Air Methods (AIRM) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 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	'	39,205,446
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$16,832	$9,862
Receivables:	'	'
Trade, net (note 4)	296,301	237,856
Refundable income taxes	'	11,863
Other	3,136	953
Total receivables	299,437	250,672
Inventories	45,108	47,804
Work-in-process on medical interiors and products contracts	4,640	5,313
Assets held for sale	7,945	5,103
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	1,509	2,888
Refundable deposits	8,560	8,459
Prepaid expenses and other (note 6)	10,804	10,449
Total current assets	394,835	340,550
Property and equipment:	'	'
Land	251	251
Flight and ground support equipment	653,049	584,059
Aircraft under capital leases	212,461	246,752
Aircraft rotable spare parts	41,895	41,391
Buildings and office equipment	59,075	51,601
Property and equipment, gross	966,731	924,054
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-270,440	-259,212
Net property and equipment	696,291	664,842
Goodwill (note 2)	128,737	128,121
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $17,922 and $13,397 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	85,096	88,215
Other assets	30,686	30,813
Total assets	1,335,645	1,252,541
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	2,729	2,616
Current installments of long-term debt	44,640	39,415
Current installments of obligations under capital leases	25,717	29,116
Accounts payable	19,813	20,431
Deferred revenue	3,063	3,463
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	1,179	2,232
Accrued wages and compensated absences	24,266	24,346
Due to third party payers	7,196	7,789
Deferred income taxes	19,530	13,748
Other accrued liabilities	26,425	19,162
Total current liabilities	174,558	162,318
Long-term debt, less current installments	483,713	477,038
Obligations under capital leases, less current installments	107,213	131,249
Deferred income taxes	98,275	86,131
Other liabilities	16,263	19,733
Total liabilities	880,022	876,469
Redeemable non-controlling interests	6,747	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 39,423,253 and 39,301,407 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; outstanding 39,205,446 and 39,064,437 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	2,348	2,343
Additional paid-in capital	118,720	112,890
Retained earnings	328,385	253,098
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-577	-372
Total stockholders' equity	448,876	367,959
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,335,645	$1,252,541

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$17,922	$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	39,423,253	39,301,407
Common stock, shares outstanding	39,205,446	39,064,437

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts (note 4)	$315,459	$283,709	$864,101	$736,431
Provision for uncompensated care (note 4)	-125,089	-105,916	-358,429	-301,863
Patient transport revenue, net	190,370	177,793	505,672	434,568
Air medical services contract revenue	44,278	49,750	134,829	158,743
Tourism and charter revenue	33,941	16,002	89,709	42,385
Medical interiors and products revenue	6,237	5,616	21,461	15,026
Dispatch and billing service revenue	2,992	3,224	7,754	7,097
Total revenue	277,818	252,385	759,425	657,819
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Flight centers	94,461	89,431	270,232	258,874
Air medical aircraft operations	35,456	35,565	101,195	113,518
Tourism operating expenses	22,989	9,242	58,465	29,243
Cost of medical interiors and products sold	5,960	5,289	19,177	14,245
Cost of dispatch and billing services	2,430	2,156	7,354	5,156
Depreciation and amortization	20,121	19,781	60,910	59,790
Loss on disposition of assets, net	77	118	1,290	326
General and administrative	35,913	28,292	103,702	82,582
Operating expense	217,407	189,874	622,325	563,734
Operating income	60,411	62,511	137,100	94,085
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-5,341	-5,190	-16,439	-15,169
Other, net	322	349	588	964
Income before income taxes	55,392	57,670	121,249	79,880
Income tax expense	-21,552	-22,065	-47,433	-30,815
Net income	33,840	35,605	73,816	49,065
Less net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests	123	'	420	'
Net income attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	33,717	35,605	73,396	49,065
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-251	'	-205	'
Comprehensive income	$33,466	$35,605	$73,191	$49,065
Basic income per common share (note 5) (in dollars per share)	$0.91	$0.91	$1.92	$1.26
Diluted income per common share (note 5) (in dollars per share)	$0.90	$0.91	$1.91	$1.25
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	39,168,873	38,933,915	39,146,609	38,882,943
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	39,343,405	39,194,532	39,329,121	39,228,113

