10-K/A

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
____________________________
FORM 10-K/A
(Mark One)
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
OR
[  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to _____________
Commission File No. 001-13489
____________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Corporate Charter)
Delaware	52-2057472
(State of Incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer I.D. No.)
100 Vine Street
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130
(Address of principal executive offices)
Telephone Number: 615-890-2020
____________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
Shares of Common Stock Shares of Preferred Cumulative Convertible Stock	NYSE MKT NYSE MKT
____________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None
____________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [x]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [x]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:   Yes [x]   No [  ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [x]      No [  ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [x]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Large accelerated filer [  ]    Accelerated filer [x]    Non-accelerated filer [  ]   Smaller reporting company [  ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).        Yes [  ]  No [x]
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2012 (based on the closing price of such shares on the NYSE MKT) was approximately $308 million.  For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, all directors, named executive officers and persons known to the Registrant to be holders of 5% or more of the Registrant’s Common Stock have been deemed affiliates of the Registrant.
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 12, 2013 was 14,158,127.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Form 10-K:
The Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2013 shareholder’s meeting.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Company is filing this Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 which was originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2013, for the sole purpose of properly dating the auditor's reports in accordance with Rule 2-02(a)(1) of Regulation S-X.

No other changes have been made to the previously filed Form 10-K.  This Amendment does not reflect events that have occurred after the February 15, 2013 filing date of the previously filed Form 10-K, or modify or update the disclosures presented therein, except to reflect the amendment described above.  

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ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

National HealthCare Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National HealthCare Corporation as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a).  These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of National HealthCare Corporation at December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), National HealthCare Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 15, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

February 15, 2013

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

				Year Ended December 31,
				2012		2011		2010
Revenues:
	Net patient revenues		$		705,386	$	715,489	$	663,629
	Other revenues				55,876		58,048		57,024
		Net operating revenues			761,262		773,537		720,653
Costs and Expenses:
	Salaries, wages and benefits				426,934		428,672		400,270
	Other operating				198,691		198,439		197,016
	Rent				39,355		39,736		38,086
	Depreciation and amortization				29,792		28,901		27,141
	Interest				455		443		513
		Total costs and expenses			695,227		696,191		663,026
Income Before Non-Operating Income					66,035		77,346		57,627
Non-Operating Income					25,245		20,533		23,340
Income Before Income Taxes					91,280		97,879		80,967
Income Tax Provision					(33,323)		(33,807)		(28,272)
Net Income					57,957		64,072		52,695
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders					(8,671)		(8,671)		(8,673)
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders			$		49,286	$	55,401	$	44,022
Earnings Per Common Share:
	Basic		$		3.56	$	4.02	$	3.22
	Diluted		$		3.49	$	3.90	$	3.22
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
	Basic				13,852,709		13,774,628		13,671,053
	Diluted				16,598,816		16,414,023		13,676,476

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

			Year Ended December 31,
			2012		2011		2010
Net Income		$		57,957	$	64,072	$	52,695
Other Comprehensive Income:
	Unrealized gains on investments in marketable securities			23,099		598		15,016
	Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income			(8,993)		(183)		(5,809)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax				14,106		415		9,207
Comprehensive Income		$		72,063	$	64,487	$	61,902

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

				December 31,
				2012		2011
Assets
	Current Assets:
		Cash and cash equivalents		$	66,701	$	61,008
		Restricted cash and cash equivalents			11,563		50,587
		Marketable securities			107,250		85,051
		Restricted marketable securities			135,207		83,625
		Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
			accounts of $3,166 and $3,713, respectively		74,693		71,696
		Inventories			6,660		7,419
		Prepaid expenses and other assets			1,132		1,082
		Notes receivable			5,840		1,260
		Federal income tax receivable			5,933		6,470
			Total current assets		414,979		368,198
	Property and Equipment:
		Property and equipment, at cost			675,455		659,523
		Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(254,548)		(229,872)
			Net property and equipment		420,907		429,651
	Other Assets:
		Deposits			143		397
		Goodwill			17,600		20,320
		Notes receivable			15,949		21,189
		Deferred income taxes			10,564		10,167
		Investments in limited liability companies			40,039		20,502
			Total other assets		84,295		72,575
			Total assets	$	920,181	$	870,424

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

					December 31,
					2012		2011
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current Liabilities:
		Trade accounts payable		$	10,555	$	9,834
		Accrued payroll			37,243		54,063
		Amounts due to third party payors			17,001		16,807
		Accrued risk reserves			110,331		98,732
		Deferred income taxes			24,474		14,526
		Other current liabilities			20,411		20,335
		Dividends payable			6,480		6,362
			Total current liabilities		226,495		220,659
	Long-Term Debt				10,000		10,000
	Other Noncurrent Liabilities				13,890		16,244
	Deferred Revenue				10,124		11,785
	Stockholders’ Equity:
		Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 10,838,412 and 10,838,490 shares, respectively,  issued and outstanding; stated at liquidation value of $15.75 per share			170,514		170,515
		Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 14,158,127 and 13,862,738 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding			141		138
		Capital in excess of par value			154,692		139,183
		Retained earnings			283,517		265,198
		Accumulated other comprehensive income			50,808		36,702
			Total stockholders’ equity		659,672		611,736
			Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	920,181	$	870,424

