Air Methods (AIRM) 10-Q 8 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AIR METHODS CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000816159	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	39,151,441
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,917	$9,862
Receivables:	'	'
Trade, net (note 4)	279,525	237,856
Refundable income taxes	'	11,863
Other	4,458	953
Total receivables	283,983	250,672
Inventories	46,395	47,804
Work-in-process on medical interiors and products contracts	4,560	5,313
Assets held for sale	7,665	5,103
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	1,513	2,888
Refundable deposits	8,134	8,459
Prepaid expenses and other (note 6)	11,097	10,449
Total current assets	366,264	340,550
Property and equipment:	'	'
Land	251	251
Flight and ground support equipment	646,979	584,059
Aircraft under capital leases	212,461	246,752
Aircraft rotable spare parts	42,829	41,391
Buildings and office equipment	55,702	51,601
Property and equipment, gross	958,222	924,054
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-258,269	-259,212
Net property and equipment	699,953	664,842
Goodwill (note 2)	128,737	128,121
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $16,185 and $13,397 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	86,663	88,215
Other assets	29,485	30,813
Total assets	1,311,102	1,252,541
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	5,738	2,616
Current installments of long-term debt	44,174	39,415
Current installments of obligations under capital leases	25,537	29,116
Accounts payable	19,380	20,431
Deferred revenue	3,221	3,463
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	1,076	2,232
Accrued wages and compensated absences	27,794	24,346
Due to third party payers	6,561	7,789
Deferred income taxes	16,820	13,748
Other accrued liabilities	26,102	19,162
Total current liabilities	176,403	162,318
Long-term debt, less current installments	488,905	477,038
Obligations under capital leases, less current installments	113,682	131,249
Deferred income taxes	92,312	86,131
Other liabilities	20,602	19,733
Total liabilities	891,904	876,469
Redeemable non-controlling interests	8,496	8,113
Stockholders' equity (note 3):	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value. Authorized 15,000,000 shares, none issued	'	'
Common stock, $.06 par value. Authorized 70,500,000 shares; issued 39,374,249 and 39,301,407 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; outstanding 39,151,441 and 39,064,437 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	2,345	2,343
Additional paid-in capital	115,890	112,890
Retained earnings	292,793	253,098
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-326	-372
Total stockholders' equity	410,702	367,959
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,311,102	$1,252,541

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$16,185	$13,397
Stockholders' equity (note 3):	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.06
Common stock, shares authorized	70,500,000	70,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	39,374,249	39,301,407
Common stock, shares outstanding	39,151,441	39,064,437

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts (note 4)	$298,046	$258,898	$548,642	$452,722
Provision for uncompensated care (note 4)	-126,673	-109,955	-233,340	-195,947
Patient transport revenue, net	171,373	148,943	315,302	256,775
Air medical services contract revenue	45,790	54,535	90,551	108,993
Tourism and charter revenue	31,430	15,992	55,768	26,383
Medical interiors and products revenue	7,404	4,976	15,224	9,410
Dispatch and billing service revenue	2,474	1,759	4,762	3,873
Total revenue	258,471	226,205	481,607	405,434
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Flight centers	87,365	84,291	175,771	169,443
Aircraft operations	32,715	40,490	65,739	77,953
Tourism operating expenses	19,476	12,160	35,476	20,001
Cost of medical interiors and products sold	6,538	4,411	13,217	8,956
Cost of dispatch and billing services	2,395	1,700	4,924	3,000
Depreciation and amortization	20,273	19,887	40,789	40,009
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net	806	-233	1,213	208
General and administrative	36,131	27,067	67,789	54,290
Operating expense	205,699	189,773	404,918	373,860
Operating income	52,772	36,432	76,689	31,574
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-5,569	-5,177	-11,098	-9,979
Other, net	292	328	266	615
Income before income taxes	47,495	31,583	65,857	22,210
Income tax expense	-18,571	-12,434	-25,881	-8,750
Net income	28,924	19,149	39,976	13,460
Less net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests	134	'	297	'
Net income attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	28,790	19,149	39,679	13,460
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	111	'	46	'
Comprehensive income	$28,901	$19,149	$39,725	$13,460
Basic income per common share (note 5) (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.49	$1.01	$0.35
Diluted income per common share (note 5) (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.49	$1.01	$0.34
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	39,151,012	38,882,681	39,135,292	38,857,034
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	39,318,480	39,136,155	39,314,872	39,140,492

