National Research (NRC) 10-K 4 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL RESEARCH CORP
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Public Float		$268,643,360
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	70487
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			20,955,678
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			3,505,352

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$40,042	$22,092
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $201 and $183, respectively	8,116	11,043
Unbilled revenue	1,169	1,282
Prepaid expenses	1,418	1,310
Income taxes receivable	1,100	357
Deferred income taxes	349	53
Other current assets	994	429
Total current assets	53,188	36,566
Net property and equipment	12,143	11,898
Intangible assets, net	5,456	4,840
Goodwill	58,489	57,593
Other	234	191
Total assets	129,510	111,088
Current liabilities:
Current portion of notes payable	2,328	2,256
Accounts payable	830	654
Accrued wages, bonus and profit sharing	4,365	4,319
Accrued expenses	5,047	2,462
Current portion of capital lease obligations	151	114
Income taxes payable	110	92
Deferred revenue	15,095	13,885
Total current liabilities	27,926	23,782
Notes payable, net of current portion	5,740	8,068
Deferred income taxes	7,432	6,939
Deferred revenue	123	243
Other long term liabilities	541	301
Total liabilities	41,762	39,333
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares, none issued
Additional paid-in capital	44,864	42,192
Retained earnings	73,686	58,042
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, foreign currency translation adjustment	-773	302
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,581,376 Class A shares, 757,024 Class B shares in 2014 and 4,516,245 Class A shares, 752,707 Class B shares in 2013	-30,058	-28,810
Total shareholders’ equity	87,748	71,755
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	129,510	111,088
Common Class A [Member]
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock	25	25
Common Class B [Member]
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock	$4	$4

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$201	$183
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common Class A [Member]
Common Stock, Par Value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	25,475,662	25,285,029
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	20,894,286	20,768,784
Treasury stock, Shares	4,581,376	4,516,245
Common Class B [Member]
Common Stock, Par Value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	4,251,889	4,220,117
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,494,865	3,467,410
Treasury stock, Shares	757,024	752,707

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue	$98,837	$92,590	$86,421
Operating expenses:
Direct	41,719	38,844	35,461
Selling, general and administrative	25,018	25,208	23,542
Depreciation and amortization	3,804	3,732	4,699
Total operating expenses	70,541	67,784	63,702
Operating income	28,296	24,806	22,719
Other income (expense):
Interest income	83	63	32
Interest expense	-305	-397	-541
Other, net	18	16	-3
Total other expense	-204	-318	-512
Income before income taxes	28,092	24,488	22,207
Provision for income taxes	9,936	9,004	7,139
Net income	18,156	15,484	15,068
Common Class A [Member]
Other income (expense):
Net income	9,062	7,741	7,534
Earnings per share of common stock:
Earnings per share, Basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.44	$0.37	$0.37
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings per share, Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$0.43	$0.37	$0.36
Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding
Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding, basic (in Shares)	20,764	20,677	20,325
Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding, diluted (in Shares)	21,076	21,099	20,854
Common Class B [Member]
Other income (expense):
Net income	$9,094	$7,743	$7,534
Earnings per share of common stock:
Earnings per share, Basic (in Dollars per share)	$2.62	$2.25	$2.22
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings per share, Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$2.57	$2.20	$2.17
Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding
Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding, basic (in Shares)	3,473	3,447	3,388
Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding, diluted (in Shares)	3,536	3,514	3,476

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Income	$18,156	$15,484	$15,068
Cumulative translation adjustment	-1,075	-822	217
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,075	-822	217
Comprehensive Income	$17,081	$14,662	$15,285

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands	Common Stock [Member]		Common Stock [Member]
Balances at December 31, 2011 at Dec. 31, 2011	$24		$4		$31,060	$46,995	$907	($23,436)	$55,554
Purchase of treasury stock								-5,168	-5,168
Issuance of common shares for the excercise of stock options	1				5,967				5,968
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock					2,078				2,078
Non-cash stock compensation expense					388				388
Dividends declared per common share						-17,363			-17,363
Other comprehensive (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment							217		217
Net income		7,534		7,534		15,068			15,068
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	25		4		39,493	44,700	1,124	-28,604	56,742
Purchase of treasury stock								-206	-206
Issuance of common shares for the excercise of stock options					990				990
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock					755				755
Non-cash stock compensation expense					955				955
Fractional share cashed out					-1				-1
Dividends declared per common share						-2,142			-2,142
Other comprehensive (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment							-822		-822
Net income		7,741		7,743		15,484			15,484
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	25		4		42,192	58,042	302	-28,810	71,755
Purchase of treasury stock								-1,248	-1,248
Issuance of common shares for the excercise of stock options					1,308				1,308
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock					622				622
Non-cash stock compensation expense					742				742
Dividends declared per common share						-2,512			-2,512
Other comprehensive (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment							-1,075		-1,075
Net income		9,062		9,094		18,156			18,156
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$25		$4		$44,864	$73,686	($773)	($30,058)	$87,748

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Class A [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Shares of treasure stock purchased	65,131	11,445	324,093
Shares of common stock issued for the excercise of stock options	140,595	155,253	786,303
Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeitures	50,038		10,074
Dividends declared per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.05	$0.42
Common Class A [Member]
Shares of common stock issued for the excercise of stock options	140,595
Common Class B [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Shares of treasure stock purchased	4,317	1,908	54,015
Shares of common stock issued for the excercise of stock options	23,432	31,876	131,051
Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeitures	8,340		1,679
Dividends declared per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.31	$2.54
Common Class B [Member]
Shares of common stock issued for the excercise of stock options	23,432

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$18,156,000	$15,484,000	$15,068,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,804,000	3,732,000	4,699,000
Deferred income taxes	107,000	58,000	-347,000
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	182,000	-42,000	-74,000
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	2,000	23,000	4,000
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	93,000	84,000	601,000
Non-cash stock compensation expense	742,000	955,000	388,000
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:
Trade accounts receivable	2,914,000	970,000	-879,000
Unbilled revenue	66,000	-386,000	-11,000
Prepaid expenses	-2,000	-166,000	-357,000
Other current assets		76,000	-106,000
Accounts payable	163,000	331,000	-516,000
Accrued expenses, wages, bonus and profit sharing	-367,000	212,000	1,602,000
Income taxes receivable and payable	-715,000	-100,000	-303,000
Deferred revenue	1,052,000	-1,916,000	-637,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	26,197,000	19,315,000	19,132,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-2,492,000	-2,188,000	-2,348,000
Option purchase	-657,000
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	-2,574,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,723,000	-2,188,000	-2,348,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on notes payable	-2,256,000	-2,112,000	-2,050,000
Payments on capital lease obligations	-156,000	-110,000	-108,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	408,000	840,000	1,283,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	622,000	755,000	2,078,000
Repurchase of shares for payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation	-348,000	-55,000	-527,000
Payment of dividends on common stock		-2,142,000	-17,363,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,730,000	-2,824,000	-16,687,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-794,000	-497,000	107,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	17,950,000	13,806,000	204,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	22,092,000	8,286,000	8,082,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	40,042,000	22,092,000	8,286,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:
Interest expense, net of capitalized amounts	284,000	368,000	554,000
Income taxes	$9,874,000	$8,181,000	$5,108,000

