Healthcare Services (HCSG) 10-Q 28 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 26, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	731,012
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		72,587

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 24,327	$ 33,189
Marketable securities, at fair value	80,623	69,496
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,376,000 as of September 30, 2016 and $4,608,000 as of December 31, 2015	265,533	214,854
Inventories and supplies	37,603	36,308
Prepaid expenses and other	16,382	11,495
Total current assets	424,468	365,342
Property and equipment, net	13,275	13,086
Goodwill	44,438	44,438
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $14,065,000 as of September 30, 2016 and $19,473,000 as of December 31, 2015	15,016	17,108
Notes receivable - long term portion	4,048	2,972
Deferred compensation funding, at fair value	26,332	25,391
Deferred income taxes	9,198	12,567
Other noncurrent assets	48	45
TOTAL ASSETS	536,823	480,949
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	39,529	41,472
Accrued payroll, accrued and withheld payroll taxes	37,850	18,062
Other accrued expenses	2,767	3,115
Income taxes payable	9,332	3,212
Accrued legal expenses	2,284	10,464
Accrued insurance claims	23,907	19,740
Total current liabilities	115,669	96,065
Accrued insurance claims - long term portion	63,213	62,510
Deferred compensation liability	26,837	25,918
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 74,187,000 and 73,793,000 shares issued, and 72,510,000 and 72,034,000 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	742	738
Additional paid-in capital	215,531	199,294
Retained earnings	124,134	106,886
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes	1,308	543
Common stock in treasury, at cost; 1,677,000 shares as of September 30, 2016 and 1,759,000 shares as of December 31, 2015	(10,611)	(11,005)
Total stockholders’ equity	331,104	296,456
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 536,823	$ 480,949

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 6,376	$ 4,608
Accumulated amortization of other intangible assets	$ 14,065	$ 19,473
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock issued (in shares)	74,187,000	73,793,000
Common stock outstanding (in shares)	72,510,000	72,034,000
Common stock in treasury (in shares)	1,677,000	1,759,000

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 392,734	$ 360,165	$ 1,164,097	$ 1,070,767
Operating costs and expenses:
Costs of services provided	336,340	308,645	998,595	916,798
Selling, general and administrative expense	27,182	23,445	78,192	75,332
Other income (expense), net:
Investment and interest	1,359	(1,334)	2,548	(585)
Income before income taxes	30,571	26,741	89,858	78,052
Income tax provision	10,860	9,655	32,761	29,162
Net income	$ 19,711	$ 17,086	$ 57,097	$ 48,890
Per share data:
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.24	$ 0.79	$ 0.68
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.24	$ 0.78	$ 0.68
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	72,839	72,009	72,718	71,714
Diluted (in shares)	73,592	72,691	73,435	72,381
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 19,711	$ 17,086	$ 57,097	$ 48,890
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale marketable securities, net of taxes	(369)	198	765	181
Total comprehensive income	$ 19,342	$ 17,284	$ 57,862	$ 49,071

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 57,097	$ 48,890
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,632	5,678
Bad debt provision	3,200	2,225
Deferred income tax expense	2,748	20,767
Stock-based compensation expense	3,113	2,567
Tax benefit from equity compensation plans, gross	(1,750)	(1,062)
Amortization of premium on marketable securities	1,053	314
Unrealized gain on deferred compensation fund investments	(1,041)	939
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable	(54,954)	(11,170)
Inventories and supplies	(1,295)	(425)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,279)	(2,020)
Deferred compensation funding	(941)	836
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	(6,774)	(7,703)
Accrued payroll, accrued and withheld payroll taxes	22,065	(18,189)
Accrued insurance claims	4,870	11,384
Deferred compensation liability	2,284	(1,415)
Income taxes payable	7,870	889
Net cash provided by operating activities	37,898	52,505
Cash flows from investing activities:
Disposals of fixed assets	177	248
Additions to property and equipment	(3,908)	(3,975)
Purchases of marketable securities	(18,751)	(52,219)
Sales of marketable securities	8,137	4,786
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,345)	(51,160)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	(39,849)	(38,338)
Reissuance of treasury stock pursuant to Dividend Reinvestment Plan	84	83
Tax benefit from equity compensation plans, gross	1,750	1,062
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	5,600	4,937
Net cash used in financing activities	(32,415)	(32,256)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(8,862)	(30,911)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	33,189	75,280
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	24,327	44,369
Supplementary cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	441	137
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$ 22,141	$ 7,508

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of taxes	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014				$ 25
Comprehensive income:
Net income for the period	$ 48,890
Unrealized gain on available for sale marketable securities, net of taxes	181
Total comprehensive income	49,071
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015				206
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		73,793
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	296,456	$ 738	$ 199,294	543	$ 106,886	$ (11,005)
Comprehensive income:
Net income for the period	57,097				57,097
Unrealized gain on available for sale marketable securities, net of taxes	765			765
Total comprehensive income	57,862
Exercise of stock options and other stock-based compensation, net of shares tendered (in shares)		284
Exercise of stock options and other stock-based compensation, net of shares tendered	5,600	$ 3	5,597
Tax benefit from equity compensation plans	1,540		1,540
Share-based compensation expense — stock options and restricted stock	2,810		2,810
Treasury shares issued for Deferred Compensation Plan funding and redemptions	534		325			209
Shares issued pursuant to Employee Stock Purchase Plan	2,067		1,696			371
Cash dividends	(39,849)				(39,849)
Shares issued pursuant to Dividend Reinvestment Plan	84		270			(186)
Shares issued pursuant to settlement (in shares)		113
Shares issued pursuant to settlement	4,000	$ 1	3,999
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016		74,187
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 331,104	$ 742	$ 215,531	$ 1,308	$ 124,134	$ (10,611)

