 6,894 Earnings before income taxes 7,382 17,590 (10,682 ) 14,290 Income tax (benefit) expense (287 ) 6,908 — 6,621 Net earnings $ 7,669 $ 10,682 $ (10,682 ) $ 7,669 For the quarter ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues, net $ 128,580 $ 87,714 $ — $ 216,294 Expenses: Direct expenses 105,327 65,208 (4 ) 170,531 Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,597 2,306 — 10,903 Total operating expenses 113,924 67,514 (4 ) 181,434 Loss on disposal of assets, net 56 — — 56 Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliate (319 ) — — (319 ) Operating income 14,919 20,200 4 35,123 Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries (12,333 ) — 12,333 — Interest expense 7,082 2 — 7,084 Other income, net (226 ) (16 ) 4 (238 ) (5,477 ) (14 ) 12,337 6,846 Earnings before income taxes 20,396 20,214 (12,333 ) 28,277 Income tax expense 3,147 7,881 — 11,028 Net earnings $ 17,249 $ 12,333 $ (12,333 ) $ 17,249 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues, net $ 368,202 $ 249,275 $ — $ 617,477 Expenses: Direct expenses 321,841 198,271 (13 ) 520,099 Selling, general and administrative expenses 27,198 7,661 — 34,859 Total operating expenses 349,039 205,932 (13 ) 554,958 Gain on disposal of assets, net (238 ) — — (238 ) Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate 249 — — 249 Operating income 19,152 43,343 13 62,508 Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries (26,044 ) — 26,044 — Interest expense 21,599 92 — 21,691 Other income, net (1,508 ) (6 ) 13 (1,501 ) (5,953 ) 86 26,057 20,190 Earnings before income taxes 25,105 43,257 (26,044 ) 42,318 Income tax expense 619 17,213 — 17,832 Net earnings $ 24,486 $ 26,044 $ (26,044 ) $ 24,486 For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues, net $ 375,326 $ 250,184 $ — $ 625,510 Expenses: Direct expenses 304,668 194,886 (13 ) 499,541 Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,307 7,584 — 31,891 Total operating expenses 328,975 202,470 (13 ) 531,432 Loss on disposal of assets, net 1,371 — — 1,371 Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliate (213 ) — — (213 ) Operating income 45,193 47,714 13 92,920 Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries (29,118 ) — 29,118 — Interest expense 22,119 2 — 22,121 Loss on debt extinguishment 29,833 — — 29,833 Other income, net (495 ) (16 ) 13 (498 ) 22,339 (14 ) 29,131 51,456 Earnings before income taxes 22,854 47,728 (29,118 ) 41,464 Income tax expense (2,442 ) 18,610 — 16,168 Net earnings $ 25,296 $ 29,118 $ (29,118 ) $ 25,296 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the quarter ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings $ 7,669 $ 10,682 $ (10,682 ) $ 7,669 Unrealized loss on short-term investments 12 — — 12 Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations 4 — — 4 Tax effect (6 ) — — (6 ) Total Comprehensive Income $ 7,679 $ 10,682 $ (10,682 ) $ 7,679 For the quarter ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings $ 17,249 $ 12,333 $ (12,333 ) $ 17,249 Unrealized loss on short-term investments (165 ) — — (165 ) Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations (1 ) — — (1 ) Tax effect 64 — — 64 Total Comprehensive Income $ 17,147 $ 12,333 $ (12,333 ) $ 17,147 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings $ 24,486 $ 26,044 $ (26,044 ) $ 24,486 Unrealized loss on short-term investments (7 ) — — (7 ) Unrealized realized gain 24 — — 24 Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations 4 — — 4 Tax effect 3 — — 3 Total Comprehensive Income $ 24,510 $ 26,044 $ (26,044 ) $ 24,510 For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings $ 25,296 $ 29,118 $ (29,118 ) $ 25,296 Unrealized loss on short-term investments (126 ) — — (126 ) Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations 9 — — 9 Tax effect 45 — — 45 Total Comprehensive Income $ 25,224 $ 29,118 $ (29,118 ) $ 25,224 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 39,490 $ 68,665 $ — $ 108,155 Investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (48,244 ) — — (48,244 ) Proceeds from asset dispositions 3,469 — — 3,469 Purchase of short-term investments (560,148 ) — — (560,148 ) Proceeds from sale of short-term investments 458,468 — — 458,468 Refund of deposits on aircraft 6,010 — — 6,010 Payments of deposits on aircraft (1,207 ) — — (1,207 ) Net cash used in investing activities (141,652 ) — — (141,652 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from line of credit 206,660 — — 206,660 Payments on line of credit (171,440 ) — — (171,440 ) Repurchase of common stock for payroll tax withholding requirements (2,441 ) — — (2,441 ) Due to/from affiliate, net 70,792 (70,792 ) — — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 103,571 (70,792 ) — 32,779 Increase (decrease) in cash 1,409 (2,127 ) — (718 ) Cash, beginning of period 51 6,219 — 6,270 Cash, end of period $ 1,460 $ 4,092 $ — $ 5,552 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors subsidiaries’ amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 30,206 $ 25,879 $ — $ 56,085 Investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (131,478 ) — — (131,478 ) Proceeds from asset dispositions 7,171 — — 7,171 Purchase of short-term investments (439,745 ) — — (439,745 ) Proceeds from sale of short-term investments 338,253 — — 338,253 Refund of deposits on aircraft 9,506 — — 9,506 Payments of deposits on aircraft (6,882 ) — — (6,882 ) Loan to unconsolidated affiliate (175 ) — — (175 ) Receivables due from affiliate 23,696 — (23,696 ) — Net cash used in investing activities (199,654 ) — (23,696 ) (223,350 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2019 500,000 — — 500,000 Premium and costs to retire debt early (26,749 ) — — (26,749 ) Repayment of Senior Notes due 2018 (300,000 ) — — (300,000 ) Debt issuance costs (6,232 ) — — (6,232 ) Proceeds from line of credit 205,604 — — 205,604 Payments on line of credit (203,000 ) — — (203,000 ) Repurchase of common stock for payroll tax withholding requirements (176 ) — — (176 ) Payable due to affiliate — (23,696 ) 23,696 — Net cash provided by financing activities 169,447 (23,696 ) 23,696 169,447 Increase in cash (1 ) 2,183 — 2,182 Cash, beginning of period 52 882 — 934 Cash, end of period $ 51 $ 3,065 $ — $ 3,116 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	Accounting Policies - Revenue from Contracts with Customers In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Components of Investments	Investments consisted of the following as of September 30, 2015: Cost Basis Unrealized Unrealized Fair (Thousands of dollars) Investments: Money market mutual funds $ 18,400 $ — $ — $ 18,400 Commercial paper 5,977 — (1 ) 5,976 U.S. Government agencies 3,501 1 (1 ) 3,501 Corporate bonds and notes 272,546 27 (279 ) 272,294 Subtotal 300,424 28 (281 ) 300,171 Deferred compensation plan assets included in other assets 2,229 — — 2,229 Total $ 302,653 $ 28 $ (281 ) $ 302,400 Investments consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014: Cost Basis Unrealized Unrealized Fair (Thousands of dollars) Investments: Money market mutual funds $ 68,612 $ — $ — $ 68,612 Municipal bonds and notes 1,500 2 — 1,502 Corporate bonds and notes 130,864 19 (268 ) 130,615 Subtotal 200,976 21 (268 ) 200,729 Deferred compensation plan assets included in other assets 2,386 — — 2,386 Total $ 203,362 $ 21 $ (268 ) $ 203,115
Cost and Fair Value of Debt Investments Based on Maturities	The following table presents the cost and fair value of our debt investments based on maturities as of: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair (Thousands of dollars) Due in one year or less $ 145,914 $ 145,866 $ 70,180 $ 70,169 Due within two years 136,110 135,905 62,184 61,948 Total $ 282,024 $ 281,771 $ 132,364 $ 132,117
Average Coupon Rate Percentage and Average Days to Maturity of Debt	The following table presents the average coupon rate percentage and the average days to maturity of our debt investments as of: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Average Average Average Average Commercial paper 0.553 246 — — U.S. Government agencies 0.736 546 — — Municipal bonds and notes — — 0.528 134 Corporate bonds and notes 1.725 366 1.828 348
Investments in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position for Less Than Twelve Months	The following table presents the fair value and unrealized losses related to our investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (Thousands of dollars) Commercial paper $ 5,977 $ (1 ) $ — $ — U.S. Government agencies 2,499 (1 ) — — Corporate bonds and notes 187,323 (247 ) 30,332 (30 ) Total $ 195,799 $ (249 ) $ 30,332 $ (30 )
Investments in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position for More Than Twelve Months	The following table presents the fair value and unrealized losses related to our investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months as of: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (Thousands of dollars) Corporate bonds and notes $ 28,966 $ (31 ) $ — $ — Total $ 28,966 $ (31 ) $ — $ —