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$73,816	$49,065
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	60,910	59,790
Deferred income tax expense	17,926	13,780
Stock-based compensation	2,866	2,789
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	-1,779	-2,173
Loss on disposition of assets, net	1,290	326
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument	70	143
Loss from equity method investee	738	'
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'	'
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-526	-4,395
Decrease (increase) in receivables	-48,791	2,298
Decrease (increase) in inventories	3,369	-7,991
Decrease (increase) in costs in excess of billings	1,379	-1,883
Increase in accounts payable, other accrued liabilities, and other liabilities	6,718	4,572
Decrease in deferred revenue and billings in excess of costs	-1,453	-2,506
Net cash provided by operating activities	116,533	113,815
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 2)	-3,182	-1,435
Acquisition of property and equipment	-87,965	-41,279
Buy-out of previously leased aircraft	-17,296	-51,403
Proceeds from disposition and sale of equipment and assets held for sale	12,637	17,266
Increase in other assets	-660	-5,206
Net cash used in investing activities	-96,466	-82,057
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,190	1,397
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	1,779	2,173
Borrowings under line of credit	30,000	54,370
Payments under line of credit	-42,000	-101,370
Proceeds from long-term debt	54,503	120,480
Payments for financing costs	-81	-221
Payments of long-term debt and notes payable	-30,603	-20,274
Payments of capital lease obligations	-27,983	-72,972
Proceeds from non-controlling interests	98	'
Net cash used in financing activities	-13,097	-16,417
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	6,970	15,341
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,862	3,818
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	16,832	19,159
Interest paid in cash during the period	15,862	14,589
Income taxes paid in cash during the period	$12,244	$2,544

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Entered into notes payable to finance the purchase of aircraft	$2,729	'
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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, 2015, 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 does not expect further adjustments to the purchase price allocation.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	(3)          Stockholders’ Equity
		Changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 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			90,347		1,190
	Stock-based compensation			50,662		2,866
	Tax benefit from exercise of stock options			--		1,779
	Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends			--		8
	Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests			--		1,883
	Other comprehensive income			--		(205	)
	Net income attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries			--		73,396
	Balances at September 30, 2014			39,205,446	$	448,876

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 39.7% of receivables from all payers, excluding Medicare and Medicaid, as of September 30, 2014, compared to 39.2% at December 31, 2013, and 44.2% at September 30, 2013. Receivables from private insurance providers accounted for 65% of receivables from all payers, excluding Medicare and Medicaid, as of September 30, 2014, compared to 60% as of December 31, 2013, and 61% as of September 30, 2013. The remainder of receivables from all payers, excluding Medicare and Medicaid, 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				For nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Third-party payers	$	243,022		213,500		655,741		552,502
	Self-pay		72,437		70,209		208,360		183,929
	Total	$	315,459		283,709		864,101		736,431

