Air Methods (AIRM) 10-K 3 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AIR METHODS CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000816159	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	39,107,097	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,191,313,000
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$9,862	$3,818
Receivables:	'	'
Trade, net (note 3 and 6)	237,856	232,929
Refundable income taxes	11,863	3,944
Other	953	2,842
Total receivables	250,672	239,715
Inventories (note 6)	47,804	40,789
Work-in-process on medical interiors and products contracts	5,313	2,335
Assets held for sale	5,103	9,290
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts (note 4)	2,888	585
Refundable deposits	8,459	2,149
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (note 5)	10,449	8,124
Total current assets	340,550	306,805
Property and equipment (notes 6 and 7):	'	'
Land	251	251
Flight and ground support equipment	584,059	417,303
Aircraft under capital leases	246,752	343,079
Aircraft rotable spare parts	41,391	54,176
Buildings and office equipment	51,601	44,785
Property and equipment, gross	924,054	859,594
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-259,212	-262,356
Net property and equipment	664,842	597,238
Goodwill (note 2)	128,121	120,029
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13,397 and $8,019 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (note 2 and 6)	88,215	66,817
Other assets	30,813	27,974
Total assets	1,252,541	1,118,863
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	2,616	3,570
Current installments of long-term debt (note 5 and 6)	39,415	23,796
Current installments of obligations under capital leases (note 7)	29,116	39,343
Accounts payable	20,431	15,847
Deferred revenue	3,463	4,506
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (note 4)	2,232	392
Accrued wages and compensated absences	24,346	21,614
Due to third party payers	7,789	6,426
Deferred income taxes (note 11)	13,748	11,797
Other accrued liabilities	19,162	16,161
Total current liabilities	162,318	143,452
Long-term debt, less current installments (note 5 and 6)	477,038	380,682
Obligations under capital leases, less current installments (note 7)	131,249	200,337
Deferred income taxes (note 11)	86,131	61,684
Other liabilities (note 7)	19,733	33,098
Total liabilities	876,469	819,253
Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 2)	8,113	'
Stockholders' equity (notes 8 and 9):	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value. Authorized 15,000,000 shares, none issued	'	'
Common stock, $.06 par value. Authorized 70,500,000 shares; issued 39,301,407 and 38,967,105 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively; outstanding 39,064,437 and 38,761,462 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	2,343	2,324
Additional paid-in capital	112,890	104,585
Retained earnings	253,098	192,701
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-372	'
Total stockholders' equity	367,959	299,610
Commitments and contingencies (notes 6, 7, 12, and 13)	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,252,541	$1,118,863

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$13,397	$8,019
Stockholders' equity (notes 8 and 9):	'	'
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	39,301,407	38,967,105
Common stock, shares outstanding	39,064,437	38,761,462

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue:	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts (note 3)	$971,535	$910,939	$625,182
Provision for uncompensated care (note 3)	-383,636	-320,221	-208,888
Patient transport revenue, net	587,899	590,718	416,294
Air medical services contract revenue (note 10)	204,512	224,956	206,935
Tourism and charter revenue	56,591	'	'
Medical interiors and products revenue	24,305	28,832	30,462
Dispatch and billing service revenue	8,294	6,306	6,858
Total revenue	881,601	850,812	660,549
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Flight centers	347,781	322,168	260,363
Aircraft operations (note 5)	150,554	151,200	125,892
Tourism operating expenses	38,606	'	'
Cost of medical interiors and products sold	23,363	21,236	21,800
Cost of dispatch and billing services	7,407	4,699	4,338
Depreciation and amortization	79,655	82,524	72,877
Loss on disposition of assets, net	519	1,329	644
General and administrative	113,035	97,324	81,162
Operating expense	760,920	680,480	567,076
Operating income	120,681	170,332	93,473
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest expense	-20,323	-20,651	-20,072
Other, net	1,136	3,263	3,901
Income before income taxes	101,494	152,944	77,302
Income tax expense (note 11)	-39,425	-59,792	-30,728
Net income	62,069	93,152	46,574
Less net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests	-270	'	'
Net income attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	62,339	93,152	46,574
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-372	'	'
Comprehensive income	$61,967	$93,152	$46,574
Income per common share (note 8):	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.55	$2.41	$1.23
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.54	$2.39	$1.21
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	38,923,206	38,594,286	37,999,422
Diluted (in shares)	39,210,392	39,044,468	38,482,785

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balances at Dec. 31, 2010	$756	$88,069	$144,604	'	$233,429
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	37,806,492	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for options	8	3,678	'	'	3,686
Issuance of common shares for options (in shares)	406,188	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	'	1,324	'	'	1,324
Stock-based compensation (note 9)	'	2,889	'	'	2,889
Stock-based compensation (note 9) (in shares)	6,000	'	'	'	'
Unvested restricted stock grants (in shares)	180,000	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	46,574	'	46,574
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	764	95,960	191,178	'	287,902
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	38,398,680	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for options	9	4,685	'	'	4,694
Issuance of common shares for options (in shares)	451,770	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	'	3,447	'	'	3,447
Stock-based compensation (note 9)	'	2,044	'	'	2,044
Stock-based compensation (note 9) (in shares)	3,001	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends (in shares)	-15,996	'	'	'	'
Unvested restricted stock grants (in shares)	129,650	'	'	'	'
Stock split (note 8)	1,551	-1,551	'	'	'
Cash dividend (note 8)	'	'	-91,629	'	-91,629
Net income	'	'	93,152	'	93,152
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	2,324	104,585	192,701	'	299,610
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	38,967,105	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common shares for options	19	1,730	'	'	1,749
Issuance of common shares for options (in shares)	229,506	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	'	3,015	'	'	3,015
Stock-based compensation (note 9)	'	3,560	'	'	3,560
Stock-based compensation (note 9) (in shares)	14,850	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends	'	'	34	'	34
Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends (in shares)	-14,204	'	'	'	'
Unvested restricted stock grants (in shares)	104,150	'	'	'	'
Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interest	'	'	-1,976	'	-1,976
Net income	'	'	62,339	'	62,339
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	'	-372	-372
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$2,343	$112,890	$253,098	($372)	$367,959
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	39,301,407	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$62,069	$93,152	$46,574
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	79,655	82,524	72,877
Deferred income tax expense	26,848	15,258	13,107
Stock-based compensation	3,560	2,044	2,889
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	-3,015	-3,447	-1,324
Loss on disposition of assets	519	1,329	644
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument	143	257	800
Loss from equity method investee	212	'	'
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Increase in receivables	-8,783	-46,692	-23,725
Increase in inventories and work-in-process on medical interiors and products contracts	-5,860	-6,614	-2,578
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-7,824	12,803	-12,093
Decrease (increase) in costs in excess of billings	-2,303	1,269	-1,694
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, other accrued liabilities, and other liabilities	4,483	1,809	-1,193
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue and billings in excess of costs	-54	-2,397	487
Net cash provided by operating activities	149,650	151,295	94,771
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 2)	-65,641	-47,912	-202,734
Buy-out of previously leased aircraft	-57,458	-65,661	-35,237
Acquisition of property and equipment	-65,804	-27,024	-21,541
Proceeds from disposition and sale of equipment and assets held for sale	20,471	33,423	8,754
Increase in other assets, net	-6,660	-2,825	-170
Net cash used in investing activities	-175,092	-109,999	-250,928
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,749	4,694	3,686
Payment of cash dividend	'	-91,629	'
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	3,015	3,447	1,324
Borrowings under line of credit	69,370	135,738	31,271
Payments under line of credit	-124,370	-80,008	-20,000
Proceeds from long-term debt	194,628	111,888	204,750
Payments for financing costs	-868	-888	-1,807
Payments of long-term debt	-27,653	-25,707	-49,161
Payments of capital lease obligations	-84,727	-98,575	-71,054
Proceeds from non-controlling interests	342	'	'
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	31,486	-41,040	99,009
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,044	256	-57,148
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3,818	3,562	60,710
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	9,862	3,818	3,562
Interest paid in cash during the year	19,563	20,083	19,407
Income taxes paid in cash during the year	$17,404	$43,041	$15,351

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Entered into capital leases to finance the purchase of aircraft and and information systems hardware	$5,412	$48,947	$47,537
Settled notes payable in exchange for the aircraft securing the debt	3,570	27,940	'
Entered into notes payable to finance the purchase of aircraft	2,616	'	27,940
Entered into note receivable related to sale of aircraft	'	'	$700