Revenue Recognition and Valua23

Revenue Recognition and Valuation Accounts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Allowance for Contractual Discounts and Estimated Uncompensated Care as a Percentage of Gross Segment Accounts Receivable	The allowance for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care (expressed as a percentage of gross segment accounts receivable) was as follows: As of September 30, December 31, Allowance for Contractual Discounts 57 % 53 % Allowance for Uncompensated Care 19 % 23 %

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Valuation of Investments and Financial Instruments Pricing Levels	The following table summarizes the valuation of our investments and financial instruments by the above pricing levels as of the valuation dates listed: September 30, 2015 Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Thousands of dollars) Investments: Money market mutual funds $ 18,400 $ 18,400 $ — Commercial paper 5,976 — 5,976 U.S. Government agencies 3,501 — 3,501 Corporate bonds and notes 272,294 — 272,294 300,171 18,400 281,771 Deferred compensation plan assets 2,229 2,229 — Total $ 302,400 $ 20,629 $ 281,771 December 31, 2014 Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Thousands of dollars) Investments: Money market mutual funds $ 68,612 $ 68,612 $ — Municipal bonds and notes 1,502 — 1,502 Corporate bonds and notes 130,615 — 130,615 200,729 68,612 132,117 Deferred compensation plan assets 2,386 2,386 — Total $ 203,115 $ 70,998 $ 132,117

Long Term Debt (Tables)

Long Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-term Debt	The components of long-term debt as of the dates indicated below were as follows: September 30, December 31, (Thousands of dollars) Senior Notes dated March 17, 2014, interest only payable semi-annually at 5.25%, maturing March 15, 2019 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 Revolving Credit Facility due October 1, 2017 with a group of commercial banks, interest payable at variable rates 78,220 43,000 Total long-term debt $ 578,220 $ 543,000

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Components of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, basic 15,587 15,483 15,558 15,483 Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units 65 244 82 163 Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, diluted 15,652 15,727 15,640 15,646

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Share Based Compensation Expense	The table below sets forth the total amount of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of dollars) Stock-based compensation expense: Time-based restricted stock units $ 619 $ 584 $ 1,827 $ 1,033 Performance-based restricted stock units 1,081 975 3,232 2,256 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 1,700 $ 1,559 $ 5,059 $ 3,289