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

						Year Ended December 31,
						2012		2011		2010
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
	Net income				$	57,957	$	64,072	$	52,695
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization				29,792		28,901		27,141
		Provision for doubtful accounts receivable				2,455		2,430		2,256
		Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments				(13,616)		(9,674)		(8,993)
		Distributions from unconsolidated investments				6,317		10,828		6,462
		Recovery of assets in acquisition of healthcare centers				–		–		(3,563)
		Gains on sale of marketable securities				(1,640)		(754)		(891)
		Deferred income taxes				558		1,990		3,505
		Stock-based compensation				2,366		2,751		321
		Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions:
			Restricted cash and cash equivalents			(7,636)		(7,830)		(2,509)
			Accounts receivable			(7,263)		5,032		(15,817)
			Income tax receivable			537		(3,779)		3,470
			Inventories			759		434		(372)
			Prepaid expenses and other assets			(77)		169		(166)
			Trade accounts payable			831		(1,113)		(352)
			Accrued payroll			(16,418)		2,008		5,205
			Amounts due to third party payors			481		(860)		(891)
			Other current liabilities and accrued risk reserves			11,675		(9,129)		(103)
			Other noncurrent liabilities			(2,354)		(2,617)		(3,772)
			Deferred revenue			(31)		(35)		(265)
				Net cash provided by operating activities		64,693		82,824		63,361
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
		Additions to and acquisitions of property and equipment				(22,003)		(23,372)		(32,293)
		Acquisition of non-controlling interest in hospice business				(7,500)		(7,500)		–
		Acquisition of homecare business				–		–		(14,342)
		Collections of notes receivable, net				660		1,222		1,300
		Decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents				46,660		9,235		47,451
		Purchases of marketable securities				(111,691)		(57,597)		(93,305)
		Sale of marketable securities				62,649		46,266		43,849
		Cash acquired in acquisition of facilities				–		–		989
				Net cash used in investing activities		(31,225)		(31,746)		(46,351)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
		Tax (expense) benefit from stock-based compensation				(267)		(52)		154
		Dividends paid to preferred stockholders				(8,671)		(8,671)		(8,673)
		Dividends paid to common stockholders				(30,849)		(15,952)		(14,780)
		Issuance of common shares				13,412		8,392		2,655
		Repurchase of common shares				–		–		(5,944)
		Entrance fee refunds				(1,630)		(2,170)		(957)
		(Increase) decrease in deposits				230		(95)		21
		Other				–		–		(30)
				Net cash used in financing activities		(27,775)		(18,548)		(27,554)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents						5,693		32,530		(10,544)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period						61,008		28,478		39,022
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period					$	66,701	$	61,008	$	28,478

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(continued)

			Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)			2012		2011		2010
Supplemental Information:
Cash payments for interest		$	383	$	501	$	658
Cash payments for income taxes			34,142		40,798		22,969
Non-cash activities include:
Effective January 1, 2012, NHC assigned the assets and liabilities of eight Solaris Hospice programs to Caris in exchange for an additional limited partnership interest.
	Current assets assigned		1,862		–		–
	Property and equipment assigned		303		–		–
	Current liabilities assigned		(799)		–		–
	Goodwill		2,945		–		–
	Investment in limited liability company		(4,311)		–		–
Effective December 1, 2010, NHC acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of two 120-bed long-term health care centers.   The consideration given was first mortgage bonds owned by NHC.
	Real and personal property		–		–		(4,873)
	Current assets acquired		–		–		(1,958)
	Current liabilities acquired		–		–		1,623
	First mortgage revenue bonds		–		–		1,645
	Gain on recovery of assets		–		–		3,563

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)

		Preferred Stock			Common Stock				Capital in Excess of		Retained		Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Total Stockholders’
		Shares		Amount	Shares		Amount		Par Value		Earnings		Income		Equity
Balance at January 1, 2010		10,841,062	$	170,555	13,717,701	$	137	$	130,867	$	197,140	$	27,080	$	525,779
	Net income	–		–	–		–		–		52,695		–		52,695
	Other comprehensive income	–		–	–		–		–		–		9,207		9,207
	Stock-based compensation	–		–	–		–		321		–		–		321
	Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	–		–	–		–		154		–		–		154
	Shares sold - options exercised	–		–	102,349		1		2,654		–		–		2,655
	Shares repurchased	–		–	(182,900)		(2)		(5,942)		–		–		(5,944)
	Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	(454)		(7)	108		–		7		–		–		–
	Dividends declared to preferred stockholders ($0.80 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(8,673)		–		(8,673)
	Dividends declared to common stockholders ($1.10 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(15,048)		–		(15,048)
Balance at December 31, 2010		10,840,608	$	170,548	13,637,258	$	136	$	128,061	$	226,114	$	36,287	$	561,146
	Net income	–		–	–		–		–		64,072		–		64,072
	Other comprehensive income	–		–	–		–		–		–		415		415
	Stock-based compensation	–		–	–		–		2,751		–		–		2,751
	Tax expense from exercise of stock options	–		–	–		–		(52)		–		–		(52)
	Shares sold - options exercised	–		–	224,969		2		8,390		–		–		8,392
	Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	(2,118)		(33)	511		–		33		–		–		–
	Dividends declared to preferred stockholders ($0.80 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(8,671)		–		(8,671)
	Dividends declared to common stockholders ($1.18 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(16,317)		–		(16,317)
Balance at December 31, 2011		10,838,490	$	170,515	13,862,738	$	138	$	139,183	$	265,198	$	36,702	$	611,736
	Net income	–		–	–		–		–		57,957		–		57,957
	Other comprehensive income	–		–	–		–		–		–		14,106		14,106
	Stock-based compensation	–		–	–		–		2,366		–		–		2,366
	Tax expense from exercise of stock options	–		–	–		–		(267)		–		–		(267)
	Shares sold - options exercised	–		–	295,371		3		13,409		–		–		13,412
	Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	(78)		(1)	18		–		1		–		–		–
	Dividends declared to preferred stockholders ($0.80 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(8,671)		–		(8,671)
	Dividends declared to common stockholders ($2.20 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(30,967)		–		(30,967)
Balance at December 31, 2012		10,838,412	$	170,514	14,158,127	$	141	$	154,692	$	283,517	$	50,808	$	659,672

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

National HealthCare Corporation ("NHC" or "the Company") operates, manages or provides services to long-term health care centers and associated assisted living centers, retirement centers and home health care programs located in 11 Southeastern, Northeastern and Midwestern states in the United States.  The most significant part of our business relates to skilled and intermediate nursing care in which setting we provide assisted living and retirement services, rehabilitative therapy services, and home health care.  We also have a non-controlling ownership interest in a hospice care business that services NHC owned health care centers and others.  The long-term health care environment has continually undergone changes with regard to Federal and state reimbursement programs and other payor sources, compliance regulations, competition among other health care providers and patient care litigation issues.  We continually monitor these industry developments as well as other factors that affect our business.  