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$39,976	$13,460
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	40,789	40,009
Deferred income tax expense	9,253	6,775
Stock-based compensation	1,513	2,053
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	-1,010	-527
Loss on disposition of assets, net	1,213	208
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument	64	140
Loss from equity method investee	603	'
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'	'
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-387	-9,826
Decrease (increase) in receivables	-32,687	8,335
Decrease (increase) in inventories	2,162	-4,132
Decrease (increase) in costs in excess of billings	1,375	-708
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, other accrued liabilities, and other liabilities	11,929	-2,748
Decrease in deferred revenue and billings in excess of costs	-1,398	-2,298
Net cash provided by operating activities	73,395	50,741
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 2)	-3,182	'
Acquisition of property and equipment	-65,909	-17,310
Buy-out of previously leased aircraft	-17,296	-36,568
Proceeds from disposition and sale of equipment and assets held for sale	9,156	10,964
Decrease (increase) in other assets	447	-2,303
Net cash used in investing activities	-76,784	-45,217
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	479	576
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	1,010	527
Borrowings under line of credit	23,000	44,370
Payments under line of credit	-22,000	-73,527
Payments for financing costs	-75	-168
Proceeds from long-term debt	34,429	90,400
Payments of long-term debt and notes payable	-18,803	-11,770
Payments of capital lease obligations	-21,694	-54,003
Proceeds from non-controlling interests	98	'
Net cash used in financing activities	-3,556	-3,595
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-6,945	1,929
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,862	3,818
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,917	5,747
Interest paid in cash during the period	10,695	9,509
Income taxes paid in cash during the period	$268	$2,239

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Entered into notes payable to finance the purchase of aircraft	$5,738	$2,616
Entered into capital leases to finance the purchase of aircraft and information systems hardware	548	2,707
Settlement of notes payable in exchange for the aircraft securing the debt	$2,616	$3,570

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	(1)          Basis of Presentation
		The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial statements for the respective periods. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013.
		The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company considers its critical accounting policies involving more significant judgments and estimates to be those related to revenue recognition, deferred income taxes, valuation of long-lived assets, and fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries

Acquisition of Subsidiaries	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of Subsidiaries	'
	(2)           Acquisition of Subsidiaries
	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. At 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 liability was revised to $3,182,000 during the first quarter of 2014 and paid during the second quarter. No further amounts are due to the sellers. 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. Between June 13 and December 13, 2015, the former owners of BHH can require the Company to redeem their 10% ownership interest for a price based on the same formula. The purchase price was financed primarily through borrowings under the Company’s Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with a commercial bank group.
	The allocation of the purchase price was as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Allocation at			Adjustments		Revised
		31-Dec-13					Allocation
	Aircraft	$	33,440			--		33,440
	Amortizable intangible assets		24,525			--		24,525
	Goodwill		5,985			590		6,575
	Other equipment and leasehold improvements		5,183			--		5,183
	Working capital accounts, net		5,964			310		6,274
	Total net assets	$	75,097			900		75,997
	Redeemable non-controlling interest		(6,065	)		--		(6,065	)
	Purchase price	$	69,032			900		69,932
	The Company is still evaluating the aircraft spare parts inventory and verifying open repair orders with aircraft parts vendors and other liabilities relating to pre-acquisition events. Therefore, the allocation of the purchase price is still subject to adjustment.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	(3)          Stockholders’ Equity
		Changes in stockholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2014, consisted of the following (amounts in thousands except share amounts):
			Shares
			Outstanding		Amount
	Balances at January 1, 2014			39,064,437	$	367,959
	Issuance of common shares for options exercised			41,343		479
	Stock-based compensation			45,661		1,513
	Tax benefit from exercise of stock options			--		1,010
	Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends			--		4
	Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests			--		12
	Other comprehensive income			--		46
	Net income			--		39,679
	Balances at June 30, 2014			39,151,441	$	410,702

