Air Methods (AIRM) 10-Q 8 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AIR METHODS CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000816159	'
Trading Symbol	'airm	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	39,039,989
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$19,159	$3,818
Current installments of notes receivable	5	4
Receivables:	'	'
Trade, net (note 4)	236,560	232,929
Refundable income taxes	'	3,944
Other	1,090	2,838
Total receivables	237,650	239,711
Inventories	46,115	40,789
Work-in-process on medical interiors and products contracts	5,000	2,335
Assets held for sale	7,018	9,290
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	2,468	585
Prepaid expenses and other (note 6)	14,535	10,273
Total current assets	331,950	306,805
Property and equipment:	'	'
Land	251	251
Flight and ground support equipment	517,767	417,303
Aircraft under capital leases	257,316	343,079
Aircraft rotable spare parts	39,663	54,176
Buildings and office equipment	48,267	44,785
Property and equipment, gross	863,264	859,594
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-251,784	-262,356
Net property and equipment	611,480	597,238
Goodwill (note 2)	122,282	120,029
Notes and other receivables, less current installments	109	113
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $11,950 and $8,019 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	63,565	66,817
Other assets	30,334	27,861
Total assets	1,159,720	1,118,863
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	'	3,570
Current installments of long-term debt	33,582	23,796
Current installments of obligations under capital leases	29,723	39,343
Accounts payable	16,340	15,847
Deferred revenue	1,624	4,506
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	768	392
Accrued wages and compensated absences	16,690	21,614
Due to third party payers	6,929	6,426
Deferred income taxes	9,993	11,797
Other accrued liabilities	26,977	16,161
Total current liabilities	142,626	143,452
Long-term debt, less current installments	424,102	380,682
Obligations under capital leases, less current installments	139,692	200,337
Deferred income taxes	76,818	61,684
Other liabilities	21,448	33,098
Total liabilities	804,686	819,253
Stockholders' equity (note 3):	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value. Authorized 15,000,000 shares, none issued	'	'
Common stock, $.06 par value. Authorized 70,500,000 shares; issued 39,252,159 and 38,967,105 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively; outstanding 39,014,141 and 38,761,462 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	2,341	2,324
Additional paid-in capital	110,927	104,585
Retained earnings	241,766	192,701
Total stockholders' equity	355,034	299,610
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,159,720	$1,118,863

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$11,950	$8,019
Stockholders' equity (note 3):	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.06
Common stock, shares authorized	70,500,000	70,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	39,252,159	38,967,105
Common stock, shares outstanding	39,014,141	38,761,462

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts (note 4)	$283,709	$248,384	$736,431	$695,963
Provision for uncompensated care (note 4)	-105,916	-95,289	-301,863	-258,098
Patient transport revenue, net	177,793	153,095	434,568	437,865
Air medical services contract revenue	49,750	58,014	158,743	168,854
Sales of medical interiors and products	5,616	8,490	15,026	23,238
Tourism and charter revenue	16,002	'	42,385	'
Other	3,224	1,691	7,097	4,627
Total revenue	252,385	221,290	657,819	634,584
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Flight centers	89,431	81,251	258,874	238,786
Aircraft operations	35,565	37,839	113,518	110,946
Cost of medical interiors and products sold	5,289	5,871	14,245	16,186
Tourism operating expenses	9,242	'	29,243	'
Depreciation and amortization	19,781	20,638	59,790	62,460
Loss on disposition of assets, net	118	985	326	774
General and administrative	30,448	23,478	87,738	73,902
Total operating expense	189,874	170,062	563,734	503,054
Operating income	62,511	51,228	94,085	131,530
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-5,190	-5,022	-15,169	-15,887
Other, net	349	711	964	2,639
Income before income taxes	57,670	46,917	79,880	118,282
Income tax expense	-22,065	-19,073	-30,815	-46,551
Net income	$35,605	$27,844	$49,065	$71,731
Basic income per common share (note 5) (in dollars per share)	$0.91	$0.72	$1.26	$1.86
Diluted income per common share (note 5) (in dollars per share)	$0.91	$0.71	$1.25	$1.84
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	38,933,915	38,690,436	38,882,943	38,551,587
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	39,194,532	39,050,247	39,228,113	38,969,937