Description of Business and Sig

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (the “Company”) provides management, administrative and operating expertise and services to the housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and dietary service departments of the health care industry, including nursing homes, retirement complexes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals located throughout the United States. Although we do not directly participate in any government reimbursement programs, our clients’ reimbursements are subject to government regulation. Therefore, they are directly affected by any legislation relating to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement programs. We provide our services primarily pursuant to full service agreements with our clients. In such agreements, we are responsible for the day-to-day management of employees located at our clients’ facilities. We also provide services on the basis of management-only agreements for a limited number of clients. Our agreements with clients typically provide for renewable one year service terms, cancelable by either party upon 30 to 90 days notice after the initial 60 to 120 day period. We are organized into two reportable segments: housekeeping, laundry, linen and other services (“Housekeeping”), and dietary department services (“Dietary”). Housekeeping consists of the managing of clients’ housekeeping departments, which are principally responsible for the cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing of patient rooms and common areas of a client’s facility, as well as the laundering and processing of the personal clothing belonging to the facility’s patients. Also within the scope of this segment’s service is the responsibility for laundering and processing of bed linens, uniforms and other assorted linen items utilized by a client facility. Dietary consists of managing clients’ dietary department which is principally responsible for food purchasing, meal preparation and providing dietitian consulting professional services, which includes the development of a menu that meets patients’ dietary needs. Unaudited Interim Financial Data The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information and the requirements of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows. However, in our opinion, all adjustments which are of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these consolidated financial statements. The balance sheet shown in this report as of December 31, 2015 has been derived from, and does not include, all of the disclosures contained in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 . These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to current presentation. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Healthcare Services Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are held in U.S. financial institutions or in custodial accounts with U.S. financial institutions. Cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase that are readily convertible into cash and have insignificant interest rate risk. Inventories and Supplies Inventories and supplies include housekeeping, linen and laundry supplies, as well as food provisions and supplies. Inventories and supplies are stated at cost to approximate a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Linen supplies are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of 24 months. Revenue Recognition Revenues from our service agreements with clients are recognized as services are performed. As a distributor of laundry equipment, we occasionally sell laundry installations to certain clients. The sales in most cases represent the construction and installation of a turn-key operation and have payment terms ranging from 24 to 60 months. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , laundry installation sales were not material. Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current period. We accrue for probable tax obligations as required by facts and circumstances in various regulatory environments. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. When appropriate, valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts for which realization is more likely than not. Uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns are reflected within our financial statements based on a recognition and measurement process. Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares, such as those issuable upon exercise of stock options. Share-Based Compensation The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based awards and programs for employees and directors. We estimate the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model, while share-based awards are valued based on the market-price on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest, after accounting for forfeitures, is recognized as an expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income ratably over the requisite service periods. Use of Estimates in Financial Statements In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are used in determining, but are not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, accrued insurance claims, asset valuations, deferred taxes and reviews for potential impairment. The estimates are based upon various factors including current and historical trends, as well as other pertinent industry and regulatory authority information. We regularly evaluate this information to determine if it is necessary to update the basis for our estimates and to adjust for known changes. Self-Funded Captive Insurance Programs In 2015, the Company transitioned its workers compensation and certain employee health & welfare insurance programs to HCSG Insurance Corp. (“HCSG Insurance”), its wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary which previously provided only general liability coverage to the Company. HCSG Insurance was formed to provide the Company with greater efficiency in managing its property & casualty and health & welfare programs. Concentrations of Credit Risk Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, deferred compensation funding and accounts and notes receivable. Our marketable securities are fixed income investments which are highly liquid and can be readily purchased or sold through established markets. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities were held in one large financial institution located in the United States. Our clients are concentrated in the health care industry and are primarily providers of long-term care. Many of our clients’ revenues are highly reliant on Medicare, Medicaid and third party payors’ reimbursement funding rates. Legislation can significantly alter overall government reimbursement for nursing home services and such changes, as well as other trends in the long-term care industry, have affected and could adversely affect the liquidity of our clients, resulting in their inability to make payments to us in accordance with agreed upon payment terms. These factors could result in the recognition of significant additional bad debts in the future. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The update replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses with a methodology that instead reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of information to inform credit loss estimates. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that year. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , and a subsequent amendment to the standard in March 2016 with ASU 2016-08. The original standard provides guidance on recognizing revenue, including a five step model to determine when revenue recognition is appropriate. The standard requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment to the standard clarifies implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. Adoption of the new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases . ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on their balance sheet related to the rights and obligations created by most leases, while continuing to recognize expenses on their income statements over the lease term. It will also require disclosures designed to give financial statement users information regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures. Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . The amendment in this ASU requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The guidance becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. Management elected to adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2016, with retrospective application to prior period balances presented. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of unrealized gains and losses from our available for sale marketable securities. The following table provides a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available for Sale Securities (1) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Accumulated other comprehensive income — beginning balance $ 543,000 $ 25,000 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 914,000 184,000 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (2)(3) (149,000 ) (3,000 ) Net current period change in other comprehensive income 765,000 181,000 Accumulated other comprehensive income — ending balance $ 1,308,000 $ 206,000 (1) All amounts are net of tax. (2) Realized gains and losses are recorded pre-tax under “Other income - Investment and interest” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. (3) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the Company recorded $226,000 and $5,000 , respectively, of realized gains from the sale of available for sale securities. Refer to Note 5 herein for further information.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful life of each class of depreciable assets, and is computed using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated asset life or term of the lease. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. The following table sets forth the amounts of property and equipment by each class of depreciable assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Housekeeping and office equipment and furniture $ 31,763,000 $ 29,852,000 Laundry and linen equipment installations 1,201,000 1,117,000 Autos and trucks 138,000 138,000 Total property and equipment, at cost 33,102,000 31,107,000 Less accumulated depreciation 19,827,000 18,021,000 Total property and equipment, net $ 13,275,000 $ 13,086,000 Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1,114,000 and $1,036,000 , respectively. Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $3,541,000 and $3,247,000 , respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of an acquired business. Goodwill is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Goodwill by reportable operating segment, as described in Note 10 herein, was approximately $42,377,000 and $2,061,000 for Housekeeping and Dietary, respectively, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Intangible Assets Our intangible assets represent customer relationships and non-compete agreements related to business combinations. The cost of intangible assets is based on fair values at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets with determinable lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The customer relationships have a weighted-average amortization period of nine years. The following table sets forth the amounts of our identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Customer relationships $ 29,081,000 $ 35,781,000 Non-compete agreements — 800,000 Total other intangibles, gross 29,081,000 36,581,000 Less accumulated amortization 14,065,000 19,473,000 Other intangibles, net $ 15,016,000 $ 17,108,000 The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization for the remainder of 2016 , the following five fiscal years and thereafter: Period/Year Total Amortization Expense October 1 to December 31, 2016 $ 607,000 2017 $ 2,427,000 2018 $ 2,328,000 2019 $ 2,130,000 2020 $ 2,130,000 2021 $ 2,130,000 Thereafter $ 3,264,000 Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $607,000 and $811,000 , respectively. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $2,092,000 and $2,431,000 , respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The following tables provide details of our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the basis for those measurements: As of September 30, 2016 Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Financial Assets: Marketable securities Municipal bonds — available for sale $ 80,623,000 $ 80,623,000 $ — $ 80,623,000 $ — Deferred compensation fund Money Market (1) $ 5,791,000 $ 5,791,000 $ — $ — $ — Balanced and Lifestyle 6,821,000 6,821,000 6,821,000 — — Large Cap Growth 5,636,000 5,636,000 5,636,000 — — Small Cap Growth 2,723,000 2,723,000 2,723,000 — — Fixed Income 2,780,000 2,780,000 2,780,000 — — International 1,183,000 1,183,000 1,183,000 — — Mid Cap Growth 1,398,000 1,398,000 1,398,000 — — Deferred compensation fund $ 26,332,000 $ 26,332,000 $ 20,541,000 $ — $ — As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Financial Assets: Marketable securities Municipal bonds — available for sale $ 69,496,000 $ 69,496,000 $ — $ 69,496,000 $ — Deferred compensation fund Money Market (1) $ 3,896,000 $ 3,896,000 $ — $ — $ — Balanced and Lifestyle 9,136,000 9,136,000 9,136,000 — — Large Cap Growth 5,218,000 5,218,000 5,218,000 — — Small Cap Growth 2,275,000 2,275,000 2,275,000 — — Fixed Income 2,624,000 2,624,000 2,624,000 — — International 1,025,000 1,025,000 1,025,000 — — Mid Cap Growth 1,217,000 1,217,000 1,217,000 — — Deferred compensation fund $ 25,391,000 $ 25,391,000 $ 21,495,000 $ — $ — (1) The fair value of the money market fund is based on the net asset value (“NAV”) of the shares held by the plan at the end of the period. The money market fund includes short-term United States dollar denominated money market instruments and the NAV is determined by the custodian of the fund. The money market fund can be redeemed at its NAV at the measurement date as there are no significant restrictions on the ability to sell this investment. The Company’s marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and unrealized gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax), until realized. The fair value of these municipal bonds is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as these securities are measured using third party pricing service data. The investments under the funded deferred compensation plan are accounted for as trading securities and unrealized gains or losses are included in earnings. The fair value of investments in the funded deferred compensation plan are valued based on quoted market prices (Level 1). The Company’s financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, prepaid expenses and accounts payable (including income taxes payable and accrued expenses). The carrying value of these financial instruments approximates their fair value because of their short-term nature. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , we recorded unrealized losses on marketable securities of $369,000 and for the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we recorded unrealized gains on marketable securities of $198,000 . For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recorded unrealized gains of $765,000 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we recorded unrealized gains of $181,000 . Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Other-than-temporary Impairments September 30, 2016 Type of security: Municipal bonds — available for sale $ 78,482,000 $ 2,175,000 $ (34,000 ) $ 80,623,000 $ — Total debt securities $ 78,482,000 $ 2,175,000 $ (34,000 ) $ 80,623,000 $ — December 31, 2015 Type of security: Municipal bonds — available for sale $ 68,640,000 $ 869,000 $ (13,000 ) $ 69,496,000 $ — Total debt securities $ 68,640,000 $ 869,000 $ (13,000 ) $ 69,496,000 $ — For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we received total proceeds from sales of available-for-sale municipal bonds, less the amount of interest received, of $2,983,000 and $1,858,000 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , these sales resulted in realized losses of $17,000 which were recorded in other income – investment and interest in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The basis for the sale of these securities was the specific identification of each bond sold during the period. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , there were $2,000 in realized gains . For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we received total proceeds from sales of available-for-sale municipal bonds, less the amount of interest received, of $8,137,000 and $4,404,000 , respectively. These sales resulted in realized gains of $226,000 and $5,000 , respectively, and were recorded in other income – investment and interest in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . The basis for the sale of these securities was the specific identification of each bond sold during the period. The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of debt securities held at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , which are classified as marketable securities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Municipal Bonds — Available for Sale Contractual maturity: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Maturing in one year or less $ 2,587,000 $ 774,000 Maturing in second year through fifth year 18,411,000 13,852,000 Maturing in sixth year through tenth year 40,748,000 36,273,000 Maturing after ten years 18,877,000 18,597,000 Total debt securities $ 80,623,000 $ 69,496,000