Income_per_Share

Income per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 increased by $1,871,000 and $1,883,000 for the quarter and nine months ended September 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 September 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic			39,168,873		38,933,915
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options			83,064		201,661
	Unvested restricted stock			83,520		58,956
	Unvested performance share units			7,948		--
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted			39,343,405		39,194,532
	For nine months ended September 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic			39,146,609		38,882,943
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options			108,952		285,534
	Unvested restricted stock			73,560		59,636
	Unvested performance share units			--		--
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted			39,329,121		39,228,113
		Common stock options totaling 47,500 and performance share units totaling 105,512 were not included in the diluted shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2013, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 $0 at September 30, 2014, and 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 $6,000 and $70,000 for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to $3,000 and $143,000 for the quarter and nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2014, is estimated to be $526,353,000, compared to a carrying value of $528,353,000. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 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 September 30:											Activities			Eliminations
	2014
	External revenue		$	237,640			33,941			6,151			86			--			277,818
	Intersegment revenue			--			--			2,305			--			(2,305	)		--
	Total revenue			237,640			33,941			8,456			86			(2,305	)		277,818
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(153,415	)		(27,963	)		(8,193	)		(9,672	)		1,957			(197,286	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(17,257	)		(1,746	)		(598	)		(520	)		--			(20,121	)
	Interest expense			(3,964	)		(742	)		--			(635	)		--			(5,341	)
	Other income (expense), net			435			1			--			(114	)		--			322
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(21,552	)		--			(21,552	)
	Segment net income (loss)			63,439			3,491			(335	)		(32,407	)		(348	)		33,840
	Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			(44	)		167			--			--			--			123
	Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	63,483			3,324			(335	)		(32,407	)		(348	)		33,717
	2013
	External revenue		$	230,767			16,002			5,597			19			--			252,385
	Intersegment revenue			--			--			2,120			--			(2,120	)		--
	Total revenue			230,767			16,002			7,717			19			(2,120	)		252,385
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(145,068	)		(11,212	)		(7,324	)		(8,558	)		2,069			(170,093	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(18,184	)		(681	)		(455	)		(461	)		--			(19,781	)
	Interest expense			(4,222	)		(280	)		--			(688	)		--			(5,190	)
	Other income (expense), net			311			--			(2	)		40			--			349
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(22,065	)		--			(22,065	)
	Segment net income (loss)		$	63,604			3,829			(64	)		(31,713	)		(51	)		35,605
	For nine months ended September 30:
	2014
	External revenue		$	648,229			89,709			21,401			86			--			759,425
	Intersegment revenue			--			--			9,363			--			(9,363	)		--
	Total revenue			648,229			89,709			30,764			86			(9,363	)		759,425
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(440,078	)		(72,158	)		(28,160	)		(29,178	)		8,159			(561,415	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(52,671	)		(4,966	)		(1,733	)		(1,540	)		--			(60,910	)
	Interest expense			(12,221	)		(2,095	)		--			(2,123	)		--			(16,439	)
	Other income (expense), net			1,248			4			--			(664	)		--			588
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(47,433	)		--			(47,433	)
	Segment net income (loss)			144,507			10,494			871			(80,852	)		(1,204	)		73,816
	Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			(130	)		550			--			--			--			420
	Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	144,637			9,944			871			(80,852	)		(1,204	)		73,396
	2013
	External revenue		$	600,414			42,385			14,928			92			--			657,819
	Intersegment revenue			--			--			6,421			--			(6,421	)		--
	Total revenue			600,414			42,385			21,349			92			(6,421	)		657,819
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(429,742	)		(34,631	)		(20,534	)		(25,138	)		6,101			(503,944	)
	Depreciation & amortization			(55,218	)		(1,999	)		(1,313	)		(1,260	)		--			(59,790	)
	Interest expense			(12,426	)		(773	)		--			(1,970	)		--			(15,169	)
	Other income (expense), net			854			--			(2	)		112			--			964
	Income tax expense			--			--			--			(30,815	)		--			(30,815	)
	Segment net income (loss)		$	103,882			4,982			(500	)		(58,979	)		(320	)		49,065

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_Ta

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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		90,347		1,190
	Stock-based compensation		50,662		2,866
	Tax benefit from exercise of stock options		--		1,779
	Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends		--		8
	Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests		--		1,883
	Other comprehensive income		--		(205	)
	Net income attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		--		73,396
	Balances at September 30, 2014		39,205,446	$	448,876

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco1

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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					For nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
			2014		2013			2014		2013
	Third-party payers		$	243,022		213,500			655,741		552,502
	Self-pay			72,437		70,209			208,360		183,929
	Total		$	315,459		283,709			864,101		736,431

Income_per_Share_Tables

Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	'
		2014		2013
	For quarter ended September 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic		39,168,873		38,933,915
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options		83,064		201,661
	Unvested restricted stock		83,520		58,956
	Unvested performance share units		7,948		--
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted		39,343,405		39,194,532
	For nine months ended September 30:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic		39,146,609		38,882,943
	Dilutive effect of:
	Common stock options		108,952		285,534
	Unvested restricted stock		73,560		59,636
	Unvested performance share units		--		--
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted		39,329,121		39,228,113