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$49,065	$71,731
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	59,790	62,460
Deferred income tax expense	13,780	12,888
Stock-based compensation	2,789	1,532
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	-2,173	-2,288
Loss on disposition of assets, net	326	774
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument	143	239
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'	'
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-4,395	717
Decrease (increase) in receivables	2,298	-47,385
Increase in inventories	-7,991	-5,928
Increase in costs in excess of billings	-1,883	-1,388
Increase in accounts payable, other accrued liabilities, and other liabilities	4,572	5,895
Decrease in deferred revenue and billings in excess of costs	-2,506	-2,916
Net cash provided by operating activities	113,815	96,331
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of OF Air Holdings Corporation	'	-3,176
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 2)	-1,435	'
Buyout of previously leased aircraft	-51,403	-52,329
Acquisition of property and equipment	-41,279	-8,138
Proceeds from disposition and sale of equipment and assets held for sale	17,266	30,673
Decrease (increase) in notes receivable and other assets	-5,206	1,517
Net cash used in investing activities	-82,057	-31,453
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,397	4,326
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	2,173	2,288
Borrowings under line of credit	54,370	73,738
Payments under line of credit	-101,370	-55,008
Proceeds from long-term debt	120,480	'
Payments for financing costs	-221	-114
Payments of long-term debt and notes payable	-20,274	-12,657
Payments of capital lease obligations	-72,972	-77,206
Net cash used in financing activities	-16,417	-64,633
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	15,341	245
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,818	3,562
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	19,159	3,807
Interest paid in cash during the period	14,589	15,531
Income taxes paid in cash during the period	$2,544	$22,141

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Entered into notes payable to finance the purchase of aircraft	'	$4,640
Entered into capital leases to finance the purchase of aircraft	2,707	44,809
Settled notes payable in exchange for the aircraft securing the debt	$3,570	$27,940

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	(1)           Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial statements for the respective periods. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company considers its critical accounting policies involving more significant judgments and estimates to be those related to revenue recognition, deferred income taxes, valuation of long-lived assets, and fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries

Acquisition of Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of Subsidiaries	'
	(2)           Acquisition of Subsidiaries
	On December 31, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Sundance Helicopters, Inc., and all of the aircraft owned by two affiliated entities (collectively, Sundance) for a purchase price of approximately $46.3 million, subject to final determination of certain working capital adjustments, as defined in the agreement, as of the acquisition date. In addition, the purchase agreement also provides for an additional amount to be paid to the sellers if certain aircraft maintenance expense targets are achieved. In the first quarter of 2013, the Company revised its estimate of the increase to the purchase price for both of these adjustments to $843,000, compared to $906,000 estimated as of December 31, 2012. The final calculation of amounts due under these provisions is subject to review by the sellers, and payment of any additional amounts due is expected to be made in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	The allocation of the purchase price was as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Allocation at		Adjustments			Revised
		31-Dec-12					Allocation
	Aircraft	$	34,420		--			34,420
	Amortizable intangible assets		5,735		(593	)		5,142
	Goodwill		3,509		665			4,174
	Other equipment		901		--			901
	Deferred tax asset		1,286		450			1,736
	Working capital accounts, net		1,379		(585	)		794
	Purchase price	$	47,230		(63	)		47,167
	The Company does not expect adjustments to the allocation of the purchase price in future periods.
	In July 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of American Jets, Inc., and all of the assets of an affiliated entity (collectively, AJI) for a purchase price of approximately $1.7 million. AJI provides long-range fixed wing medical transportation services based out of Florida. Assets acquired consisted primarily of $1.6 million in goodwill, none of which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. AJI’s outstanding debt was paid off as part of the purchase price. The Company is still verifying open repair orders and other liabilities relating to pre-acquisition events, and, therefore, the allocation of the purchase price is still subject to adjustment.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	(3) Stockholders’ Equity
		Changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, consisted of the following (amounts in thousands except share amounts):
			Shares
			Outstanding		Amount
	Balances at January 1, 2013			38,761,462	$	299,610
	Issuance of common shares for options exercised			186,257		1,397
	Stock-based compensation			66,422		2,789
	Tax benefit from exercise of stock options			--		2,173
	Net income			--		49,065
	Balances at September 30, 2013			39,014,141	$	355,034