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Provisions for Contractual Discounts and Estimated Uncompensated Care as a Percentage of Gross Segment Billings	Provisions for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care for our Air Medical segment (expressed as a percentage of gross segment billings) were as follows: Revenue Quarter Ended Nine Months 2015 2014 2015 2014 Provision for contractual discounts 63 % 73 % 65 % 71 % Provision for uncompensated care 11 % 0 % 9 % 3 %
Schedule of Net Revenue Attributable to Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance, and Self-Pay as a Percentage of Net Air Medical Revenues	Net revenue attributable to Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and Self-Pay (expressed as a percentage of net Air Medical revenues) were as follows: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Insurance 74 % 76 % 74 % 74 % Medicare 17 % 16 % 17 % 18 % Medicaid 8 % 8 % 8 % 8 % Self-Pay 1 % 0 % 1 % 0 %
Schedule of Financial Information Concerning Reportable Operating Segments	Summarized financial information concerning our reportable operating segments is as follows: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of dollars) (Thousands of dollars) Segment operating revenues Oil and Gas $ 121,190 $ 133,763 $ 354,425 $ 387,782 Air Medical 85,516 79,080 239,543 226,459 Technical Services 8,027 3,451 23,509 11,269 Total operating revenues, net 214,733 216,294 617,477 625,510 Segment direct expenses (1) Oil and Gas (2) 109,500 105,252 310,093 306,076 Air Medical 65,474 61,215 189,089 183,320 Technical Services 7,165 3,745 21,166 9,932 Total direct expenses 182,139 170,212 520,348 499,328 Segment selling, general and administrative expenses Oil and Gas 1,397 1,047 3,831 3,570 Air Medical 2,302 2,212 7,458 7,301 Technical Services 230 — 552 3 Total segment selling, general and administrative expenses 3,929 3,259 11,841 10,874 Total segment expenses 186,068 173,471 532,189 510,202 Net segment profit (loss) Oil and Gas 10,293 27,464 40,501 78,136 Air Medical 17,740 15,653 42,996 35,838 Technical Services 632 (294 ) 1,791 1,334 Total 28,665 42,823 85,288 115,308 Other, net (3) 637 182 1,739 (873 ) Unallocated selling, general and administrative costs (1) (7,646 ) (7,644 ) (23,018 ) (21,017 ) Interest expense (7,366 ) (7,084 ) (21,691 ) (22,121 ) Loss on debt extinguishment — — — (29,833 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 14,290 $ 28,277 $ 42,318 $ 41,464
Depreciation and Amortization Expense Included in Direct Expenses and Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Costs	Depreciation and Amortization Expense Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Segment Direct Expense: Oil and Gas $ 11,194 $ 7,515 $ 32,797 $ 21,751 Air Medical 4,100 3,232 12,948 9,541 Technical Services 130 94 390 269 Total $ 15,424 $ 10,841 $ 46,135 $ 31,561 Unallocated SG&A $ 2,376 $ 2,246 $ 8,177 $ 5,345