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summarized financial information for operating segments	'
		AMS			Tourism			UR			Corporate			Intersegment			Consolidated
	For quarter ended September 30:										Activities			Eliminations
	2014
	External revenue	$	237,640			33,941			6,151			86			--			277,818
	Intersegment revenue		--			--			2,305			--			(2,305	)		--
	Total revenue		237,640			33,941			8,456			86			(2,305	)		277,818
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(153,415	)		(27,963	)		(8,193	)		(9,672	)		1,957			(197,286	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(17,257	)		(1,746	)		(598	)		(520	)		--			(20,121	)
	Interest expense		(3,964	)		(742	)		--			(635	)		--			(5,341	)
	Other income (expense), net		435			1			--			(114	)		--			322
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(21,552	)		--			(21,552	)
	Segment net income (loss)		63,439			3,491			(335	)		(32,407	)		(348	)		33,840
	Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		(44	)		167			--			--			--			123
	Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	$	63,483			3,324			(335	)		(32,407	)		(348	)		33,717
	2013
	External revenue	$	230,767			16,002			5,597			19			--			252,385
	Intersegment revenue		--			--			2,120			--			(2,120	)		--
	Total revenue		230,767			16,002			7,717			19			(2,120	)		252,385
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(145,068	)		(11,212	)		(7,324	)		(8,558	)		2,069			(170,093	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(18,184	)		(681	)		(455	)		(461	)		--			(19,781	)
	Interest expense		(4,222	)		(280	)		--			(688	)		--			(5,190	)
	Other income (expense), net		311			--			(2	)		40			--			349
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(22,065	)		--			(22,065	)
	Segment net income (loss)	$	63,604			3,829			(64	)		(31,713	)		(51	)		35,605
	For nine months ended September 30:
	2014
	External revenue	$	648,229			89,709			21,401			86			--			759,425
	Intersegment revenue		--			--			9,363			--			(9,363	)		--
	Total revenue		648,229			89,709			30,764			86			(9,363	)		759,425
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(440,078	)		(72,158	)		(28,160	)		(29,178	)		8,159			(561,415	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(52,671	)		(4,966	)		(1,733	)		(1,540	)		--			(60,910	)
	Interest expense		(12,221	)		(2,095	)		--			(2,123	)		--			(16,439	)
	Other income (expense), net		1,248			4			--			(664	)		--			588
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(47,433	)		--			(47,433	)
	Segment net income (loss)		144,507			10,494			871			(80,852	)		(1,204	)		73,816
	Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		(130	)		550			--			--			--			420
	Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	$	144,637			9,944			871			(80,852	)		(1,204	)		73,396
	2013
	External revenue	$	600,414			42,385			14,928			92			--			657,819
	Intersegment revenue		--			--			6,421			--			(6,421	)		--
	Total revenue		600,414			42,385			21,349			92			(6,421	)		657,819
	Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization		(429,742	)		(34,631	)		(20,534	)		(25,138	)		6,101			(503,944	)
	Depreciation & amortization		(55,218	)		(1,999	)		(1,313	)		(1,260	)		--			(59,790	)
	Interest expense		(12,426	)		(773	)		--			(1,970	)		--			(15,169	)
	Other income (expense), net		854			--			(2	)		112			--			964
	Income tax expense		--			--			--			(30,815	)		--			(30,815	)
	Segment net income (loss)	$	103,882			4,982			(500	)		(58,979	)		(320	)		49,065

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_De

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Details) (Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 13, 2013	Sep. 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 of BHH	'	10.00%	10.00%

Acquisition_of_Subsidiaries_De1

Acquisition of Subsidiaries (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 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	'	'	1,190	'
Issuance of common shares for options exercised (in shares)	'	'	90,347	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	2,866	2,789
Stock-based compensation (in shares)	'	'	50,662	'
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	'	'	1,779	'
Forfeiture of unvested restricted shares and related dividends	'	'	8	'
Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests	1,871	'	1,883	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-205	'
Net income	33,717	35,605	73,396	49,065
Balances at September 30, 2014	$448,876	'	$448,876	'
Balances at September 30, 2014 (in shares)	39,205,446	'	39,205,446	'