Revenue_Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Revenue Recognition	'
	(4)           Revenue Recognition
	Trade receivables are presented net of allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care. The Company determines its allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care based on estimated payer mix, payer reimbursement schedules, and historical collection experience. The allowances are reviewed monthly and adjusted periodically based on actual collections. Billings are charged off against the uncompensated care allowance when it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The allowance for contractual discounts is related primarily to Medicare and Medicaid patients. The allowance for uncompensated care is related primarily to receivables recorded for self-pay patients.
	The Company has not changed its discount policies related to self-pay patients or deductible and copayment balances for insured patients during either 2013 or 2012. The allowance for uncompensated care was 44.2% of receivables from non-governmental payers as of September 30, 2013, compared to 40.1% at December 31, 2012, and 42.9% at September 30, 2012. The increase in the allowance percentage in 2013 compared to 2012 reflects a deterioration in the payer mix and the effect of recent price increases.
	The Company recognizes patient transport revenue at its standard rates for services provided, regardless of expected payer. In the period that services are provided and based upon historical experience, the Company records a significant provision for uncompensated care related to uninsured patients who will be unable or unwilling to pay for the services provided and a provision for contractual discounts related to Medicare and Medicaid transports. Air medical services contract revenue consists of monthly fees and hourly flight fees billed to hospitals or other institutions under exclusive operating agreements. These fees are earned regardless of when, or if, the institution is reimbursed for these services by its patients, their insurers, or the federal government. As a result, the Company does not maintain an allowance or provision for uncompensated care for air medical services contract revenue and related receivables. Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts but before provision for uncompensated care, by major payer class, was as follows (amounts in thousands):
		For quarter ended				For nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Third-party payers	$	213,500		189,421		552,502		534,070
	Self-pay		70,209		58,963		183,929		161,893
	Total	$	283,709		248,384		736,431		695,963