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) include our wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries and affiliates. Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we have an interest have been consolidated when we have been identified as the primary beneficiary. Investments in ventures in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not have control over are accounted for using the equity method. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently are adjusted for our share of the venture’s earnings or losses and cash distributions.  Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris Healthcare, LP (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services.  Investments in entities in which we lack the ability to exercise significant influence are included in the consolidated financial statements at cost unless there has been a decline in the market value of our investment that is deemed to be other than temporary.  All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Net Patient Revenues and Accounts Receivable

Revenues are derived from services rendered to patients for long-term care, including skilled and intermediate nursing, rehabilitation therapy, hospice, assisted living and retirement and home health care services.

Revenues are recorded when services are provided based on established rates adjusted to amounts expected to be received under governmental programs and other third-party contractual arrangements based on contractual terms. These revenues and receivables are stated at amounts estimated by management to be at their net realizable value.

For private pay patients in skilled nursing or assisted living and retirement facilities, we bill in advance for the following month, with the remittance being due on receipt of the statement and generally by the 10th day of the

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month the services are performed. A portion of the episodic Medicare payments for home health services are also received in advance of the services being rendered.  All advance billings are initially deferred and then are recognized as revenue when the services are performed.

We receive payments from the Medicare program under a prospective payment system ("PPS").  For skilled nursing services, Medicare pays a fixed fee per Medicare patient per day, based on the acuity level of the patient, to cover all post-hospital extended care routine service costs, ancillary costs and capital related costs.

Medicaid program payments for long-term care services are generally based on fixed per diem rates subject to program cost ceilings.

For homecare services, Medicare pays based on the acuity level of the patient and based on episodes of care.  An episode of care is defined as a length of care up to 60 days with multiple continuous episodes allowed. The services covered by the episode payment include all disciplines of care, in addition to medical supplies, within the scope of the home health benefit.  We are allowed to make a request for anticipated payment at the start of care equal to 60% of the expected payment for the initial episode.  The remaining balance due is paid following the submission of the final claim at the end of the episode.  Revenues are recognized when services are provided based on the number of days of service rendered in the episode.  Deferred revenue is recorded for payments received for which the related services have not yet been provided.

Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation.  Noncompliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to regulatory actions including fines, penalties, and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  We believe that we are in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Medicare program revenues, as well as certain Medicaid program revenues, are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment by government representatives.  The Medicare PPS methodology requires that patients be assigned to Resource Utilization Groups ("RUGs") based on the acuity level of the patient to determine the amount paid to us for patient services.  The assignment of patients to the various RUG categories is subject to post-payment review by Medicare intermediaries or their agents.  In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews.  Retroactive adjustments are estimated in the recording of revenues in the period the related services are rendered.  Any differences between our original estimates of reimbursements and subsequent revisions are reflected in operations in the period in which the revisions are made often due to final determination or the period of payment no longer being subject to audit or review.  We believe currently that any differences between the net revenues recorded and final determination will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements.  We have made provisions of approximately $17,001,000 as of December 31, 2012 for various Medicare and Medicaid current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews.   

Approximately 67% of our net patient revenues are derived from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs and other government programs.

Other Revenues

As discussed in Note 4 other revenues include revenues from the provision of insurance, management and accounting services to other long-term care providers, and rental income.  Our insurance revenues consist of premiums that are generally paid in advance and then amortized into income as earned over the related policy period.  We charge for management services based on a percentage of net revenues.  We charge for accounting services based on a monthly fee or a fixed fee per bed of the long-term care center under contract.  We generally record other revenues on the accrual basis based on the terms of our contractual arrangements.  However, with respect to management and accounting services revenue from certain long-term care providers, including but not limited to National Health Corporation ("National")  as discussed in Note 4, where collection is not reasonably assured based on insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, our policy is to

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recognize income only in the period in which collection is assured and the amounts at question are believed by management to be fixed and determined.  

Certain management contracts, including, but not limited to contracts with National, subordinate the payment of management fees earned under those contracts to other expenditures of the long-term care center and to the availability of cash provided by the facility’s operations.  Revenues from management services provided to the facilities that generate insufficient cash flow to pay the management fee, as prioritized under the contractual arrangement, are not recognized until such time as the amount of revenue earned is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.  This recognition policy could cause our reported revenues and net income from management services to vary significantly from period to period.

We recognize rental income based on the terms of our operating leases.  Under certain of our leases, we receive contingent rent, which is based on the increase in revenues of a lessee over a base year.  We recognize contingent rent annually or monthly, as applicable, when, based on the actual revenue of the lessee, receipt of such income is assured.  We identify leased real estate properties as nonperforming if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due.  Our policy related to rental income on non-performing leased real estate properties is to recognize rental income in the period when the income is received.  

Non-Operating Income

As discussed in Note 5, non-operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and realized gains on securities, interest income, and other miscellaneous non-operating income.

Provision for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on factors such as payor type, historical collection trends and aging categories.  We review these factors and determine an estimated provision for doubtful accounts.  Historically, bad debts have resulted primarily from uncollectible private balances or from uncollectible coinsurance and deductibles.  Receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance.  The allowance for doubtful accounts balance is assessed on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.  