Condensed Consolidating Finan29

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash $ 1,460 $ 4,092 $ — $ 5,552 Short-term investments 284,835 — — 284,835 Accounts receivable – net 91,899 64,095 — 155,994 Intercompany receivable — 96,250 (96,250 ) — Inventories of spare parts – net 60,893 9,282 — 70,175 Prepaid expenses 8,706 2,863 — 11,569 Deferred income taxes 9,915 — — 9,915 Income taxes receivable 1,068 159 — 1,227 Total current assets 458,776 176,741 (96,250 ) 539,267 Investment in subsidiaries 332,687 — (332,687 ) — Property and equipment – net 638,569 248,817 — 887,386 Restricted investments 15,336 — — 15,336 Other assets 10,161 196 — 10,357 Total assets $ 1,455,529 $ 425,754 $ (428,937 ) $ 1,452,346 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 20,510 $ 8,129 $ — $ 28,639 Accrued and other current liabilities 35,399 14,742 — 50,141 Intercompany payable 96,250 — (96,250 ) — Total current liabilities 152,159 22,871 (96,250 ) 78,780 Long-term debt 578,220 — — 578,220 Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities 100,955 70,196 — 171,151 Shareholders’ Equity: Common stock and paid-in capital 305,700 86,081 (86,081 ) 305,700 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (188 ) — — (188 ) Retained earnings 318,683 246,606 (246,606 ) 318,683 Total shareholders’ equity 624,195 332,687 (332,687 ) 624,195 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,455,529 $ 425,754 $ (428,937 ) $ 1,452,346 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors subsidiaries’ amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) December 31, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash $ 51 $ 6,219 $ — $ 6,270 Short-term investments 185,244 — — 185,244 Accounts receivable – net 98,001 82,760 — 180,761 Intercompany receivable — 95,399 (95,399 ) — Inventories of spare parts – net 65,341 8,452 — 73,793 Prepaid expenses 7,610 1,704 — 9,314 Deferred income taxes 9,915 — — 9,915 Income taxes receivable 1,068 159 — 1,227 Total current assets 367,230 194,693 (95,399 ) 466,524 Investment in subsidiaries and others 358,080 — (358,080 ) — Property and equipment, net 638,437 239,381 — 877,818 Restricted investments 15,485 — — 15,485 Other assets 16,055 198 — 16,253 Total assets $ 1,395,287 $ 434,272 $ (453,479 ) $ 1,376,080 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 22,578 $ 5,122 $ — $ 27,700 Accrued and other current liabilities 34,477 18,335 — 52,812 Intercompany payable 95,270 — (95,270 ) — Total current liabilities 152,325 23,457 (95,270 ) 80,512 Long-term debt 543,000 — — 543,000 Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities 102,894 52,606 — 155,500 Shareholders’ Equity: Common stock and paid-in capital 303,082 137,647 (137,647 ) 303,082 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (211 ) — — (211 ) Retained earnings 294,197 220,562 (220,562 ) 294,197 Total shareholders’ equity 597,068 358,209 (358,209 ) 597,068 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,395,287 $ 434,272 $ (453,479 ) $ 1,376,080 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors subsidiaries’ amounts.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations	PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the quarter ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues, net $ 124,505 $ 90,228 $ — $ 214,733 Expenses: Direct expenses 111,876 70,192 (4 ) 182,064 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,219 2,356 — 11,575 Total operating expenses 121,095 72,548 (4 ) 193,639 Gain on disposal of assets, net (165 ) — — (165 ) Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate 75 — — 75 Operating income 3,500 17,680 4 21,184 Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries (10,682 ) — 10,682 — Interest expense 7,274 92 — 7,366 Other income, net (474 ) (2 ) 4 (472 ) (3,882 ) 90 10,686 6,894 Earnings before income taxes 7,382 17,590 (10,682 ) 14,290 Income tax (benefit) expense (287 ) 6,908 — 6,621 Net earnings $ 7,669 $ 10,682 $ (10,682 ) $ 7,669 For the quarter ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues, net $ 128,580 $ 87,714 $ — $ 216,294 Expenses: Direct expenses 105,327 65,208 (4 ) 170,531 Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,597 2,306 — 10,903 Total operating expenses 113,924 67,514 (4 ) 181,434 Loss on disposal of assets, net 56 — — 56 Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliate (319 ) — — (319 ) Operating income 14,919 20,200 4 35,123 Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries (12,333 ) — 12,333 — Interest expense 7,082 2 — 7,084 Other income, net (226 ) (16 ) 4 (238 ) (5,477 ) (14 ) 12,337 6,846 Earnings before income taxes 20,396 20,214 (12,333 ) 28,277 Income tax expense 3,147 7,881 — 11,028 Net earnings $ 17,249 $ 12,333 $ (12,333 ) $ 17,249 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues, net $ 368,202 $ 249,275 $ — $ 617,477 Expenses: Direct expenses 321,841 198,271 (13 ) 520,099 Selling, general and administrative expenses 27,198 7,661 — 34,859 Total operating expenses 349,039 205,932 (13 ) 554,958 Gain on disposal of assets, net (238 ) — — (238 ) Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate 249 — — 249 Operating income 19,152 43,343 13 62,508 Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries (26,044 ) — 26,044 — Interest expense 21,599 92 — 21,691 Other income, net (1,508 ) (6 ) 13 (1,501 ) (5,953 ) 86 26,057 20,190 Earnings before income taxes 25,105 43,257 (26,044 ) 42,318 Income tax expense 619 17,213 — 17,832 Net earnings $ 24,486 $ 26,044 $ (26,044 ) $ 24,486 For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues, net $ 375,326 $ 250,184 $ — $ 625,510 Expenses: Direct expenses 304,668 194,886 (13 ) 499,541 Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,307 7,584 — 31,891 Total operating expenses 328,975 202,470 (13 ) 531,432 Loss on disposal of assets, net 1,371 — — 1,371 Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliate (213 ) — — (213 ) Operating income 45,193 47,714 13 92,920 Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries (29,118 ) — 29,118 — Interest expense 22,119 2 — 22,121 Loss on debt extinguishment 29,833 — — 29,833 Other income, net (495 ) (16 ) 13 (498 ) 22,339 (14 ) 29,131 51,456 Earnings before income taxes 22,854 47,728 (29,118 ) 41,464 Income tax expense (2,442 ) 18,610 — 16,168 Net earnings $ 25,296 $ 29,118 $ (29,118 ) $ 25,296 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the quarter ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings $ 7,669 $ 10,682 $ (10,682 ) $ 7,669 Unrealized loss on short-term investments 12 — — 12 Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations 4 — — 4 Tax effect (6 ) — — (6 ) Total Comprehensive Income $ 7,679 $ 10,682 $ (10,682 ) $ 7,679 For the quarter ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings $ 17,249 $ 12,333 $ (12,333 ) $ 17,249 Unrealized loss on short-term investments (165 ) — — (165 ) Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations (1 ) — — (1 ) Tax effect 64 — — 64 Total Comprehensive Income $ 17,147 $ 12,333 $ (12,333 ) $ 17,147 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings $ 24,486 $ 26,044 $ (26,044 ) $ 24,486 Unrealized loss on short-term investments (7 ) — — (7 ) Unrealized realized gain 24 — — 24 Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations 4 — — 4 Tax effect 3 — — 3 Total Comprehensive Income $ 24,510 $ 26,044 $ (26,044 ) $ 24,510 For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings $ 25,296 $ 29,118 $ (29,118 ) $ 25,296 Unrealized loss on short-term investments (126 ) — — (126 ) Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations 9 — — 9 Tax effect 45 — — 45 Total Comprehensive Income $ 25,224 $ 29,118 $ (29,118 ) $ 25,224 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 39,490 $ 68,665 $ — $ 108,155 Investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (48,244 ) — — (48,244 ) Proceeds from asset dispositions 3,469 — — 3,469 Purchase of short-term investments (560,148 ) — — (560,148 ) Proceeds from sale of short-term investments 458,468 — — 458,468 Refund of deposits on aircraft 6,010 — — 6,010 Payments of deposits on aircraft (1,207 ) — — (1,207 ) Net cash used in investing activities (141,652 ) — — (141,652 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from line of credit 206,660 — — 206,660 Payments on line of credit (171,440 ) — — (171,440 ) Repurchase of common stock for payroll tax withholding requirements (2,441 ) — — (2,441 ) Due to/from affiliate, net 70,792 (70,792 ) — — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 103,571 (70,792 ) — 32,779 Increase (decrease) in cash 1,409 (2,127 ) — (718 ) Cash, beginning of period 51 6,219 — 6,270 Cash, end of period $ 1,460 $ 4,092 $ — $ 5,552 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors subsidiaries’ amounts. PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Parent Guarantor (1) Eliminations Consolidated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 30,206 $ 25,879 $ — $ 56,085 Investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (131,478 ) — — (131,478 ) Proceeds from asset dispositions 7,171 — — 7,171 Purchase of short-term investments (439,745 ) — — (439,745 ) Proceeds from sale of short-term investments 338,253 — — 338,253 Refund of deposits on aircraft 9,506 — — 9,506 Payments of deposits on aircraft (6,882 ) — — (6,882 ) Loan to unconsolidated affiliate (175 ) — — (175 ) Receivables due from affiliate 23,696 — (23,696 ) — Net cash used in investing activities (199,654 ) — (23,696 ) (223,350 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2019 500,000 — — 500,000 Premium and costs to retire debt early (26,749 ) — — (26,749 ) Repayment of Senior Notes due 2018 (300,000 ) — — (300,000 ) Debt issuance costs (6,232 ) — — (6,232 ) Proceeds from line of credit 205,604 — — 205,604 Payments on line of credit (203,000 ) — — (203,000 ) Repurchase of common stock for payroll tax withholding requirements (176 ) — — (176 ) Payable due to affiliate — (23,696 ) 23,696 — Net cash provided by financing activities 169,447 (23,696 ) 23,696 169,447 Increase in cash (1 ) 2,183 — 2,182 Cash, beginning of period 52 882 — 934 Cash, end of period $ 51 $ 3,065 $ — $ 3,116 (1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

Basis of Presentation - Additio

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Debt issuance costs	$ 4.3

Investments - Components of Inv

Investments - Components of Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	$ 302,653	$ 203,362
Unrealized Gains	28	21
Unrealized Losses	(281)	(268)
Fair Value	302,400	203,115
Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	300,424	200,976
Unrealized Gains	28	21
Unrealized Losses	(281)	(268)
Fair Value	300,171	200,729
Investments [Member] | Money Market Mutual Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	18,400	68,612
Fair Value	18,400	68,612
Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	5,977
Unrealized Losses	(1)
Fair Value	5,976
Investments [Member] | Municipal Bonds and Notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis		1,500
Unrealized Gains		2
Fair Value		1,502
Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds and Notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	272,546	130,864
Unrealized Gains	27	19
Unrealized Losses	(279)	(268)
Fair Value	272,294	130,615
Investments [Member] | US Government Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	3,501
Unrealized Gains	1
Unrealized Losses	(1)
Fair Value	3,501
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost Basis	2,229	2,386
Fair Value	$ 2,229	$ 2,386