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	(1)       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Financial Statement Presentation and Business
		Air Methods Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries (Air Methods or the Company) serves as a provider of air medical emergency transport services and systems throughout the United States of America. The Company also conducts aerial tours primarily in and around the Grand Canyon and Hawaiian Islands and designs, manufactures, and installs medical aircraft interiors and other aerospace and medical transport products for domestic and international customers. The accompanying consolidated financial statements included all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
		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, and valuation of long-lived assets and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Certain reclassifications were made to certain line items in prior year consolidated statements of comprehensive income to conform to the 2013 presentation. The impact of the reclassifications is not considered to be material to the consolidated financial statements.
		Cash and Cash Equivalents
		For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents of $625,000 at December 31, 2012, consisted of short-term money market funds. The Company had no cash equivalent instruments as of December 31, 2013.
		Trade Receivables, net
		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 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. Billings in excess of actual payment are charged off against the contractual allowance when payment is received. 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.
		Inventories
		Inventories are comprised primarily of expendable aircraft parts and manufactured parts for medical aircraft interiors and are recorded at the lower of cost (average cost) or market.
	Property and Equipment
		Hangars, equipment, and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. All maintenance and repairs, including scheduled aircraft component overhauls and replacements, are expensed when incurred. Major modifications and costs incurred to place aircraft in service are capitalized. Improvements to leased helicopters and airplanes are included in flight and ground support equipment in the accompanying financial statements. Leasehold improvements to hangar and office space are included in buildings and office equipment in the accompanying financial statements. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful lives of the equipment or the lease term, as follows:
				Estimated
	Description		Lives	Residual value
	Buildings, including hangars		40 years		10	%
	Helicopters, including medical equipment		8 – 25 years		25-Oct	%
	Ground support equipment and rotables		5 – 10 years		0 - 10	%
	Furniture and office equipment		3 – 10 years		0	%
		Intangible Assets
		The Company recognized intangible assets related to trade names, customer lists, and other customer or contractual relationships as a result of its recent acquisitions. Useful lives are determined based on the estimated period of economic benefit, measured by the present value of associated cash flows, derived from each of these assets and range from five to sixteen years. Amortization expense, computed using the straight-line method, is estimated as follows: $4,363,000 in 2014,  $4,361,000 in 2015, $4,099,000 in 2016, and $4,048,000 in each of 2017 and 2018. Intangible assets totaling $24.5 million have indefinite lives.
		The Company capitalizes incremental direct costs related to the application for multiple Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s). STC’s are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and represent the FAA’s approval and certification of the airworthiness of an aircraft modification, such as a medical interior. A multiple STC allows the modification to be made to more than one aircraft without additional certification. STC costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful economic life of the STC, typically five years.
		Goodwill
		The Company accounts for goodwill under FASB ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Under ASC 350, goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are reviewed for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of the statement. The Company did not recognize any losses related to impairment of goodwill in 2013, 2012, and 2011. Goodwill has been allocated to the Company’s segments as follows: $117,466,000 to the Air Medical Services Division, $495,000 to the United Rotorcraft Division, and $10,160,000 to the Tourism Division.
		Derivative Instruments
	The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments under FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. ASC 815 requires the Company to measure all derivatives at fair value and to recognize them in the balance sheet as an asset or liability. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period. The Company’s derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in the fair value of the fuel derivative instruments are reflected in fuel expense, included in aircraft operations expense, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
		Redeemable Non-controlling Interests
		In accordance with FASB ASC 480-10-S99, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the Company adjusts the carrying amount of redeemable non-controlling interests to current redemption amounts at the end of each reporting period. Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests that affect the numerator of earnings per share calculations are accounted for as increases or decreases to retained earnings.
		Long-lived Assets
		The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. No impairment related to long-lived assets has been recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
		Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs. As of December 31, 2013, assets held for sale consisted primarily of six aircraft, which the Company intends to sell within one year. Periodically the Company identifies aircraft to be sold or used for spare parts as part of its long-term plan to phase out certain older models of aircraft and replace them with newer models.
	Revenue Recognition
		Fixed fee revenue under the Company’s operating agreements with hospitals and other institutions is recognized monthly over the terms of the agreements.
		Revenue relating to emergency and tourism flights is recognized upon completion of the services. Revenue relating to emergency flights is recorded net of provisions for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care. The Company has from time to time experienced delays in reimbursement from third-party payers. In addition, third-party payers may disallow, in whole or in part, claims for reimbursement based on determinations that certain amounts are not reimbursable under plan coverage, determinations of medical necessity, or the need for additional information. Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are very complex and subject to interpretation. The Company also provides services to patients who have no insurance or other third-party payer coverage. As a result, there is a reasonable possibility that recorded estimates will change materially in the short-term. Retroactive adjustments may change the amounts realized from third-party payers.
	The Company has contracts to manufacture and install medical equipment and modify aircraft for third parties. When the total cost to complete a project can be reasonably estimated, revenue is recorded as costs are incurred using the percentage of completion method of accounting. Losses on contracts in process are recognized when determined.
		Stock-based Compensation
		The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation under FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASC 718 requires recognition over the vesting period in the income statement of the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees.
	Income Taxes
		Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
		The Company evaluates its tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-25, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. ASC 740-10-25 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
		Income Per Share
		Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, plus or minus adjustments to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, plus or minus adjustments to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests, by all outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares during the period.
	New Accounting Standards
	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.

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries

Acquisition of Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of Subsidiaries	'
	(2)       Acquisition of Subsidiaries
	Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
	On December 13, 2013, via a newly formed subsidiary Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Helicopter Consultants of Maui, LLC (doing business as Blue Hawaiian Helicopters) and certain of its affiliates (collectively, BHH) for a cash purchase price of $66.8 million, subject to final determination of working capital, as defined in the merger agreement, as of the closing date. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded a liability of $2,282,000 for the estimated increase to the purchase price for the change in working capital. The former owners of BHH hold a 10% ownership interest in Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC, which the Company can redeem at any time for a price based on BHH’s current operating results. The purchase price was financed primarily through borrowings under our Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with a commercial bank group.
	BHH provides helicopter tours on five of the Hawaiian Islands using a fleet of 24 helicopters, and its acquisition expands the Company’s tourism operations into a new market. Assets acquired consist primarily of $33.4 million in aircraft, $24.5 million in non-amortizable intangible assets, and $6.0 million in goodwill, with the remaining value allocated to working capital accounts and other fixed assets. The goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. No debt was assumed in the acquisition. The fair value of the non-controlling interest was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis applied to projected operating results for BHH. The Company is still evaluating the aircraft spare parts inventory, verifying open repair orders with aircraft parts vendors and other liabilities relating to pre-acquisition events, and refining its calculation of identifiable intangible assets. Therefore, the allocation of the purchase price is still subject to adjustment.
	Revenue of $2,766,000 and income of $478,000 before income taxes, interest expense on acquisition financing, and allocation of corporate office expenses generated by BHH’s operations from December 13 through December 31, 2013, have been included with those of the Company in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	American Jets, Inc.
	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 $1.4 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.
	Sundance Helicopters, Inc.
	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 provided for an additional amount to be paid to the sellers if certain aircraft maintenance expense targets are achieved. In 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 liability was paid to the sellers during the fourth quarter of 2013, and no further amounts are due the sellers. The purchase price was financed primarily through borrowings under the Company’s Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement.
	Sundance is a helicopter tour operator, primarily focusing on Grand Canyon tours, but also provides helicopter services to support firefighting, news gathering, and other missions. The acquisition is expected to provide a platform for the Company to expand into adjacent aviation industries and opened the Tourism operating segment for the Company. No results of operations for Sundance were included in the Company’s consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2012, because the acquisition was effective following the close of business on December 31, 2012.
	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.
	OF Air Holdings Corporation
	On August 1, 2011, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of OF Air Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Omniflight Helicopters, Inc. (together, Omniflight), for a cash purchase price of $201.9 million, subject to final determination of working capital, as defined in the merger agreement, as of the closing date. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had recorded a liability of $3,119,000 for the estimated increase to the purchase price for the change in working capital. Based upon final agreed upon adjustments to the working capital measurement, the Company paid the sellers $3,176,000 during the first quarter of 2012, and no further amounts are due the sellers. The purchase price was financed primarily through a term loan under the Company’s Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement.
	The allocation of the purchase price was as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Allocation at			Adjustments			Revised Allocation
		31-Dec-11
	Assets purchased:
	Receivables	$	28,622			--			28,622
	Aircraft		33,500			--			33,500
	Goodwill		89,116			1,403			90,519
	Amortizable intangible assets		63,100			--			63,100
	Aircraft under capital leases		29,405			--			29,405
	Equipment and other property		5,986			--			5,986
	Spare parts inventories		4,525			--			4,525
	Other		14,521			(42	)		14,479
	Total assets		268,775			1,361			270,136
	Capital lease obligations assumed		(38,034	)		--			(38,034	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		(5,961	)		(1,888	)		(7,849	)
	Other liabilities assumed		(19,765	)		584			(19,181	)
	Total liabilities assumed		(63,760	)		(1,304	)		(65,064	)
	Purchase price	$	205,015			57			205,072
	Adjustments to the purchase price allocation during 2012 included the working capital adjustment to the purchase price, as described above, and revised estimates of liabilities related to aircraft repair costs based upon verification of open repair orders with aircraft parts vendors. Following the end of the measurement period, which extends for a maximum of one year following the acquisition date, no further adjustments are made to the purchase price allocation except to correct an error. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company identified an error in the calculation of certain net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes relating to pre-acquisition periods. The adjustments in the above table include an increase of $1,663,000 to goodwill and deferred tax liabilities to correct this error. The Company does not expect further adjustments to the purchase price allocation.
	Revenue of $61,494,000 and income of $13,368,000 before income taxes, interest expense on acquisition financing, and allocation of corporate office expenses generated by Omniflight’s operations from August 1 through December 31, 2011, have been included with those of the Company in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The unaudited pro forma revenue, net income, and income per common share for the year ended December 31, 2011, assuming the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2010, are as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
		2011
		(unaudited)
	Revenue	$	766,422
	Net income	$	54,284
	Basic income per common share	$	1.43
	Diluted income per common share	$	1.41

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Patient Transport Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Patient Transport Revenue Recognition	'
	-3	Patient Transport Revenue Recognition
	In 2012, the Company adopted ASU No. 2011-07, Presentation and Disclosure of Patient Service Revenue, Provision for Bad Debts, and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Certain Health Care Entities. Trade receivables are presented net of allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care. 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 2013, 2012, or 2011. The allowance for uncompensated care was 39.2% of receivables from non-governmental payers as of December 31, 2013, compared to 40.1% at December 31, 2012.
		The allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care are as follows at December 31 (amounts in thousands):
			2013		2012
	Allowance for contractual discounts		$	183,106		134,257
	Allowance for uncompensated care			118,612		121,623
	Total		$	301,718		255,880
	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. 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 years ended December 31,
			2013		2012		2011
	Third-party payers		$	726,111		693,395		481,589
	Self-pay			245,424		217,544		143,593
	Total		$	971,535		910,939		625,182

Costs_in_Excess_of_Billings_an

Costs in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Costs in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs [Abstract]	'
Costs in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs	'
	-4	Costs in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs
	As of December 31, 2013, the estimated period to complete medical interior and products contracts in process ranges from one to twelve months, and the Company expects to collect all related accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts within one year. The following summarizes contracts in process at December 31 (amounts in thousands):
			2013			2012
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts		$	6,739			9,181
	Estimated contribution to earnings			656			2,088
				7,395			11,269
	Less billings to date			(6,739	)		(11,076	)
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (billings in excess of costs), net		$	656			193

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	(5)      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.
	Derivatives:
	The Company’s cost of operations is affected by changes in the price and availability of aircraft fuel, which has historically fluctuated widely in price. Fuel costs represented approximately 4.2%, 3.8%, and 3.4% of the Company’s operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. 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. With the use of purchased call options, the Company cannot be in a liability position at settlement. For 2013 the Company had fuel derivatives in place to cover the majority of its fuel consumption.
	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 consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Premiums paid under all agreements are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s balance sheet, and all cash flows associated with purchasing and selling derivatives are classified as operating cash flows in the Company’s statement of cash flows. The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
		The Company’s financial derivative agreements protected against increases in the cost of Gulf Coast jet fuel above $2.68 per gallon from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011; above $3.50 per gallon from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012; and above $3.55 per gallon from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013.
		All fuel derivative contracts had expired as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Balances are normally carried in prepaid expenses and other current assets and are valued using Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. Aircraft operations expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, included non-cash mark to market derivative losses of $143,000, $257,000, and $800,000, respectively. Cash settlements under the terms of the agreements were $1,131,000 in 2011. There were no cash settlements under the agreements in 2013 or 2012.
	Long-term debt:
	The fair value of long-term debt is valued using Level 3 inputs 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 December 31, 2013, is estimated to be $513,436,000, compared to carrying value of $516,453,000. The fair value of long-term debt as of December 31, 2012, is estimated to be $406,856,000, compared to carrying value of $404,478,000.