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Patient Transport Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Patient Transport Revenue Recognition	'
	(4)          Patient Transport Revenue Recognition
	Trade receivables are presented net of allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care. The Company determines its allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care based on estimated payer mix, payer reimbursement schedules, and historical collection experience. The allowances are reviewed monthly and adjusted periodically based on actual collections. Billings are charged off against the uncompensated care allowance when it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The allowance for contractual discounts is related primarily to Medicare and Medicaid patients. The allowance for uncompensated care is related primarily to receivables recorded for self-pay patients.
	The Company has not changed its discount policies related to self-pay patients or deductible and copayment balances for insured patients during either 2014 or 2013. The allowance for uncompensated care was 39.4% of receivables from non-governmental payers as of June 30, 2014, compared to 39.2% at December 31, 2013, and 44.9% at June 30, 2013. Receivables from private insurance providers accounted for 67% of receivables from non-governmental payers as of June 30, 2014, compared to 60% as of December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013. The remainder of receivables from non-governmental payers are attributable to self-pay patients.
	The Company recognizes patient transport revenue at its standard rates for services provided, regardless of expected payer. In the period that services are provided and based upon historical experience, the Company records a significant provision for uncompensated care related to uninsured patients who will be unable or unwilling to pay for the services provided and a provision for contractual discounts related to Medicare and Medicaid transports. Air medical services contract revenue consists of monthly fees and hourly flight fees billed to hospitals or other institutions under exclusive operating agreements. These fees are earned regardless of when, or if, the institution is reimbursed for these services by its patients, their insurers, or the federal government. As a result, the Company does not maintain an allowance or provision for uncompensated care for air medical services contract revenue and related receivables.
	Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts but before provision for uncompensated care, by major payer class, was as follows (amounts in thousands):
		For quarter ended June 30,				For six months ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Third-party payers	$	233,787		196,163		412,720		339,003
	Self-pay		64,259		62,735		135,922		113,719
	Total	$	298,046		258,898		548,642		452,722