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Restricted investments	$ 15,336	$ 15,485

Investments - Cost and Fair Val

Investments - Cost and Fair Value of Debt Investments Based on Maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Costs	$ 145,914	$ 70,180
Due within two years, Amortized Costs	136,110	62,184
Total, Amortized Costs	282,024	132,364
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	145,866	70,169
Due within two years, Fair Value	135,905	61,948
Total, Fair Value	$ 281,771	$ 132,117

Investments - Average Coupon Ra

Investments - Average Coupon Rate Percentage and the Average Days to Maturity of Debt (Detail)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
US Government Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Average Coupon Rate	0.736%
Average Days To Maturity	546 days
Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Average Coupon Rate	0.553%
Average Days To Maturity	246 days
Municipal Bonds and Notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Average Coupon Rate		0.528%
Average Days To Maturity		134 days
Corporate Bonds and Notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Average Coupon Rate	1.725%	1.828%
Average Days To Maturity	366 days	348 days

Investments - Investments in Co

Investments - Investments in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position for Less Than Twelve Months (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 195,799	$ 30,332
Unrealized Losses	(249)	(30)
US Government Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	2,499
Unrealized Losses	(1)
Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	5,977
Unrealized Losses	(1)
Corporate Bonds and Notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	187,323	30,332
Unrealized Losses	$ (247)	$ (30)

Investments - Investments in 36

Investments - Investments in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position for More Than Twelve Months (Detail) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 28,966
Unrealized Losses	(31)
Corporate Bonds and Notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value	28,966
Unrealized Losses	$ (31)

Revenue Recognition and Valua37

Revenue Recognition and Valuation Accounts - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2.5		$ 2.5		$ 1.4
Allowance for contractual discounts	114.6		114.6		96.6
Allowance for uncompensated care	38.7		38.7		41.9
Value of uncompensated care to patients	2.2	$ 2.2	7	$ 7
Estimated cost of charity services	0.4	$ 0.3	$ 1.5	$ 1.6
Contractual period of services			3 years
Inventory valuation reserves	$ 14.5		$ 14.5		$ 13.5

Revenue Recognition and Valua38

Revenue Recognition and Valuation Accounts - Schedule of Allowance for Contractual Discounts and Estimated Uncompensated Care as a Percentage of Gross Segment Accounts Receivable (Detail)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Recognition And Valuation Accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for Contractual Discounts	57.00%	53.00%
Allowance for Uncompensated Care	19.00%	23.00%

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Valuation of Investments and Financial Instruments Pricing Levels (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$ 302,400	$ 203,115
Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	300,171	200,729
Investments [Member] | Money Market Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	18,400	68,612
Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	5,976
Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds and Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	272,294	130,615
Investments [Member] | Municipal Bonds and Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total		1,502
Investments [Member] | US Government Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	3,501
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	2,229	2,386
(Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	20,629	70,998
(Level 1) [Member] | Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	18,400	68,612
(Level 1) [Member] | Investments [Member] | Money Market Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	18,400	68,612
(Level 1) [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	2,229	2,386
(Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	281,771	132,117
(Level 2) [Member] | Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	281,771	132,117
(Level 2) [Member] | Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	5,976
(Level 2) [Member] | Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds and Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	272,294	130,615
(Level 2) [Member] | Investments [Member] | Municipal Bonds and Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total		$ 1,502
(Level 2) [Member] | Investments [Member] | US Government Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$ 3,501

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]
The fair value investments reclassification of assets between level 1 and level 2	$ 0	$ 0
The fair value of Senior Notes, based on quoted market prices	430,300,000	425,600,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]
Level 3 investments	$ 0	$ 0

Long Term Debt - Components of

Long Term Debt - Components of Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 578,220	$ 543,000
5.25% Senior Notes due March 15, 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	500,000	500,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 78,220	$ 43,000

Long Term Debt - Components o42

Long Term Debt - Components of Long-term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Senior Notes [Member] - 5.25% Senior Notes due March 15, 2019 [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on Senior Notes	5.25%	5.25%
Senior Notes payable periods	Mar. 15, 2019

Long Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2015	Apr. 16, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes							$ 500,000,000
Repayment of Senior Notes							300,000,000
Total long-term debt			$ 578,220,000			$ 578,220,000		$ 543,000,000
Pretax charge related to early redemption of senior notes							(29,833,000)
Letters of credit outstanding under the facility			15,300,000			15,300,000		15,500,000
Accrued interest expense paid						27,161,000	24,896,000
5.25% Senior Notes due March 15, 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, amount issued			$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Interest rate on Senior Notes			5.25%		5.25%	5.25%
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes					$ 494,000,000
Total long-term debt			$ 500,000,000			$ 500,000,000		500,000,000
Maturity date of Senior notes payable						Mar. 15, 2019
Debt instrument interest rate term						Interest is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2014.
Percentage of principal amount redeemed						101.00%
Debt instrument restrictive covenants						The indenture governing the 2019 Notes (the "2019 Indenture") contains, among other things, certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on incurring indebtedness, creating liens, selling assets and entering into certain transactions with affiliates. The covenants also limit PHI's ability to, among other things, pay cash dividends on common stock, repurchase or redeem common or preferred equity, prepay subordinated debt and make certain investments.
8.625 % Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on Senior Notes					8.625%
Repayment of Senior Notes					$ 292,600,000
Total long-term debt					300,000,000
Cost of debt repayment					$ 329,400,000
Senior notes redemption date		Apr. 16, 2014			Mar. 17, 2014
Amount of senior notes redeemed		$ 7,400,000
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage		108.30%
Pretax charge related to early redemption of senior notes				$ 600,000	$ 29,200,000
Premium on early redemption of senior notes					26,100,000
Write off of unamortized financing costs					$ 3,100,000
Tax benefit related to redemption						$ 11,600,000
Accrued interest expense paid						10,700,000
Interest Expense Fund [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Periodic payment of debt interest			13,500,000	$ 13,100,000		27,200,000	$ 24,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt			$ 78,220,000			$ 78,220,000		$ 43,000,000
Increased Borrowing capacity	$ 150,000,000
Revolving credit facility, maturity date	Oct. 1, 2017
Revolving Credit facility, Covenants, consolidated working capital ratio	200.00%
Revolving Credit facility, Covenants, consolidated net worth ratio	150.00%
Revolving Credit facility, Covenants, fixed coverage ratio	110.00%
Revolving Credit facility, Covenants, consolidated net worth	$ 450,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus interest rate on borrowed funds	225.00%