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_No

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Details	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Capital lease obligations for property and equipment originating during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $248, $5 and $9, respectively.
	In connection with the Company’s equity incentive plans, certain optionees tendered to the Company previously owned shares to pay for the option strike price. The total non-cash stock options exercised was $900, $150 and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	(1)     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
	National Research Corporation (“NRC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of analytics and insights that facilitate revenue growth, patient, employee and customer retention and patient engagement for healthcare providers, payers and other healthcare organizations in the United States and Canada. The Company’s ten largest clients accounted for 16%, 19%, and 22% of the Company’s total revenue in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Recapitalization
	In May 2013, the Company consummated a recapitalization (the “May 2013 Recapitalization”) pursuant to which the Company established two classes of common stock (class A common stock and class B common stock), issued a dividend of three shares of class A common stock for each share of the Company’s then existing common stock and reclassified each then existing share of common stock as one-half of one share of class B common stock. All previously reported share and per share amounts in the accompanying financial statements and related notes have been restated to reflect the May 2013 Recapitalization.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary, National Research Corporation Canada, and a variable interest entity, Customer-Connect LLC (“Connect”), which NRC has been deemed the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2013 and 2012 financial statement information to conform to the 2014 financial statement presentation. There was no impact on the previously reported net income and earnings per share.
	Translation of Foreign Currencies
	The Company’s Canadian subsidiary uses as its functional currency the local currency of the country in which it operates. It translates its assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. It translates its revenue and expenses at the average exchange rate during the period. The Company includes translation gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses related to transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the country in which the Company operates and short-term intercompany accounts are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income. Since the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiary are considered to be indefinitely reinvested, the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) have not been tax effected.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company derives a majority of its operating revenue from its annually renewable services, which include performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics and governance education services. The Company provides these services to its clients under annual client service contracts, although such contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty. The Company also derives some revenue from its custom and other research projects.
	Services are provided under subscription-based service agreements. The Company recognizes subscription-based service revenue over the period of time the service is provided. Generally, the subscription periods are for twelve months and revenue is recognized equally over the subscription period.
	Certain contracts are fixed-fee arrangements with a portion of the project fee billed in advance and the remainder billed periodically over the duration of the project. Revenue for services provided under these contracts are recognized under the proportional performance method. Under the proportional performance method, the Company recognizes revenue based on output measures or key milestones such as survey set-up, survey mailings, survey returns and reporting. The Company measures its progress based on the level of completion of these output measures and recognizes revenue accordingly. Management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with revenue recognized using the proportional performance method. If management made different judgments and estimates, then the amount and timing of revenue for any period could differ materially from the reported revenue.
	The Company’s revenue arrangements with a client may include combinations of performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics or governance education services which may be executed at the same time, or within close proximity of one another (referred to as a multiple-element arrangement). Each element of a multiple-element arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting provided each delivered element is sold separately by the Company or another vendor; and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the undelivered elements, delivery or performance of the undelivered services are considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company. The Company’s arrangements generally do not include a general right of return related to the delivered services. If these criteria are not met, the arrangement is accounted for as a single unit of accounting with revenue generally recognized equally over the subscription period or recognized under the proportional performance method.
	Revenue is allocated to each separate unit of accounting based on relative selling price using a selling price hierarchy: vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if VSOE nor TPE is available. VSOE is established based on the services normal selling price and discounts for the specific services when sold separately. TPE is established by evaluating similar competitor services in standalone arrangements. If neither exists for a deliverable, the best estimate of the selling price (“ESP”) is used for that deliverable based on list price, representing a component of management’s market strategy, and an analysis of historical prices for bundled and standalone arrangements. Revenue allocated to an element is limited to revenue that is not subject to refund or otherwise represents contingent revenue. VSOE, TPE and ESP are periodically adjusted to reflect current market conditions. These adjustments are not expected to differ significantly from historical results.
	Business Combinations
	The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the indentifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, especially intangible assets. As a result, in the case of significant acquisitions we typically engage third-party valuation specialists in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants.
	Trade Accounts Receivable
	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on specific account analysis and on the Company’s historical write-off experience. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost. Major expenditures to purchase property or to substantially increase useful lives of property are capitalized. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and resulting gains or losses are included in income.
	For costs of software developed for internal use, the Company expenses computer software costs as incurred in the preliminary project stage, which involves the conceptual formulation, evaluation and selection of technology alternatives. Costs incurred related to the design, coding, installation and testing of software during the application project stage are capitalized. Costs for training and application maintenance are expensed as incurred. The Company has capitalized approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million of internal and external costs incurred for the development of internal-use software for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with such costs classified as property and equipment.
	The Company provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment using annual rates which are sufficient to amortize the cost of depreciable assets over their estimated useful lives. The Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation and amortization over estimated useful lives of three to ten years for furniture and equipment, three to five years for computer equipment, three to five years for capitalized software, and seven to forty years for the Company’s office building and related improvements.
	Leases are categorized as operating or capital at the inception of the lease. Assets under capital lease obligations are reported at the lower of fair value or the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term. The Company depreciates capital lease assets without transfer-of-ownership or bargain-purchase-options using the straight-line method over the lease terms, excluding any lease renewals, unless the lease renewals are reasonably assured. Capital lease assets with transfer-of-ownership or bargain-purchase-options are depreciated using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Amortizing Intangible Assets
	Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangible assets subject to depreciation or amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. No impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	Among others, management believes the following circumstances are important indicators of potential impairment of such assets and as a result may trigger an impairment review:
	●     Significant underperformance in comparison to historical or projected operating results;
	●     Significant changes in the manner or use of acquired assets or the Company’s overall strategy;
	●     Significant negative trends in the Company’s industry or the overall economy;
	●     A significant decline in the market price for the Company’s common stock for a sustained period; and
	●     The Company’s market capitalization falling below the book value of the Company’s net assets.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets include customer relationships, trade names, technology, non-compete agreements and goodwill. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company reviews intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually as of October 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
	When performing the impairment assessment, the Company will first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to recalculate the fair value of the intangible assets with indefinite lives. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangibles is less than their carrying amount, the Company calculates the fair value using a market approach. If the carrying value of intangible assets with indefinite lives exceeds their fair value, then the intangible assets are written-down to their fair values. The Company did not recognize any impairments related to indefinite-lived intangibles during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. All of the Company’s goodwill is allocated to its reporting units, which are the same as its operating segments. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually, as of October 1, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.
	The Company reviews for goodwill impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether any impairment may exist. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative two-step test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required. Under the first step of the quantitative test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two is not performed. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the Company performs step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of that goodwill. The fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and the residual fair value after this allocation is the fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.
	In instances when a step two is required, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined using an income approach and comparable market multiples. Under the income approach, there are a number of inputs used to calculate the fair value using a discounted cash flow model, including operating results, business plans, projected cash flows and a discount rate. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital, which considers market and industry data. Management develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit considering industry and Company-specific historical and projected information. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant weighted average cost of capital and low long-term growth rates. Under the market approach, the Company considers its market capitalization, comparisons to other public companies’ data, and recent transactions of similar businesses within the Company’s industry.
	The Company performed a qualitative analysis as of October 1, 2014 which did not indicate that it was more likely than not that the carrying values of the reporting units exceeded fair value. No impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Segment Information
	During 2014, the Company changed its operating segments from two to three to reflect a change in corporate reporting structure to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and chief operating decision maker. The Company’s three operating segments are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on segment disclosure.  The three operating segments are National Research Corporation (United States), National Research Corporation Canada and Connect, each of which offer a portfolio of solutions to address specific market needs around growth, retention, engagement and thought leadership for healthcare organizations.
	Income Taxes
	The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under that method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis using enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances, if any, are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company uses the deferral method of accounting for its investment tax credits related to state tax incentives. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded income tax benefits relating to these tax credits of $224,000, $290,000, and $289,000, respectively.
	The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
	The Company had an unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2014 and 2013, of $360,000 and $188,000, respectively, excluding interest of $8,000 and $5,000, respectively, and penalties in 2014 of $7,000. Of these amounts, $210,000 and $188,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represents the net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate. The remaining $150,000 at December 31, 2014 would have no impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position in the statements of income as income tax expense. The Company is not subject to tax examinations for years prior to 2011 in the U.S. and 2010 in Canada.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments. The compensation expense is recognized based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. All of the Company’s existing stock option awards and non-vested stock awards have been determined to be equity-classified awards.
	Amounts recognized in the financial statements with respect to these plans:
		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Amounts charged against income, before income tax benefit	$	742	$	955	$	388
	Amount of related income tax benefit		269		377		153
	Total impact to net income	$	473	$	578	$	235
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents were $39.1 million and $21.2 million as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively, consisting primarily of money market accounts and funds invested in commercial paper. At certain times, cash equivalent balances may exceed federally insured limits.
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company’s valuation techniques are based on maximizing observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. The inputs are then classified into the following hierarchy: (1) Level 1 Inputs—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; (2) Level 2 Inputs—observable market-based inputs other than Level 1 inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for similar or identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; (3) Level 3 Inputs—unobservable inputs.
	The following details the Company’s financial assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2014
Money Market Funds	$	9,442	$	--	$	--	$	9,442
Commercial Paper	$	29,686	$	--	$	--	$	29,686
Total	$	39,128	$	--	$	--	$	39,128
As of December 31, 2013
Money Market Funds	$	7,266	$	--	$	--	$	7,266
Commercial Paper	$	13,976	$	--	$	--	$	13,976
Total	$	21,242	$	--	$	--	$	21,242
There were no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The Company's long-term debt described in Note 6 is recorded at historical cost. The fair value of long-term debt is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and was estimated based primarily on estimated current rates available for debt of the same remaining duration and adjusted for nonperformance and credit.
The following are the carrying amount and estimated fair values of long-term debt:
	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	(In thousands)
Total carrying amount of long-term debt	$	8,068	$	10,324
Estimated fair value of long-term debt	$	7,997	$	10,156
The Company believes that the carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value. All non-financial assets that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, which includes goodwill and non-financial long-lived assets, are measured at fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no impairment related to property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.
Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable. At December 31, 2014, the Company was not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material effect on the Company.
Earnings Per Share
Net income per share of class A common stock and class B common stock is computed using the two-class method. Basic net income per share is computed by allocating undistributed earnings to common shares and using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and, if dilutive, the potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.
The liquidation rights and the rights upon the consummation of an extraordinary transaction are the same for the holders of class A common stock and class B common stock. Other than share distributions and liquidation rights, the amount of any dividend or other distribution payable on each share of class A common stock will be equal to one-sixth (1/6th) of the amount of any such dividend or other distribution payable on each share of class B common stock. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the class A and class B common stock as if the earnings for the year had been distributed.
At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company had 347,852, 99,562 and 92,460 options of class A shares and 21,248, 6,407, and 15,410 options of class B shares, respectively, which have been excluded from the diluted net income per share computation because the exercise price exceeds the fair market value.
	2014				2013				2012
	Class A		Class B		Class A		Class B		Class A			Class B
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator for net income per share - basic:
Allocation of distributed earnings	$	1,254	$	1,258	$	1,071	$	1,071	$	8,681		$	8,681
Allocation of undistributed earnings		7,808		7,836		6,670		6,672		(1,147	)		(1,147	)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	9,062	$	9,094	$	7,741	$	7,743	$	7,534		$	7,534
Denominator for net income per share - basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		20,764		3,473		20,677		3,447		20,325			3,388
Net income per share - basic	$	0.44	$	2.62	$	0.37	$	2.25	$	0.37		$	2.22
Numerator for net income per share - diluted:
Net income attributable to common shareholders for	$	9,062	$	9,094	$	7,741	$	7,743	$	7,534		$	7,534
basic computation
Denominator for net income per share - diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		20,764		3,473		20,677		3,447		20,325			3,388
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Stock Options		282		58		388		61		492			82
Restricted Stock		30		5		34		6		37			6
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted		21,076		3,536		21,099		3,514		20,854			3,476
Net income per share - diluted	$	0.43	$	2.57	$	0.37	$	2.2	$	0.36		$	2.17

Note_2_Acquisitions

Note 2 - Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	(2)     Acquisitions
	On October 28, 2014, the Company acquired Digital Assent, LLC (“Digital Assent”), a company with a healthcare technology platform. The acquisition creates a Center of Excellence in Atlanta, Georgia, responsible for developing novel solutions to enhance consumer decision-making in the selection of healthcare providers. The all-cash consideration paid at closing was $2.6 million.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, and the weighted average life of the long-lived assets.
	Amount of Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
	($ in thousands)
	Current Assets	$	36
	Property and equipment		16
	Customer relationships		382
	Technology		1,110
	Goodwill		1,124
	Other Long Term Assets		23
	Total acquired assets		2,691
	Current liabilities		(117	)
	Net assets acquired	$	2,574
	The identifiable intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives and have a total weighted average amortization period of 7.26 years. The goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill related to the acquisition was primarily attributable to anticipated synergies and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition. The fair value of the customer relationships, technology and goodwill assets are subject to refinement as the Company completes its analysis of the fair values at the date of acquisition.
	The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and for the year then ended include amounts acquired from, as well as the results of operations of the acquired entity from October 28, 2014 forward. Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 include revenue of $95,000 and an operating loss of $548,000 attributable to the acquired entity since acquisition. Acquisition-related costs of $52,000 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The following unaudited pro forma information for the Company has been prepared as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013. The information is based on the historical results of the separate companies and may not necessarily be indicative of the results that could have been achieved or of results that may occur in the future. The pro forma adjustments include the impact of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets acquired, interest expense of debt not assumed in the acquisition and income tax benefits of the acquired entity.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue	$	99,266		$	92,989
	Net income	$	17,642		$	14,660
	Basic Earnings per share – Class A	$	0.42		$	0.35
	Basic Earnings per share – Class B	$	2.54		$	2.13
	Diluted Earnings per share – Class A	$	0.42		$	0.35
	Diluted earnings per share – Class B	$	2.5		$	2.09
	During October 2014, the Company also made an investment which includes an option for a potential acquisition of a partner company that has developed a talent-matching solution to accelerate the formation of high-performing teams.  The cash consideration paid was $800,000, of which $657,000 was allocated to the purchase option and the remaining $143,000 to a license and work to be performed. The option provides NRC with the right to acquire the partner company for $4.1 million on or before March 31, 2015.