The Company includes provisions for doubtful accounts in operating expenses in its consolidated statements of income.  The provisions for doubtful accounts were $2,455,000, $2,430,000, and $2,256,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets estimated as follows:  buildings and improvements, 20-40 years and equipment and furniture, 3-15 years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over periods that do not exceed the non-cancelable respective lease terms using the straight-line method.

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged against income as incurred.  Betterments, which significantly extend the useful life, are capitalized.  We remove the costs and related allowances for accumulated depreciation or amortization from the accounts for properties sold or retired, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income.  

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we evaluate the recoverability of the carrying values of our properties on a property by property basis.  We review our properties for recoverability when events or circumstances, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, and significant deteriorations of the

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underlying cash flows of the property, indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable.  The need to recognize an impairment is based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows from a property over the remaining useful life compared to the carrying value of that property.  If recognition of an impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.

Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable

In accordance with ASC Topic 310, Receivables, NHC evaluates the carrying values of its mortgage and other notes receivable on an instrument by instrument basis.  On a quarterly basis, NHC reviews its notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable.  If necessary, an impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.

Investments in Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities

Our investments in marketable securities and restricted marketable securities include available for sale securities, which are recorded at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities that are deemed temporary are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  If any adjustment to fair value reflects a significant decline in the value of the security, we consider all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is "other than temporary".  Credit losses are identified when we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security.  In the event of a credit loss, only the amount associated with the credit loss is recognized in earnings, with the amount of loss relating to other factors recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  

Goodwill

The Company accounts for goodwill under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.  Under the provisions of this guidance, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment tests based on their estimated fair value. Unamortized goodwill is continually reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC.  The Company performs its annual impairment assessment on the first day of the fourth quarter.

Income Taxes

We utilize ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes.  Under this guidance, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  See Note 13 for further discussion of our accounting for income taxes.

Also under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-than-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  Liabilities for income tax matters include amounts for income taxes, applicable penalties, and interest thereon and are the result of the potential alternative interpretations of tax laws and the judgmental nature of the timing of recognition of taxable income.  

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Concentration of Credit Risks

Our credit risks primarily relate to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, restricted marketable securities and notes receivable.  Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments.  Restricted cash and cash equivalents is primarily invested in commercial paper and certificates of deposit with financial institutions and other interest bearing accounts.  Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from patients (funded through Medicare, Medicaid, other contractual programs and through private payors) and from other health care companies for management, accounting and other services.  We perform continual credit evaluations of our clients and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts on these accounts receivable.  Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities are held primarily in accounts with brokerage institutions.  Notes receivable relate primarily to secured loans with health care facilities (recorded as notes receivable in the consolidated balance sheets) as discussed in Note 11.  

At any point in time we have funds in our operating accounts and restricted cash accounts that are with third party financial institutions.  These balances in the U.S. may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits.  While we monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts, these cash and restricted cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets.  

Our financial instruments, principally our notes receivable, are subject to the possibility of loss of the carrying values as a result of the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations.  We obtain various collateral and other protective rights, and continually monitor these rights in order to reduce such possibilities of loss.  We evaluate the need to provide reserves for potential losses on our financial instruments based on management's periodic review of the portfolio on an instrument by instrument basis.  See Note 11 for additional information on the notes receivable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Marketable Securities

Restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted marketable securities primarily represent assets that are held by our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers' compensation and professional liability claims.

Inventories

Inventories consist generally of food and supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities primarily represent accruals for current federal and state income taxes, real estate taxes and other current liabilities.

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Accrued Risk Reserves

We are principally self-insured for risks related to employee health insurance and utilize wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers’ compensation and professional liability claims.  Accrued risk reserves primarily represent the accrual for risks associated with employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims.  The accrued risk reserves include a liability for unpaid reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims.  Our policy with respect to a significant portion of our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an actuary to estimate our exposure for claims obligation (for both asserted and unasserted claims).  Our health insurance reserve is based on our known claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but unreported claims determined by our analysis of historical claims paid.  We reassess our accrued risk reserves on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based awards granted include stock options, restricted stock units, and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan.  Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the awards, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period only for those equity awards expected to vest.

The fair value of the restricted stock units is determined based on the stock price on the date of grant. We estimated the fair value of stock options and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan using the Black-Scholes model. This model utilizes the estimated fair value of common stock and requires that, at the date of grant, we use the expected term of the grant, the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yield of our common stock. The fair value is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.

Other Noncurrent Liabilities

Other noncurrent liabilities include reserves primarily related to various uncertain income tax positions (see Note 13).

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National (as discussed in Note 3), certain amounts related to episodic payments received by our home health care providers in advance of providing services (as discussed in Note 1) and entrance fees that have been and are currently being received upon reservation and occupancy of retirement center units for a continuing care retirement community we own.  In accordance with ASC Topic 954-430, Health Care Entities – Deferred Revenue, the estimated amount of entrance fees that are expected to be refunded to current residents should be recorded as deferred revenue.  According to our entrance fee contracts, a portion of the entrance fees are refundable (90%) only after a contract holder’s unit has been resold. The amounts received from new residents in excess of the amounts to be paid to previous residents are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the facility.  The non-refundable portion (10%) is being recognized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents.  

Comprehensive Income

ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, requires that changes in the amounts of certain items, including unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, be shown in the consolidated financial statements as comprehensive income.  We report comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and also in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.

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Segment Disclosures

ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial reports issued to stockholders.  Management believes that substantially all of our operations are part of the long-term health care industry segment. See Note 4 for a detail of other revenues provided within the long-term health care industry segment.  Information about the costs and expenses associated with each of the components of other revenues is not separately identifiable.  