Earnings Per Share - Components

Earnings Per Share - Components of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, basic	15,587	15,483	15,558	15,483
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units	65	244	82	163
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, diluted	15,652	15,727	15,640	15,646

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Share Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-based compensation expense:
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,700	$ 1,559	$ 5,059	$ 3,289
Time-based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense:
Total stock-based compensation expense	619	584	1,827	1,033
Performance-based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense:
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,081	$ 975	$ 3,232	$ 2,256

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Time-based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Restricted stock units awarded to managers	13,545	2,197	33,593	138,864
Performance-based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Restricted stock units awarded to managers	765	806	152,331	116,612

Asset Disposals - Additional In

Asset Disposals - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Aircraft	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Assets Held For Sale And Impairments [Line Items]
Cash realized from sale of assets	$ 2,300,000
Gain on disposal of assets	$ 200,000	$ 0
Oil and Gas [Member] | Light Aircraft [Member]
Assets Held For Sale And Impairments [Line Items]
Number of aircraft sold | Aircraft	6

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2015USD ($)Aircraft	Jul. 31, 2015Aircraft	Dec. 31, 2014Aircraft	Mar. 31, 2015Aircraft	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)AircraftLand_Parcel
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Number of aircraft orders cancelled previously scheduled for delivery | Aircraft		4
Total aircraft deposits					$ 3.5
Aggregate estimated probable liability environmental matters					$ 0.2
Number of parcels of land exists | Land_Parcel					2
Aggregate commitments under operating leases					$ 304.1
Operational lease payable					12.9
Lease commitment for aircraft					288.4
Facility lease commitments					15.7
2016 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price for aircraft					67.8
2017 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price for aircraft					55.7
2018 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price for aircraft					127
2019 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price for aircraft					$ 150.4
Heavy Helicopters [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Number of aircraft purchased | Aircraft			6
Number of aircrafts delivered | Aircraft				1
Number of aircraft take delivery in future | Aircraft					1
Heavy Aircraft [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Number of aircraft purchased | Aircraft	1
Aggregate purchase price for aircraft	$ 17.7

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Employees	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)AircraftSegmentEntityContractLocationStates	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			3
Number of aircraft operated			93
Number of contracts | Contract			0
Fixed revenue streams | Entity			0
Hospitals Contracts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenue	34.00%	36.00%	37.00%	39.00%
Voluntary Employee Retirement Package [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Qualifying age	65 years
Service period	20 years
Number of employees accepted VERP | Employees	37
Severance costs | $	$ 6.5
Remaining unpaid portion of severance costs | $	$ 4.9		$ 4.9
Expected severance cost | $			$ 8.1
Oil and Gas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of aircraft operated			161
Segment revenue	56.00%	62.00%	57.00%	62.00%
Oil and Gas [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Major Customer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Working period with major customers			30 years
Oil and Gas [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ENI Petroleum [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Working period with major customers			15 years
Air Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenue	40.00%	37.00%	37.00%	36.00%
Number of aircraft assigned			106
Number of states in which company operates aircrafts | States			18
Locations in which company operates Aircrafts | Location			74
Air Medical [Member] | Middle East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of aircraft operated			9
Locations in which company operates Aircrafts | Location			5
Number of revenue generating aircrafts			8
Technical Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenue	4.00%	2.00%	4.00%	2.00%

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Provisions for Contractual Discounts and Estimated Uncompensated Care as a Percentage of Total Segment Billings (Detail) - Air Medical [Member]	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Provisions For Contractual Discounts And Estimated Uncompensated Care [Line Items]
Provision for contractual discounts	63.00%	73.00%	65.00%	71.00%
Provision for uncompensated care	11.00%	0.00%	9.00%	3.00%

Segment Information - Schedul51

Segment Information - Schedule of Net Revenue Attributable to Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance, and Self-Pay as a Percentage of Net Air Medical Revenues (Detail) - Air Medical [Member]	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net Air Medical revenues	74.00%	76.00%	74.00%	74.00%
Medicare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net Air Medical revenues	17.00%	16.00%	17.00%	18.00%
Medicaid [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net Air Medical revenues	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Self Pay [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net Air Medical revenues	1.00%	0.00%	1.00%	0.00%

Segment Information - Schedul52

Segment Information - Schedule of Financial Information Concerning Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues, net		$ 214,733	$ 216,294	$ 617,477	$ 625,510
Total direct expenses		182,064	170,531	520,099	499,541
Total segment selling, general and administrative expenses		11,575	10,903	34,859	31,891
Total		21,184	35,123	62,508	92,920
Interest expense		(7,366)	(7,084)	(21,691)	(22,121)
Loss on debt extinguishment					(29,833)
Earnings before income taxes		14,290	28,277	42,318	41,464
Reportable Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues, net		214,733	216,294	617,477	625,510
Total direct expenses	[1]	182,139	170,212	520,348	499,328
Total segment selling, general and administrative expenses		3,929	3,259	11,841	10,874
Total segment expenses		186,068	173,471	532,189	510,202
Total		28,665	42,823	85,288	115,308
Reportable Operating Segments [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues, net		121,190	133,763	354,425	387,782
Total direct expenses	[1],[2]	109,500	105,252	310,093	306,076
Total segment selling, general and administrative expenses		1,397	1,047	3,831	3,570
Total		10,293	27,464	40,501	78,136
Reportable Operating Segments [Member] | Air Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues, net		85,516	79,080	239,543	226,459
Total direct expenses	[1]	65,474	61,215	189,089	183,320
Total segment selling, general and administrative expenses		2,302	2,212	7,458	7,301
Total		17,740	15,653	42,996	35,838
Reportable Operating Segments [Member] | Technical Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating revenues, net		8,027	3,451	23,509	11,269
Total direct expenses	[1]	7,165	3,745	21,166	9,932
Total segment selling, general and administrative expenses		230		552	3
Total		632	(294)	1,791	1,334
Other, net [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other, net	[3]	637	182	1,739	(873)
Unallocated Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Unallocated selling, general and administrative costs	[1]	$ (7,646)	$ (7,644)	$ (23,018)	$ (21,017)
[1]	Included in direct expenses and unallocated selling, general, and administrative costs are the depreciation and amortization expense amounts below: Depreciation and Amortization Expense Quarter Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Segment Direct Expense: Oil and Gas $ 11,194 $ 7,515 $ 32,797 $ 21,751 Air Medical 4,100 3,232 12,948 9,541 Technical Services 130 94 390 269 Total $ 15,424 $ 10,841 $ 46,135 $ 31,561 Unallocated SG&A $ 2,376 $ 2,246 $ 8,177 $ 5,345
[2]	Includes Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate.
[3]	Consists of gains on disposition of property and equipment, and other income.