Note_3_Variable_Interest_Entit

Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block]	(3)     Variable Interest Entity
	Connect was formed in June 2013 to develop and commercialize the Connect programs. Connect programs provide healthcare organizations the technology to engage patients through real-time identification and management of individual patient needs, preferences, risks, and experiences.  The platform ensures that organizations have access to a longitudinal view of the patient to more effectively manage patient engagement across the continuum of care. NRC has a 49% ownership interest in Connect. NG Customer-Connect, LLC holds 25% interest, and the remaining 26% is held by Illuminate Health, LLC. NRC has agreed to lease certain employees to Connect. In return for a fee, Connect will service the Company’s discharge call program clients. NRC made capital contributions to Connect totaling $2.8 million through December 31, 2014 and will make additional capital contributions of up to $1.3 million on an as-needed basis as determined by the Board of Directors of Connect. Profits and losses are allocated under the hypothetical liquidation at book value approach.
	NRC is deemed the primary beneficiary of Connect. An entity is considered the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity if it has both the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the variable interest entity’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Connect is thinly capitalized and relies on NRC advances and reimbursements to fund its operations. Together, NRC and NRC associates hold a majority of the voting rights on Connect’s board of directors and has the ability to direct the majority of Connect’s operations.
	NRC has a future obligation to purchase the other equity units in Connect when certain targeted events have been achieved. If, at any time, there is at least $12.5 million of annual recurring contract value, including the NRC contracts being serviced, and the members have approved a financial statement showing a pro forma minimum 35% EBITDA margin for revenue on a going-forward basis, then within 90 days thereafter NRC is required to purchase from the other members, and the other members shall be required to sell to NRC, all of their equity units not owned by NRC. As of December 31 2014, the price at which NG Customer-Connect, LLC and Illuminate Health LLC had the obligation to sell their equity units to NRC was $0.
	Included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements was Connect’s net operating loss of $1.5 million and $837,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net operating loss of Connect during 2014 and 2013 was attributable to NRC. Connect had total assets of $784,000 and $649,000 and total liabilities of $309,000 and $186,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Note_4_Property_and_Equipment

Note 4 - Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	(4)     Property and Equipment
	At December 31, 2014, and 2013, property and equipment consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	4,675	$	4,015
	Computer equipment and software		20,055		18,569
	Building		9,577		9,322
	Land		425		425
			34,732		32,331
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		22,589		20,433
	Net property and equipment	$	12,143	$	11,898
	Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment, including assets under capital lease, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $3.0 million, $2.8 million, and $3.4 million, respectively.
	Property and equipment included the following amounts under capital lease:
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	767	$	519
	Computer equipment and software		55		47
			822		566
	Less accumulated amortization		414		294
	Net assets under capital lease	$	408	$	272

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	(5)     Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014:
							Accumulated Amortization
		Useful Life			Gross				Net
		(In years)					(In thousands)
	Goodwill				$	58,489			$	58,489
	Non-amortizing intangible assets:
	Indefinite trade name					1,191				1,191
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Customer related		15-May			10,857		7,937		2,920
	Technology		7			1,110		26		1,084
	Non-compete agreements		3			430		430		-
	Trade names		10-May			1,902		1,640		261
	Total amortizing intangible assets					14,299		10,033		4,265
	Total intangible assets other than goodwill				$	15,490	$	10,033	$	5,456
	Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2013:
							Accumulated Amortization
		Useful Life			Gross				Net
		(In years)					(In thousands)
	Goodwill				$	57,593			$	57,593
	Non-amortizing intangible assets:
	Indefinite trade name					1,191				1,191
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Customer related		15-May			10,499		7,334		3,165
	Non-compete agreements		3			430		430		-
	Trade names		10-May			1,902		1,418		484
	Total amortizing intangible assets					12,831		9,182		3,649
	Total intangible assets other than goodwill				$	14,022	$	9,182	$	4,840
	The following represents a summary of changes in the Company’s carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands):
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	57,799
	Foreign currency translation		(206	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	57,593
	Acquisition		1,124
	Foreign currency translation		(228	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	58,489
	Aggregate amortization expense for customer related intangibles, trade names, technology and non-competes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $876,000, $954,000, and $1.3 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is: 2015—$995,000; 2016—$803,000; 2017—$738,000; 2018—$727,000; 2019—$439,000; thereafter $562,000.

Note_6_Income_Taxes

Note 6 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	(6)      Income Taxes
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, income before income taxes consists of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	U.S. Operations	$	25,338		$	21,882		$	19,836
	Foreign Operations		2,754			2,606			2,371
		$	28,092		$	24,488		$	22,207
	Income tax expense consisted of the following components:
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Federal:
	Current	$	8,578		$	7,169		$	5,488
	Deferred		99			195			1,140
	Total	$	8,677		$	7,364		$	6,628
	Foreign:
	Current	$	714		$	716		$	684
	Deferred		34			(7	)		(6	)
	Total	$	748		$	709		$	678
	State:
	Current	$	448		$	1,020		$	787
	Deferred		63			(89	)		(954	)
	Total	$	511		$	931		$	(167	)
	Total	$	9,936		$	9,004		$	7,139
	The difference between the Company’s income tax expense as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the income tax expense that would be calculated applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% for 2014, 2013, and 2012 on pretax income was as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Expected federal income taxes	$	9,832		$	8,571		$	7,772
	Foreign tax rate differential		(239	)		(226	)		(203	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit and state tax credits		332			605			552
	Federal tax credits		(150	)		(217	)		(282	)
	Uncertain tax positions		182			(43	)		(73	)
	Deferred tax adjustment due to change in state tax law		58			--			(875	)
	Recapitalization expenses		--			182			--
	Release of valuation allowance		1,124			14			214
	Expiration of capital loss carryforward		(1,124	)		--			--
	Other		(79	)		118			34
	Total	$	9,936		$	9,004		$	7,139
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were comprised of the following:
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	71		$	63
	Accrued expenses		529			497
	Share based compensation		1,239			1,113
	Capital loss carryforward		--			1,124
	Other		38			39
	Gross deferred tax assets		1,877			2,836
	Less Valuation Allowance		--			(1,124	)
	Deferred tax assets		1,877			1,712
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses		251			286
	Property and equipment		1,319			1,426
	Intangible assets		7,308			6,879
	Other		82			7
	Deferred tax liabilities		8,960			8,598
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(7,083	)	$	(6,886	)
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, net deferred tax assets of $349,000 and $53,000 respectively, were included in current deferred income taxes. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, net deferred tax liabilities of $7.4 million and $6.9 million, respectively, were included in long term deferred income taxes.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers projected future taxable income, carry-back opportunities, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company believes it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the valuation allowance recorded. The net impact on income tax expense related to changes in the valuation allowance for 2014, 2013, and 2012, were $1.1 million, $14,000 and $214,000 respectively.
	The Company had domestic capital loss carryforwards that expired in 2014. The total $3.1 million of the capital loss carryforwards related to the pre-acquisition periods of acquired companies, and the Company had provided a $1.1 million valuation allowance against the $1.1 million tax benefit associated with the capital loss carryforwards.
	The undistributed foreign earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiary of approximately $12.7 million are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been provided for such undistributed earnings. The Company estimated at December 31, 2014, that an additional tax liability of $609,000 would become due if repatriation of undistributed earnings would occur.
	The Company had an unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2014 and 2013, of $360,000 and $188,000, respectively, excluding interest of $8,000 and $5,000, respectively, and penalties in 2014 of $7,000. Of these amounts, $210,000 and $188,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represents the net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate. The remaining $150,000 at December 31, 2014 would have no impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position in the statements of income as income tax expense.
	The change in the unrecognized tax benefits for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		(In thousands)
	Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012	$	224
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(91	)
Additions based on tax positions of prior years		27
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		28
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013	$	188
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(26	)
Additions based on tax positions of prior years		10
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		195
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014	$	367
The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return, various state jurisdictions and a Canada federal and provincial income tax return. The 2011 to 2014 U.S. federal and state returns remain open to examination. The 2010 to 2014 Canada federal and provincial income tax returns remain open to examination.