Income_per_Share

Income per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income per Share [Abstract]	'
Income per Share	'
	(5) Income per Share
		Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by all common shares outstanding during the period and dilutive potential common shares.
		The reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding is as follows:
			2013		2012
	For quarter ended September 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic			38,933,915		38,690,436
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options			201,661		307,959
	Unvested restricted stock			58,956		51,852
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted			39,194,532		39,050,247
	For nine months ended September 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic			38,882,943		38,551,587
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options			285,534		376,428
	Unvested restricted stock			59,636		41,922
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted			39,228,113		38,969,937
		Common stock options totaling 45,000 were not included in the diluted shares outstanding for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Historical share amounts in this footnote have been adjusted to reflect the impact of a three-for-one stock split effected in December 2012.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	(6)	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosures about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy by which these assets and liabilities must be grouped based on the type of inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
	Level 1:	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2:	quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
	Level 3:	unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
		The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
	Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities:
	The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
		Derivative instruments:
	The Company endeavors to acquire jet fuel at the lowest possible cost and to reduce volatility in operating expenses through the use of short-term purchased call options. Financial derivative instruments covering fuel purchases are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at fair value. Fair value is determined based on quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of all fuel derivative instruments included in prepaid expenses and other current assets was $3,000 at September 30, 2013, and $0 at December 31, 2012. The Company’s financial derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, and, therefore, realized and non-cash mark to market adjustments are included in aircraft operations expense in the Company’s statement of income. Aircraft operations expense included non-cash mark to market derivative losses of $3,000 and $143,000 for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to a gain of $3,000 and a loss of $239,000 for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. There were no cash settlements under the terms of the agreements in 2013 or  2012.
		Long-term debt:
		The fair value of long-term debt is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because it is determined based on the present value of future contractual cash flows discounted at an interest rate that reflects the risks inherent in those cash flows. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average maturities and on recent transactions, the fair value of long-term debt as of September 30, 2013, is estimated to be $456,405,000, compared to a carrying value of $457,684,000. The fair value of long-term debt as of December 31, 2012, was estimated to be $406,856,000, compared to a carrying value of $404,478,000.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	-7	New Accounting Pronouncements
		In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which specifies the presentation in the balance sheet of an unrecognized tax benefit in the aforementioned circumstances. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect the implementation of ASU No. 2013-11 to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations because it does not currently have any unrecognized tax benefits.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information	'
	-8	Business Segment Information
		Summarized financial information for the Company’s operating segments is shown in the following table (amounts in thousands). Amounts in the “Corporate Activities” column represent corporate headquarters expenses, corporate income tax expense, and results of insignificant operations. The Company does not allocate assets between operating segments for internal reporting and performance evaluation purposes. Operating segments and their principal products or services are as follows:
	●	Air Medical Services (AMS) - provides air medical transportation services to the general population as an independent service and to hospitals or other institutions under exclusive operating agreements. Services include aircraft operation and maintenance, medical care, dispatch and communications, and medical billing and collection.
	●	United Rotorcraft (UR) Division - designs, manufactures, and installs aircraft medical interiors and other aerospace and medical transport products for domestic and international customers.
	●	Tourism – provides helicopter tours and charter flights, primarily focusing on Grand Canyon tours. Segment was established with the acquisition of Sundance in December 2012.
			AMS			UR			Tourism			Corporate			Intersegment			Consolidated
	For quarter ended September 30:											Activities			Eliminations
	2013
	External revenue		$	230,767			5,597			16,002			19			--			252,385
	Intersegment revenue			--			2,120			--			--			(2,120	)		--
	Total revenue			230,767			7,717			16,002			19			(2,120	)		252,385
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(145,068	)		(7,324	)		(11,212	)		(8,558	)		2,069			(170,093	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(18,184	)		(455	)		(681	)		(461	)		--			(19,781	)
	Interest expense			(4,222	)		--			(280	)		(688	)		--			(5,190	)
	Other income, net			311			(2	)		--			40			--			349
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(22,065	)		--			(22,065	)
	Segment net income (loss)		$	63,604			(64	)		3,829			(31,713	)		(51	)		35,605
	2012
	External revenue		$	212,802			8,358			--			130			--			221,290
	Intersegment revenue			--			2,480			--			--			(2,480	)		--
	Total revenue			212,802			10,838			--			130			(2,480	)		221,290
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(135,968	)		(8,361	)		--			(7,251	)		2,156			(149,424	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(19,905	)		(371	)		--			(362	)		--			(20,638	)
	Interest expense			(4,912	)		--			--			(110	)		--			(5,022	)
	Other income, net			686			--			--			25			--			711
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(19,073	)		--			(19,073	)
	Segment net income (loss)		$	52,703			2,106			--			(26,641	)		(324	)		27,844
	For nine months ended September 30:
	2013
	External revenue		$	600,414			14,928			42,385			92			--			657,819
	Intersegment revenue			--			6,421			--			--			(6,421	)		--
	Total revenue			600,414			21,349			42,385			92			(6,421	)		657,819
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(429,742	)		(20,534	)		(34,631	)		(25,138	)		6,101			(503,944	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(55,218	)		(1,313	)		(1,999	)		(1,260	)		--			(59,790	)
	Interest expense			(12,426	)		--			(773	)		(1,970	)		--			(15,169	)
	Other income, net			854			(2	)		--			112			--			964
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(30,815	)		--			(30,815	)
	Segment net income (loss)		$	103,882			(500	)		4,982			(58,979	)		(320	)		49,065
	2012
	External revenue		$	611,379			23,029			--			176			--			634,584
	Intersegment revenue			--			16,025			--			--			(16,025	)		--
	Total revenue			611,379			39,054			--			176			(16,025	)		634,584
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(400,145	)		(29,420	)		--			(23,764	)		12,735			(440,594	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(60,407	)		(1,038	)		--			(1,015	)		--			(62,460	)
	Interest expense			(15,462	)		(1	)		--			(424	)		--			(15,887	)
	Other income, net			2,544			--			--			95			--			2,639
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(46,551	)		--			(46,551	)
	Segment net income (loss)		$	137,909			8,595			--			(71,483	)		(3,290	)		71,731

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_Ta

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of allocation of the purchase price of Sundance Helicopters, Inc	'
		Allocation at		Adjustments			Revised
		31-Dec-12					Allocation
	Aircraft	$	34,420		--			34,420
	Amortizable intangible assets		5,735		(593	)		5,142
	Goodwill		3,509		665			4,174
	Other equipment		901		--			901
	Deferred tax asset		1,286		450			1,736
	Working capital accounts, net		1,379		(585	)		794
	Purchase price	$	47,230		(63	)		47,167

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in stockholders' equity	'
		Shares
		Outstanding		Amount
	Balances at January 1, 2013		38,761,462	$	299,610
	Issuance of common shares for options exercised		186,257		1,397
	Stock-based compensation		66,422		2,789
	Tax benefit from exercise of stock options		--		2,173
	Net income		--		49,065
	Balances at September 30, 2013		39,014,141	$	355,034

Revenue_Recognition_Tables

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Patient transport revenue by major payer class	'
		For quarter ended				For nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Third-party payers	$	213,500		189,421		552,502		534,070
	Self-pay		70,209		58,963		183,929		161,893
	Total	$	283,709		248,384		736,431		695,963