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	(6)       Long-term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Term loan with quarterly installments of principal and interest, with all remaining principal due in 2017. Interest rate at December 31, 2013, was 2.19%.	$	332,510			287,500
	Borrowings under revolving credit facility with interest due not less than quarterly and all principal due in 2017. Interest rate at December 31, 2013, was 4.25%.		12,000			67,000
	Notes payable with interest rates from 2.31% to 6.57%, due in monthly installments of principal and interest with balloon payments due at various dates in 2014 through 2024, collateralized by aircraft		156,841			36,934
	Notes payable with variable interest rates due in monthly installments of principal and interest with all remaining principal due in 2015, collateralized by aircraft. Interest rate at December 31, 2013, was 4.00%.		1,276			2,211
	Note payable with interest rate at 4.92%, due in monthly installments of principal and interest with all remaining principal due in 2018, collateralized by real estate		4,425			4,720
	Notes payable with interest rates from 3.55% to 4.00%, due in monthly installments of principal and interest at various dates through 2019, collateralized by aircraft		6,861			3,206
	Note payable with interest at 4.04%, due in semi-annual installments of principal and interest through 2019, collateralized by aircraft		2,540			2,907
			516,453			404,478
	Less current installments		(39,415	)		(23,796	)
		$	477,038			380,682
	In December 2013, the Company borrowed $60 million in the form of an additional term loan against its senior credit facility, primarily to fund the purchase of BHH. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s senior credit facility consists of term loans with a balance of $332.5 million and $12 million outstanding against the $100 million revolving credit facility. Remaining available capacity on the revolving credit facility is $84.5 million and is reduced by three outstanding letters of credit totaling $3.5 million.
	Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by substantially all of the Company’s accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and general intangibles. Indebtedness under the credit facility has a first priority claim to the assets pledged to secure it. Quarterly principal payments began in 2013 as follows: 1.25% of total principal balance per quarter for quarters 1 – 8; 1.875% of total principal balance per quarter for quarters 9 – 16; and 2.5% of total principal balance per quarter for quarters 17 – 19. All remaining principal is due at the maturity date in December 2017 but can be prepaid at any time without penalty. Base Rate Loans (as defined in the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement) bear interest at the greater of (i) prime or (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.25% to 1.25%. The interest rate for LIBOR Rate Loans (as defined in the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement) is generally the LIBOR rate plus 1.25% to 2.25%. As of December 31, 2013, the interest rate on the term loans was 2.19% and on the revolving credit facility was 4.25%.
	Subject to certain conditions, the Company may borrow an additional $40 million under the senior credit facility. These additional borrowings may be in the form of term or revolving loans. The maturity date and the interest rate on the additional borrowings would be the same as all other outstanding borrowings under the senior credit facility.
	Payment obligations under the credit facility accelerate upon the occurrence of defined events of default, including the following: failure to pay principal or interest or to perform covenants under the credit facility or other indebtedness with outstanding obligations exceeding $3 million; events of insolvency or bankruptcy; failure to timely discharge judgments of $750,000 or more; failure to maintain the first priority status of liens under the credit facility; suspension of material governmental permits; a material adverse effect with respect to the Company; and a change of control in the Company.
	The credit facility contains various covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to create liens, declare future dividends, make loans and investments, make any material change to the nature of its business, enter into any transaction with affiliates other than on arms’ length terms, enter into a merger or consolidation, or sell assets. The Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios as defined in the credit facility and other notes.
	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Year ending December 31:
	2014	$	39,415
	2015		39,032
	2016		37,613
	2017		295,355
	2018		18,294
	Thereafter		86,744
		$	516,453

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	(7)       Leases
	The Company leases hangar and office space and certain equipment under noncancelable operating leases and leases certain aircraft and informations systems hardware under noncancelable capital and operating leases. The majority of aircraft leases contain purchase options, either at the end of the lease term or at a stipulated early buyout date. The Company measures capital lease assets and the related obligations initially at an amount equal to the present value at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term, excluding executory costs. The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude the maximum consideration it could be required to pay the lessor in the event of default from the calculation of the present value of the minimum lease payments in measuring the capital lease asset and related obligation, since there is no likely scenario whereby an aircraft lessor would require the Company to pay the full stipulated loss value in the event of a non-performance-related default, and, therefore, this maximum consideration has a remote probability of payment.
	As of December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments under capital and operating leases are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Capital			Operating
		leases			leases
	Year ending December 31:
	2014	$	34,684			8,038
	2015		32,339			5,839
	2016		29,214			3,868
	2017		24,688			2,520
	2018		18,540			1,589
	Thereafter		39,850			23,727
	Total minimum lease payments		179,315		$	45,581
	Less amounts representing interest		(18,950	)
	Present value of minimum capital lease payments		160,365
	Less current installments		(29,116	)
		$	131,249
	Rent expense relating to operating leases totaled $14,385,000, $13,732,000, and $9,177,000, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	The Company receives certain allowances for the completion of medical interiors for its leased aircraft. Gains associated with these completion allowances are deferred and amortized over the terms of the leases and are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, unamortized completion allowances included in other liabilities totaled $11,140,000 and $19,110,000, respectively.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, leased property held under capital leases included in equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, totaled approximately $145,620,000 and $217,213,000, respectively. Amortization of leased property held under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	(8)       Stockholders’ Equity
	Stock Split
	On December 3, 2012, the Company’s stockholders approved a three-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock to be accomplished by means of a stock distribution. The additional shares were distributed on December 28, 2012, to stockholders of record as of December 14, 2012. The stockholders also approved an increase from 23,500,000 to 70,500,000 in the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock and an increase from 5,000,000 to 15,000,000 in the number of authorized shares of the Company’s preferred stock. Historical outstanding shares, stock options, and restricted shares were recast upon the distribution of additional shares.
	Income per Share
	In accordance with FASB ASC 480-10-S99, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and solely for the purpose of calculating earnings per share, net income was decreased by $1,976,000 for an adjustment to the value of redeemable non-controlling interests in determining the numerator used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share, for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding is as follows for the years ended December 31:
		2013		2012		2011
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic		38,923,206		38,594,286		37,999,422
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options		217,082		398,452		453,054
	Unvested restricted stock		70,104		51,730		30,309
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted		39,210,392		39,044,468		38,482,785
	Common stock options totaling 55,000 were not included in the diluted income per share calculation for the year ended December 31, 2013, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	Cash Dividend
	On December 10, 2012, the Company’s board of directors declared a special cash dividend of $7.00 per share (on a pre-split basis) on the Company’s common stock. The dividend of $91,629,000 was paid on December 28, 2012, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 20, 2012, and was funded with available cash and additional borrowings under the Company’s senior credit facility. Covenants under the senior credit facility limit the Company’s ability to declare future dividends. In 2013, dividends of $34,000 were forfeited when the underlying restricted shares were also forfeited.

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation	'
	(9)       Stock-based Compensation
	The Company’s 2006 Equity Compensation Plan (2006 Plan) provides for the granting of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options (NSO’s), shares of restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and supplemental bonuses consisting of shares of common stock, cash or a combination thereof to employees, directors, and consultants. On December 3, 2012, the Company’s stockholders approved an increase in the number of shares of common stock available under the plan from 3,000,000 to 5,400,000. The 2006 Plan is administered by a committee of the Company’s board of directors which has discretion to set the exercise price and term of any option granted, provided that the term may not exceed ten years. Shares of restricted stock granted under the 2006 Plan are valued at the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and have typically vested over a one- to five-year period. All share and per share amounts in this footnote have been adjusted to reflect the impact of the three-for-one stock split described in note 8.
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company uses historical option exercise data for similar employee groups, as well as the vesting period and contractual term, to estimate the expected term of options granted; the expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. During the year ended December 31, 2013, options to purchase 55,000 shares of stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $41.93, were granted at a weighted average fair value of $11.54. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, was $9.13 and $6.58, respectively. The following weighted average assumptions were used in valuing the grants for the years ended December 31:
			2013			2012			2011
	Expected term (in years)			3.1			3			3
	Expected volatility			39	%		46	%		54	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.5	%		0.3	%		1.4	%
	Expected dividend yield			0	%		0	%		0	%
	The following is a summary of option activity under all stock option plans during the year ended December 31, 2013:
						Weighted			Weighted-Average			Aggregate Intrinsic
						Average			Remaining			Value (amounts in
			Shares			Exercise Price			Contractual			thousands)
									Life (Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			438,693		$	10.72
	Granted			55,000			41.93
	Exercised			(229,506	)		7.62
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			264,187			19.9		2.1			$	10,133
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			254,187			18.94		2.0				9,994
	The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $8,300,000, $9,614,000, and $5,768,000, respectively.
	The following is a summary of restricted stock activity during the year ended December 31, 2013:
						Weighted
						Average
			Shares			Grant-Date Fair
						Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2013			205,650		$	27.94
	Granted			126,000			46.8
	Vested			(73,500	)		26.7
	Forfeited			(21,200	)		37.25
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013			236,950			37.24
	The total fair value of shares vested during 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $2,868,000, $2,644,000, and $255,000, respectively.
		During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recognized $3,560,000, $2,044,000, and $2,889,000, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense. No income tax benefit was recognized related to stock compensation expense recorded for Incentive Stock Options. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based awards as of December 31, 2013, was $6,606,000 and is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting term of 2.2 years.