Note_7_Notes_Payable

Note 7 - Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	-7	Notes Payable
	Notes payable consisted of the following:
			2014		2013
			(In thousands)
	Revolving credit note with U.S. Bank, maximum available $6.5 million subject to borrowing base, matures June 30, 2015		$	--	$	--
	Note payable to U.S. Bank for $11.8 million, interest at a 3.12% fixed rate, 60 monthly principal and interest payments of $212,468 through April 2018			8,068		10,324
	Total notes payable			8,068		10,324
	Less current portion			2,328		2,256
	Note payable, net of current portion		$	5,740	$	8,068
	The Company also has a revolving credit note that was renewed in June 2014 to extend the term to June 30, 2015. The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note is $6.5 million, subject to a borrowing base equal to 75.0% of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under the revolving credit note bear interest at a variable annual rate, with three rate options at the discretion of management as follows: (1) 2.5% plus the daily reset one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or (2) 2.2% plus the one-, two- or three- month LIBOR rate, or (3) the bank’s one-, two, three, six, or twelve month Money Market Loan Rate. As of December 31, 2014 the revolving credit note did not have a balance. According to the borrowing base requirements, the Company had the capacity to borrow $6.5 million as of December 31, 2014.
	The term note and revolving credit note are secured by certain of the Company’s assets, including the Company’s land, building, accounts receivable and intangible assets. The term note and the revolving credit note contain various restrictions and covenants applicable to the Company, including requirements that the Company maintain certain financial ratios at prescribed levels and restrictions on the ability of the Company to consolidate or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness or dispose of assets. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants.
	The remaining note payable maturities for each year subsequent to December 31, 2014, are as follows:
			Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
			Payments
			(In thousands)
	Notes payable		$	8,068	$	2,328	$	2,403	$	2,480	$	857	$	--

Note_8_Sharebased_Compensation

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	-8	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. All of the Company’s existing stock option awards and non-vested stock awards have been determined to be equity-classified awards.
	The National Research Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (“2001 Equity Incentive Plan”) provided for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of class A common stock and 300,000 shares of class B common stock. Stock options granted could have been either nonqualified or incentive stock options. Stock options vest over one to five years following the date of grant and option terms are generally five to ten years following the date of grant. Due to the expiration of the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, at December 31, 2014, there were no shares of stock available for future grants. The Company has accounted for grants of 1,683,309 class A and 280,552 class B options and restricted stock under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.
	The Company’s 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “2004 Director Plan”) is a nonqualified plan that provides for the granting of options with respect to 1,650,000 shares of class A common stock and 275,000 shares of class B common stock. The 2004 Director Plan provides for grants of nonqualified stock options to each director of the Company who is not employed by the Company. On the date of each annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, options to purchase 36,000 shares of class A common stock and 6,000 shares of class B common stock are granted to directors that are elected or retained as a director at such meeting. Stock options vest one year following the date of grant and option terms are generally ten years following the date of grant, or three years in the case of termination of the outside director’s service. At December 31, 2014, there were 75,000 shares of class A common stock and 12,500 shares of class B common stock available for issuance pursuant to future grants under the 2004 Director Plan. The Company has accounted for grants of 1,575,000 class A and 262,500 class B options under the 2004 Director Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.
	The National Research Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Equity Incentive Plan”) provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of class A common stock and 300,000 shares of class B common stock. Stock options granted may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. Vesting terms vary with each grant and option terms are generally five to ten years following the date of grant. At December 31, 2014, there were 1,143,147 shares of class A common stock and 191,802 shares of class B common stock available for issuance pursuant to future grants under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company has accounted for grants of 656,853 class A and 108,198 class B options and restricted stock under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.
	The Company granted options to purchase 204,166 shares of the Company’s class A common stock and 32,217 shares of the class B common stock during 2014. During 2013, the Company granted options to purchase 232,344 shares of class A common stock and 38,718 shares of class B common stock, and during 2012 granted options to purchase 238,890 shares of class A common stock and 39,815 shares of class B common stock. Options to purchase shares of common stock are typically granted with exercise prices equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. The Company does, in certain limited situations, grant options with exercise prices that exceed the fair value of the common shares on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
			2014					2013			2012
			Class A			Class B		Pre-Recapitalization
	Expected dividend yield at date of grant			1.47 to 1.97%			4.03 to 4.87%		2.26 to 3.46%			2.63 to 3.98%
	Expected stock price volatility			27.52 to 32.03%			30.13 to 32.65%		30.34 to 30.51%			29.10 to 31.70%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.63 to 2.37%			1.63 to 2.37%		0.55 to 1.07%			0.56 to 1.15%
	Expected life of options (in years)			5 to 7			5 to 7		4 to 6			4 to 6
	The risk-free interest rate assumptions were based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected volatility was based on historical monthly price changes of the Company’s stock based on the expected life of the options at the date of grant. The expected life of options is the average number of years the Company estimates that options will be outstanding. The Company considers groups of associates that have similar historical exercise behavior separately for valuation purposes.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the 2001 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans and the 2004 Director Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014:
			Number of			Weighted Average Exercise		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			Aggregate Intrinsic
			Options			Price					Value
											(In thousands)
	Class A
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,444,845		$	10.21
	Granted			204,166		$	15.41
	Exercised			(140,595	)	$	6.76				$	1,468
	Forfeited			(183,896	)	$	12.4
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			1,324,520		$	11.07		6.3		$	4,566
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			787,413		$	10.7		5.56		$	3,005
	Class B
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			234,802		$	20.76
	Granted			32,217		$	43.24
	Exercised			(23,432	)	$	15.25				$	502
	Forfeited			(30,117	)	$	23.82
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			213,470		$	24.32		6.34		$	2,724
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			125,234		$	21.64		5.62		$	1,794
	The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during 2014 was $2.14 for class A common stock and $2.16 for class B common stock. The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended 2013 and 2012 was $3.24 and $2.43, respectively, for both class A and class B common stock. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2014 was $1.5 million for the shares of class A common stock and $502,000 for the shares of class B common stock. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $1.1 million for the shares of class A common stock and $992,000 for the shares of class B common stock for 2013, and $5.6 million for the shares of class A common stock and $941,000 for the shares of class B common stock for 2012. The total intrinsic value of stock options vested during 2014 was $528,000 for the shares of class A common stock and $402,000 for the shares of class B common stock. The total intrinsic value of stock options vested was $1.5 million for the shares of class A common stock and $514,000 for the shares of class B common stock for 2013, and $2.3 million for the shares of class A common stock and $376,000 for the shares of class B common stock for 2012. As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards was approximately $487,000 and $126,000 for class A and class B common stock shares, respectively, which was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.82 years and 1.15 years for class A and class B common stock shares, respectively.
	Cash received from stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $408,000, $840,000, and $1.3 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from stock options exercised was $622,000, $753,000 and $2.0 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	During 2014, the Company granted 73,506 and 12,251 non-vested shares of class A and class B common stock, respectively, under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. No non-vested shares of common stock were granted during 2013. During 2012, the Company granted 23,469 and 3,912 non-vested shares of class A and class B common stock, respectively, under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 110,647 and 18,441 non-vested shares of class A and class B common stock, respectively, outstanding under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. These shares vest over one to five years following the date of grant and holders thereof are entitled to receive dividends from the date of grant, whether or not vested. The fair value of the awards is calculated as the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The Company recognized $35,000, $140,000 and $74,000 of non-cash compensation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, related to this non-vested stock.
	The following table summarizes information regarding non-vested stock granted to associates under the 2001 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans for the year ended December 31, 2014:
			Class A Shares Outstanding			Class A Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Class B Shares Outstanding			Class B Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
						Per Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			60,609		$	5.77		10,101		$	34.65
	Granted			73,506			13.99		12,251			38.5
	Forfeited			(23,468	)		6.39		(3,911	)		38.35
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			110,647		$	11.1		18,441		$	36.42
	As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock awards was approximately $1.5 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.55 years.

Note_9_Leases

Note 9 - Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block]	(9)     Leases
	The Company leases printing equipment in the United States, and office space in Canada, California, Georgia, Nebraska and Washington. The Company recorded rent expense in connection with its operating leases of $840,000, $720,000, and $715,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company also has capital leases for production, mailing and computer equipment.
	Payments under non-cancelable operating leases and capital leases at December 31, 2014 are:
	Year Ending December 31,	Capital		Operating Leases
		Leases
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	173	$	703
	2016		74		592
	2017		65		411
	2018		33		292
	2019		--		104
	Total minimum lease payments		345
	Less: Amount representing interest		27
	Present value of minimum lease payments		318
	Less: Current maturities		151
	Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	$	167

Note_10_Related_Party

Note 10 - Related Party	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	(10)     Related Party
	A Board member of the Company also serves as an officer of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In connection with the Company’s regular assessment of its insurance-based associate benefits and the costs associated therewith, in 2007 the Company began purchasing dental insurance for certain of its associates from Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and, in 2009, the Company also began purchasing vision insurance for certain of its associates from Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. The total value of these purchases was $207,000, $212,000 and $198,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
	Michael Hays, our Chief Executive Officer, is a director and owner of 14% of the equity interests of Nebraska Global Investment Company LLC. In 2013 and 2012, the Company purchased certain technology consulting and software development services from Nebraska Global Investment Company LLC. There were no purchases in 2014. The total value of these purchases was $57,000 and $55,000 in 2013 and 2012 respectively.

Note_11_Associate_Benefits

Note 11 - Associate Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	(11)     Associate Benefits
	The Company sponsors a qualified 401(k) plan covering substantially all associates with no eligibility service requirement. Under the 401(k) plan, the Company matches 25.0% of the first 6.0% of compensation contributed by each associate. Employer contributions, which are discretionary, vest to participants at a rate of 20% per year. The Company contributed $216,000, $252,000 and $236,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as a matching percentage of associate 401(k) contributions.

Note_12_Recent_Accounting_Pron

Note 12 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	(12)      Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The updated accounting guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is not permitted.  An entity may choose to adopt this ASU either retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the start of the first period for which it applies the standard.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and our method of adoption.