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation A summary of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Stock options $ 2,399,000 $ 2,093,000 Restricted stock 412,000 187,000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 302,000 287,000 Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense charged against income (1) $ 3,113,000 $ 2,567,000 (1) Stock-based compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. At September 30, 2016 , the unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and awards was $9,447,000 . The weighted average period over which these awards will vest is approximately 3.0 years. Other information pertaining to activity of our stock awards is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Total grant-date fair value of stock options and awards granted $ 5,203,000 $ 4,027,000 Total fair value of stock options and awards vested during period $ 3,092,000 $ 2,719,000 2012 Equity Incentive Plan The Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides that current or prospective officers, employees, non-employee directors and advisors can receive share-based awards such as stock options, restricted stock and other stock awards. The Plan seeks to promote the highest level of performance by providing an economic interest in the long-term success of the Company. As of September 30, 2016 , 3,931,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the Plan, including 1,282,000 shares available for future grant. No stock award will have a term in excess of ten years. All awards granted under the Plan become vested and exercisable ratably over a five year period on each yearly anniversary of the grant date. The Nominating, Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for determining the terms of the grants in accordance with the Plan. Stock Options A summary of our stock options outstanding under the Plan as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows: Stock Options Outstanding Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price December 31, 2015 2,461,000 $ 22.16 Granted 569,000 $ 34.14 Cancelled (105,000 ) $ 29.60 Exercised (276,000 ) $ 20.41 September 30, 2016 2,649,000 $ 24.62 The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $7.46 and $6.64 per common share, respectively. The following table summarizes other information about our stock options at September 30, 2016 : Stock Options Range of exercise prices $10.39 - $34.14 Outstanding: Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 6.5 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 39,626,000 Exercisable: Number of shares 1,191,000 Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 4.6 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 25,163,000 Exercised: Aggregate intrinsic value $ 4,581,000 The fair value of stock option awards granted in 2016 and 2015 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model using the following assumptions: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate 2.0% 1.9% Weighted average expected life (years) 5.8 5.8 Expected volatility 26.0% 27.2% Dividend yield 2.0% 2.2% Restricted Stock During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company granted 44,000 shares of restricted stock with a weighted average grant date fair value of $34.14 per share. Fair value is determined based on the market price of the shares on the date of grant. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company granted 25,000 shares of restricted stock with a weighted average grant date fair value of $30.30 per share. A summary of our outstanding stock-based compensation as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value December 31, 2015 40,000 $ 29.10 Granted 44,000 $ 34.14 Vested (9,000 ) $ 28.76 Forfeited (1,000 ) $ 34.14 September 30, 2016 74,000 $ 32.09 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) for all eligible employees. On August 1, 2016, the Company adopted an amendment to the ESPP, extending the program through 2021. All full-time and certain part-time employees who have completed two years of continuous service with us are eligible to participate. Annual offerings commence and terminate on the respective year’s first and last calendar day. Under the ESPP, the Company is authorized to issue up to 4,050,000 shares of our common stock to our employees. Pursuant to such authorization, there are 2,362,000 shares available for future grant at September 30, 2016 . The stock-based compensation expense associated the options granted in 2016 and 2015 under our ESPP was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model using the following assumptions: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate 0.58% 0.18% Weighted average expected life (years) 1.0 1.0 Expected volatility 19.7% 19.2% Dividend yield 2.0% 2.2%