Air_Medical_Services_Contract_

Air Medical Services Contract Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Air Medical Services Contract Revenue [Abstract]	'
Air Medical Services Contract Revenue	'
	(10)	Air Medical Services Contract Revenue
		The Company has operating agreements with various hospitals and other institutions to provide services and aircraft for initial terms ranging from one to ten years. The agreements typically provide for revenue from monthly fixed fees and flight fees based upon the utilization of aircraft in providing emergency medical services. The fixed-fee portions of the agreements effective as of December 31, 2013, provide for the following revenue for years ending December 31 (amounts in thousands):
	2014		$	122,761
	2015			73,569
	2016			36,465
	2017			16,901
	2018			5,495
	Thereafter			--
			$	255,191

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	(11)    Income Taxes
	Income tax expense consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax expense:
	Federal	$	(9,709	)		(37,323	)		(14,922	)
	State		(2,868	)		(7,211	)		(2,699	)
	Foreign		--			--			--
			(12,577	)		(44,534	)		(17,621	)
	Deferred income tax expense:
	Federal		(23,051	)		(12,956	)		(11,182	)
	State		(3,797	)		(2,302	)		(1,925	)
	Foreign		--			--			--
			(26,848	)		(15,258	)		(13,107	)
	Total income tax expense	$	(39,425	)		(59,792	)		(30,728	)
	The Company’s effective tax rate is affected by the apportionment of revenue and income before taxes to the various jurisdictions in which it operates and by changing tax laws and regulations in those jurisdictions.
	Reconciliation of income taxes on income before income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate of 35% for the years ended December 31 to income taxes as recorded is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax at the federal statutory rate	$	(35,523	)		(53,530	)		(27,056	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit, including adjustments based on filed state income tax returns		(3,686	)		(5,812	)		(2,926	)
	Nontaxable (nondeductible) items		(940	)		2			(624	)
	Adjustment to filed returns		(18	)		(45	)		1
	Foreign income tax at different rate than U.S.		(32	)		--			--
	Change in valuation allowance		(42	)		--			--
	Non-taxable earnings of non-controlling interests		95			--			--
	Tax credits		254			174			(1	)
	Changes in estimated state tax rates		660			(667	)		--
	Other		(193	)		86			(122	)
	Net income tax expense	$	(39,425	)		(59,792	)		(30,728	)
	For state income tax purposes, at December 31, 2013, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $6.8 million, expiring at various dates through 2032. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, the Company has approximately $67.7 million of net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes and approximately $9.6 million of net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes relating to pre-acquisition periods of certain subsidiaries. Utilization of all of subsidiaries’ pre-acquisition net operating loss carryforwards, which expire at various dates through 2028 for state income tax purposes, is subject to an annual limitation under the provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Based on the Company’s current projections of taxable income, the pre-acquisition net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes, as limited by Section 382, are expected to be utilized within the next year.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recognized excess tax benefits related to stock option plans in the amount of $3,015,000, $3,447,000, and $1,324,000, respectively. Such benefits were recorded as a reduction of income taxes payable and an increase in additional paid-in capital.
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	6,517			13,257
	Accruals and other, principally due to differences in employee compensation and benefits		9,429			11,262
	Other liabilities, principally due to differences in revenue recognition		10,193			9,064
	Total deferred tax assets, gross		26,139			33,583
	Valuation allowances		(42	)		0
	Total deferred tax assets, net		26,097			33,583
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Equipment and leasehold improvements, principally due to differences in bases and depreciation methods		(79,974	)		(60,488	)
	Intangible assets, principally due to differences in bases and amortization methods		(22,939	)		(24,928	)
	Allowance for uncollectible accounts		(18,429	)		(17,769	)
	Goodwill		(3,577	)		(2,547	)
	Other		(1,057	)		(1,332	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(125,976	)		(107,064	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(99,879	)		(73,481	)
	The Company assesses the likelihood by jurisdiction that its net deferred tax assets will be recovered.  Based on the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, the Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that a future benefit will not be realized. At December 31, 2013, the deferred tax valuation allowance was $42,000 and related to tax losses in foreign jurisdictions.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had no gross unrecognized tax benefits. It is the Company’s practice to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that its estimates of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly in the next twelve months.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded a liability of $1.6 million for uncertain tax positions, including estimated penalties and interest, related to acquisitions. Since the Company has been fully indemnified against the tax liability, including penalties and interest, a corresponding asset of $1.6 million has also been recorded as of December 31, 2013.
	The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions and are open to federal and state tax audits until the applicable statutes of limitations expire. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2010. The Company is currently not under examination by any federal or state taxing authority.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	(12)    Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company has a defined contribution retirement plan whereby eligible employees may contribute up to 60% of their gross pay subject to the IRS maximum ($17,500 for 2013). Employees age 50 or older may make additional contributions up to the IRS maximum ($23,000 for 2013). Under the plan, the Company’s current discretionary match is equal to 70% of eligible contributions made by each participant during the year, up to the first 8% of the participant’s current gross eligible earnings. In addition, upon acquiring Omniflight, the Company acquired a defined contribution retirement plan, which allowed employees to contribute up to 50% of their gross pay, subject to the same IRS maximums, and provided for discretionary matching Company benefits. The discretionary match in effect for Omniflight as of the acquisition date and continued by the Company through December 31, 2011, was 25% of eligible contributions up to 2% of the participant’s gross pay. Effective January 1, 2012, Omniflight employees became eligible to participate in the Company’s defined contribution retirement plan. Company contributions to all plans totaled approximately $10,793,000, $9,372,000, and $7,033,000, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Commitments_Contingencies_and_

Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations [Abstract]	'
Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations	'
	(13)     Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations
	Commitments
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had open purchase commitments totaling $194.2 million for sixty aircraft scheduled to be delivered from 2014 through 2017. Typically the Company has financed aircraft acquired under similar commitments through capital lease or debt agreements. If financing arrangements cannot be arranged or the Company is prevented from taking or declines to take delivery of the aircraft under the commitments described above for any other reason, the Company may forfeit nonrefundable deposits of approximately $18.3 million. The amount of deposit to be forfeited may be mitigated if the aircraft manufacturer is able to remarket the commitment positions. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has received financing commitments, subject to routine credit approval and aircraft inspection processes, to cover the cost of all aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2014. The Company intends to use the new aircraft for expansion opportunities as well as to replace older models of aircraft in the fleet. The Company plans to either sell the aircraft which are replaced, use them for spare parts, or redeploy them into the backup fleet.
		As of December 31, 2013, the Company had three letters of credit totaling $3,525,000 in lieu of cash deposits on workers compensation insurance policies and other obligations. All letters of credit may be renewed annually and reduce the available borrowing capacity under the Company’s revolving credit facility.
	Contingencies
	On January 30, 2013, the Company was served with a purported class action lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of Alameda County, California, alleging failure to pay certain compensation and benefits to employees in that jurisdiction. The Company continues to evaluate the merits of the lawsuit and is vigorously defending against this suit. The Company has recorded a liability based on its assessment of potential outcomes. Adjustments to this liability, which may or may not be material, may be required as the case progresses.
	The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
	Concentrations
		As of December 31, 2013, Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) aircraft comprise 82% of the Company’s helicopter fleet while aircraft made by Bell Helicopter, Inc. (Bell) constitute 16%. The Company obtains a substantial portion of its helicopter spare parts and components from Airbus and Bell and maintains supply arrangements with other parties for engine and related dynamic components.
		The Company’s air medical services pilots, comprising 28% of the total workforce, are represented by a collective bargaining unit. The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Company and the pilots’ union expired in December 2013.
		Payer mix related to the Company’s patient transport revenue, based on number of transports, was as follows for the years ended December 31:
			2013			2012
	Private insurance carriers			33	%		35	%
	Medicare			33	%		31	%
	Medicaid			21	%		21	%
	Self-pay patients			13	%		13	%

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information	'
	(14)     Business Segment Information
	The Company identifies operating segments based on management responsibility and the type of services or products offered. Effective September 1, 2012, the Company combined two of its operating segments,  Community-Based Services (CBS) and Hospital-Based Services (HBS), into a single operating segment reporting to the President of Air Medical Services. The decision to combine CBS and HBS delivery models for air medical transportation services was made in order to improve efficiency and communication between regional management. In addition, with increasing conversion of HBS contracts into CBS operations and the development of alternative delivery models in partnering with hospitals to provide air medical transportation services, the lines between the two delivery models have become less distinct. CBS and HBS segment results for prior periods have been combined in the following table to reflect the new segment definition. Operating segments and their principal services or products 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.
		●	Tourism – provides helicopter tours and charter flights. Segment originated with the acquisition of Sundance on December 31, 2012, as described more fully in Note 2.
		●	United Rotorcraft (UR) Division - designs, manufactures, and installs aircraft medical interiors and other aerospace and medical transport products for domestic and international customers.
	The accounting policies of the operating segments are as described in Note 1. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on pretax income. Intersegment sales are reflected at market prices.
	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 and results of insignificant operations. The Company does not allocate assets between operating segments for internal reporting and performance evaluation purposes.
												Corporate			Intersegment
			AMS			Tourism			UR			Activities			Eliminations			Consolidated
	2013
	External revenue		$	800,711			56,599			24,195			96			--			881,601
	Intersegment revenue			--			--			9,588			--			(9,588	)		--
	Total revenue			800,711			56,599			33,783			96			(9,588	)		881,601
	Operating expenses			(576,775	)		(46,226	)		(32,654	)		(34,262	)		8,652			(681,265	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(73,180	)		(2,960	)		(1,803	)		(1,712	)		--			(79,655	)
	Interest expense			(16,670	)		(1,044	)		--			(2,609	)		--			(20,323	)
	Other, net			1,209			--			(2	)		(71	)		--			1,136
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(39,425	)		--			(39,425	)
	Net income (loss)			135,295			6,369			(676	)		(77,983	)		(936	)		62,069
	Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			(318	)		48			--			--			--			(270	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	135,613			6,321			(676	)		(77,983	)		(936	)		62,339
	2012
	External revenue		$	822,023			--			28,365			424			--			850,812
	Intersegment revenue			--			--			20,971			--			(20,971	)		--
	Total revenue			822,023			--			49,336			424			(20,971	)		850,812
	Operating expenses			(543,410	)		--			(38,272	)		(32,462	)		16,188			(597,956	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(79,683	)		--			(1,385	)		(1,456	)		--			(82,524	)
	Interest expense			(20,138	)		--			(1	)		(512	)		--			(20,651	)
	Other, net			3,122			--			--			141			--			3,263
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(59,792	)		--			(59,792	)
	Net income (loss)		$	181,914			--			9,678			(93,657	)		(4,783	)		93,152
	2011
	External revenue		$	630,143			--			30,384			22			--			660,549
	Intersegment revenue			--			--			27,047			--			(27,047	)		--
	Total revenue			630,143			--			57,431			22			(27,047	)		660,549
	Operating expenses			(443,352	)		--			(42,954	)		(27,830	)		19,937			(494,199	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(70,518	)		--			(1,248	)		(1,111	)		--			(72,877	)
	Interest expense			(19,362	)		--			(15	)		(695	)		--			(20,072	)
	Other, net			3,568			--			--			333			--			3,901
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(30,728	)		--			(30,728	)
	Net income (loss)		$	100,479			--			13,214			(60,009	)		(7,110	)		46,574