Note_13_Segment_Information

Note 13 - Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	(13)     Segment Information
	The Company’s three operating segments are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria from the FASB guidance on segment disclosure.  The three operating segments are National Research Corporation (United States), National Research Corporation Canada and Connect, each of which offer a portfolio of solutions to address specific market needs around growth, retention, engagement and thought leadership for healthcare organizations.
	The table below presents entity-wide information regarding the Company’s revenue and assets by geographic area:
		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenue:
	United States	$	92,270	$	85,863	$	79,895
	Canada		6,567		6,727		6,526
	Total	$	98,837	$	92,590	$	86,421
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	73,328	$	71,139	$	72,817
	Canada		2,994		3,383		3,414
	Total	$	76,322	$	74,522	$	76,231
	Total assets:
	United States	$	115,730	$	98,074	$	87,670
	Canada		13,780		13,014		12,376
	Total	$	129,510	$	111,088	$	100,046

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	(In thousands)
		Balance at		Bad Debt		Write-offs		Balance
		Beginning		Expense		Net of		at End
		of Year				Recoveries		of Year
	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	289	$	173	$	218	$	244
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	244	$	145	$	206	$	183
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	183	$	300	$	282	$	201

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014															Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recapitalization [Policy Text Block]	Recapitalization
	In May 2013, the Company consummated a recapitalization (the “May 2013 Recapitalization”) pursuant to which the Company established two classes of common stock (class A common stock and class B common stock), issued a dividend of three shares of class A common stock for each share of the Company’s then existing common stock and reclassified each then existing share of common stock as one-half of one share of class B common stock. All previously reported share and per share amounts in the accompanying financial statements and related notes have been restated to reflect the May 2013 Recapitalization.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary, National Research Corporation Canada, and a variable interest entity, Customer-Connect LLC (“Connect”), which NRC has been deemed the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]																	Reclassifications
																	Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2013 and 2012 financial statement information to conform to the 2014 financial statement presentation. There was no impact on the previously reported net income and earnings per share.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Translation of Foreign Currencies
	The Company’s Canadian subsidiary uses as its functional currency the local currency of the country in which it operates. It translates its assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. It translates its revenue and expenses at the average exchange rate during the period. The Company includes translation gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses related to transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the country in which the Company operates and short-term intercompany accounts are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income. Since the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiary are considered to be indefinitely reinvested, the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) have not been tax effected.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition
	The Company derives a majority of its operating revenue from its annually renewable services, which include performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics and governance education services. The Company provides these services to its clients under annual client service contracts, although such contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty. The Company also derives some revenue from its custom and other research projects.
	Services are provided under subscription-based service agreements. The Company recognizes subscription-based service revenue over the period of time the service is provided. Generally, the subscription periods are for twelve months and revenue is recognized equally over the subscription period.
	Certain contracts are fixed-fee arrangements with a portion of the project fee billed in advance and the remainder billed periodically over the duration of the project. Revenue for services provided under these contracts are recognized under the proportional performance method. Under the proportional performance method, the Company recognizes revenue based on output measures or key milestones such as survey set-up, survey mailings, survey returns and reporting. The Company measures its progress based on the level of completion of these output measures and recognizes revenue accordingly. Management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with revenue recognized using the proportional performance method. If management made different judgments and estimates, then the amount and timing of revenue for any period could differ materially from the reported revenue.
	The Company’s revenue arrangements with a client may include combinations of performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics or governance education services which may be executed at the same time, or within close proximity of one another (referred to as a multiple-element arrangement). Each element of a multiple-element arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting provided each delivered element is sold separately by the Company or another vendor; and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the undelivered elements, delivery or performance of the undelivered services are considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company. The Company’s arrangements generally do not include a general right of return related to the delivered services. If these criteria are not met, the arrangement is accounted for as a single unit of accounting with revenue generally recognized equally over the subscription period or recognized under the proportional performance method.
	Revenue is allocated to each separate unit of accounting based on relative selling price using a selling price hierarchy: vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if VSOE nor TPE is available. VSOE is established based on the services normal selling price and discounts for the specific services when sold separately. TPE is established by evaluating similar competitor services in standalone arrangements. If neither exists for a deliverable, the best estimate of the selling price (“ESP”) is used for that deliverable based on list price, representing a component of management’s market strategy, and an analysis of historical prices for bundled and standalone arrangements. Revenue allocated to an element is limited to revenue that is not subject to refund or otherwise represents contingent revenue. VSOE, TPE and ESP are periodically adjusted to reflect current market conditions. These adjustments are not expected to differ significantly from historical results.
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Business Combinations
	The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the indentifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, especially intangible assets. As a result, in the case of significant acquisitions we typically engage third-party valuation specialists in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Trade Accounts Receivable
	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on specific account analysis and on the Company’s historical write-off experience. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost. Major expenditures to purchase property or to substantially increase useful lives of property are capitalized. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and resulting gains or losses are included in income.
	For costs of software developed for internal use, the Company expenses computer software costs as incurred in the preliminary project stage, which involves the conceptual formulation, evaluation and selection of technology alternatives. Costs incurred related to the design, coding, installation and testing of software during the application project stage are capitalized. Costs for training and application maintenance are expensed as incurred. The Company has capitalized approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million of internal and external costs incurred for the development of internal-use software for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with such costs classified as property and equipment.
	The Company provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment using annual rates which are sufficient to amortize the cost of depreciable assets over their estimated useful lives. The Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation and amortization over estimated useful lives of three to ten years for furniture and equipment, three to five years for computer equipment, three to five years for capitalized software, and seven to forty years for the Company’s office building and related improvements.
	Leases are categorized as operating or capital at the inception of the lease. Assets under capital lease obligations are reported at the lower of fair value or the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term. The Company depreciates capital lease assets without transfer-of-ownership or bargain-purchase-options using the straight-line method over the lease terms, excluding any lease renewals, unless the lease renewals are reasonably assured. Capital lease assets with transfer-of-ownership or bargain-purchase-options are depreciated using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]																Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Amortizing Intangible Assets
																Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangible assets subject to depreciation or amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. No impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, or 2012.
																Among others, management believes the following circumstances are important indicators of potential impairment of such assets and as a result may trigger an impairment review:
																●     Significant underperformance in comparison to historical or projected operating results;
																●     Significant changes in the manner or use of acquired assets or the Company’s overall strategy;
																●     Significant negative trends in the Company’s industry or the overall economy;
																●     A significant decline in the market price for the Company’s common stock for a sustained period; and
																●     The Company’s market capitalization falling below the book value of the Company’s net assets.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets include customer relationships, trade names, technology, non-compete agreements and goodwill. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company reviews intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually as of October 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
	When performing the impairment assessment, the Company will first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to recalculate the fair value of the intangible assets with indefinite lives. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangibles is less than their carrying amount, the Company calculates the fair value using a market approach. If the carrying value of intangible assets with indefinite lives exceeds their fair value, then the intangible assets are written-down to their fair values. The Company did not recognize any impairments related to indefinite-lived intangibles during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. All of the Company’s goodwill is allocated to its reporting units, which are the same as its operating segments. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually, as of October 1, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.
	The Company reviews for goodwill impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether any impairment may exist. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative two-step test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required. Under the first step of the quantitative test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two is not performed. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the Company performs step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of that goodwill. The fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and the residual fair value after this allocation is the fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.
	In instances when a step two is required, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined using an income approach and comparable market multiples. Under the income approach, there are a number of inputs used to calculate the fair value using a discounted cash flow model, including operating results, business plans, projected cash flows and a discount rate. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital, which considers market and industry data. Management develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit considering industry and Company-specific historical and projected information. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant weighted average cost of capital and low long-term growth rates. Under the market approach, the Company considers its market capitalization, comparisons to other public companies’ data, and recent transactions of similar businesses within the Company’s industry.
	The Company performed a qualitative analysis as of October 1, 2014 which did not indicate that it was more likely than not that the carrying values of the reporting units exceeded fair value. No impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Segment Information
	During 2014, the Company changed its operating segments from two to three to reflect a change in corporate reporting structure to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and chief operating decision maker. The Company’s three operating segments are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on segment disclosure.  The three operating segments are National Research Corporation (United States), National Research Corporation Canada and Connect, each of which offer a portfolio of solutions to address specific market needs around growth, retention, engagement and thought leadership for healthcare organizations.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
	The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under that method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis using enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances, if any, are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company uses the deferral method of accounting for its investment tax credits related to state tax incentives. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded income tax benefits relating to these tax credits of $224,000, $290,000, and $289,000, respectively.
	The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
	The Company had an unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2014 and 2013, of $360,000 and $188,000, respectively, excluding interest of $8,000 and $5,000, respectively, and penalties in 2014 of $7,000. Of these amounts, $210,000 and $188,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represents the net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate. The remaining $150,000 at December 31, 2014 would have no impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position in the statements of income as income tax expense. The Company is not subject to tax examinations for years prior to 2011 in the U.S. and 2010 in Canada.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments. The compensation expense is recognized based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. All of the Company’s existing stock option awards and non-vested stock awards have been determined to be equity-classified awards.
	Amounts recognized in the financial statements with respect to these plans:
		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Amounts charged against income, before income tax benefit	$	742	$	955	$	388
	Amount of related income tax benefit		269		377		153
	Total impact to net income	$	473	$	578	$	235
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents were $39.1 million and $21.2 million as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively, consisting primarily of money market accounts and funds invested in commercial paper. At certain times, cash equivalent balances may exceed federally insured limits.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company’s valuation techniques are based on maximizing observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. The inputs are then classified into the following hierarchy: (1) Level 1 Inputs—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; (2) Level 2 Inputs—observable market-based inputs other than Level 1 inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for similar or identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; (3) Level 3 Inputs—unobservable inputs.
	The following details the Company’s financial assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	As of December 31, 2014
	Money Market Funds	$	9,442	$	--	$	--	$	9,442
	Commercial Paper	$	29,686	$	--	$	--	$	29,686
	Total	$	39,128	$	--	$	--	$	39,128
	As of December 31, 2013
	Money Market Funds	$	7,266	$	--	$	--	$	7,266
	Commercial Paper	$	13,976	$	--	$	--	$	13,976
	Total	$	21,242	$	--	$	--	$	21,242
	There were no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company's long-term debt described in Note 6 is recorded at historical cost. The fair value of long-term debt is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and was estimated based primarily on estimated current rates available for debt of the same remaining duration and adjusted for nonperformance and credit.
	The following are the carrying amount and estimated fair values of long-term debt:
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Total carrying amount of long-term debt	$	8,068	$	10,324
	Estimated fair value of long-term debt	$	7,997	$	10,156
	The Company believes that the carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value. All non-financial assets that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, which includes goodwill and non-financial long-lived assets, are measured at fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no impairment related to property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Contingencies
	From time to time, the Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable. At December 31, 2014, the Company was not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material effect on the Company.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share
	Net income per share of class A common stock and class B common stock is computed using the two-class method. Basic net income per share is computed by allocating undistributed earnings to common shares and using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
	Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and, if dilutive, the potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.
	The liquidation rights and the rights upon the consummation of an extraordinary transaction are the same for the holders of class A common stock and class B common stock. Other than share distributions and liquidation rights, the amount of any dividend or other distribution payable on each share of class A common stock will be equal to one-sixth (1/6th) of the amount of any such dividend or other distribution payable on each share of class B common stock. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the class A and class B common stock as if the earnings for the year had been distributed.
	At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company had 347,852, 99,562 and 92,460 options of class A shares and 21,248, 6,407, and 15,410 options of class B shares, respectively, which have been excluded from the diluted net income per share computation because the exercise price exceeds the fair market value.
		2014				2013				2012
		Class A		Class B		Class A		Class B		Class A			Class B
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator for net income per share - basic:
	Allocation of distributed earnings	$	1,254	$	1,258	$	1,071	$	1,071	$	8,681		$	8,681
	Allocation of undistributed earnings		7,808		7,836		6,670		6,672		(1,147	)		(1,147	)
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	9,062	$	9,094	$	7,741	$	7,743	$	7,534		$	7,534
	Denominator for net income per share - basic:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		20,764		3,473		20,677		3,447		20,325			3,388
	Net income per share - basic	$	0.44	$	2.62	$	0.37	$	2.25	$	0.37		$	2.22
	Numerator for net income per share - diluted:
	Net income attributable to common shareholders for	$	9,062	$	9,094	$	7,741	$	7,743	$	7,534		$	7,534
	basic computation
	Denominator for net income per share - diluted:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		20,764		3,473		20,677		3,447		20,325			3,388
	Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock Options		282		58		388		61		492			82
	Restricted Stock		30		5		34		6		37			6
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted		21,076		3,536		21,099		3,514		20,854			3,476
	Net income per share - diluted	$	0.43	$	2.57	$	0.37	$	2.2	$	0.36		$	2.17
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The updated accounting guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is not permitted.  An entity may choose to adopt this ASU either retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the start of the first period for which it applies the standard.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and our method of adoption.