Income_per_Share

Income per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income per Share [Abstract]	'
Income per Share	'
	(5)          Income per Share
		Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by all common shares outstanding during the period and dilutive potential common shares.
		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 $38,000 and increased by $12,000 for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, for an adjustment to the value of redeemable non-controlling interests.
		The reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding is as follows:
			2014		2013
	For quarter ended June 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic			39,151,012		38,882,681
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options			100,970		208,773
	Unvested restricted stock			66,498		44,701
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted			39,318,480		39,136,155
	For six months ended June 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic			39,135,292		38,857,034
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options			113,711		236,134
	Unvested restricted stock			65,869		47,324
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted			39,314,872		39,140,492
		Common stock options totaling 47,500 were not included in the diluted shares outstanding for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Common stock options totaling 45,000 were not included in the diluted shares outstanding for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	-6	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosures about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy by which these assets and liabilities must be grouped based on the type of inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
		Level 1:	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
		Level 2:	quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
		Level 3:	unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
		The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
		Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities:
		The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
		Derivative instruments:
	The Company endeavors to acquire jet fuel at the lowest possible cost and to reduce volatility in operating expenses through the use of short-term purchased call options. Financial derivative instruments covering fuel purchases are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at fair value. Fair value is determined based on quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of all fuel derivative instruments included in prepaid expenses and other current assets was $6,000 at June 30, 2014 and $0 at December 31, 2013. The Company’s financial derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, and, therefore, realized and non-cash mark to market adjustments are included in aircraft operations expense in the Company’s statement of income. Aircraft operations expense included non-cash mark to market derivative losses of $11,000 and $64,000 for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to non-cash mark to market losses of $23,000 and $140,000 for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. There were no cash settlements under the terms of the agreements in 2014 or  2013.
		Long-term debt:
		The fair value of long-term debt is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because it is determined based on the present value of future contractual cash flows discounted at an interest rate that reflects the risks inherent in those cash flows. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average maturities and on recent transactions, the fair value of long-term debt as of June 30, 2014, is estimated to be $528,161,000, compared to carrying value of $533,079,000. The fair value of long-term debt as of December 31, 2013, was estimated to be $513,436,000, compared to a carrying value of $516,453,000.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	-7	New Accounting Pronouncements
		In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The ASU requires that performance targets in these situations be accounted for as performance conditions and should not be reflected in the calculation of the grant-date fair value of the award. The ASU also specifies requirements for recognition of associated compensation cost. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-12 prospectively and does not expect the implementation to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
		In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The ASU is effective for the Company for periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. The ASU permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information	'
	-8	Business Segment Information
		Summarized financial information for the Company’s operating segments is shown in the following table (amounts in thousands). Amounts in the “Corporate Activities” column represent corporate headquarters expenses, corporate income tax expense, and results of insignificant operations. The Company does not allocate assets between all operating segments for internal reporting and performance evaluation purposes. Operating segments and their principal products or services are as follows:
		●	Air Medical Services (AMS) - provides air medical transportation services to the general population as an independent service and to hospitals or other institutions under exclusive operating agreements. Services include aircraft operation and maintenance, medical care, dispatch and communications, and medical billing and collection.
		●	Tourism – provides helicopter tours and charter flights, primarily focusing on Grand Canyon and Hawaiian Island tours.
		●	United Rotorcraft (UR) Division - designs, manufactures, and installs aircraft medical interiors and other aerospace and medical transport products for domestic and international customers.
				AMS			Tourism			UR			Corporate			Intersegment			Consolidated
		For quarter ended June 30:											Activities			Eliminations
		2014
		External revenue		$	219,611			31,430			7,430			--			--			258,471
		Intersegment revenue			--			--			3,991			--			(3,991	)		--
		Total revenue			219,611			31,430			11,421			--			(3,991	)		258,471
		Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(144,416	)		(24,184	)		(10,457	)		(9,995	)		3,626			(185,426	)
		Depreciation & amortization			(17,502	)		(1,656	)		(597	)		(518	)		--			(20,273	)
		Interest expense			(4,061	)		(731	)		--			(777	)		--			(5,569	)
		Other income, net			426			3			--			(137	)		--			292
		Income tax expense			--			--			--			(18,571	)		--			(18,571	)
		Segment net income (loss)			54,058			4,862			367			(29,998	)		(365	)		28,924
		Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			(38	)		172			--			--			--			134
		Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	54,096			4,690			367			(29,998	)		(365	)		28,790
		2013
		External revenue		$	205,241			15,992			4,910			62			--			226,205
		Intersegment revenue			--			--			2,530			--			(2,530	)		--
		Total revenue			205,241			15,992			7,440			62			(2,530	)		226,205
		Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(143,613	)		(13,932	)		(6,912	)		(7,878	)		2,449			(169,886	)
		Depreciation & amortization			(18,325	)		(729	)		(433	)		(400	)		--			(19,887	)
		Interest expense			(4,198	)		(273	)		--			(706	)		--			(5,177	)
		Other income, net			289			--			--			39			--			328
		Income tax expense			--			--			--			(12,434	)		--			(12,434	)
		Segment net income (loss)		$	39,394			1,058			95			(21,317	)		(81	)		19,149
		For six months ended June 30:
		2014
		External revenue		$	410,589			55,768			15,250			--			--			481,607
		Intersegment revenue			--			--			7,058			--			(7,058	)		--
		Total revenue			410,589			55,768			22,308			--			(7,058	)		481,607
		Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(286,663	)		(44,195	)		(19,967	)		(19,506	)		6,202			(364,129	)
		Depreciation & amortization			(35,414	)		(3,220	)		(1,135	)		(1,020	)		--			(40,789	)
		Interest expense			(8,257	)		(1,353	)		--			(1,488	)		--			(11,098	)
		Other income, net			813			3			--			(550	)		--			266
		Income tax expense			--			--			--			(25,881	)		--			(25,881	)
		Segment net income (loss)			81,068			7,003			1,206			(48,445	)		(856	)		39,976
		Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			(86	)		383			--			--			--			297
		Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	81,154			6,620			1,206			(48,445	)		(856	)		39,679
		2013
		External revenue		$	369,647			26,383			9,331			73			--			405,434
		Intersegment revenue			--			--			4,301			--			(4,301	)		--
		Total revenue			369,647			26,383			13,632			73			(4,301	)		405,434
		Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(284,674	)		(23,419	)		(13,210	)		(16,580	)		4,032			(333,851	)
		Depreciation & amortization			(37,034	)		(1,318	)		(858	)		(799	)		--			(40,009	)
		Interest expense			(8,204	)		(493	)		--			(1,282	)		--			(9,979	)
		Other income, net			543			--			--			72			--			615
		Income tax expense			--			--			--			(8,750	)		--			(8,750	)
		Segment net income (loss)		$	40,278			1,153			(436	)		(27,266	)		(269	)		13,460