Dividends

Dividends	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends	Dividends During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we paid regular quarterly cash dividends of approximately $39,849,000 as follows: Quarter Ended March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 Cash dividend per common share $ 0.18125 $ 0.18250 $ 0.18375 Total cash dividends paid $ 13,158,000 $ 13,293,000 $ 13,398,000 Record date February 19, 2016 May 20, 2016 August 19, 2016 Payment date March 25, 2016 June 24, 2016 September 23, 2016 Additionally, on October 11, 2016 , our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1850 per common share, which will be paid on December 23, 2016 , to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 18, 2016 . Cash dividends declared on our outstanding weighted average number of basic common shares for the periods presented were approximately as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash dividends per common share $ 0.19 $ 0.18 $ 0.55 $ 0.53

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The 2016 estimated annual effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 36.5% . Differences between the effective tax rate and the applicable U.S. federal statutory rate arise primarily from the effect of state and local income taxes and tax credits available to the Company. The actual 2016 effective tax rate could vary from the estimate depending on the availability of tax credits. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which results in recognizing income tax expense based on the amount of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Additionally, we evaluate regularly the tax positions taken or expected to be taken resulting from financial statement recognition of certain items. Based on our evaluation, we have concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in our financial statements. Our evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2013 through 2015 (with regard to U.S. federal income tax returns) and December 31, 2011 through 2015 (with regard to various state and local income tax returns), the tax years which remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of September 30, 2016 . We may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by taxing jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results. When we have received an assessment for interest and/or penalties, it has been classified in the financial statements as selling, general and administrative expense. In addition, any interest or penalties relating to recognized uncertain tax positions would also be recorded in selling, general and administrative expense.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions A director is a member of a law firm retained by us. In each of the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , fees received from us by such firm did not exceed $120,000 . Additionally, such fees did not exceed, in either period, 5% of such firm’s or the Company’s revenues.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information Reportable Operating Segments We manage and evaluate our operations in two reportable segments: Housekeeping (housekeeping, laundry, linen and other services) and Dietary (dietary department services). Although both segments serve a similar client base and share many operational similarities, they are managed separately due to differences in the type of services provided, as well as the specialized expertise required of the professional management personnel responsible for delivering the respective segments’ services. Such services are rendered pursuant to distinct service agreements, specific to each reportable segment. The Company’s accounting policies for the segments are generally the same as described in the Company’s significant accounting policies. Differences between the reportable segments’ operating results and other disclosed data and our consolidated financial statements relate primarily to corporate level transactions and recording of transactions at the reportable segment level which use methods other than generally accepted accounting principles. There are certain inventories and supplies that are primarily expensed when incurred within the operating segments, while they are capitalized for the consolidated financial statements. As discussed, most corporate expenses are not allocated to the operating segments. Such expenses include corporate salary and benefit costs, bad debt expense, certain legal costs, information technology costs, depreciation, amortization of finite lived intangible assets, share based compensation costs and other corporate specific costs. Additionally, there are allocations for workers’ compensation and general liability expense within the operating segments that differ from our actual expense recorded for U.S. GAAP. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenues Housekeeping services $ 239,584,000 $ 227,760,000 $ 716,154,000 $ 681,306,000 Dietary services 153,150,000 132,405,000 447,943,000 389,461,000 Total $ 392,734,000 $ 360,165,000 $ 1,164,097,000 $ 1,070,767,000 Income before income taxes Housekeeping services $ 23,645,000 $ 21,770,000 $ 68,966,000 $ 64,139,000 Dietary services 7,884,000 8,239,000 26,103,000 25,008,000 Corporate and eliminations (1) (958,000 ) (3,268,000 ) (5,211,000 ) (11,095,000 ) Total $ 30,571,000 $ 26,741,000 $ 89,858,000 $ 78,052,000 (1) Primarily represents corporate office costs and related overhead, recording of certain inventories and supplies and workers compensation costs at the reportable segment level which use accounting methods that differ from those used at the corporate level, as well as consolidated subsidiaries’ operating expenses that are not allocated to the reportable segments, net of investment and interest income. Total Revenues from Clients We earned total revenues from clients in the following service categories: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Housekeeping services $ 171,802,000 $ 158,019,000 $ 510,080,000 $ 471,692,000 Dietary services 153,150,000 132,405,000 447,943,000 389,461,000 Laundry and linen services 67,363,000 69,060,000 204,529,000 207,887,000 Maintenance services and other 419,000 681,000 1,545,000 1,727,000 $ 392,734,000 $ 360,165,000 $ 1,164,097,000 $ 1,070,767,000

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share Basic and diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding, respectively. The weighted-average number of diluted common shares includes the impact of dilutive securities, including unvested, unexercised stock options and unvested restricted stock. The table below reconciles the weighted-average basic and diluted common shares outstanding: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 72,839,000 72,009,000 72,718,000 71,714,000 Effect of dilutive securities (1) 753,000 682,000 717,000 667,000 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 73,592,000 72,691,000 73,435,000 72,381,000 (1) Certain outstanding stock option awards are anti-dilutive and were therefore excluded from the calculation of the weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , options to purchase 501,000 and 544,000 shares having a weighted average exercise price of $34.14 were excluded. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , options to purchase 597,000 and 925,000 shares having weighted average exercise prices of $30.03 and $29.33 , respectively, were excluded.