Patient_Transport_Revenue_Reco2

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for uncompensated care as a percentage of receivables from all payers, excluding Medicare and Medicaid (in hundredths)	39.70%	44.20%	39.70%	44.20%	39.20%
Private insurance provider receivables as a percentage of all payers, excluding Medicare and Medicaid receivables (in hundredths)	65.00%	61.00%	65.00%	61.00%	60.00%
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	$315,459	$283,709	$864,101	$736,431	'
Third-party payers	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	243,022	213,500	655,741	552,502	'
Self-pay	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts	$72,437	$70,209	$208,360	$183,929	'

Income_per_Share_Details

Income per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Increase in net income due to adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interest	$1,871	'	$1,883	'
Reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	39,168,873	38,933,915	39,146,609	38,882,943
Dilutive effect of:	'	'	'	'
Common stock options (in shares)	83,064	201,661	108,952	285,534
Unvested restricted stock (in shares)	83,520	58,956	73,560	59,636
Unvested performance share units (in shares)	7,948	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	39,343,405	39,194,532	39,329,121	39,228,113
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)	'	45,000	47,500	45,000
Performance share units	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted income per share (in shares)	'	'	105,512	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

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

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 13, 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

Fuel derivative contracts

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of fuel derivative contracts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash mark to market derivative losses

-70,000

-143,000

'

'

'

'

-6,000

-3,000

-70,000

-143,000

'

'

'

Cash settlements under derivative contracts

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, fair value disclosure

'

'

$526,353,000

$513,436,000

$528,353,000

$516,453,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	$277,818	$252,385	$759,425	$657,819
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-197,286	-170,093	-561,415	-503,944
Depreciation and amortization	-20,121	-19,781	-60,910	-59,790
Interest expense	-5,341	-5,190	-16,439	-15,169
Other income (expense), net	322	349	588	964
Income tax expense	-21,552	-22,065	-47,433	-30,815
Segment net income (loss)	33,840	35,605	73,816	49,065
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	123	'	420	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	33,717	35,605	73,396	49,065
External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	277,818	252,385	759,425	657,819
Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | AMS	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	237,640	230,767	-648,229	600,414
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-153,415	-145,068	-440,078	-429,742
Depreciation and amortization	-17,257	-18,184	-52,671	-55,218
Interest expense	-3,964	-4,222	-12,221	-12,426
Other income (expense), net	435	311	1,248	854
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	63,439	63,604	144,507	103,882
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	-44	'	-130	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	63,483	'	144,637	'
Operating Segments | AMS | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	237,640	230,767	648,229	600,414
Operating Segments | AMS | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | Tourism	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	33,941	16,002	89,709	42,385
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-27,963	-11,212	-72,158	-34,631
Depreciation and amortization	-1,746	-681	-4,966	-1,999
Interest expense	-742	-280	-2,095	-773
Other income (expense), net	1	'	4	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	3,491	3,829	10,494	4,982
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	167	'	550	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	3,324	'	9,944	'
Operating Segments | Tourism | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	33,941	16,002	89,709	42,385
Operating Segments | Tourism | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Operating Segments | UR	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	8,456	7,717	30,764	21,349
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-8,193	-7,324	-28,160	-20,534
Depreciation and amortization	-598	-455	-1,733	-1,313
Interest expense	'	'	'	'
Other income (expense), net	'	-2	'	-2
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	-335	-64	871	-500
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	-335	'	871	'
Operating Segments | UR | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	6,151	5,597	21,401	14,928
Operating Segments | UR | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	2,305	2,120	9,363	6,421
Corporate Activities	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	86	19	86	92
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	-9,672	-8,558	-29,178	-25,138
Depreciation and amortization	-520	-461	-1,540	-1,260
Interest expense	-635	-688	-2,123	-1,970
Other income (expense), net	-114	40	-664	112
Income tax expense	-21,552	-22,065	-47,433	-30,815
Segment net income (loss)	-32,407	-31,713	-80,852	-58,979
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	-32,407	'	-80,852	'
Corporate Activities | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	86	19	86	92
Corporate Activities | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	-2,305	-2,120	-9,363	-6,421
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization	1,957	2,069	8,159	6,101
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'
Segment net income (loss)	-348	-51	-1,204	-320
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries	-348	'	-1,204	'
Intersegment Eliminations | External revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	'	'	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | Intersegment revenue	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	($2,305)	($2,120)	($9,363)	($6,421)