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_Ta

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of purchase price allocation	'
		Allocation at			Adjustments		Revised
		31-Dec-13					Allocation
	Aircraft	$	33,440			--		33,440
	Amortizable intangible assets		24,525			--		24,525
	Goodwill		5,985			590		6,575
	Other equipment and leasehold improvements		5,183			--		5,183
	Working capital accounts, net		5,964			310		6,274
	Total net assets	$	75,097			900		75,997
	Redeemable non-controlling interest		(6,065	)		--		(6,065	)
	Purchase price	$	69,032			900		69,932

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in stockholders' equity	'
		Shares
		Outstanding		Amount
	Balances at January 1, 2014		39,064,437	$	367,959
	Issuance of common shares for options exercised		41,343		479
	Stock-based compensation		45,661		1,513
	Tax benefit from exercise of stock options		--		1,010
	Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends		--		4
	Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests		--		12
	Other comprehensive income		--		46
	Net income		--		39,679
	Balances at June 30, 2014		39,151,441	$	410,702

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco1

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Patient Transport Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Schedule of patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts, before provision for uncompensated care, by major payer class	'
		For quarter ended June 30,				For six months ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Third-party payers	$	233,787		196,163		412,720		339,003
	Self-pay		64,259		62,735		135,922		113,719
	Total	$	298,046		258,898		548,642		452,722

Income_per_Share_Tables

Income per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	'
		2014		2013
	For quarter ended June 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic		39,151,012		38,882,681
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options		100,970		208,773
	Unvested restricted stock		66,498		44,701
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted		39,318,480		39,136,155
	For six months ended June 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic		39,135,292		38,857,034
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options		113,711		236,134
	Unvested restricted stock		65,869		47,324
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted		39,314,872		39,140,492