Segment Information - Depreciat

Segment Information - Depreciation and Amortization Expense Included in Direct Expenses and Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Reportable Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses	$ 15,424	$ 10,841	$ 46,135	$ 31,561
Reportable Operating Segments [Member] | Oil and Gas [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses	11,194	7,515	32,797	21,751
Reportable Operating Segments [Member] | Air Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses	4,100	3,232	12,948	9,541
Reportable Operating Segments [Member] | Technical Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses	130	94	390	269
Unallocated Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses	$ 2,376	$ 2,246	$ 8,177	$ 5,345

Investment in Variable Intere54

Investment in Variable Interest Entity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) in equity of unconsolidated affiliate	$ (100)	$ 300	$ (200)	$ 200
Trade receivables	2,800		2,800		$ 2,800
Accrued and other current liabilities	50,141		50,141		52,812
Other assets	0		$ 0		0
PHIC's date of incorporation			May 26, 2011
PHI Century Limited [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in the common stock			49.00%
Accrued and other current liabilities	$ 1,200		$ 1,200		$ 900

Condensed Consolidating Finan55

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in domestic subsidiaries	100.00%
5.25% Senior Notes due March 15, 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information [Line Items]
Senior notes, amount issued	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Interest rate on Senior Notes	5.25%	5.25%

Condensed Consolidating Finan56

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Cash		$ 5,552	$ 6,270	$ 3,116	$ 934
Short-term investments		284,835	185,244
Accounts receivable - net		155,994	180,761
Inventories of spare parts - net		70,175	73,793
Prepaid expenses		11,569	9,314
Deferred income taxes		9,915	9,915
Income taxes receivable		1,227	1,227
Total current assets		539,267	466,524
Property and equipment - net		887,386	877,818
Restricted investments		15,336	15,485
Other assets		10,357	16,253
Total assets		1,452,346	1,376,080
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		28,639	27,700
Accrued and other current liabilities		50,141	52,812
Total current liabilities		78,780	80,512
Long-term debt		578,220	543,000
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities		171,151	155,500
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock and paid-in capital		305,700	303,082
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(188)	(211)
Retained earnings		318,683	294,197
Total shareholders' equity		624,195	597,068	588,301	559,965
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		1,452,346	1,376,080
Parent Company Only (issuer) [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash		1,460	51	51	52
Short-term investments		284,835	185,244
Accounts receivable - net		91,899	98,001
Inventories of spare parts - net		60,893	65,341
Prepaid expenses		8,706	7,610
Deferred income taxes		9,915	9,915
Income taxes receivable		1,068	1,068
Total current assets		458,776	367,230
Investment in subsidiaries		332,687	358,080
Property and equipment - net		638,569	638,437
Restricted investments		15,336	15,485
Other assets		10,161	16,055
Total assets		1,455,529	1,395,287
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		20,510	22,578
Accrued and other current liabilities		35,399	34,477
Intercompany payable		96,250	95,270
Total current liabilities		152,159	152,325
Long-term debt		578,220	543,000
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities		100,955	102,894
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock and paid-in capital		305,700	303,082
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(188)	(211)
Retained earnings		318,683	294,197
Total shareholders' equity		624,195	597,068
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		1,455,529	1,395,287
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash	[1]	4,092	6,219	$ 3,065	$ 882
Accounts receivable - net	[1]	64,095	82,760
Intercompany receivable	[1]	96,250	95,399
Inventories of spare parts - net	[1]	9,282	8,452
Prepaid expenses	[1]	2,863	1,704
Income taxes receivable	[1]	159	159
Total current assets	[1]	176,741	194,693
Property and equipment - net	[1]	248,817	239,381
Other assets	[1]	196	198
Total assets	[1]	425,754	434,272
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	[1]	8,129	5,122
Accrued and other current liabilities	[1]	14,742	18,335
Total current liabilities	[1]	22,871	23,457
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	[1]	70,196	52,606
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock and paid-in capital	[1]	86,081	137,647
Retained earnings	[1]	246,606	220,562
Total shareholders' equity	[1]	332,687	358,209
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	[1]	425,754	434,272
Eliminations [Member]
Current Assets:
Intercompany receivable		(96,250)	(95,399)
Total current assets		(96,250)	(95,399)
Investment in subsidiaries		(332,687)	(358,080)
Total assets		(428,937)	(453,479)
Current Liabilities:
Intercompany payable		(96,250)	(95,270)
Total current liabilities		(96,250)	(95,270)
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock and paid-in capital		(86,081)	(137,647)
Retained earnings		(246,606)	(220,562)
Total shareholders' equity		(332,687)	(358,209)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$ (428,937)	$ (453,479)
[1]	Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors subsidiaries' amounts.