Other Contingencies

Other Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Contingencies	Other Contingencies Line of Credit We have a $200,000,000 bank line of credit on which we may draw to meet short-term liquidity requirements. Amounts drawn under the line of credit are payable upon demand. At September 30, 2016 , there were no borrowings under the line of credit. At September 30, 2016 , we also had outstanding a $78,078,000 irrevocable standby letter of credit, which relates to payment obligations under our insurance programs. In connection with the issuance of the letter of credit, the amount available under the line of credit was reduced by $78,078,000 at September 30, 2016 . The letter of credit was decreased to $63,735,000 on October 25, 2016. The line of credit requires us to satisfy one financial covenant. We are in compliance with our financial covenant at September 30, 2016 and expect to remain in compliance with such financial covenant. The line of credit expires on December 18, 2018 . Tax Jurisdictions and Matters We provide our services in 48 states and are subject to numerous local taxing jurisdictions within those states. In the ordinary course of business, a jurisdiction may contest our reporting positions with respect to the application of its tax code to our services. A jurisdiction’s conflicting position on the taxability of our services could result in additional tax liabilities. We have tax matters with various taxing authorities. Because of the uncertainties related to both the probable outcomes and amount of probable assessments due, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of a liability. We do not expect the resolution of any of these matters, taken individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations based on our best estimate of the outcomes of such matters. Legal Proceedings We are subject to various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. Some of these matters include payroll and employee-related matters and examinations by governmental agencies. As we become aware of such claims and legal actions, we record accruals for any exposures that are probable and estimable. If an adverse outcome of such claims and legal actions is reasonably possible, we assess materiality and provide such financial disclosure, as appropriate. The Company believes it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any pending legal proceeding or governmental examination that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or liquidity. Government Regulations Our clients are concentrated in the health care industry and are primarily providers of long-term care. Many of our clients’ revenues are highly reliant on Medicare, Medicaid and third party payors’ reimbursement funding rates. New legislation or additional changes in existing regulations could be made which could directly impact the governmental reimbursement programs in which our clients participate. As a result, we may not know the full effects of such programs until these laws are fully implemented and government agencies issue applicable regulations or guidance.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events We evaluated all subsequent events through the filing date of this Form 10-Q. We believe there were no events or transactions occurring during this subsequent reporting period which require recognition or additional disclosure in these financial statements.

Description of Business and S20

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (the “Company”) provides management, administrative and operating expertise and services to the housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and dietary service departments of the health care industry, including nursing homes, retirement complexes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals located throughout the United States. Although we do not directly participate in any government reimbursement programs, our clients’ reimbursements are subject to government regulation. Therefore, they are directly affected by any legislation relating to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement programs. We provide our services primarily pursuant to full service agreements with our clients. In such agreements, we are responsible for the day-to-day management of employees located at our clients’ facilities. We also provide services on the basis of management-only agreements for a limited number of clients. Our agreements with clients typically provide for renewable one year service terms, cancelable by either party upon 30 to 90 days notice after the initial 60 to 120 day period. We are organized into two reportable segments: housekeeping, laundry, linen and other services (“Housekeeping”), and dietary department services (“Dietary”). Housekeeping consists of the managing of clients’ housekeeping departments, which are principally responsible for the cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing of patient rooms and common areas of a client’s facility, as well as the laundering and processing of the personal clothing belonging to the facility’s patients. Also within the scope of this segment’s service is the responsibility for laundering and processing of bed linens, uniforms and other assorted linen items utilized by a client facility. Dietary consists of managing clients’ dietary department which is principally responsible for food purchasing, meal preparation and providing dietitian consulting professional services, which includes the development of a menu that meets patients’ dietary needs.
Unaudited Interim Financial Data	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information and the requirements of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows. However, in our opinion, all adjustments which are of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these consolidated financial statements. The balance sheet shown in this report as of December 31, 2015 has been derived from, and does not include, all of the disclosures contained in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 . These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
Principles of Consolidation	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Healthcare Services Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents are held in U.S. financial institutions or in custodial accounts with U.S. financial institutions. Cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase that are readily convertible into cash and have insignificant interest rate risk.
Inventories and Supplies	Inventories and supplies include housekeeping, linen and laundry supplies, as well as food provisions and supplies. Inventories and supplies are stated at cost to approximate a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Linen supplies are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of 24 months.
Revenue Recognition	Revenues from our service agreements with clients are recognized as services are performed. As a distributor of laundry equipment, we occasionally sell laundry installations to certain clients. The sales in most cases represent the construction and installation of a turn-key operation and have payment terms ranging from 24 to 60 months.
Income Taxes	We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current period. We accrue for probable tax obligations as required by facts and circumstances in various regulatory environments. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. When appropriate, valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts for which realization is more likely than not. Uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns are reflected within our financial statements based on a recognition and measurement process.
Earnings per Common Share	Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares, such as those issuable upon exercise of stock options.
Share-Based Compensation	The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based awards and programs for employees and directors. We estimate the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model, while share-based awards are valued based on the market-price on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest, after accounting for forfeitures, is recognized as an expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income ratably over the requisite service periods.
Use of Estimates in Financial Statements	In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are used in determining, but are not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, accrued insurance claims, asset valuations, deferred taxes and reviews for potential impairment. The estimates are based upon various factors including current and historical trends, as well as other pertinent industry and regulatory authority information. We regularly evaluate this information to determine if it is necessary to update the basis for our estimates and to adjust for known changes.
Self-Funded Captive Insurance Programs	In 2015, the Company transitioned its workers compensation and certain employee health & welfare insurance programs to HCSG Insurance Corp. (“HCSG Insurance”), its wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary which previously provided only general liability coverage to the Company. HCSG Insurance was formed to provide the Company with greater efficiency in managing its property & casualty and health & welfare programs.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, deferred compensation funding and accounts and notes receivable. Our marketable securities are fixed income investments which are highly liquid and can be readily purchased or sold through established markets. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities were held in one large financial institution located in the United States. Our clients are concentrated in the health care industry and are primarily providers of long-term care. Many of our clients’ revenues are highly reliant on Medicare, Medicaid and third party payors’ reimbursement funding rates. Legislation can significantly alter overall government reimbursement for nursing home services and such changes, as well as other trends in the long-term care industry, have affected and could adversely affect the liquidity of our clients, resulting in their inability to make payments to us in accordance with agreed upon payment terms. These factors could result in the recognition of significant additional bad debts in the future.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The update replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses with a methodology that instead reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of information to inform credit loss estimates. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that year. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , and a subsequent amendment to the standard in March 2016 with ASU 2016-08. The original standard provides guidance on recognizing revenue, including a five step model to determine when revenue recognition is appropriate. The standard requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment to the standard clarifies implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. Adoption of the new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases . ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on their balance sheet related to the rights and obligations created by most leases, while continuing to recognize expenses on their income statements over the lease term. It will also require disclosures designed to give financial statement users information regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures. Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . The amendment in this ASU requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The guidance becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. Management elected to adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2016, with retrospective application to prior period balances presented. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Changes in Accumulated Other 21

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table provides a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available for Sale Securities (1) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Accumulated other comprehensive income — beginning balance $ 543,000 $ 25,000 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 914,000 184,000 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (2)(3) (149,000 ) (3,000 ) Net current period change in other comprehensive income 765,000 181,000 Accumulated other comprehensive income — ending balance $ 1,308,000 $ 206,000 (1) All amounts are net of tax. (2) Realized gains and losses are recorded pre-tax under “Other income - Investment and interest” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. (3) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the Company recorded $226,000 and $5,000 , respectively, of realized gains from the sale of available for sale securities. Refer to Note 5 herein for further information.