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summarized financial information for operating segments	'
			AMS			Tourism			UR			Corporate			Intersegment			Consolidated
		For quarter ended June 30:										Activities			Eliminations
		2014
		External revenue	$	219,611			31,430			7,430			--			--			258,471
		Intersegment revenue		--			--			3,991			--			(3,991	)		--
		Total revenue		219,611			31,430			11,421			--			(3,991	)		258,471
		Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(144,416	)		(24,184	)		(10,457	)		(9,995	)		3,626			(185,426	)
		Depreciation & amortization		(17,502	)		(1,656	)		(597	)		(518	)		--			(20,273	)
		Interest expense		(4,061	)		(731	)		--			(777	)		--			(5,569	)
		Other income, net		426			3			--			(137	)		--			292
		Income tax expense		--			--			--			(18,571	)		--			(18,571	)
		Segment net income (loss)		54,058			4,862			367			(29,998	)		(365	)		28,924
		Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		(38	)		172			--			--			--			134
		Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	$	54,096			4,690			367			(29,998	)		(365	)		28,790
		2013
		External revenue	$	205,241			15,992			4,910			62			--			226,205
		Intersegment revenue		--			--			2,530			--			(2,530	)		--
		Total revenue		205,241			15,992			7,440			62			(2,530	)		226,205
		Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(143,613	)		(13,932	)		(6,912	)		(7,878	)		2,449			(169,886	)
		Depreciation & amortization		(18,325	)		(729	)		(433	)		(400	)		--			(19,887	)
		Interest expense		(4,198	)		(273	)		--			(706	)		--			(5,177	)
		Other income, net		289			--			--			39			--			328
		Income tax expense		--			--			--			(12,434	)		--			(12,434	)
		Segment net income (loss)	$	39,394			1,058			95			(21,317	)		(81	)		19,149
		For six months ended June 30:
		2014
		External revenue	$	410,589			55,768			15,250			--			--			481,607
		Intersegment revenue		--			--			7,058			--			(7,058	)		--
		Total revenue		410,589			55,768			22,308			--			(7,058	)		481,607
		Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(286,663	)		(44,195	)		(19,967	)		(19,506	)		6,202			(364,129	)
		Depreciation & amortization		(35,414	)		(3,220	)		(1,135	)		(1,020	)		--			(40,789	)
		Interest expense		(8,257	)		(1,353	)		--			(1,488	)		--			(11,098	)
		Other income, net		813			3			--			(550	)		--			266
		Income tax expense		--			--			--			(25,881	)		--			(25,881	)
		Segment net income (loss)		81,068			7,003			1,206			(48,445	)		(856	)		39,976
		Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		(86	)		383			--			--			--			297
		Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	$	81,154			6,620			1,206			(48,445	)		(856	)		39,679
		2013
		External revenue	$	369,647			26,383			9,331			73			--			405,434
		Intersegment revenue		--			--			4,301			--			(4,301	)		--
		Total revenue		369,647			26,383			13,632			73			(4,301	)		405,434
		Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(284,674	)		(23,419	)		(13,210	)		(16,580	)		4,032			(333,851	)
		Depreciation & amortization		(37,034	)		(1,318	)		(858	)		(799	)		--			(40,009	)
		Interest expense		(8,204	)		(493	)		--			(1,282	)		--			(9,979	)
		Other income, net		543			--			--			72			--			615
		Income tax expense		--			--			--			(8,750	)		--			(8,750	)
		Segment net income (loss)	$	40,278			1,153			(436	)		(27,266	)		(269	)		13,460

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_De

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Details) (Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 13, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC	'	'	'
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	'	$3,182,000	$2,282,000
Ownership interest acquired by former owners	'	10.00%	10.00%

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_De1

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Details 1) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	$128,737	$128,121
Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Aircraft	33,440	'
Amortizable intangible assets	24,525	'
Goodwill	6,575	'
Other equipment and leasehold improvements	5,183	'
Working capital accounts, net	6,274	'
Total net assets	75,997	'
Redeemable non-controlling interest	-6,065	'
Purchase price	69,932	'
Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC | Allocation at December 31, 2013	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Aircraft	'	33,440
Amortizable intangible assets	'	24,525
Goodwill	'	5,985
Other equipment and leasehold improvements	'	5,183
Working capital accounts, net	'	5,964
Total net assets	'	75,097
Redeemable non-controlling interest	'	-6,065
Purchase price	'	69,032
Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC | Adjustments	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Aircraft	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	'	'
Goodwill	590	'
Other equipment and leasehold improvements	'	'
Working capital accounts, net	310	'
Total net assets	900	'
Redeemable non-controlling interest	'	'
Purchase price	$900	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balances at January 1, 2014	'	'	$367,959	'
Balances at January 1, 2014 (in shares)	'	'	39,064,437	'
Issuance of common shares for options exercised	'	'	479	'
Issuance of common shares for options exercised (in shares)	'	'	41,343	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	1,513	2,053
Stock-based compensation (in shares)	'	'	45,661	'
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	'	'	1,010	'
Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends	'	'	4	'
Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests	-38	'	12	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	46	'
Net income	28,790	19,149	39,679	13,460
Balances at June 30, 2014	$410,702	'	$410,702	'
Balances at June 30, 2014 (in shares)	39,151,441	'	39,151,441	'