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011–08, which is included in the Codification under ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.”  The revised standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual goodwill impairment test by providing entities an option to perform a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary.  This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2012.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–05, which is included in Codification under ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income”. This accounting standard update eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. It also requires presentation on the face of the financial statements of reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2012. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–12 which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments only. The adoption of this accounting standard update resulted in financial statement presentation changes only.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–04, which is included in the Codification under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”  The amendments in this update result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  The amendments became effective beginning in our first fiscal quarter of 2012.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Investors, Inc.

In 1991, we formed National Health Investors, Inc. ("NHI") as a wholly-owned subsidiary.  We then transferred to NHI certain healthcare facilities owned by NHC and distributed the shares of NHI to NHC’s stockholders.  The distribution had the effect of separating NHC and NHI into two independent public companies.  As a result of the distribution, all of the outstanding shares of NHI were distributed to the then NHC investors.  NHI is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NHI.

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Leases

On October 17, 1991, concurrent with our conveyance of real property to NHI, we leased from NHI the real property of certain health care centers.  At December 31, 2012, we lease the real property of 38 long-term health care centers, six assisted living centers and three independent living centers.  As part of our lease with NHI, we sublease four Florida long-term care centers to four separate corporations, none of which we own or control.

A 15-year lease extension began on January 1, 2007, and included three additional five-year renewal options, each at fair market value.  On December 26, 2012, we extended the lease agreement through the first of the three additional five-year renewal options; therefore, extending the master lease date through 2026 and the two additional five-year renewal options still remain.  Under the terms of the lease, base rent for 2007 totaled $33,700,000 with rent thereafter escalating by 4% of the increase in facility revenue over a 2007 base year.  The percentage rent is based on a quarterly calculation of revenue increases and is payable on a quarterly basis.  Percentage rent expense for 2012, 2011, and 2010 was approximately $2,591,000, $2,969,000, and $1,122,000, respectively.

Each lease with NHI is a "triple net lease" under which we are responsible for paying all taxes, utilities, insurance premium costs, repairs and other charges relating to the ownership of the facilities.  We are obligated at our expense to maintain adequate insurance on the facilities' assets.

We have a right of first refusal with NHI to purchase any of the properties transferred from us should NHI receive an offer from an unrelated party during the term of the lease or up to 180 days after termination of the related lease.

Base rent expense to NHI was $33,700,000 in 2012.  At December 31, 2012, the approximate future minimum base rent to be paid by us on non-cancelable operating leases with NHI are as follows:

		Total Commitments Including Florida Facilities		Total Commitments Excluding Florida Facilities
2013	$	33,700,000	$	28,948,000
2014		33,700,000		28,948,000
2015		33,700,000		28,948,000
2016		33,700,000		33,700,000
2017		33,700,000		33,700,000
Thereafter		303,300,000		303,300,000

Investment in NHI Common Stock

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we own 1,630,642 shares (or 5.9%) of NHI’s outstanding common stock.  We account for our investment in NHI common stock as available for sale marketable securities in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 320, Investments.  

Note 3 - Relationship with National Health Corporation

National Health Corporation, which is wholly-owned by the National Health Corporation Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), was formed in 1986 and is our administrative services affiliate and contractor.  As discussed below, all of the personnel conducting our business, including our executive management team, are employees of National and have ownership interests in National only through their participation as employees in the ESOP.

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Management Contracts

We currently manage five long-term health care centers for National under a management contract.  We manage the centers for management fees that are comparable to those in the industry.  The management contract has been extended until January 1, 2018.  See Note 4 for additional information regarding management fees recognized from National.

Financing Activities

During 1991, we borrowed $10,000,000 from National.  The term note payable currently requires quarterly interest payments at the prime rate minus .85 percent.  The entire principal is due at maturity in 2018.

In conjunction with our management contract, we have entered into a line of credit arrangement whereby we may have amounts due from National from time to time.  The maximum loan commitment under the line of credit is $2,000,000.  The interest rate on the line of credit is prime plus one percent and the final maturity is January 20, 2018.  At December 31, 2012, National did not have an outstanding balance on the line of credit.

The maximum line of credit commitment amount of $2,000,000 is also the amount of a deferred gain that has been outstanding since NHC sold certain assets to National in 1988.  The amount of the deferred gain is expected to remain deferred until the management contract with National expires, currently scheduled in January 2018.  The deferred gain is included in deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.

Payroll and Related Services

The personnel conducting our business, including our executive management team, are employees of National and have ownership interests in National only through their participation in the ESOP.  National provides payroll services to NHC, provides employee fringe benefits, and maintains certain liability insurance.  We pay to National all the costs of personnel employed for our benefit, as well as an administrative fee equal to 1% of payroll costs.  Such costs of personnel totaling approximately $426,934,000, $428,672,000, and $400,270,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively, are reflected as salaries, wages and benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  The administrative fee paid to National for 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $3,862,000, $3,608,000, and $3,299,000, respectively.  National owes us $5,149,086 and $6,933,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as a result of the differences between interim payments for payroll and benefits services costs made during the current and previous years and such actual costs.  The amounts are included in accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets.  

National’s Ownership of Our Stock

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, National owns 1,271,147 shares (or approximately 9.0%) of our outstanding common stock and 1,271,147 shares (or approximately 11.7%) of our outstanding preferred stock.  

Consolidation Considerations

Because of the contractual and management relationships between NHC and National as described in this note above, we have considered whether National should be consolidated by NHC under the guidance provided in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation.  We do not consolidate National because (1) NHC does not have any obligation or rights (current or future) to absorb losses or to receive benefits from National.  The ESOP participants bear the current and future financial gain or burden of National, (2) National’s equity at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without past or future subordinated support from NHC or other parties, and (3) the equity holders of National (that is collectively the ESOP, its trustees, and the ESOP participants) possess the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, including voting rights that are proportional to their economic interests.  Supporting

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the assertions above is the following:  (1) substantive independent trustees are appointed for the benefit of the ESOP participants when decisions must be made that may create the appearance of a conflict of interest between NHC and the ESOP, and (2) National was designed, formed and is operated for the purpose of creating variability and passing that variability along to the ESOP participants—that is, to provide retirement benefits and value to the employees of NHC and NHC’s affiliates.  The contractual and management relationships between NHC and National are with certain nursing centers that are substantially less than 50% of the fair value of the total assets of National.  NHC does not have a variable interest in National as a whole.