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Amounts charged against income, before income tax benefit	$	742	$	955	$	388
	Amount of related income tax benefit		269		377		153
	Total impact to net income	$	473	$	578	$	235
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	As of December 31, 2014
	Money Market Funds	$	9,442	$	--	$	--	$	9,442
	Commercial Paper	$	29,686	$	--	$	--	$	29,686
	Total	$	39,128	$	--	$	--	$	39,128
	As of December 31, 2013
	Money Market Funds	$	7,266	$	--	$	--	$	7,266
	Commercial Paper	$	13,976	$	--	$	--	$	13,976
	Total	$	21,242	$	--	$	--	$	21,242
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Total carrying amount of long-term debt	$	8,068	$	10,324
	Estimated fair value of long-term debt	$	7,997	$	10,156
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		2014				2013				2012
		Class A		Class B		Class A		Class B		Class A			Class B
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator for net income per share - basic:
	Allocation of distributed earnings	$	1,254	$	1,258	$	1,071	$	1,071	$	8,681		$	8,681
	Allocation of undistributed earnings		7,808		7,836		6,670		6,672		(1,147	)		(1,147	)
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	9,062	$	9,094	$	7,741	$	7,743	$	7,534		$	7,534
	Denominator for net income per share - basic:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		20,764		3,473		20,677		3,447		20,325			3,388
	Net income per share - basic	$	0.44	$	2.62	$	0.37	$	2.25	$	0.37		$	2.22
	Numerator for net income per share - diluted:
	Net income attributable to common shareholders for	$	9,062	$	9,094	$	7,741	$	7,743	$	7,534		$	7,534
	basic computation
	Denominator for net income per share - diluted:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		20,764		3,473		20,677		3,447		20,325			3,388
	Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock Options		282		58		388		61		492			82
	Restricted Stock		30		5		34		6		37			6
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted		21,076		3,536		21,099		3,514		20,854			3,476
	Net income per share - diluted	$	0.43	$	2.57	$	0.37	$	2.2	$	0.36		$	2.17

Note_2_Acquisitions_Tables

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Amount of Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
	($ in thousands)
	Current Assets	$	36
	Property and equipment		16
	Customer relationships		382
	Technology		1,110
	Goodwill		1,124
	Other Long Term Assets		23
	Total acquired assets		2,691
	Current liabilities		(117	)
	Net assets acquired	$	2,574
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue	$	99,266		$	92,989
	Net income	$	17,642		$	14,660
	Basic Earnings per share – Class A	$	0.42		$	0.35
	Basic Earnings per share – Class B	$	2.54		$	2.13
	Diluted Earnings per share – Class A	$	0.42		$	0.35
	Diluted earnings per share – Class B	$	2.5		$	2.09

Note_4_Property_and_Equipment_

Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	4,675	$	4,015
	Computer equipment and software		20,055		18,569
	Building		9,577		9,322
	Land		425		425
			34,732		32,331
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		22,589		20,433
	Net property and equipment	$	12,143	$	11,898
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	767	$	519
	Computer equipment and software		55		47
			822		566
	Less accumulated amortization		414		294
	Net assets under capital lease	$	408	$	272

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible1

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]							Accumulated Amortization
		Useful Life			Gross				Net
		(In years)					(In thousands)
	Goodwill				$	58,489			$	58,489
	Non-amortizing intangible assets:
	Indefinite trade name					1,191				1,191
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Customer related		15-May			10,857		7,937		2,920
	Technology		7			1,110		26		1,084
	Non-compete agreements		3			430		430		-
	Trade names		10-May			1,902		1,640		261
	Total amortizing intangible assets					14,299		10,033		4,265
	Total intangible assets other than goodwill				$	15,490	$	10,033	$	5,456
							Accumulated Amortization
		Useful Life			Gross				Net
		(In years)					(In thousands)
	Goodwill				$	57,593			$	57,593
	Non-amortizing intangible assets:
	Indefinite trade name					1,191				1,191
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Customer related		15-May			10,499		7,334		3,165
	Non-compete agreements		3			430		430		-
	Trade names		10-May			1,902		1,418		484
	Total amortizing intangible assets					12,831		9,182		3,649
	Total intangible assets other than goodwill				$	14,022	$	9,182	$	4,840
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	57,799
	Foreign currency translation		(206	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	57,593
	Acquisition		1,124
	Foreign currency translation		(228	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	58,489

Note_6_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 6 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	U.S. Operations	$	25,338		$	21,882		$	19,836
	Foreign Operations		2,754			2,606			2,371
		$	28,092		$	24,488		$	22,207
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Federal:
	Current	$	8,578		$	7,169		$	5,488
	Deferred		99			195			1,140
	Total	$	8,677		$	7,364		$	6,628
	Foreign:
	Current	$	714		$	716		$	684
	Deferred		34			(7	)		(6	)
	Total	$	748		$	709		$	678
	State:
	Current	$	448		$	1,020		$	787
	Deferred		63			(89	)		(954	)
	Total	$	511		$	931		$	(167	)
	Total	$	9,936		$	9,004		$	7,139
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Expected federal income taxes	$	9,832		$	8,571		$	7,772
	Foreign tax rate differential		(239	)		(226	)		(203	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit and state tax credits		332			605			552
	Federal tax credits		(150	)		(217	)		(282	)
	Uncertain tax positions		182			(43	)		(73	)
	Deferred tax adjustment due to change in state tax law		58			--			(875	)
	Recapitalization expenses		--			182			--
	Release of valuation allowance		1,124			14			214
	Expiration of capital loss carryforward		(1,124	)		--			--
	Other		(79	)		118			34
	Total	$	9,936		$	9,004		$	7,139
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	71		$	63
	Accrued expenses		529			497
	Share based compensation		1,239			1,113
	Capital loss carryforward		--			1,124
	Other		38			39
	Gross deferred tax assets		1,877			2,836
	Less Valuation Allowance		--			(1,124	)
	Deferred tax assets		1,877			1,712
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses		251			286
	Property and equipment		1,319			1,426
	Intangible assets		7,308			6,879
	Other		82			7
	Deferred tax liabilities		8,960			8,598
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(7,083	)	$	(6,886	)
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]		(In thousands)
	Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012	$	224
	Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(91	)
	Additions based on tax positions of prior years		27
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		28
	Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013	$	188
	Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(26	)
	Additions based on tax positions of prior years		10
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		195
	Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014	$	367

Note_7_Notes_Payable_Tables

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Revolving credit note with U.S. Bank, maximum available $6.5 million subject to borrowing base, matures June 30, 2015	$	--	$	--
	Note payable to U.S. Bank for $11.8 million, interest at a 3.12% fixed rate, 60 monthly principal and interest payments of $212,468 through April 2018		8,068		10,324
	Total notes payable		8,068		10,324
	Less current portion		2,328		2,256
	Note payable, net of current portion	$	5,740	$	8,068
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]		Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
		Payments
		(In thousands)
	Notes payable	$	8,068	$	2,328	$	2,403	$	2,480	$	857	$	--

Note_8_Sharebased_Compensation1

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]		2014					2013			2012
		Class A			Class B		Pre-Recapitalization
	Expected dividend yield at date of grant		1.47 to 1.97%			4.03 to 4.87%		2.26 to 3.46%			2.63 to 3.98%
	Expected stock price volatility		27.52 to 32.03%			30.13 to 32.65%		30.34 to 30.51%			29.10 to 31.70%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.63 to 2.37%			1.63 to 2.37%		0.55 to 1.07%			0.56 to 1.15%
	Expected life of options (in years)		5 to 7			5 to 7		4 to 6			4 to 6
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]		Number of			Weighted Average Exercise		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			Aggregate Intrinsic
		Options			Price					Value
										(In thousands)
	Class A
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,444,845		$	10.21
	Granted		204,166		$	15.41
	Exercised		(140,595	)	$	6.76				$	1,468
	Forfeited		(183,896	)	$	12.4
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		1,324,520		$	11.07		6.3		$	4,566
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014		787,413		$	10.7		5.56		$	3,005
	Class B
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		234,802		$	20.76
	Granted		32,217		$	43.24
	Exercised		(23,432	)	$	15.25				$	502
	Forfeited		(30,117	)	$	23.82
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		213,470		$	24.32		6.34		$	2,724
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014		125,234		$	21.64		5.62		$	1,794
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]		Class A Shares Outstanding			Class A Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Class B Shares Outstanding			Class B Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
					Per Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		60,609		$	5.77		10,101		$	34.65
	Granted		73,506			13.99		12,251			38.5
	Forfeited		(23,468	)		6.39		(3,911	)		38.35
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		110,647		$	11.1		18,441		$	36.42