Income_per_Share_Tables

Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	'
		2013		2012
	For quarter ended September 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic		38,933,915		38,690,436
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options		201,661		307,959
	Unvested restricted stock		58,956		51,852
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted		39,194,532		39,050,247
	For nine months ended September 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic		38,882,943		38,551,587
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options		285,534		376,428
	Unvested restricted stock		59,636		41,922
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted		39,228,113		38,969,937

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summarized financial information of operating segments	'
		AMS			UR			Tourism			Corporate			Intersegment			Consolidated
	For quarter ended September 30:										Activities			Eliminations
	2013
	External revenue	$	230,767			5,597			16,002			19			--			252,385
	Intersegment revenue		--			2,120			--			--			(2,120	)		--
	Total revenue		230,767			7,717			16,002			19			(2,120	)		252,385
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(145,068	)		(7,324	)		(11,212	)		(8,558	)		2,069			(170,093	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(18,184	)		(455	)		(681	)		(461	)		--			(19,781	)
	Interest expense		(4,222	)		--			(280	)		(688	)		--			(5,190	)
	Other income, net		311			(2	)		--			40			--			349
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(22,065	)		--			(22,065	)
	Segment net income (loss)	$	63,604			(64	)		3,829			(31,713	)		(51	)		35,605
	2012
	External revenue	$	212,802			8,358			--			130			--			221,290
	Intersegment revenue		--			2,480			--			--			(2,480	)		--
	Total revenue		212,802			10,838			--			130			(2,480	)		221,290
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(135,968	)		(8,361	)		--			(7,251	)		2,156			(149,424	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(19,905	)		(371	)		--			(362	)		--			(20,638	)
	Interest expense		(4,912	)		--			--			(110	)		--			(5,022	)
	Other income, net		686			--			--			25			--			711
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(19,073	)		--			(19,073	)
	Segment net income (loss)	$	52,703			2,106			--			(26,641	)		(324	)		27,844
	For nine months ended September 30:
	2013
	External revenue	$	600,414			14,928			42,385			92			--			657,819
	Intersegment revenue		--			6,421			--			--			(6,421	)		--
	Total revenue		600,414			21,349			42,385			92			(6,421	)		657,819
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(429,742	)		(20,534	)		(34,631	)		(25,138	)		6,101			(503,944	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(55,218	)		(1,313	)		(1,999	)		(1,260	)		--			(59,790	)
	Interest expense		(12,426	)		--			(773	)		(1,970	)		--			(15,169	)
	Other income, net		854			(2	)		--			112			--			964
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(30,815	)		--			(30,815	)
	Segment net income (loss)	$	103,882			(500	)		4,982			(58,979	)		(320	)		49,065
	2012
	External revenue	$	611,379			23,029			--			176			--			634,584
	Intersegment revenue		--			16,025			--			--			(16,025	)		--
	Total revenue		611,379			39,054			--			176			(16,025	)		634,584
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(400,145	)		(29,420	)		--			(23,764	)		12,735			(440,594	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(60,407	)		(1,038	)		--			(1,015	)		--			(62,460	)
	Interest expense		(15,462	)		(1	)		--			(424	)		--			(15,887	)
	Other income, net		2,544			--			--			95			--			2,639
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(46,551	)		--			(46,551	)
	Segment net income (loss)	$	137,909			8,595			--			(71,483	)		(3,290	)		71,731

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_De

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
			Sundance Helicopters, Inc	Sundance Helicopters, Inc	Sundance Helicopters, Inc	Sundance Helicopters, Inc	Sundance Helicopters, Inc	American Jets, Inc.
						Allocation at December 31, 2012	Adjustments
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash purchase price	'	'	$46,300,000	'	'	'	'	$1,700,000
Estimate of increase to purchase price for adjustments	'	'	906,000	'	843,000	'	'	'
Allocation of the purchase price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aircraft	'	'	'	34,420,000	'	34,420,000	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	'	'	'	5,142,000	'	5,735,000	-593,000	'
Goodwill	122,282,000	120,029,000	'	4,174,000	'	3,509,000	665,000	1,600,000
Other equipment	'	'	'	901,000	'	901,000	'	'
Deferred tax asset	'	'	'	1,736,000	'	1,286,000	450,000	'
Working capital accounts, net	'	'	'	794,000	'	1,379,000	-585,000	'
Purchase price	'	'	'	$47,167,000	'	$47,230,000	($63,000)	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in stockholders' equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Balances at January 1, 2013	'	'	$299,610	'	$355,034
Balances at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	'	'	38,761,462	'	39,014,141
Issuance of common shares for options exercised	'	'	1,397	'	'
Issuance of common shares for options exercised (in shares)	'	'	186,257	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	2,789	1,532	'
Stock-based compensation (in shares)	'	'	66,422	'	'
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	'	'	2,173	'	'
Net income	35,605	27,844	49,065	71,731	'
Balances at September 30, 2013	$355,034	'	$355,034	'	'
Balances at September 30, 2013 (in shares)	39,014,141	'	39,014,141	'	'