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	'
	(15)     Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
	Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data for 2013 and 2012 is as follows (amounts in thousands except per share data):
		Quarter
		First			Second		Third		Fourth
	2013
	Revenue	$	179,229			226,205		252,385		223,782
	Operating income (loss)		(4,858	)		36,432		62,511		26,596
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(9,373	)		31,583		57,670		21,614
	Net income (loss)		(5,689	)		19,149		35,605		13,004
	Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		(5,689	)		19,149		35,605		13,274
	Basic income (loss) per common share		(.15	)		0.49		0.91		0.29
	Diluted income (loss) per common share		(.15	)		0.49		0.91		0.29
	2012
	Revenue	$	190,814			222,480		221,290		216,228
	Operating income		25,038			55,264		51,228		38,802
	Income before income taxes		20,375			50,990		46,917		34,662
	Net income		12,474			31,413		27,844		21,421
	Basic income per common share		0.33			0.81		0.72		0.55
	Diluted income per common share		0.32			0.81		0.71		0.55
	Income per common share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly income per share does not necessarily equal the total computed for the year.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	(Amounts in thousands)
			Balance at Beginning of Period
										Balance at End of Period
	Description				Additions (a)		Deductions (b)
	Allowance for contractual discounts
	Year ended December 31, 2013		$	134,257		887,735		(838,886	)		183,106
	Year ended December 31, 2012			101,016		744,212		(710,971	)		134,257
	Year ended December 31, 2011			54,915		491,991		(445,890	)		101,016
	Allowance for uncompensated care
	Year ended December 31, 2013		$	121,623		383,636		(386,647	)		118,612
	Year ended December 31, 2012			92,995		320,221		(291,593	)		121,623
	Year ended December 31, 2011			56,749		208,888		(172,642	)		92,995
	Notes:
	(a)	Amounts excluded from revenue.
	(b)	Actual write-offs and charges to allowances.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
		For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents of $625,000 at December 31, 2012, consisted of short-term money market funds. The Company had no cash equivalent instruments as of December 31, 2013.
Trade Receivables, net	'
	Trade Receivables, net
		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 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. Billings in excess of actual payment are charged off against the contractual allowance when payment is received. 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.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
		Inventories are comprised primarily of expendable aircraft parts and manufactured parts for medical aircraft interiors and are recorded at the lower of cost (average cost) or market.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
		Hangars, equipment, and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. All maintenance and repairs, including scheduled aircraft component overhauls and replacements, are expensed when incurred. Major modifications and costs incurred to place aircraft in service are capitalized. Improvements to leased helicopters and airplanes are included in flight and ground support equipment in the accompanying financial statements. Leasehold improvements to hangar and office space are included in buildings and office equipment in the accompanying financial statements. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful lives of the equipment or the lease term, as follows:
				Estimated
	Description		Lives	Residual value
	Buildings, including hangars		40 years		10	%
	Helicopters, including medical equipment		8 – 25 years		25-Oct	%
	Ground support equipment and rotables		5 – 10 years		0 - 10	%
	Furniture and office equipment		3 – 10 years		0	%
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
		The Company recognized intangible assets related to trade names, customer lists, and other customer or contractual relationships as a result of its recent acquisitions. Useful lives are determined based on the estimated period of economic benefit, measured by the present value of associated cash flows, derived from each of these assets and range from five to sixteen years. Amortization expense, computed using the straight-line method, is estimated as follows: $4,363,000 in 2014,  $4,361,000 in 2015, $4,099,000 in 2016, and $4,048,000 in each of 2017 and 2018. Intangible assets totaling $24.5 million have indefinite lives.
		The Company capitalizes incremental direct costs related to the application for multiple Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s). STC’s are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and represent the FAA’s approval and certification of the airworthiness of an aircraft modification, such as a medical interior. A multiple STC allows the modification to be made to more than one aircraft without additional certification. STC costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful economic life of the STC, typically five years.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
		The Company accounts for goodwill under FASB ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Under ASC 350, goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are reviewed for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of the statement. The Company did not recognize any losses related to impairment of goodwill in 2013, 2012, and 2011. Goodwill has been allocated to the Company’s segments as follows: $117,466,000 to the Air Medical Services Division, $495,000 to the United Rotorcraft Division, and $10,160,000 to the Tourism Division.
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments under FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. ASC 815 requires the Company to measure all derivatives at fair value and to recognize them in the balance sheet as an asset or liability. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period. The Company’s derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in the fair value of the fuel derivative instruments are reflected in fuel expense, included in aircraft operations expense, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Redeemable Non-controlling Interests	'
	Redeemable Non-controlling Interests
		In accordance with FASB ASC 480-10-S99, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the Company adjusts the carrying amount of redeemable non-controlling interests to current redemption amounts at the end of each reporting period. Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests that affect the numerator of earnings per share calculations are accounted for as increases or decreases to retained earnings.
Long-lived Assets	'
	Long-lived Assets
		The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. No impairment related to long-lived assets has been recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
		Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs. As of December 31, 2013, assets held for sale consisted primarily of six aircraft, which the Company intends to sell within one year. Periodically the Company identifies aircraft to be sold or used for spare parts as part of its long-term plan to phase out certain older models of aircraft and replace them with newer models.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
		Fixed fee revenue under the Company’s operating agreements with hospitals and other institutions is recognized monthly over the terms of the agreements.
		Revenue relating to emergency and tourism flights is recognized upon completion of the services. Revenue relating to emergency flights is recorded net of provisions for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care. The Company has from time to time experienced delays in reimbursement from third-party payers. In addition, third-party payers may disallow, in whole or in part, claims for reimbursement based on determinations that certain amounts are not reimbursable under plan coverage, determinations of medical necessity, or the need for additional information. Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are very complex and subject to interpretation. The Company also provides services to patients who have no insurance or other third-party payer coverage. As a result, there is a reasonable possibility that recorded estimates will change materially in the short-term. Retroactive adjustments may change the amounts realized from third-party payers.
	The Company has contracts to manufacture and install medical equipment and modify aircraft for third parties. When the total cost to complete a project can be reasonably estimated, revenue is recorded as costs are incurred using the percentage of completion method of accounting. Losses on contracts in process are recognized when determined.
Stock-based Compensation	'
	Stock-based Compensation
		The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation under FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASC 718 requires recognition over the vesting period in the income statement of the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
		Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
		The Company evaluates its tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-25, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. ASC 740-10-25 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
Income Per Share	'
	Income Per Share
		Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, plus or minus adjustments to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, plus or minus adjustments to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests, by all outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares during the period.
New Accounting Standards	'
	New Accounting Standards
	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.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of estimated useful lives and salvage values of equipment	'
			Estimated
	Description	Lives	Residual value
	Buildings, including hangars	40 years		10	%
	Helicopters, including medical equipment	8 – 25 years		25-Oct	%
	Ground support equipment and rotables	5 – 10 years		0 - 10	%
	Furniture and office equipment	3 – 10 years		0	%

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_Ta

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of purchase price allocation	'
		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
		Allocation at			Adjustments			Revised Allocation
		31-Dec-11
	Assets purchased:
	Receivables	$	28,622			--			28,622
	Aircraft		33,500			--			33,500
	Goodwill		89,116			1,403			90,519
	Amortizable intangible assets		63,100			--			63,100
	Aircraft under capital leases		29,405			--			29,405
	Equipment and other property		5,986			--			5,986
	Spare parts inventories		4,525			--			4,525
	Other		14,521			(42	)		14,479
	Total assets		268,775			1,361			270,136
	Capital lease obligations assumed		(38,034	)		--			(38,034	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		(5,961	)		(1,888	)		(7,849	)
	Other liabilities assumed		(19,765	)		584			(19,181	)
	Total liabilities assumed		(63,760	)		(1,304	)		(65,064	)
	Purchase price	$	205,015			57			205,072
Schedule of unaudited pro forma revenue, net income, and income per common share	'
		2011
		(unaudited)
	Revenue	$	766,422
	Net income	$	54,284
	Basic income per common share	$	1.43
	Diluted income per common share	$	1.41

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco1

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Patient Transport Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Schedule of allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care	'
		2013		2012
	Allowance for contractual discounts	$	183,106		134,257
	Allowance for uncompensated care		118,612		121,623
	Total	$	301,718		255,880
Schedule of flight revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts but before the provision for uncompensated care, by major payer class	'
		For years ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Third-party payers	$	726,111		693,395		481,589
	Self-pay		245,424		217,544		143,593
	Total	$	971,535		910,939		625,182

Costs_in_Excess_of_Billings_an1

Costs in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Costs in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summary of contracts in process	'
		2013			2012
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	6,739			9,181
	Estimated contribution to earnings		656			2,088
			7,395			11,269
	Less billings to date		(6,739	)		(11,076	)
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (billings in excess of costs), net	$	656			193