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table sets forth the amounts of property and equipment by each class of depreciable assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Housekeeping and office equipment and furniture $ 31,763,000 $ 29,852,000 Laundry and linen equipment installations 1,201,000 1,117,000 Autos and trucks 138,000 138,000 Total property and equipment, at cost 33,102,000 31,107,000 Less accumulated depreciation 19,827,000 18,021,000 Total property and equipment, net $ 13,275,000 $ 13,086,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible23

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Identifiable Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization	The following table sets forth the amounts of our identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Customer relationships $ 29,081,000 $ 35,781,000 Non-compete agreements — 800,000 Total other intangibles, gross 29,081,000 36,581,000 Less accumulated amortization 14,065,000 19,473,000 Other intangibles, net $ 15,016,000 $ 17,108,000
Estimated Amortization Expense For Intangibles Subject To Amortization	The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization for the remainder of 2016 , the following five fiscal years and thereafter: Period/Year Total Amortization Expense October 1 to December 31, 2016 $ 607,000 2017 $ 2,427,000 2018 $ 2,328,000 2019 $ 2,130,000 2020 $ 2,130,000 2021 $ 2,130,000 Thereafter $ 3,264,000

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	The following tables provide details of our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the basis for those measurements: As of September 30, 2016 Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Financial Assets: Marketable securities Municipal bonds — available for sale $ 80,623,000 $ 80,623,000 $ — $ 80,623,000 $ — Deferred compensation fund Money Market (1) $ 5,791,000 $ 5,791,000 $ — $ — $ — Balanced and Lifestyle 6,821,000 6,821,000 6,821,000 — — Large Cap Growth 5,636,000 5,636,000 5,636,000 — — Small Cap Growth 2,723,000 2,723,000 2,723,000 — — Fixed Income 2,780,000 2,780,000 2,780,000 — — International 1,183,000 1,183,000 1,183,000 — — Mid Cap Growth 1,398,000 1,398,000 1,398,000 — — Deferred compensation fund $ 26,332,000 $ 26,332,000 $ 20,541,000 $ — $ — As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Amount Total Fair Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Financial Assets: Marketable securities Municipal bonds — available for sale $ 69,496,000 $ 69,496,000 $ — $ 69,496,000 $ — Deferred compensation fund Money Market (1) $ 3,896,000 $ 3,896,000 $ — $ — $ — Balanced and Lifestyle 9,136,000 9,136,000 9,136,000 — — Large Cap Growth 5,218,000 5,218,000 5,218,000 — — Small Cap Growth 2,275,000 2,275,000 2,275,000 — — Fixed Income 2,624,000 2,624,000 2,624,000 — — International 1,025,000 1,025,000 1,025,000 — — Mid Cap Growth 1,217,000 1,217,000 1,217,000 — — Deferred compensation fund $ 25,391,000 $ 25,391,000 $ 21,495,000 $ — $ — (1) The fair value of the money market fund is based on the net asset value (“NAV”) of the shares held by the plan at the end of the period. The money market fund includes short-term United States dollar denominated money market instruments and the NAV is determined by the custodian of the fund. The money market fund can be redeemed at its NAV at the measurement date as there are no significant restrictions on the ability to sell this investment.
Marketable Debt Securities	Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Other-than-temporary Impairments September 30, 2016 Type of security: Municipal bonds — available for sale $ 78,482,000 $ 2,175,000 $ (34,000 ) $ 80,623,000 $ — Total debt securities $ 78,482,000 $ 2,175,000 $ (34,000 ) $ 80,623,000 $ — December 31, 2015 Type of security: Municipal bonds — available for sale $ 68,640,000 $ 869,000 $ (13,000 ) $ 69,496,000 $ — Total debt securities $ 68,640,000 $ 869,000 $ (13,000 ) $ 69,496,000 $ —
Contractual Maturities Of Available For Sale Investments	The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of debt securities held at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , which are classified as marketable securities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Municipal Bonds — Available for Sale Contractual maturity: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Maturing in one year or less $ 2,587,000 $ 774,000 Maturing in second year through fifth year 18,411,000 13,852,000 Maturing in sixth year through tenth year 40,748,000 36,273,000 Maturing after ten years 18,877,000 18,597,000 Total debt securities $ 80,623,000 $ 69,496,000

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense	A summary of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Stock options $ 2,399,000 $ 2,093,000 Restricted stock 412,000 187,000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 302,000 287,000 Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense charged against income (1) $ 3,113,000 $ 2,567,000 (1) Stock-based compensation expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Summary of Other Information of Stock Option Plans	Other information pertaining to activity of our stock awards is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Total grant-date fair value of stock options and awards granted $ 5,203,000 $ 4,027,000 Total fair value of stock options and awards vested during period $ 3,092,000 $ 2,719,000 A summary of our stock options outstanding under the Plan as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows: Stock Options Outstanding Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price December 31, 2015 2,461,000 $ 22.16 Granted 569,000 $ 34.14 Cancelled (105,000 ) $ 29.60 Exercised (276,000 ) $ 20.41 September 30, 2016 2,649,000 $ 24.62
Summarized Information of Stock Options Outstanding	The following table summarizes other information about our stock options at September 30, 2016 : Stock Options Range of exercise prices $10.39 - $34.14 Outstanding: Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 6.5 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 39,626,000 Exercisable: Number of shares 1,191,000 Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 4.6 Aggregate intrinsic value $ 25,163,000 Exercised: Aggregate intrinsic value $ 4,581,000
Assumption For Fair Value of Options Granted	The fair value of stock option awards granted in 2016 and 2015 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model using the following assumptions: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate 2.0% 1.9% Weighted average expected life (years) 5.8 5.8 Expected volatility 26.0% 27.2% Dividend yield 2.0% 2.2%
Schedule of Restricted Stock Outstanding Stock-based Compensation	A summary of our outstanding stock-based compensation as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value December 31, 2015 40,000 $ 29.10 Granted 44,000 $ 34.14 Vested (9,000 ) $ 28.76 Forfeited (1,000 ) $ 34.14 September 30, 2016 74,000 $ 32.09
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions	The stock-based compensation expense associated the options granted in 2016 and 2015 under our ESPP was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model using the following assumptions: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate 0.58% 0.18% Weighted average expected life (years) 1.0 1.0 Expected volatility 19.7% 19.2% Dividend yield 2.0% 2.2%

Dividends (Tables)