Note 4 - Other Revenues

Other revenues are outlined in the table below.  Revenues from insurance services include premiums for workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance policies that our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance subsidiaries have written for certain long-term health care centers to which we provide management or accounting services. Revenues from management and accounting services include management and accounting fees provided to managed and other long-term health care centers.  Revenues from rental income include health care real estate properties owned by us and leased to third party operators.  Other revenues include miscellaneous health care related earnings.

		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Insurance services	$	15,671	$	15,657	$	17,068
Management and accounting service fees		20,042		21,601		20,897
Rental income		19,039		19,124		17,375
Other		1,124		1,666		1,684
	$	55,876	$	58,048	$	57,024

Management Fees from National

We have managed long-term care centers for National since 1988, and we currently manage five centers.  See Note 3 regarding our relationship with National.

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, National paid and we recognized approximately $3,397,000, $3,539,000, and $3,982,000, respectively, of management fees and interest on management fees, which amounts are included in management and accounting service fees.  Unrecognized and unpaid management fees from National total $21,333,000, $21,289,000, and $21,320,000 at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We have recognized approximately $37,621,000 of management fees and interest from these centers since 1988.

The unpaid fees from these five centers, because the amount collectable could not be reasonably determined when the management services were provided, and because we cannot estimate the timing or amount of expected future collections, will be recognized as revenues only when the collectability of these fees can be reasonably assured.  Under the terms of our management agreement with National, the payment of these fees to us may be subordinated to other expenditures of the five long-term care centers.  We continue to manage these centers so that we may be able to collect our fees in the future and because the incremental savings from discontinuing services to a center may be small compared to the potential benefit.  We may receive payment for the unrecognized management fees in whole or in part in the future only if cash flows from the operating and investing activities of centers or proceeds from the sale of the centers are sufficient to pay the fees.  There can be no assurance that such future improved cash flows will occur.  

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Management Fees from Other Nursing Centers

We continue to manage fourteen long-term health centers (excluding the five National centers) for third-party owners where the management fees are recognized only when realized.  During 2012, 2011, and 2010, we recognized $5,660,000, $6,138,000, and $4,753,000, respectively, of management fees and interest from these fourteen long-term care centers.  Unrecognized and unpaid management fees from these centers total $8,505,000, $8,502,000, and $8,889,000 at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  We have recognized approximately $39,807,000 of management fees and interest from these centers since 2002.  

The unpaid fees from these fourteen centers, because of insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, will be recognized as revenues only when the collectability of the fees can be reasonably assured.  Under the terms of our management agreements, the payment of these fees to us may be subordinated to other expenditures of each of the long-term care providers.  We continue to manage these centers so that we may be able to collect our fees in the future and because the incremental savings from discontinuing services to a center may be small compared to the potential benefit.  We may receive payment for the unrecognized and uncollected management fees in whole or in part in the future only if cash flows from operating and investing activities of the centers or proceeds from the sale of the centers are sufficient to pay the fees.  There can be no assurance that such future improved cash flows will occur.

During 2012, a receiver was appointed for the fourteen long-term health centers and the Board of Directors’ of the respective two nonprofit organizations no longer have the custodial responsibility over the assets of the entities.  Consequently, the appointed receiver for each of the two nonprofit organizations filed a lawsuit against us and another party.  As stated above, we are currently managing the fourteen facilities and have a management contract with the receiver, but it is unknown at this time how long we will continue to manage the health care centers or the receiver’s intentions.  However, if we no longer manage some or all of the fourteen health care centers, such impact may be adverse and material to our future results of operations and cash flows.  See Note 15 for additional information on the pending litigation.   

Rental Income

In 2007, NHC acquired all of the net assets of National Health Realty, Inc., which was a health care real estate investment trust.  The properties acquired in the acquisition are the properties that have generated the majority of the rental income for NHC for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.  The health care properties currently owned and leased to third party operators include nine skilled nursing facilities and four assisted living communities.  We renewed the rental agreements in 2011 for a five year period, which ends on December 31, 2015.

Note 5 – Non-Operating Income

Non-operating income is outlined in the table below.  Non-operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and other realized gains and losses on securities, interest income, and other miscellaneous non-operating income.  Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris, a business that specializes in hospice care services.  See Note 16 for additional disclosures regarding Caris.  

		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	$	13,616	$	9,674	$	8,993
Dividends and net realized gains on sales of securities		7,006		5,875		5,404
Interest income		4,623		4,984		5,380
Recovery of assets in acquisition of healthcare centers		–		–		3,563
	$	25,245	$	20,533	$	23,340

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Note 6 – Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses include the costs of care and services that we provide to the residents of our facilities and the costs of maintaining our facilities.  Our primary patient care costs include drugs, medical supplies, purchased professional services, food, professional insurance and licensing fees.  The primary facility costs include utilities and property insurance.