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule of long-term debt	'
		2013			2012
	Term loan with quarterly installments of principal and interest, with all remaining principal due in 2017. Interest rate at December 31, 2013, was 2.19%.	$	332,510			287,500
	Borrowings under revolving credit facility with interest due not less than quarterly and all principal due in 2017. Interest rate at December 31, 2013, was 4.25%.		12,000			67,000
	Notes payable with interest rates from 2.31% to 6.57%, due in monthly installments of principal and interest with balloon payments due at various dates in 2014 through 2024, collateralized by aircraft		156,841			36,934
	Notes payable with variable interest rates due in monthly installments of principal and interest with all remaining principal due in 2015, collateralized by aircraft. Interest rate at December 31, 2013, was 4.00%.		1,276			2,211
	Note payable with interest rate at 4.92%, due in monthly installments of principal and interest with all remaining principal due in 2018, collateralized by real estate		4,425			4,720
	Notes payable with interest rates from 3.55% to 4.00%, due in monthly installments of principal and interest at various dates through 2019, collateralized by aircraft		6,861			3,206
	Note payable with interest at 4.04%, due in semi-annual installments of principal and interest through 2019, collateralized by aircraft		2,540			2,907
			516,453			404,478
	Less current installments		(39,415	)		(23,796	)
		$	477,038			380,682
Schedule of aggregate maturities of long-term debt	'
	Year ending December 31:
	2014	$	39,415
	2015		39,032
	2016		37,613
	2017		295,355
	2018		18,294
	Thereafter		86,744
		$	516,453

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital and operating leases	'
		Capital			Operating
		leases			leases
	Year ending December 31:
	2014	$	34,684			8,038
	2015		32,339			5,839
	2016		29,214			3,868
	2017		24,688			2,520
	2018		18,540			1,589
	Thereafter		39,850			23,727
	Total minimum lease payments		179,315		$	45,581
	Less amounts representing interest		(18,950	)
	Present value of minimum capital lease payments		160,365
	Less current installments		(29,116	)
		$	131,249

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic		38,923,206		38,594,286		37,999,422
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options		217,082		398,452		453,054
	Unvested restricted stock		70,104		51,730		30,309
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted		39,210,392		39,044,468		38,482,785

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of weighted average assumptions	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Expected term (in years)		3.1			3			3
	Expected volatility		39	%		46	%		54	%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.5	%		0.3	%		1.4	%
	Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%
Schedule of summary of option activity	'
					Weighted			Weighted-Average			Aggregate Intrinsic
					Average			Remaining			Value (amounts in
		Shares			Exercise Price			Contractual			thousands)
								Life (Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013		438,693		$	10.72
	Granted		55,000			41.93
	Exercised		(229,506	)		7.62
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		264,187			19.9		2.1			$	10,133
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		254,187			18.94		2.0				9,994
Schedule of summary of restricted stock activity	'
					Weighted
					Average
		Shares			Grant-Date Fair
					Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2013		205,650		$	27.94
	Granted		126,000			46.8
	Vested		(73,500	)		26.7
	Forfeited		(21,200	)		37.25
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013		236,950			37.24

Air_Medical_Services_Contract_1

Air Medical Services Contract Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Air Medical Services Contract Revenue [Abstract]	'
Schedule of future revenue from fixed-fee portion of operating agreements	'
	2014	$	122,761
	2015		73,569
	2016		36,465
	2017		16,901
	2018		5,495
	Thereafter		--
		$	255,191

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Schedule of income tax expense	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax expense:
	Federal	$	(9,709	)		(37,323	)		(14,922	)
	State		(2,868	)		(7,211	)		(2,699	)
	Foreign		--			--			--
			(12,577	)		(44,534	)		(17,621	)
	Deferred income tax expense:
	Federal		(23,051	)		(12,956	)		(11,182	)
	State		(3,797	)		(2,302	)		(1,925	)
	Foreign		--			--			--
			(26,848	)		(15,258	)		(13,107	)
	Total income tax expense	$	(39,425	)		(59,792	)		(30,728	)
Schedule of reconciliation of income taxes	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax at the federal statutory rate	$	(35,523	)		(53,530	)		(27,056	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit, including adjustments based on filed state income tax returns		(3,686	)		(5,812	)		(2,926	)
	Nontaxable (nondeductible) items		(940	)		2			(624	)
	Adjustment to filed returns		(18	)		(45	)		1
	Foreign income tax at different rate than U.S.		(32	)		--			--
	Change in valuation allowance		(42	)		--			--
	Non-taxable earnings of non-controlling interests		95			--			--
	Tax credits		254			174			(1	)
	Changes in estimated state tax rates		660			(667	)		--
	Other		(193	)		86			(122	)
	Net income tax expense	$	(39,425	)		(59,792	)		(30,728	)
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	6,517			13,257
	Accruals and other, principally due to differences in employee compensation and benefits		9,429			11,262
	Other liabilities, principally due to differences in revenue recognition		10,193			9,064
	Total deferred tax assets, gross		26,139			33,583
	Valuation allowances		(42	)		0
	Total deferred tax assets, net		26,097			33,583
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Equipment and leasehold improvements, principally due to differences in bases and depreciation methods		(79,974	)		(60,488	)
	Intangible assets, principally due to differences in bases and amortization methods		(22,939	)		(24,928	)
	Allowance for uncollectible accounts		(18,429	)		(17,769	)
	Goodwill		(3,577	)		(2,547	)
	Other		(1,057	)		(1,332	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(125,976	)		(107,064	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(99,879	)		(73,481	)

Commitments_Contingencies_and_1

Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of payer mix for patient transport revenue	'
		2013			2012
	Private insurance carriers		33	%		35	%
	Medicare		33	%		31	%
	Medicaid		21	%		21	%
	Self-pay patients		13	%		13	%

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summarized financial information for the Company's operating segments	'
											Corporate			Intersegment
		AMS			Tourism			UR			Activities			Eliminations			Consolidated
	2013
	External revenue	$	800,711			56,599			24,195			96			--			881,601
	Intersegment revenue		--			--			9,588			--			(9,588	)		--
	Total revenue		800,711			56,599			33,783			96			(9,588	)		881,601
	Operating expenses		(576,775	)		(46,226	)		(32,654	)		(34,262	)		8,652			(681,265	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(73,180	)		(2,960	)		(1,803	)		(1,712	)		--			(79,655	)
	Interest expense		(16,670	)		(1,044	)		--			(2,609	)		--			(20,323	)
	Other, net		1,209			--			(2	)		(71	)		--			1,136
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(39,425	)		--			(39,425	)
	Net income (loss)		135,295			6,369			(676	)		(77,983	)		(936	)		62,069
	Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		(318	)		48			--			--			--			(270	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	$	135,613			6,321			(676	)		(77,983	)		(936	)		62,339
	2012
	External revenue	$	822,023			--			28,365			424			--			850,812
	Intersegment revenue		--			--			20,971			--			(20,971	)		--
	Total revenue		822,023			--			49,336			424			(20,971	)		850,812
	Operating expenses		(543,410	)		--			(38,272	)		(32,462	)		16,188			(597,956	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(79,683	)		--			(1,385	)		(1,456	)		--			(82,524	)
	Interest expense		(20,138	)		--			(1	)		(512	)		--			(20,651	)
	Other, net		3,122			--			--			141			--			3,263
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(59,792	)		--			(59,792	)
	Net income (loss)	$	181,914			--			9,678			(93,657	)		(4,783	)		93,152
	2011
	External revenue	$	630,143			--			30,384			22			--			660,549
	Intersegment revenue		--			--			27,047			--			(27,047	)		--
	Total revenue		630,143			--			57,431			22			(27,047	)		660,549
	Operating expenses		(443,352	)		--			(42,954	)		(27,830	)		19,937			(494,199	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(70,518	)		--			(1,248	)		(1,111	)		--			(72,877	)
	Interest expense		(19,362	)		--			(15	)		(695	)		--			(20,072	)
	Other, net		3,568			--			--			333			--			3,901
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(30,728	)		--			(30,728	)
	Net income (loss)	$	100,479			--			13,214			(60,009	)		(7,110	)		46,574

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_1

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summarized unaudited quarterly financial data	'
		Quarter
		First			Second		Third		Fourth
	2013
	Revenue	$	179,229			226,205		252,385		223,782
	Operating income (loss)		(4,858	)		36,432		62,511		26,596
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(9,373	)		31,583		57,670		21,614
	Net income (loss)		(5,689	)		19,149		35,605		13,004
	Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		(5,689	)		19,149		35,605		13,274
	Basic income (loss) per common share		(.15	)		0.49		0.91		0.29
	Diluted income (loss) per common share		(.15	)		0.49		0.91		0.29
	2012
	Revenue	$	190,814			222,480		221,290		216,228
	Operating income		25,038			55,264		51,228		38,802
	Income before income taxes		20,375			50,990		46,917		34,662
	Net income		12,474			31,413		27,844		21,421
	Basic income per common share		0.33			0.81		0.72		0.55
	Diluted income per common share		0.32			0.81		0.71		0.55

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Aircraft
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term money market funds	'	$625,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated useful economic life of the STC (in years)	'5 years	'
Amortization method used for intangible assets	'straight-line method	'
Future amortization expense for customer lists and other customer relationships [Abstract]	'	'
2014	4,363,000	'
2015	4,361,000	'
2016	4,099,000	'
2017	4,048,000	'
2018	4,048,000	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	24,500,000	'
Long-lived assets held for sale [Abstract]	'	'
Number of aircraft classified as current assets held for sale	6	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	128,121,000	120,029,000
Air Medical Services	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	117,466,000	'
United Rotorcraft	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	495,000	'
Tourism	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$10,160,000	'
Minimum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated useful economic life of the STC (in years)	'5 years	'
Maximum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated useful economic life of the STC (in years)	'16 years	'
Buildings, including hangars	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful life (in years)	'40 years	'
Estimated residual value (in hundredths)	10.00%	'
Helicopters, including medical equipment | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful life (in years)	'8 years	'
Estimated residual value (in hundredths)	10.00%	'
Helicopters, including medical equipment | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful life (in years)	'25 years	'
Estimated residual value (in hundredths)	25.00%	'
Ground support equipment and rotables | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful life (in years)	'5 years	'
Estimated residual value (in hundredths)	0.00%	'
Ground support equipment and rotables | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful life (in years)	'10 years	'
Estimated residual value (in hundredths)	10.00%	'
Furniture and office equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated residual value (in hundredths)	0.00%	'
Furniture and office equipment | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful life (in years)	'3 years	'
Furniture and office equipment | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful life (in years)	'10 years	'