Dividends (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Dividends Payable	During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we paid regular quarterly cash dividends of approximately $39,849,000 as follows: Quarter Ended March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 Cash dividend per common share $ 0.18125 $ 0.18250 $ 0.18375 Total cash dividends paid $ 13,158,000 $ 13,293,000 $ 13,398,000 Record date February 19, 2016 May 20, 2016 August 19, 2016 Payment date March 25, 2016 June 24, 2016 September 23, 2016
Schedule of Dividends Payable on Outstanding Weighted Average Number of Basic Common Shares	Cash dividends declared on our outstanding weighted average number of basic common shares for the periods presented were approximately as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash dividends per common share $ 0.19 $ 0.18 $ 0.55 $ 0.53

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Information of Reportable Segments	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenues Housekeeping services $ 239,584,000 $ 227,760,000 $ 716,154,000 $ 681,306,000 Dietary services 153,150,000 132,405,000 447,943,000 389,461,000 Total $ 392,734,000 $ 360,165,000 $ 1,164,097,000 $ 1,070,767,000 Income before income taxes Housekeeping services $ 23,645,000 $ 21,770,000 $ 68,966,000 $ 64,139,000 Dietary services 7,884,000 8,239,000 26,103,000 25,008,000 Corporate and eliminations (1) (958,000 ) (3,268,000 ) (5,211,000 ) (11,095,000 ) Total $ 30,571,000 $ 26,741,000 $ 89,858,000 $ 78,052,000 (1) Primarily represents corporate office costs and related overhead, recording of certain inventories and supplies and workers compensation costs at the reportable segment level which use accounting methods that differ from those used at the corporate level, as well as consolidated subsidiaries’ operating expenses that are not allocated to the reportable segments, net of investment and interest income.
Revenues by Client Services	We earned total revenues from clients in the following service categories: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Housekeeping services $ 171,802,000 $ 158,019,000 $ 510,080,000 $ 471,692,000 Dietary services 153,150,000 132,405,000 447,943,000 389,461,000 Laundry and linen services 67,363,000 69,060,000 204,529,000 207,887,000 Maintenance services and other 419,000 681,000 1,545,000 1,727,000 $ 392,734,000 $ 360,165,000 $ 1,164,097,000 $ 1,070,767,000

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	The table below reconciles the weighted-average basic and diluted common shares outstanding: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 72,839,000 72,009,000 72,718,000 71,714,000 Effect of dilutive securities (1) 753,000 682,000 717,000 667,000 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 73,592,000 72,691,000 73,435,000 72,381,000 (1) Certain outstanding stock option awards are anti-dilutive and were therefore excluded from the calculation of the weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , options to purchase 501,000 and 544,000 shares having a weighted average exercise price of $34.14 were excluded. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , options to purchase 597,000 and 925,000 shares having weighted average exercise prices of $30.03 and $29.33 , respectively, were excluded.

Description of Business and S29

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016financial_institutionsegment	Dec. 31, 2015financial_institution
Schedule of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Service term	1 year
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Amortization period of inventories and supplies	24 months
Number of financial institutions holding cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities | financial_institution	1	1
Minimum
Schedule of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Days to notify cancellation of service	30 days
Initial period of service term	60 days
Property and equipment payment terms	24 months
Maximum
Schedule of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Days to notify cancellation of service	90 days
Initial period of service term	120 days
Property and equipment payment terms	60 months

Changes in Accumulated Other 30

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance	$ 296,456
Balance	331,104
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of taxes
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance	543	$ 25
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	914	184
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(149)	(3)
Net current period change in other comprehensive income	765	181
Balance	$ 1,308	$ 206

Changes in Accumulated Other 31

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component - Additional Information (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Realized gains from the sale of available for sale securities	$ 226	$ 5

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, at cost	$ 33,102		$ 33,102		$ 31,107
Less accumulated depreciation	19,827		19,827		18,021
Property and equipment, net	13,275		13,275		13,086
Depreciation	1,114	$ 1,036	3,541	$ 3,247
Housekeeping and office equipment and furniture
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, at cost	31,763		31,763		29,852
Laundry and linen equipment installations
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, at cost	1,201		1,201		1,117
Autos and trucks
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, at cost	$ 138		$ 138		$ 138

Goodwill and Other Intangible33

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 44,438		$ 44,438		$ 44,438
Amortization expense	607	$ 811	$ 2,092	$ 2,431
Customer Relationships
Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted-average amortization period of finite-lived intangible assets			9 years
Housekeeping Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	42,377		$ 42,377		42,377
Dietary Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,061		$ 2,061		$ 2,061

Goodwill and Other Intangible34

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Identifiable Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total other intangibles, gross	$ 29,081	$ 36,581
Less accumulated amortization	14,065	19,473
Other intangibles, net	15,016	17,108
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total other intangibles, gross	29,081	35,781
Non-compete Agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total other intangibles, gross	$ 0	$ 800

Goodwill and Other Intangible35

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense For Intangibles Subject To Amortization (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
October 1 to December 31, 2016	$ 607
2,017	2,427
2,018	2,328
2,019	2,130
2,020	2,130
2,021	2,130
Thereafter	$ 3,264

Fair Value Measurements - Marke

Fair Value Measurements - Marketable Securities and Deferred Compensation Fund Investment Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	$ 80,623	$ 69,496
Deferred compensation fund	26,332	25,391
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	20,541	21,495
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	26,332	25,391
Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	26,332	25,391
Municipal bonds — available for sale
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	80,623	69,496
Municipal bonds — available for sale | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Municipal bonds — available for sale | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	80,623	69,496
Municipal bonds — available for sale | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Municipal bonds — available for sale | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	80,623	69,496
Municipal bonds — available for sale | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	80,623	69,496
Money Market | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Money Market | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Money Market | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Money Market | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	5,791	3,896
Money Market | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	5,791	3,896
Balanced and Lifestyle | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	6,821	9,136
Balanced and Lifestyle | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Balanced and Lifestyle | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Balanced and Lifestyle | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	6,821	9,136
Balanced and Lifestyle | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	6,821	9,136
Large Cap Growth | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	5,636	5,218
Large Cap Growth | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Large Cap Growth | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Large Cap Growth | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	5,636	5,218
Large Cap Growth | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	5,636	5,218
Small Cap Growth | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	2,723	2,275
Small Cap Growth | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Small Cap Growth | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Small Cap Growth | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	2,723	2,275
Small Cap Growth | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	2,723	2,275
Fixed Income | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	2,780	2,624
Fixed Income | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Fixed Income | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Fixed Income | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	2,780	2,624
Fixed Income | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	2,780	2,624
International | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	1,183	1,025
International | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
International | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
International | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	1,183	1,025
International | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	1,183	1,025
Mid Cap Growth | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	1,398	1,217
Mid Cap Growth | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Mid Cap Growth | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	0	0
Mid Cap Growth | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	1,398	1,217
Mid Cap Growth | Total Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation fund	$ 1,398	$ 1,217