Note 7 - Earnings Per Share

We compute earnings per share using the two-class method.  Under the two-class method, earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  

The following table summarizes the earnings and the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

			Year Ended December 31,
			2012		2011		2010
			(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Basic:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,852,709		13,774,628		13,671,053
	Net income	$	57,957	$	64,072	$	52,695
	Dividends to preferred stockholders		8,671		8,671		8,673
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	49,286	$	55,401	$	44,022
	Earnings per common share, basic	$	3.56	$	4.02	$	3.22
Diluted:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,852,709		13,774,628		13,671,053
	Dilutive effect of stock options		8,019		9,934		3,237
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock		5,526		6,009		2,186
	Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock		109,233		–		–
	Convertible preferred stock		2,623,329		2,623,452		–
	Assumed average common shares outstanding		16,598,816		16,414,023		13,676,476
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	49,286	$	55,401	$	44,022
	Add dilutive preferred stock dividends for effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock		8,671		8,671		–
	Net income for diluted earnings per common share	$	57,957	$	64,072	$	44,022
	Earnings per common share, diluted	$	3.49	$	3.90	$	3.22

Excluded in the above table are 1,068,302; 1,420,620; and 235,620 shares associated with stock options for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, due to their antidilutive impact.  Also excluded in 2010 are 2,623,861 potential common shares issuable upon the conversion of preferred stock due to their antidilutive impact.

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Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities

Our investments in marketable securities include available for sale securities.  Realized gains and losses from securities sales are determined on the specific identification of the securities.  Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities consist of the following:

			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
(in thousands)			Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized   Cost		Fair Value
Investments available for sale:
	Marketable equity securities	$	30,176	$	107,250	$	30,176	$	85,051
Restricted investments available for sale:
	Corporate debt securities		61,453		62,876		33,426		34,074
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		47,194		48,063		33,275		33,904
	U.S. Treasury securities		16,218		16,604		7,778		8,070
	State and municipal securities		7,213		7,664		7,270		7,577
		$	162,254	$	242,457	$	111,925	$	168,676

Included in the available for sale marketable equity securities are the following:

(in thousands, except share amounts)

	December 31, 2012					December 31, 2011
	Shares		Cost		Fair Value	Shares		Cost		Fair Value
NHI Common Stock	1,630,642	$	24,734	$	92,180	1,630,642	$	24,734	$	71,716

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities classified as available for sale, by contractual maturity, are as follows:

		December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
(in thousands)		Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Maturities:
Within 1 year	$	8,868	$	8,918	$	5,280	$	5,298
1 to 5 years		80,910		82,801		44,923		45,734
6 to 10 years		40,670		41,856		21,993		22,768
Over 10 years		1,630		1,632		9,553		9,825
	$	132,078	$	135,207	$	81,749	$	83,625

 Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale securities are $80,296,000 and $57,138,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Gross unrealized losses related to available for sale securities were $93,000 and $387,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale of investments in marketable securities during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $62,649,000, $46,266,000, and $43,849,000, respectively.  Net investment gains of $1,640,000, $754,000, and $891,000 were realized on these sales during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

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Note 9 – Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standard for fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  This accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available.  The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – The valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2 – The valuation is based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.  

Level 3 – The valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by minimal or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the instrument.  Level 3 valuations are typically performed using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate management’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, or valuations that require significant management judgment or estimation.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  

Valuation of Marketable Securities

The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 1 inputs through quoted market prices.  The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 2 inputs through broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.  Our Level 2 marketable securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each month, typically utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data.  The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value.  These observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, and other industry and economic events.  

We validated the prices provided by our broker by reviewing their pricing methods, obtaining market values from other pricing sources, analyzing pricing data in certain instances and confirming that the relevant markets are active.  After completing our validation procedures, we did not adjust or override any fair value measurements provided by our broker as of December 31, 2012 or 2011.  We did not have any transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 or 2011.  

Other

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.  The estimated fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value based principally on their underlying interest rates and terms, maturities, collateral and credit status of the receivables.  Our long-term debt approximates fair value due to variable interest rates.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no material differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of NHC’s financial instruments.  

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The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

		Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2012		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,701	$	66,701	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		11,563		11,563		–		–
Marketable equity securities		107,250		107,250		–		–
Corporate debt securities		62,876		–		62,876		–
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		48,063		–		48,063		–
U.S. Treasury securities		16,604		16,604		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,664		–		7,664		–
Total financial assets	$	320,721	$	202,118	$	118,603	$	–

		Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2011		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,008	$	61,008	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		50,587		50,587		–		–
Marketable equity securities		85,051		85,051		–		–
Corporate debt securities		34,074		–		34,074		–
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		33,904		–		33,904		–
U.S. Treasury securities		8,070		8,070		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,577		–		7,577		–
Total financial assets	$	280,271	$	204,716	$	75,555	$	–

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Note 10 - Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following:

		December 31,
		2012		2011
		(in thousands)
Land	$	50,711	$	47,195
Leasehold improvements		90,925		88,204
Buildings and improvements		396,228		390,973
Furniture and equipment		126,288		123,613
Construction in progress		11,303		9,538
		675,455		659,523
Less:  Accumulated depreciation		(254,548)		(229,872)
	$	420,907	$	429,651

Note 11 - Notes Receivable

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we have notes receivable from managed and other long-term health care centers totaling $21,789,000 and $22,449,000, respectively, reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  The notes are first and second mortgages with interest rates ranging from prime plus 2% to 10.5% fixed rate with periodic payments required prior to maturity.  The notes mature in the years from 2013 through 2016.  The proceeds of the notes were used by the long-term health care centers for construction costs, development costs incurred during construction, and working capital.  

Note 12 - Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):

	Weighted
	Average			December 31,
	Interest Rate	Maturities		2012		2011
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 0.9%	2013	$	–	$	–
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%	2018		10,000		10,000
				10,000		10,000
Less current portion				–		–
			$	10,000	$	10,000

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 $75,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement

 Effective October 24, 2012, we extended the maturity of our Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A., as lender (the "Lender").  The Credit Agreement provides for a $75,000,000 revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"), of which up to $5,000,000 may be utilized for letters of credit.  

Borrowings bear interest at either (i) the Eurodollar rate plus 0.70% or (ii) the base rate.  Letter of credit fees are equal to 0.70% times the maximum amount available to be drawn under outstanding letters of credit.  The rates and fees are unchanged from those in effect prior to the extension.  