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_De

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 13, 2013
			Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC,	Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC,
			Helicopter
			Island
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)	'	'	'	100.00%
Cash purchase price	'	'	'	$66,800,000
Estimate of increase to purchase price for adjustments	'	'	2,282,000	'
Ownership interest acquired by former owners	'	'	10.00%	'
Number of islands used for helicopter tours	'	'	5	'
Number of helicopters	'	'	24	'
Revenue included in consolidated statements of income	'	'	2,766,000	'
Income before income taxes, interest expense on acquisition financing and allocation of corporate office expenses	'	'	478,000	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Aircraft acquired	'	'	33,400,000	'
Non-amortizable intangible assets acquired	'	'	24,500,000	'
Goodwill acquired	$128,121,000	$120,029,000	$6,000,000	'

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_De1

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			American Jets, Inc	Sundance Helicopters, Inc	Sundance Helicopters, Inc	Sundance Helicopters, Inc	Sundance Helicopters, Inc
						Adjustments	Allocation at December 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash purchase price	'	'	$1,700,000	$46,300,000	'	'	'
Estimate of increase to purchase price for adjustments	'	'	'	906,000	843,000	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aircraft	'	'	'	'	34,420,000	'	34,420,000
Amortizable intangible assets	'	'	'	'	5,142,000	-593,000	5,735,000
Goodwill	128,121,000	120,029,000	1,400,000	'	4,174,000	665,000	3,509,000
Other equipment	'	'	'	'	901,000	'	901,000
Deferred tax asset	'	'	'	'	1,736,000	450,000	1,286,000
Working capital accounts, net	'	'	'	'	794,000	-585,000	1,379,000
Purchase price	'	'	'	'	$47,167,000	($63,000)	$47,230,000

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_De2

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 01, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
			OF Air Holdings Corporation	OF Air Holdings Corporation	OF Air Holdings Corporation	OF Air Holdings Corporation	OF Air Holdings Corporation	OF Air Holdings Corporation	OF Air Holdings Corporation
								Adjustments	Allocation at December 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash purchase price	'	'	$201,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liability recorded related to estimated increase to purchase price for change in working capital	'	'	'	3,119,000	'	3,119,000	'	'	'
Increase to purchase price for change in working capital	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,176,000	'	'
Maximum measurement period of purchase price allocation	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'	'	'	'
Error adjustment to goodwill and deferred tax liability	'	'	'	'	1,663,000	'	'	'	'
Revenue included in consolidated statements of income	'	'	'	61,494,000	'	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes, interest expense on acquisition financing and allocation of corporate office expenses	'	'	'	13,368,000	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Receivables	'	'	'	'	28,622,000	'	'	'	28,622,000
Aircraft	'	'	'	'	33,500,000	'	'	'	33,500,000
Goodwill	128,121,000	120,029,000	'	'	90,519,000	'	'	1,403,000	89,116,000
Amortizable intangible assets	'	'	'	'	63,100,000	'	'	'	63,100,000
Aircraft under capital leases	'	'	'	'	29,405,000	'	'	'	29,405,000
Equipment and other property	'	'	'	'	5,986,000	'	'	'	5,986,000
Spare parts inventories	'	'	'	'	4,525,000	'	'	'	4,525,000
Other	'	'	'	'	14,479,000	'	'	-42,000	14,521,000
Total assets	'	'	'	'	270,136,000	'	'	1,361,000	268,775,000
Capital lease obligations assumed	'	'	'	'	-38,034,000	'	'	'	-38,034,000
Net deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'	'	-7,849,000	'	'	-1,888,000	-5,961,000
Other liabilities assumed	'	'	'	'	-19,181,000	'	'	584,000	-19,765,000
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	'	'	-65,064,000	'	'	-1,304,000	-63,760,000
Purchase price	'	'	'	'	205,072,000	'	'	57,000	205,015,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	766,422,000	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	$54,284,000	'	'	'
Basic income per common share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$1.43	'	'	'
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$1.41	'	'	'

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco2

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allowance for uncompensated care as a percentage of receivables from non-governmental payers (in hundredths)	39.20%	40.10%	'
Allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care [Abstract]	'	'	'
Allowance for contractual discounts	$183,106	$134,257	'
Allowance for uncompensated care	118,612	121,623	'
Total	301,718	255,880	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	971,535	910,939	625,182
Third-Party Payers	'	'	'
Allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care [Abstract]	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	726,111	693,395	481,589
Self-pay patients	'	'	'
Allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care [Abstract]	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	$245,424	$217,544	$143,593

Costs_in_Excess_of_Billings_an2

Costs in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Costs in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated period to complete contracts in process, minimum	'1 month	'
Estimated period to complete contracts in process, maximum	'12 months	'
Expected period for collection	'1 year	'
Contracts in process [Abstract]	'	'
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$6,739	$9,181
Estimated contribution to earnings	656	2,088
Total costs incurred and estimated earnings	7,395	11,269
Less billings to date	-6,739	-11,076
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (billings in excess of costs), net	$656	$193

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of fuel cost of operating expenses (in hundredths)	4.20%	3.80%	3.40%
Derivative agreements (in dollars per gallon)	3.55	3.5	2.68
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument	$143,000	$257,000	$800,000
Cash settlements under derivative contracts	'	'	1,131,000
Estimate of Fair Value	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-term debt, fair value disclosure	513,436,000	406,856,000	'
Carrying (Reported) Amount	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-term debt, fair value disclosure	516,453,000	404,478,000	'
Aircraft operations expense	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument	$143,000	$257,000	$800,000

Longterm_Debt_Details

Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$516,453,000	$404,478,000
Less current installments	-39,415,000	-23,796,000
Long-term debt, less current installments	477,038,000	380,682,000
Defined events of default [Abstract]	'	'
Threshold for outstanding obligations	3,000,000	'
Threshold for judgments	750,000	'
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt [Abstract]	'	'
2014	39,415,000	'
2015	39,032,000	'
2016	37,613,000	'
2017	295,355,000	'
2018	18,294,000	'
Thereafter	86,744,000	'
Term loan due 2017	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	332,510,000	287,500,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	2.19%	'
Revolving Credit Facility Due 2017	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	12,000,000	67,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.25%	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000	'
Available borrowing capacity	84,500,000	'
Additional amount borrowed on senior credit facility during the current period	60,000,000	'
Number of letters of credit reducing available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	3	'
Amount of letters of credit reducing available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	3,525,000	'
Notes payable (2.31% to 6.57%) due 2014 through 2024	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	156,841,000	36,934,000
Interest rate, minimum (in hundredths)	2.31%	'
Interest rate, maximum (in hundredths)	6.57%	'
Notes payable (variable) due 2015	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	1,276,000	2,211,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%	'
Note payable (4.92%) due 2018	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	4,425,000	4,720,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.92%	'
Notes payable (3.55% to 4.00%) due in 2019	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	6,861,000	3,206,000
Interest rate, minimum (in hundredths)	3.55%	'
Interest rate, maximum (in hundredths)	4.00%	'
Note payable (4.04%) due 2019	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	2,540,000	2,907,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.04%	'
Senior credit facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum additional draws on senior credit facility	$40,000,000	'
Payment terms, description	'Quarterly principal payments began in 2013 as follows: 1.25% of total principal balance per quarter for quarters 1 8; 1.875% of total principal balance per quarter for quarters 9 16; and 2.5% of total principal balance per quarter for quarters 17 19. All remaining principal is due at the maturity date inDecember 2017 but can be prepaid at any time without penalty	'
Interest rate, description	'Base Rate Loans (as defined in the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement) bear interest at the greater of (i) prime or (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.25% to 1.25%. The interest rate for LIBOR Rate Loans (as defined in the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement) is generally the LIBOR rate plus 1.25% to 2.25	'
Percentage of principal balance payments per quarter for quarters 1 - 8 (in hundredths)	1.25%	'
Percentage of principal balance payments per quarter for quarters 9 - 16 (in hundredths)	1.88%	'
Percentage of principal balance payments per quarter for quarters 17 - 19 (in hundredths)	2.50%	'
Senior credit facility | Minimum | Federal Funds Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	0.25%	'
Senior credit facility | Minimum | LIBOR Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	1.25%	'
Senior credit facility | Maximum | Federal Funds Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	1.25%	'
Senior credit facility | Maximum | LIBOR Rate	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	2.25%	'

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Future minimum lease payments under capital leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	$34,684,000	'	'
2015	32,339,000	'	'
2016	29,214,000	'	'
2017	24,688,000	'	'
2018	18,540,000	'	'
Thereafter	39,850,000	'	'
Total minimum lease payments	179,315,000	'	'
Less amounts representing interest	-18,950,000	'	'
Present value of minimum capital lease payments	160,365,000	'	'
Less current installments	-29,116,000	-39,343,000	'
Noncurrent obligations under capital leases	131,249,000	200,337,000	'
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	8,038,000	'	'
2015	5,839,000	'	'
2016	3,868,000	'	'
2017	2,520,000	'	'
2018	1,589,000	'	'
Thereafter	23,727,000	'	'
Total minimum lease payments	45,581,000	'	'
Rent expense relating to operating leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense relating to operating leases	14,385,000	13,732,000	9,177,000
Unamortized completion allowances	11,140,000	19,110,000	'
Property held under capital leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property held under capital leases, net of accumulated depreciation	$145,620,000	$217,213,000	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 03, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Decrease in net income due to adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interest	'	($1,976,000)	'	'
Stock Split	'three-for-one	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	23,500,000	70,500,000	70,500,000	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	15,000,000	15,000,000	'
Cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)	'	'	$7	'
Cash dividend declared	'	'	91,629,000	'
Cash dividend declared date	'	'	10-Dec-12	'
Cash dividend paid date	'	'	28-Dec-12	'
Cash dividend record date	'	'	20-Dec-12	'
Dividend on restricted shares forfeited	'	$34,000	'	'
Reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	'	38,923,206	38,594,286	37,999,422
Dilutive effect of:	'	'	'	'
Common stock options (in shares)	'	217,082	398,452	453,054
Unvested restricted stock (in shares)	'	70,104	51,730	30,309
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	'	39,210,392	39,044,468	38,482,785
Common stock options	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted income per share (in shares)	'	55,000	'	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 03, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 03, 2012

Dec. 02, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

2006 Equity Compensation Plan

2006 Equity Compensation Plan

2006 Equity Compensation Plan

2006 Equity Compensation Plan

2006 Equity Compensation Plan

Stock Options

Stock Options

Stock Options

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

Maximum

Minimum

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock available under the plan (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