Note_9_Leases_Tables

Note 9 - Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments for Operating Leases and Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	Year Ending December 31,	Capital		Operating Leases
		Leases
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	173	$	703
	2016		74		592
	2017		65		411
	2018		33		292
	2019		--		104
	Total minimum lease payments		345
	Less: Amount representing interest		27
	Present value of minimum lease payments		318
	Less: Current maturities		151
	Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	$	167

Note_13_Segment_Information_Ta

Note 13 - Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Revenue:
	United States	$	92,270	$	85,863	$	79,895
	Canada		6,567		6,727		6,526
	Total	$	98,837	$	92,590	$	86,421
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	73,328	$	71,139	$	72,817
	Canada		2,994		3,383		3,414
	Total	$	76,322	$	74,522	$	76,231
	Total assets:
	United States	$	115,730	$	98,074	$	87,670
	Canada		13,780		13,014		12,376
	Total	$	129,510	$	111,088	$	100,046

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_No1

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Details (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	$248	$5	$9
Stock Issued	$900	$150	$4,600

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_2

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	31-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Common Stock Classes	2
Revenue Recognition Subscription Period		12 months
Capitalized Computer Software, Additions		$1,800,000	$1,700,000
Asset Impairment Charges		0	0	0
Number of Operating Segments		3	2
Number of Reportable Segments		1
Income Tax Credits and Adjustments		224,000	290,000	289,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties		360,000	188,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense		8,000	5,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued		7,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		367,000	188,000	224,000
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		39,100,000	21,200,000
Common Class A [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Dividend	3
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in Shares)		347,852	99,562	92,460
Common Class B [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in Shares)		21,248	6,407	15,410
Unclassified Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)		0	0	0
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			10 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			7 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			40 years
Recognized Favorable Impact [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		210,000	188,000
No Impact on Effective Tax Rate [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		$150,000
Revenue [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		16.00%	19.00%	22.00%

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_3

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Amounts charged against income, before income tax benefit	$742	$955	$388
Amount of related income tax benefit	269	377	153
Total impact to net income	$473	$578	$235

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_4

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Financial assets and liabilities	$39,128	$21,242
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Financial assets and liabilities	9,442	7,266
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Financial assets and liabilities	29,686	13,976
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Financial assets and liabilities	39,128	21,242
Money Market Funds [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Financial assets and liabilities	9,442	7,266
Commercial Paper [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Financial assets and liabilities	$29,686	$13,976

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_5

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Long-term Debt (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Total carrying amount of long-term debt	$8,068	$10,324
Estimated fair value of long-term debt	$7,997	$10,156

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_6

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Net Income Per Share Computation (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator for net income per share - basic:
Net income attributable to common shareholders (in Dollars)	$18,156	$15,484	$15,068
Common Class A [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Stock	282	388	492
Common Class A [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Stock	30	34	37
Common Class A [Member]
Numerator for net income per share - basic:
Allocation of distributed earnings (in Dollars)	1,254	1,071	8,681
Allocation of undistributed earnings (in Dollars)	7,808	6,670	-1,147
Net income attributable to common shareholders (in Dollars)	9,062	7,741	7,534
Denominator for net income per share - basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	20,764	20,677	20,325
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	21,076	21,099	20,854
Net income per share - diluted (in Dollars per share)	$0.43	$0.37	$0.36
Net income per share - basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.44	$0.37	$0.37
Numerator for net income per share - diluted:
Net income attributable to common shareholders for basic computation (in Dollars)	9,062	7,741	7,534
Common Class B [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Stock	58	61	82
Common Class B [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Stock	5	6	6
Common Class B [Member]
Numerator for net income per share - basic:
Allocation of distributed earnings (in Dollars)	1,258	1,071	8,681
Allocation of undistributed earnings (in Dollars)	7,836	6,672	-1,147
Net income attributable to common shareholders (in Dollars)	9,094	7,743	7,534
Denominator for net income per share - basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	3,473	3,447	3,388
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	3,536	3,514	3,476
Net income per share - diluted (in Dollars per share)	$2.57	$2.20	$2.17
Net income per share - basic (in Dollars per share)	$2.62	$2.25	$2.22
Numerator for net income per share - diluted:
Net income attributable to common shareholders for basic computation (in Dollars)	$9,094	$7,743	$7,534

Note_2_Acquisitions_Details

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 28, 2014
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Payments to Purchase Options	$657,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Digital Assent, LLC [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs		52,000
Seed Investment [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Payment for Option and License			800,000
Payments to Purchase Options			657,000
Payment for License and Work to be Performed			143,000
Purchase Price for Potential Acquisition			4,100,000
Digital Assent, LLC [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross				2,600,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life				7 years 94 days
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual		95,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual		($548,000)

Note_2_Acquisitions_Details_Fa

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Line Items]
Goodwill	$58,489	$57,593	$57,799
Customer Relationships [Member] | Digital Assent, LLC [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Acquired	382
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Digital Assent, LLC [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Acquired	1,110
Digital Assent, LLC [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Line Items]
Current Assets	36
Property and equipment	16
Goodwill	1,124
Other Long Term Assets	23
Total acquired assets	2,691
Current liabilities	-117
Net assets acquired	$2,574

Note_2_Acquisitions_Details_Pr

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Pro Forma Information (Digital Assent, LLC [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Revenue (in Dollars)	$99,266	$92,989
Net income (in Dollars)	$17,642	$14,660
Common Class A [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Earnings per Share Basic	$0.42	$0.35
Earnnings per Share Diluted	$0.42	$0.35
Common Class B [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details) - Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Earnings per Share Basic	$2.54	$2.13
Earnnings per Share Diluted	$2.50	$2.09

Note_3_Variable_Interest_Entit1

Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity (Details) [Line Items]
Annual Recurring Contract Value	$12,500,000
Proforma Minimum EBITDA Margin	35.00%
Variable Interest Entity Noncontrolling Interest Put Option	0		0
Variable Interest Entity Profit or Loss	-1,500,000	-837,000
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	784,000	649,000	784,000
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	309,000	186,000	309,000
NRC [Member] | Additional Capital Contributions [Member]
Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity (Details) [Line Items]
Capital Contributions to Variable Interest Entity			2,800,000
NRC [Member] | Additional Capital Contributions as Needed [Member]
Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity (Details) [Line Items]
Additional Capital Contributions to Variable Interest Entity	$1,300,000
NRC [Member]
Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity (Details) [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	49.00%
NG Customer-Connect, LLC [Member]
Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity (Details) [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	25.00%		25.00%
Illuminate Health, LLC [Member]
Note 3 - Variable Interest Entity (Details) [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	26.00%		26.00%

Note_4_Property_and_Equipment_1

Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$3,804	$3,732	$4,699
Property and Equipment [Member]
Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$3,000	$2,800	$3,400

Note_4_Property_and_Equipment_2

Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details) - Summary of Property and Equipment (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Furniture and equipment	$4,675	$4,015
Computer equipment and software	20,055	18,569
Building	9,577	9,322
Land	425	425
	34,732	32,331
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	22,589	20,433
Net property and equipment	12,143	11,898
Assets under capital lease	822	566
Less accumulated amortization	414	294
Net assets under capital lease	408	272
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets under capital lease	767	519
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets under capital lease	$55	$47

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible2

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$876,000	$954,000	$1,300,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	995,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	803,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	738,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	727,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	439,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	$562,000

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible3

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - Intangible Assets (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	58,489	57,593	$57,799
Goodwill	58,489	57,593	57,799
Amortizing intangible assets:
Intangible Assets, Gross	14,299	12,831
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	10,033	9,182
Intangible Assets, Net	4,265	3,649
Intangible Assets, Gross	15,490	14,022
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	10,033	9,182
Intangible Assets, Net	5,456	4,840
Trade Names [Member]
Non-amortizing intangible assets:
Indefinite trade name	1,191	1,191
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Amortizing intangible assets:
Useful Life, Intangible Assets	5 years	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Amortizing intangible assets:
Useful Life, Intangible Assets	15 years	15 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortizing intangible assets:
Intangible Assets, Gross	10,857	10,499
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	7,937	7,334
Intangible Assets, Net	2,920	3,165
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	7,937	7,334
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Amortizing intangible assets:
Useful Life, Intangible Assets	7 years
Intangible Assets, Gross	1,110
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	26
Intangible Assets, Net	1,084
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	26
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Amortizing intangible assets:
Useful Life, Intangible Assets	3 years	3 years
Intangible Assets, Gross	430	430
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	430	430
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	430	430
Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Amortizing intangible assets:
Useful Life, Intangible Assets	5 years	5 years
Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Amortizing intangible assets:
Useful Life, Intangible Assets	10 years	10 years
Trade Names [Member]
Amortizing intangible assets:
Intangible Assets, Gross	1,902	1,902
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	1,640	1,418
Intangible Assets, Net	261	484
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	1,640	1,418

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible4

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - Summary of Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Abstract]
Balance	$58,489	$57,593	$57,799
Acquisition	1,124
Foreign currency translation	($228)	($206)

Note_6_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 6 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	$349,000	$53,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	7,432,000	6,939,000
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	1,100,000	14,000	214,000
Capital Loss Carryforwards		3,100,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		1,124,000
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	12,700,000
Potential Income Tax Related To Repatriation Of Foreign Earnings	609,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties	360,000	188,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	8,000	5,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued	7,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	210,000	188,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Not Impact Effective Tax Rate	$150,000

Note_6_Income_Taxes_Details_In

Note 6 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Before Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Before Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S. Operations	$25,338	$21,882	$19,836
Foreign Operations	2,754	2,606	2,371
	$28,092	$24,488	$22,207

