| Document And Entity Information | May 07, 2024 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | National Research Corporation |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | May 07, 2024 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-35929 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 47-0634000 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 1245 Q Street |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Lincoln |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | NE |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 68508 |
| City Area Code | 402 |
| Local Phone Number | 475-2525 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | NRC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000070487 |