5,400,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum term of award granted (in years)

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period of restricted stock, (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock split

'three-for-one

'

'

'

'three-for-one

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11.54

$9.13

$6.58

'

'

'

Weighted average assumptions [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected term (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 1 month 6 days

'3 years

'3 years

'

'

'

Expected volatility (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39.00%

46.00%

54.00%

'

'

'

Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

0.30%

1.40%

'

'

'

Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

Summary of option activity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

438,693

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,000

'

'

'

'

'

Exercised (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-229,506

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding at end of period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

264,187

438,693

'

'

'

'

Exercisable at end of period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

254,187

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10.72

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price of options granted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$41.93

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price of options exercised (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7.62

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$19.90

$10.72

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18.94

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Abstract

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at end of period (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 1 month 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average remaining contractual life of options exercisable at end of period (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at end of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,133,000

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable at end of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,994,000

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,300,000

9,614,000

5,768,000

'

'

'

Summary of restricted stock activity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonvested at beginning of period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

205,650

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

126,000

'

'

Vested (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,500

'

'

Forfeited (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,200

'

'

Nonvested at end of period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

236,950

205,650

'

Weighted average grant-date fair value [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average grant-date fair value of nonvested shares at beginning of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$27.94

'

'

Weighted average grant-date fair value of shares granted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$46.80

'

'

Weighted average grant-date fair value of shares vested (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$26.70

'

'

Weighted average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$37.25

'

'

Weighted average grant-date fair value of nonvested shares at end of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$37.24

$27.94

'

Total fair value of shares vested during the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,868,000

2,644,000

255,000

Stock-based compensation costs [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation expense

'

3,560,000

2,044,000

2,889,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized compensation cost

'

$6,606,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized (in years)

'

'2 years 2 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Air_Medical_Services_Contract_2

Air Medical Services Contract Revenue (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Air Medical Services Contract Revenue [Abstract]	'
Initial term of operating agreements, lower range limit	'1 year
Initial term of operating agreements, upper range limit	'10 years
Future revenue from fixed-fee portion of operating agreements [Abstract]	'
2014	$122,761
2015	73,569
2016	36,465
2017	16,901
2018	5,495
Thereafter	'
Total	$255,191

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current income tax expense:	'	'	'
Federal	($9,709,000)	($37,323,000)	($14,922,000)
State	-2,868,000	-7,211,000	-2,699,000
Foreign	'	'	'
Total current	-12,577,000	-44,534,000	-17,621,000
Deferred income tax expense:	'	'	'
Federal	-23,051,000	-12,956,000	-11,182,000
State	-3,797,000	-2,302,000	-1,925,000
Foreign	'	'	'
Total deferred	-26,848,000	-15,258,000	-13,107,000
Total income tax expense	-39,425,000	-59,792,000	-30,728,000
Reconciliation of income taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal statutory income tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax at the federal statutory rate	-35,523,000	-53,530,000	-27,056,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit, including adjustments based on filed state income tax returns	-3,686,000	-5,812,000	-2,926,000
Nontaxable (nondeductible) items	-940,000	2,000	-624,000
Adjustment to filed returns	-18,000	-45,000	1,000
Foreign income tax at different rate than U.S.	-32,000	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	-42,000	'	'
Non-taxable earnings of non-controlling interests	95,000	'	'
Tax credits	254,000	174,000	-1,000
Changes in estimated state tax rates	660,000	-667,000	'
Other	-193,000	86,000	-122,000
Income tax expense	-39,425,000	-59,792,000	-30,728,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected utilization period (in years)	'within the next year	'	'
Excess tax benefits related to stock option plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits related to stock option plans	3,015,000	3,447,000	1,324,000
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	6,517,000	13,257,000	'
Accruals and other, principally due to differences in employee compensation and benefits	9,429,000	11,262,000	'
Other liabilities, principally due to differences in revenue recognition	10,193,000	9,064,000	'
Total deferred tax assets, gross	26,139,000	33,583,000	'
Valuation allowances	-42,000	0	'
Total deferred tax assets, net	26,097,000	33,583,000	'
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, principally due to differences in bases and depreciation methods	-79,974,000	-60,488,000	'
Intangible assets, principally due to differences in bases and amortization methods	-22,939,000	-24,928,000	'
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	-18,429,000	-17,769,000	'
Goodwill	-3,577,000	-2,547,000	'
Other	-1,057,000	-1,332,000	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	-125,976,000	-107,064,000	'
Net deferred tax liability	-99,879,000	-73,481,000	'
Liability for uncertain tax positions	1,600,000	'	'
Corresponding asset recorded against the tax liability	1,600,000	'	'
State	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	6,800,000	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards relating to pre-acquisition periods	67,700,000	'	'
Federal	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards relating to pre-acquisition periods	$9,600,000	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee contribution rate, maximum (in hundredths)	60.00%	'	'
Employee contribution, IRS maximum	$17,500	'	'
Employee contribution, IRS maximum, age 50 or older	23,000	'	'
Employer discretionary match based on employee contributions (in hundredths)	70.00%	'	'
Employer discretionary match based on gross pay (in hundredths)	8.00%	'	'
Employer contributions	$10,793,000	$9,372,000	$7,033,000
OF Air Holdings Corporation	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee contribution rate, maximum (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	'
Employer discretionary match based on employee contributions (in hundredths)	25.00%	'	'
Employer discretionary match based on gross pay (in hundredths)	2.00%	'	'

Commitments_Contingencies_and_2

Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Open purchase commitments [Abstract]	'	'
Open purchase commitments	194,200,000	'
Total number of aircraft to be purchased under purchase commitment	60	'
Nonrefundable deposits	18,300,000	'
Number of Helicopters | Supplier Concentration Risk, Helicopter Fleet | Airbus Helicopters	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage (in hundredths)	82.00%	'
Number of Helicopters | Supplier Concentration Risk, Helicopter Fleet | Bell Helicopter, Inc.	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage (in hundredths)	16.00%	'
Number of Employees | Labor Force Concentration Risk | Pilots Under Collective Bargaining Agreement	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage (in hundredths)	28.00%	'
Number of Transports | Customer Concentration Risk, Transports | Private insurance carriers	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage (in hundredths)	33.00%	35.00%
Number of Transports | Customer Concentration Risk, Transports | Medicare	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage (in hundredths)	33.00%	31.00%
Number of Transports | Customer Concentration Risk, Transports | Medicaid	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage (in hundredths)	21.00%	21.00%
Number of Transports | Customer Concentration Risk, Transports | Self-pay patients	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage (in hundredths)	13.00%	13.00%
Revolving Credit Facility Due 2017	'	'
Letters of Credit [Line Items]	'	'
Number of letters of credit reducing available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	3	'
Amount of letters of credit reducing available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	3,525,000	'

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	$223,782	$252,385	$226,205	$179,229	$216,228	$221,290	$222,480	$190,814	$881,601	$850,812	$660,549
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-681,265	-597,956	-494,199
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-79,655	-82,524	-72,877
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-20,323	-20,651	-20,072
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,136	3,263	3,901
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-39,425	-59,792	-30,728
Net income (loss)	13,004	35,605	19,149	-5,689	'	'	'	'	62,069	93,152	46,574
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-270	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	13,274	35,605	19,149	-5,689	21,421	27,844	31,413	12,474	62,339	93,152	46,574
External Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	881,601	850,812	660,549
Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | AMS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	800,711	822,023	630,143
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-576,775	-543,410	-443,352
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-73,180	-79,683	-70,518
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-16,670	-20,138	-19,362
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,209	3,122	3,568
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	135,295	'	'
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-318	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	135,613	181,914	100,479
Operating Segments | AMS | External Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	800,711	822,023	630,143
Operating Segments | AMS | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | Tourism	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,599	'	'
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-46,226	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,960	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,044	'	'
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,369	'	'
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	48	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,321	'	'
Operating Segments | Tourism | External Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,599	'	'
Operating Segments | Tourism | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | UR	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,783	49,336	57,431
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-32,654	-38,272	-42,954
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,803	-1,385	-1,248
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1	-15
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-676	'	'
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-676	9,678	13,214
Operating Segments | UR | External Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,195	28,365	30,384
Operating Segments | UR | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,588	20,971	27,047
Corporate Activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	96	424	22
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-34,262	-32,462	-27,830
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,712	-1,456	-1,111
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,609	-512	-695
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-71	141	333
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-39,425	-59,792	-30,728
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-77,983	'	'
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-77,983	-93,657	-60,009
Corporate Activities | External Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	96	424	22
Corporate Activities | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,588	-20,971	-27,047
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,652	16,188	19,937
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-936	'	'
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-936	-4,783	-7,110
Intersegment Eliminations | External Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($9,588)	($20,971)	($27,047)

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$223,782	$252,385	$226,205	$179,229	$216,228	$221,290	$222,480	$190,814	$881,601	$850,812	$660,549
Operating income (loss)	26,596	62,511	36,432	-4,858	38,802	51,228	55,264	25,038	120,681	170,332	93,473
Income (loss) before income taxes	21,614	57,670	31,583	-9,373	34,662	46,917	50,990	20,375	101,494	152,944	77,302
Net income (loss)	13,004	35,605	19,149	-5,689	'	'	'	'	62,069	93,152	46,574
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	$13,274	$35,605	$19,149	($5,689)	$21,421	$27,844	$31,413	$12,474	$62,339	$93,152	$46,574
Basic income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.91	$0.49	($0.15)	$0.55	$0.72	$0.81	$0.33	$1.55	$2.41	$1.23
Diluted income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.91	$0.49	($0.15)	$0.55	$0.71	$0.81	$0.32	$1.54	$2.39	$1.21

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for contractual discounts	'		'		'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$134,257		$101,016		$54,915
Additions	887,735	[1]	744,212	[1]	491,991	[1]
Deductions	-838,886	[2]	-710,971	[2]	-445,890	[2]
Balance at End of Period	183,106		134,257		101,016
Allowance for uncompensated care	'		'		'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	121,623		92,995		56,749
Additions	383,636	[1]	320,221	[1]	208,888	[1]
Deductions	-386,647	[2]	-291,593	[2]	-172,642	[2]
Balance at End of Period	$118,612		$121,623		$92,995
[1]	Amounts excluded from revenue.
[2]	Actual write-offs and charges to allowances.