Note_6_Income_Taxes_Details_In1

Note 6 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Expense (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Expense [Abstract]
Current	$8,578	$7,169	$5,488
Deferred	99	195	1,140
Total	8,677	7,364	6,628
Current	714	716	684
Deferred	34	-7	-6
Total	748	709	678
Current	448	1,020	787
Deferred	63	-89	-954
Total	511	931	-167
Total	$9,936	$9,004	$7,139

Note_6_Income_Taxes_Details_In2

Note 6 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Reconciliation (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Expected federal income taxes	$9,832	$8,571	$7,772
Foreign tax rate differential	-239	-226	-203
State income taxes, net of federal benefit and state tax credits	332	605	552
Federal tax credits	-150	-217	-282
Uncertain tax positions	182	-43	-73
Deferred tax adjustment due to change in state tax law	58		-875
Recapitalization expenses		182
Release of valuation allowance	1,124	14	214
Expiration of capital loss carryforward	-1,124
Other	-79	118	34
Total	$9,936	$9,004	$7,139

Note_6_Income_Taxes_Details_De

Note 6 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$71	$63
Accrued expenses	529	497
Share based compensation	1,239	1,113
Capital loss carryforward		1,124
Other	38	39
Gross deferred tax assets	1,877	2,836
Less Valuation Allowance		-1,124
Deferred tax assets	1,877	1,712
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	251	286
Property and equipment	1,319	1,426
Intangible assets	7,308	6,879
Other	82	7
Deferred tax liabilities	8,960	8,598
Net deferred tax liabilities	($7,083)	($6,886)

Note_6_Income_Taxes_Details_Ch

Note 6 - Income Taxes (Details) - Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012	$188	$224
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations	-26	-91
Additions based on tax positions of prior years	10	27
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	195	28
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits	$367	$188

Note_7_Notes_Payable_Details

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	6,500,000	$6,500,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | One Month LIBOR [Member]
Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | One, Two, Three, Six, or Twelve Month LIBOR [Member]
Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.20%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	6,500,000
Borrowing Capacity, Percentage of Accounts Receivable	75.00%
Long-term Line of Credit	0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	6,500,000

Note_7_Notes_Payable_Details_N

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) - Notes Payable (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) - Notes Payable [Line Items]
Notes payable	$8,068	$10,324
Less current portion	2,328	2,256
Note payable, net of current portion	5,740	8,068
New Combined Term Note [Member]
Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) - Notes Payable [Line Items]
Notes payable	$8,068	$10,324

Note_7_Notes_Payable_Details_N1

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) - Notes Payable (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) - Notes Payable (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Rеvolving crеdit notе, maximum borrowing capacity	$6,500,000	$6,500,000
New Combined Term Note [Member]
Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) - Notes Payable (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Notе payablе, facе amount	11,800,000	11,800,000
Numbеr of monthly installmеnts	60	60
Fixеd intеrеst ratе	3.12%	3.12%
Monthly paymеnt	$212,468	$212,468

Note_7_Notes_Payable_Details_R

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details) - Remaining Note Payable Maturities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Remaining Note Payable Maturities [Abstract]
Notes payable	$8,068	$10,324
Notes payable	2,328
Notes payable	2,403
Notes payable	2,480
Notes payable	$857

Note_8_Sharebased_Compensation2

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised (in Dollars)	$408,000	$840,000	$1,283,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options (in Dollars)	622,000	753,000	2,000,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		0
Common Class A [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	487,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 299 days
Common Class A [Member] | Nonvested [Member] | The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	73,506
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross			23,469
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Nonvested Restricted Stock, Outstanding, Number	110,647
Common Class A [Member] | The 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	1,800,000
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants, Cumulative	1,683,309
Common Class A [Member] | Director Plan 2004 [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	1,650,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	75,000
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants, Cumulative	1,575,000
Common Stock Options Granted To Directors	36,000
Common Class A [Member] | The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	1,800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,143,147
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants, Cumulative	656,853
Common Class A [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	204,166	232,344	238,890
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$2.14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	1,468,000	1,100,000	5,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Period Vested, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	528,000	1,500,000	2,300,000
Common Class B [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	126,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 54 days
Common Class B [Member] | Nonvested [Member] | The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	12,251		3,912
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Nonvested Restricted Stock, Outstanding, Number	18,441
Common Class B [Member] | The 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	300,000
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants, Cumulative	280,552
Common Class B [Member] | Director Plan 2004 [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	275,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	12,500
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants, Cumulative	262,500
Common Stock Options Granted To Directors	6,000
Common Class B [Member] | The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	191,802
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants, Cumulative	108,198
Common Class B [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	32,217	38,718	39,815
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$2.16
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	502,000	992,000	941,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Period Vested, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	402,000	514,000	376,000
Common Class A and Class B [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)		$3.24	$2.43
Normal Term [Member] | Director Plan 2004 [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award Option Term	10 years
Termination of Service [Member] | Director Plan 2004 [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award Option Term	3 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member] | The 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	1 year
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member] | The 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Nonvested [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	1 year
Nonvested [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Nonvested [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	1,500,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	4 years 200 days
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	$35,000	$140,000	$74,000
Minimum [Member] | The 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award Option Term	5 years
Minimum [Member] | The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award Option Term	5 years
Maximum [Member] | The 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award Option Term	10 years
Maximum [Member] | The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award Option Term	10 years
The 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	0
Director Plan 2004 [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	1 year

Note_8_Sharebased_Compensation3

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options Valuation Assumptions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Class A [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield at date of grant	1.47%
Expected stock price volatility	27.52%
Risk-free interest rate	1.63%
Expected life of options (in years)	5 years
Common Class A [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield at date of grant	1.97%
Expected stock price volatility	32.03%
Risk-free interest rate	2.37%
Expected life of options (in years)	7 years
Common Class B [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield at date of grant	4.03%
Expected stock price volatility	30.13%
Risk-free interest rate	1.63%
Expected life of options (in years)	5 years
Common Class B [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield at date of grant	4.87%
Expected stock price volatility	32.65%
Risk-free interest rate	2.37%
Expected life of options (in years)	7 years
Minimum [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield at date of grant		2.26%	2.63%
Expected stock price volatility		30.34%	29.10%
Risk-free interest rate		0.55%	0.56%
Expected life of options (in years)		4 years	4 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield at date of grant		3.46%	3.98%
Expected stock price volatility		30.51%	31.70%
Risk-free interest rate		1.07%	1.15%
Expected life of options (in years)		6 years	6 years

Note_8_Sharebased_Compensation4

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Class A [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Number of options	1,324,520	1,444,845
Weighted average exercise price	$11.07	$10.21
Weighted average remaining contractual terms (years)	6 years 109 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)	$4,566,000
Number of options	787,413
Weighted average exercise price	$10.70
Weighted average remaining contractual terms (years)	5 years 204 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)	3,005,000
Number of options	204,166	232,344	238,890
Weighted average exercise price	$15.41
Number of options	-140,595
Weighted average exercise price	$6.76
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)	1,468,000	1,100,000	5,600,000
Number of options	-183,896
Weighted average exercise price	$12.40
Common Class B [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Number of options	213,470	234,802
Weighted average exercise price	$24.32	$20.76
Weighted average remaining contractual terms (years)	6 years 124 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)	2,724,000
Number of options	125,234
Weighted average exercise price	$21.64
Weighted average remaining contractual terms (years)	5 years 226 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)	1,794,000
Number of options	32,217	38,718	39,815
Weighted average exercise price	$43.24
Number of options	-23,432
Weighted average exercise price	$15.25
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)	$502,000	$992,000	$941,000
Number of options	-30,117
Weighted average exercise price	$23.82

Note_8_Sharebased_Compensation5

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Non-vested stock (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Class A [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Non-vested stock [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding, Balance	110,647	60,609
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$11.10	$5.77
Granted	73,506
Granted	$13.99
Forfeited	-23,468
Forfeited	$6.39
Common Class B [Member]
Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details) - Non-vested stock [Line Items]
Shares Outstanding, Balance	18,441	10,101
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$36.42	$34.65
Granted	12,251
Granted	$38.50
Forfeited	-3,911
Forfeited	$38.35

Note_9_Leases_Details

Note 9 - Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$840,000	$720,000	$715,000

Note_9_Leases_Details_Payments

Note 9 - Leases (Details) - Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases and Capital Leases (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases and Capital Leases [Abstract]
2015	$173
2015	703
2016	74
2016	592
2017	65
2017	411
2018	33
2018	292
2019	104
Total minimum lease payments	345
Less: Amount representing interest	27
Present value of minimum lease payments	318
Less: Current maturities	151	114
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	$167

Note_10_Related_Party_Details

Note 10 - Related Party (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp [Member]
Note 10 - Related Party (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$207,000	$212,000	$198,000
Nebraska Global Investment Company LLC [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Note 10 - Related Party (Details) [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	14.00%
Nebraska Global Investment Company LLC [Member]
Note 10 - Related Party (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$0	$57,000	$55,000

Note_11_Associate_Benefits_Det

Note 11 - Associate Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	25.00%
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Percentage Of Annual Contribution Employee Subject To Match	6.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage	20.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	$216,000	$252,000	$236,000

Note_13_Segment_Information_De

Note 13 - Segment Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments	3	2
Number of Reportable Segments	1

Note_13_Segment_Information_De1

Note 13 - Segment Information (Details) - Revenue and Assets by Geographic Area (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue:
Revenues	$98,837	$92,590	$86,421
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	76,322	74,522	76,231
Total assets:
Total assets	129,510	111,088	100,046
UNITED STATES
Revenue:
Revenues	92,270	85,863	79,895
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	73,328	71,139	72,817
Total assets:
Total assets	115,730	98,074	87,670
CANADA
Revenue:
Revenues	6,567	6,727	6,526
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	2,994	3,383	3,414
Total assets:
Total assets	$13,780	$13,014	$12,376

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year Ended December 31	$183	$244	$289
Year Ended December 31	300	145	173
Year Ended December 31	282	206	218
Year Ended December 31	$201	$183	$244