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco2

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for uncompensated care as a percentage of receivables from non-governmental payers (in hundredths)	39.40%	44.90%	39.40%	44.90%	39.20%
Private insurance provider receivables as a percentage of non-governmental payer receivables (in hundredths)	67.00%	60.00%	67.00%	60.00%	60.00%
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	$298,046	$258,898	$548,642	$452,722	'
Third-party payers	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	233,787	196,163	412,720	339,003	'
Self-pay	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	$64,259	$62,735	$135,922	$113,719	'

Income_per_Share_Details

Income per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
(Decrease) increase in net income due to adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interest	($38)	'	$12	'
Reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	39,151,012	38,882,681	39,135,292	38,857,034
Dilutive effect of:	'	'	'	'
Common stock options (in shares)	100,970	208,773	113,711	236,134
Unvested restricted stock (in shares)	66,498	44,701	65,869	47,324
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	39,318,480	39,136,155	39,314,872	39,140,492
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)	47,500	45,000	47,500	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

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

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Estimate of Fair Value

Estimate of Fair Value

Carrying Amount

Carrying Amount

Aircraft operations expense

Aircraft operations expense

Aircraft operations expense

Aircraft operations expense

Fuel derivative contracts

Fuel derivative contracts

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of fuel derivative contracts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,000

$0

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash mark to market derivative losses

-64,000

-140,000

'

'

'

'

-11,000

-23,000

-64,000

-140,000

'

'

Cash settlements under derivative contracts

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, fair value disclosure

'

'

$528,161,000

$513,436,000

$533,079,000

$516,453,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	$258,471	$226,205	$481,607	$405,434
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-185,426	-169,886	-364,129	-333,851
Depreciation and amortization	-20,273	-19,887	-40,789	-40,009
Interest expense	-5,569	-5,177	-11,098	-9,979
Other income, net	292	328	266	615
Income tax expense	-18,571	-12,434	-25,881	-8,750
Segment net income (loss)	28,924	19,149	39,976	13,460
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	134	'	297	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	28,790	19,149	39,679	13,460
External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	258,471	226,205	481,607	405,434
Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | AMS	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	219,611	205,241	410,589	369,647
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-144,416	-143,613	-286,663	-284,674
Depreciation and amortization	-17,502	-18,325	-35,414	-37,034
Interest expense	-4,061	-4,198	-8,257	-8,204
Other income, net	426	289	813	543
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	54,058	39,394	81,068	40,278
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	-38	'	-86	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	54,096	'	81,154	'
Operating Segments | AMS | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	219,611	205,241	410,589	369,647
Operating Segments | AMS | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | Tourism	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	31,430	15,992	55,768	26,383
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-24,184	-13,932	-44,195	-23,419
Depreciation and amortization	-1,656	-729	-3,220	-1,318
Interest expense	-731	-273	-1,353	-493
Other income, net	3	'	3	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	4,862	1,058	7,003	1,153
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	172	'	383	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	4,690	'	6,620	'
Operating Segments | Tourism | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	31,430	15,992	55,768	26,383
Operating Segments | Tourism | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | UR	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	11,421	7,440	22,308	13,632
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-10,457	-6,912	-19,967	-13,210
Depreciation and amortization	-597	-433	-1,135	-858
Interest expense	'	'	'	'
Other income, net	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	367	95	1,206	-436
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	367	'	1,206	'
Operating Segments | UR | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	7,430	4,910	15,250	9,331
Operating Segments | UR | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	3,991	2,530	7,058	4,301
Corporate Activities	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	62	'	73
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-9,995	-7,878	-19,506	-16,580
Depreciation and amortization	-518	-400	-1,020	-799
Interest expense	-777	-706	-1,488	-1,282
Other income, net	-137	39	-550	72
Income tax expense	-18,571	-12,434	-25,881	-8,750
Segment net income (loss)	-29,998	-21,317	-48,445	-27,266
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	-29,998	'	-48,445	'
Corporate Activities | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	62	'	73
Corporate Activities | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	-3,991	-2,530	-7,058	-4,301
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	3,626	2,449	6,202	4,032
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'
Other income, net	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	-365	-81	-856	-269
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	-365	'	-856	'
Intersegment Eliminations | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	($3,991)	($2,530)	($7,058)	($4,301)