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale marketable securities, net of taxes	$ (369)	$ 198	$ 765	$ 181
Proceeds from available for sale municipal bonds	2,983	1,858	8,137	4,404
Realized gain on other income, investment and interest	$ (17)	$ 2	$ 226	$ 5

Fair Value Measurements - Mar38

Fair Value Measurements - Marketable Debt Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 78,482	$ 68,640
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,175	869
Gross Unrealized Losses	(34)	(13)
Estimated Fair Value	80,623	69,496
Other-than-temporary Impairments	0	0
Municipal bonds — available for sale
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	78,482	68,640
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,175	869
Gross Unrealized Losses	(34)	(13)
Estimated Fair Value	80,623	69,496
Other-than-temporary Impairments	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Contr

Fair Value Measurements - Contractual Maturities of Available For Sale Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Maturing in one year or less	$ 2,587	$ 774
Maturing in second year through fifth year	18,411	13,852
Maturing in sixth year through tenth year	40,748	36,273
Maturing after ten years	18,877	18,597
Total debt securities	$ 80,623	$ 69,496

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense charged against income	$ 3,113	$ 2,567
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense charged against income	2,399	2,093
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense charged against income	412	187
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense charged against income	$ 302	$ 287

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 9,447
Period of expense of unrecognized compensation cost, years	2 years 11 months 13 days
Common stock reserved for future issuance (in shares)	3,931,000
Shares available for future grant (in shares)	1,282,000
Maximum term of grants	10 years
Options vested and exercisable, period	5 years
Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 7.46	$ 6.64
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock granted (in shares)	44,000	25,000
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)	$ 34.14	$ 30.30
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future grant (in shares)	2,362,000
Requisite service period for plan participation eligibility	2 years
Stock options authorized to issue to employees (in shares)	4,050,000

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Other Information of Stock Awards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total grant-date fair value of stock options and awards granted	$ 5,203	$ 4,027
Total fair value of stock options and awards vested during period	$ 3,092	$ 2,719

Share-Based Compensation - Su43

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Award Activity (Details) shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Number of Shares
December 31, 2015 (in shares) | shares	2,461
Granted (in shares) | shares	569
Cancelled (in shares) | shares	(105)
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(276)
September 30, 2016 (in shares) | shares	2,649
Weighted Average Exercise Price
December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.16
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	34.14
Cancelled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	29.60
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	20.41
September 30, 2016 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.62

Share-Based Compensation - Su44

Share-Based Compensation - Summarized Information About Stock Awards (Details) - $10.39 to $34.14 $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock Options
Exercise price range - lower limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 10.39
Exercise price range - upper limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 34.14
Outstanding:
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	6 years 6 months
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 39,626
Exercisable:
Number of shares (in shares) | shares	1,191
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	4 years 7 months
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 25,163
Exercised:
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 4,581

Share-Based Compensation - Assu

Share-Based Compensation - Assumption For Fair Value of Options Granted (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	2.00%	1.90%
Weighted average expected life in years	5 years 9 months	5 years 9 months 18 days
Expected volatility	26.00%	27.20%
Dividend yield	2.00%	2.20%

Share-Based Compensation - Su46

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Shares
December 31, 2015 (in shares)	40,000
Granted (in shares)	44,000	25,000
Vested (in shares)	(9,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(1,000)
September 30, 2016 (in shares)	74,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 29.10
Granted (in dollars per share)	34.14	$ 30.30
Vested (in dollars per share)	28.76
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	34.14
September 30, 2016 (in dollars per share)	$ 32.09

Share-Based Compensation - As47

Share-Based Compensation - Assumptions For Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.00%	1.90%
Weighted average expected life in years	5 years 9 months	5 years 9 months 18 days
Expected volatility	26.00%	27.20%
Dividend yield	2.00%	2.20%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.58%	0.18%
Weighted average expected life in years	1 year	1 year
Expected volatility	19.70%	19.20%
Dividend yield	2.00%	2.20%

Dividends - Schedule of Dividen

Dividends - Schedule of Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 11, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend paid per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.18375	$ 0.18250	$ 0.18125
Dividends paid		$ 13,398	$ 13,293	$ 13,158	$ 39,849	$ 38,338
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.185

Dividends - Cash Dividends per

Dividends - Cash Dividends per Common Share (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.18	$ 0.55	$ 0.53

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Effective tax rate	36.50%

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Fees paid to related party firm (less than)	$ 120,000	$ 120,000
Percentage of fee paid to related party in relation to related party's total revenue (less than)	5.00%	5.00%

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Information of Reportable Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment			2
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 392,734	$ 360,165	$ 1,164,097	$ 1,070,767
Income before income taxes	30,571	26,741	89,858	78,052
Housekeeping Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	239,584	227,760	716,154	681,306
Dietary Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	153,150	132,405	447,943	389,461
Operating Segments | Housekeeping Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	23,645	21,770	68,966	64,139
Operating Segments | Dietary Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	7,884	8,239	26,103	25,008
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ (958)	$ (3,268)	$ (5,211)	$ (11,095)

Segment Information - Revenues

Segment Information - Revenues by Client Services (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 392,734	$ 360,165	$ 1,164,097	$ 1,070,767
Housekeeping Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	171,802	158,019	510,080	471,692
Dietary Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	153,150	132,405	447,943	389,461
Laundry and Linen Services
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	67,363	69,060	204,529	207,887
Maintenance Services and Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 419	$ 681	$ 1,545	$ 1,727

Earnings Per Common Share - Com

Earnings Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	72,839	72,009	72,718	71,714
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	753	682	717	667
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	73,592	72,691	73,435	72,381

Earnings Per Common Share - Add

Earnings Per Common Share - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Options outstanding to purchase common stock excluded from computation of diluted earnings per common share (in shares)	501	597	544	925
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share, average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.14	$ 30.03	$ 34.14	$ 29.33

Other Contingencies (Details)

Other Contingencies (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)financial_covenantstate	Oct. 25, 2016USD ($)
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Bank line of credit	$ 200,000,000
Borrowings under line of credit	0
Reduction of bank line of credit	$ 78,078,000
Number of financial covenants | financial_covenant	1
Number of states in which entity operates | state	48
Standby Letter Of Credit
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Irrevocable standby letter of credit, outstanding	$ 78,078,000
Subsequent Event | Standby Letter Of Credit
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Irrevocable standby letter of credit, outstanding		$ 63,735,000