Condensed Consolidating Finan57

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Operating revenues, net		$ 214,733	$ 216,294	$ 617,477	$ 625,510
Expenses:
Direct expenses		182,064	170,531	520,099	499,541
Selling, general and administrative expenses		11,575	10,903	34,859	31,891
Total operating expenses		193,639	181,434	554,958	531,432
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets		(165)	56	(238)	1,371
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliate		75	(319)	249	(213)
Operating income		21,184	35,123	62,508	92,920
Interest expense		7,366	7,084	21,691	22,121
Loss on debt extinguishment					29,833
Other income, net		(472)	(238)	(1,501)	(498)
Total expenses		6,894	6,846	20,190	51,456
Earnings before income taxes		14,290	28,277	42,318	41,464
Income tax (benefit) expense		6,621	11,028	17,832	16,168
Net earnings		7,669	17,249	24,486	25,296
Parent Company Only (issuer) [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Operating revenues, net		124,505	128,580	368,202	375,326
Expenses:
Direct expenses		111,876	105,327	321,841	304,668
Selling, general and administrative expenses		9,219	8,597	27,198	24,307
Total operating expenses		121,095	113,924	349,039	328,975
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets		(165)	56	(238)	1,371
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliate		75	(319)	249	(213)
Operating income		3,500	14,919	19,152	45,193
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries		(10,682)	(12,333)	(26,044)	(29,118)
Interest expense		7,274	7,082	21,599	22,119
Loss on debt extinguishment					29,833
Other income, net		(474)	(226)	(1,508)	(495)
Total expenses		(3,882)	(5,477)	(5,953)	22,339
Earnings before income taxes		7,382	20,396	25,105	22,854
Income tax (benefit) expense		(287)	3,147	619	(2,442)
Net earnings		7,669	17,249	24,486	25,296
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Operating revenues, net	[1]	90,228	87,714	249,275	250,184
Expenses:
Direct expenses	[1]	70,192	65,208	198,271	194,886
Selling, general and administrative expenses	[1]	2,356	2,306	7,661	7,584
Total operating expenses	[1]	72,548	67,514	205,932	202,470
Operating income	[1]	17,680	20,200	43,343	47,714
Interest expense	[1]	92	2	92	2
Other income, net	[1]	(2)	(16)	(6)	(16)
Total expenses	[1]	90	(14)	86	(14)
Earnings before income taxes	[1]	17,590	20,214	43,257	47,728
Income tax (benefit) expense	[1]	6,908	7,881	17,213	18,610
Net earnings	[1]	10,682	12,333	26,044	29,118
Eliminations [Member]
Expenses:
Direct expenses		(4)	(4)	(13)	(13)
Total operating expenses		(4)	(4)	(13)	(13)
Operating income		4	4	13	13
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries		10,682	12,333	26,044	29,118
Other income, net		4	4	13	13
Total expenses		10,686	12,337	26,057	29,131
Earnings before income taxes		(10,682)	(12,333)	(26,044)	(29,118)
Net earnings		$ (10,682)	$ (12,333)	$ (26,044)	$ (29,118)
[1]	Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors' subsidiaries amounts.

Condensed Consolidating Finan58

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings		$ 7,669	$ 17,249	$ 24,486	$ 25,296
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments		12	(165)	(7)	(126)
Unrealized realized gain				24
Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations		4	(1)	4	9
Tax effect		(6)	64	3	45
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)		7,679	17,147	24,510	25,224
Parent Company Only (issuer) [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings		7,669	17,249	24,486	25,296
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments		12	(165)	(7)	(126)
Unrealized realized gain				24
Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations		4	(1)	4	9
Tax effect		(6)	64	3	45
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)		7,679	17,147	24,510	25,224
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings	[1]	10,682	12,333	26,044	29,118
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	[1]	10,682	12,333	26,044	29,118
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net earnings		(10,682)	(12,333)	(26,044)	(29,118)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)		$ (10,682)	$ (12,333)	$ (26,044)	$ (29,118)
[1]	Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors' subsidiaries amounts.

Condensed Consolidating Finan59

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		$ 108,155	$ 56,085
Investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment		(48,244)	(131,478)
Proceeds from asset dispositions		3,469	7,171
Purchase of short-term investments		(560,148)	(439,745)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments		458,468	338,253
Refund of deposits on aircraft		6,010	9,506
Payments of deposits on aircraft		(1,207)	(6,882)
Loan to unconsolidated affiliate			(175)
Net cash used in investing activities		(141,652)	(223,350)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2019			500,000
Premium and costs to retire debt early			(26,749)
Repayment of Senior Notes due 2018			(300,000)
Debt issuance costs			(6,232)
Proceeds from line of credit		206,660	205,604
Payments on line of credit		(171,440)	(203,000)
Repurchase of common stock for payroll tax withholding requirements		(2,441)	(176)
Net cash provided by financing activities		32,779	169,447
Increase (decrease) in cash		(718)	2,182
Cash, beginning of period		6,270	934
Cash, end of period		5,552	3,116
Parent Company Only (issuer) [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		39,490	30,206
Investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment		(48,244)	(131,478)
Proceeds from asset dispositions		3,469	7,171
Purchase of short-term investments		(560,148)	(439,745)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments		458,468	338,253
Refund of deposits on aircraft		6,010	9,506
Payments of deposits on aircraft		(1,207)	(6,882)
Loan to unconsolidated affiliate			(175)
Receivables due from affiliate			23,696
Net cash used in investing activities		(141,652)	(199,654)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2019			500,000
Premium and costs to retire debt early			(26,749)
Repayment of Senior Notes due 2018			(300,000)
Debt issuance costs			(6,232)
Proceeds from line of credit		206,660	205,604
Payments on line of credit		(171,440)	(203,000)
Repurchase of common stock for payroll tax withholding requirements		(2,441)	(176)
Due to/from affiliate, net		70,792
Net cash provided by financing activities		103,571	169,447
Increase (decrease) in cash		1,409	(1)
Cash, beginning of period		51	52
Cash, end of period		1,460	51
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	[1]	68,665	25,879
Financing activities:
Payable due to affiliate	[1]		(23,696)
Due to/from affiliate, net	[1]	(70,792)
Net cash provided by financing activities	[1]	(70,792)	(23,696)
Increase (decrease) in cash	[1]	(2,127)	2,183
Cash, beginning of period	[1]	6,219	882
Cash, end of period	[1]	$ 4,092	3,065
Eliminations [Member]
Investing activities:
Receivables due from affiliate			(23,696)
Net cash used in investing activities			(23,696)
Financing activities:
Payable due to affiliate			23,696
Net cash provided by financing activities			$ 23,696
[1]	Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors subsidiaries' amounts.