Revenue_Recognition_Details

Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for uncompensated care as a percentage of receivables from non-governmental payers (in hundredths)	44.20%	42.90%	44.20%	42.90%	40.10%
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	$283,709	$248,384	$736,431	$695,963	'
Third-Party Payers	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	213,500	189,421	552,502	534,070	'
Self-Pay	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	$70,209	$58,963	$183,929	$161,893	'

Income_per_Share_Details

Income per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					Common stock options	Common stock options	Common stock options
Reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	38,933,915	38,690,436	38,882,943	38,551,587	'	'	'
Dilutive effect of:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock options (in shares)	201,661	307,959	285,534	376,428	'	'	'
Unvested restricted stock (in shares)	58,956	51,852	59,636	41,922	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	39,194,532	39,050,247	39,228,113	38,969,937	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted income per share (in shares)	'	'	'	'	45,000	45,000	'
Stock split	'	'	'	'	'	'	'three-for-one

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Estimate of Fair Value

Estimate of Fair Value

Carrying (Reported) Amount

Carrying (Reported) Amount

Aircraft operations expense

Aircraft operations expense

Aircraft operations expense

Aircraft operations expense

Fuel derivative contracts

Fuel derivative contracts

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of fuel derivative contracts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,000

$0

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash mark to market derivative gain (loss)

-143,000

-239,000

'

'

'

'

-3,000

3,000

-143,000

-239,000

'

'

Cash settlements under derivative contracts

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, fair value disclosure

'

'

$456,405,000

$406,856,000

$457,684,000

$404,478,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	$252,385	$221,290	$657,819	$634,584
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-170,093	-149,424	-503,944	-440,594
Depreciation and amortization	-19,781	-20,638	-59,790	-62,460
Interest expense	-5,190	-5,022	-15,169	-15,887
Other income, net	349	711	964	2,639
Income tax expense	-22,065	-19,073	-30,815	-46,551
Net income	35,605	27,844	49,065	71,731
Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
External Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	252,385	221,290	657,819	634,584
Operating Segments | AMS	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	230,767	212,802	600,414	611,379
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-145,068	-135,968	-429,742	-400,145
Depreciation and amortization	-18,184	-19,905	-55,218	-60,407
Interest expense	-4,222	-4,912	-12,426	-15,462
Other income, net	311	686	854	2,544
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Net income	63,604	52,703	103,882	137,909
Operating Segments | AMS | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | AMS | External Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	230,767	212,802	600,414	611,379
Operating Segments | UR	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	7,717	10,838	21,349	39,054
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-7,324	-8,361	-20,534	-29,420
Depreciation and amortization	-455	-371	-1,313	-1,038
Interest expense	'	'	'	-1
Other income, net	-2	'	-2	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Net income	-64	2,106	-500	8,595
Operating Segments | UR | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	2,120	2,480	6,421	16,025
Operating Segments | UR | External Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	5,597	8,358	14,928	23,029
Operating Segments | Tourism	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	16,002	'	42,385	'
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-11,212	'	-34,631	'
Depreciation and amortization	-681	'	-1,999	'
Interest expense	-280	'	-773	'
Other income, net	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Net income	3,829	'	4,982	'
Operating Segments | Tourism | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | Tourism | External Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	16,002	'	42,385	'
Corporate Activities	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	19	130	92	176
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-8,558	-7,251	-25,138	-23,764
Depreciation and amortization	-461	-362	-1,260	-1,015
Interest expense	-688	-110	-1,970	-424
Other income, net	40	25	112	95
Income tax expense	-22,065	-19,073	-30,815	-46,551
Net income	-31,713	-26,641	-58,979	-71,483
Corporate Activities | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Corporate Activities | External Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	19	130	92	176
Intersegment Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	-2,120	-2,480	-6,421	-16,025
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	2,069	-2,156	6,101	12,735
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'
Other income, net	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Net income	-51	-324	-320	-3,290
Intersegment Eliminations | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	-2,120	-2,480	-6,421	-16,025
Intersegment Eliminations | External Revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'