Commitment fees are payable on the daily unused portion of the Credit Facility at a rate of twenty (20) basis points per annum.  NHC is permitted to prepay the loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time, without penalty.

The Credit Facility matures on October 23, 2013.  Between 90 and 120 days prior to the maturity date, NHC may request the extension of the maturity date.  If the Lender elects to consent to such extension, subject to certain conditions, the maturity date will be extended to the date which is 364 days after the then maturity date.

NHC’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain NHC subsidiaries and are secured by pledges by NHC and the guarantors of (i) 100% of the equity interests of domestic subsidiaries and (ii) up to 65% of the voting equity interests and 100% of the non-voting equity interests of foreign subsidiaries, in each case, held by NHC or the guarantors.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and covenants, including covenants that restrict, among other things, asset dispositions, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, restricted payments, debt, liens, investments and affiliate transactions.  The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default.

The Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2012 are as follows:

			Long-Term Debt
			(in thousands)
2013		$	−
2014			−
2015			−
2016			−
2017			−
Thereafter			10,000
	Total	$	10,000

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Note 13 - Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following components:

				Year Ended December 31,
				2012		2011		2010
				(in thousands)
Current Tax Provision
	Federal		$	29,147	$	29,311	$	23,734
	State			4,010		3,131		2,953
				33,157		32,442		26,687
Deferred Tax Provision
	Federal			162		1,220		1,386
	State			4		145		199
				166		1,365		1,585
		Income Tax Provision	$	33,323	$	33,807	$	28,272

The deferred tax assets and liabilities, consisting of temporary differences tax effected at the respective income tax rates, are as follows:

				December 31,
				2012		2011
				(in thousands)
Current deferred tax asset:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable		$	1,022	$	1,174
	Accrued expenses			7,490		7,946
				8,512		9,120
Current deferred tax liability:
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities			(31,154)		(22,058)
	Other			(1,832)		(1,588)
				(32,986)		(23,646)
		Net current deferred tax liability	$	(24,474)	$	(14,526)
Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
	Financial reporting depreciation in excess of tax depreciation		$	4,086	$	968
	Deferred gain on sale of assets (net)			(3,135)		(3,135)
	Tax basis intangible asset in excess of financial reporting basis			663		968
	Stock-based compensation			1,682		1,283
	Long-term investments			(1,387)		157
	Accrued expenses			2,132		2,129
	Deferred revenue			6,523		7,797
		Net noncurrent deferred tax asset	$	10,564		10,167

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A reconciliation of income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows:

				Year Ended December 31,
				2012		2011		2010
				(in thousands)
Tax provision at federal statutory rate			$	31,948	$	34,258	$	28,338
Increase (decrease) in income taxes
	resulting from:
	State, net of federal benefit			3,173		3,185		2,897
	Nondeductible expenses			118		188		169
	Insurance expense			39		26		(133)
	Other, net			823		57		62
	Unrecognized tax benefits			409		85		660
	Expiration of statute of limitations			(3,187)		(3,992)		(3,721)
				1,375		(451)		(66)
		Effective income tax expense	$	33,323	$	33,807	$	28,272

The exercise of non-qualified stock options results in state and federal income tax benefits to the Company related to the difference between the market price at the date of exercise and the option exercise price.  During 2012, 2011 and 2010, $(267,000), $(52,000), and $154,000, respectively, attributable to the tax benefit of stock options exercised and restricted stock, was credited to additional paid-in capital.  

Our deferred tax assets have been evaluated for realization based on historical taxable income, tax planning strategies, the expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income anticipated.  Our deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in full due to the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character under the tax law.  As such, there is no need for a valuation allowance.

Uncertain tax positions may arise where tax laws may allow for alternative interpretations or where the timing of recognition of income is subject to judgment.  We believe we have adequate provisions for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions.  However, because of uncertainty of interpretation by various tax authorities and the possibility that there are issues that have not been recognized by management, we cannot guarantee we have accurately estimated our tax liabilities.  We believe that our liabilities reflect the anticipated outcome of known uncertain tax positions in conformity with ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes.  Our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are presented in the consolidated balance sheets within other noncurrent liabilities.

Also under ASC Topic 740, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more–likely–than–not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  

In accordance with current guidance, the Company has established a liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which are differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured pursuant to this Interpretation.  Generally a liability is created for an unrecognized tax benefit because it represents a company’s potential future obligation to a taxing authority for a tax position that was not recognized per above.  

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

		Deferred Tax Asset		Liability For Unrecognized Tax Benefits		Liability For Interest and Penalties		Liability Total
Balance, January 1, 2010	$	11,894	$	17,275	$	5,358	$	22,633
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−		1,094		144		1,238
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(1,510)		(1,356)		67		(1,289)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(295)		(2,502)		(1,219)		(3,721)
Balance, December 31, 2010		10,089		14,511		4,350		18,861
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−		1,452		183		1,635
Additions for tax positions of prior years		(70)		189		(449)		(260)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(93)		(2,387)		(1,605)		(3,992)
Balance, December 31, 2011		9,926		13,765		2,479		16,244
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−		1,695		185		1,880
Additions for tax positions of prior years		728		845		170		1,015
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(1,999)		(4,309)		(940)		(5,249)
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	8,655	$	11,996	$	1,894	$	13,890

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we have recognized a $4,309,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $1,999,000 of temporary differences and $2,310,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $940,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse.  The favorable impact on our tax provision was $3,187,000 composed of $2,310,000 tax and $707,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $170,000 interest and penalties on temporary differences.

At December 31, 2012, we had $11,996,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $8,292,000 of deferred tax assets and $3,704,000 of permanent differences.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,894,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012.  Unrecognized tax benefits of $3,704,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2012, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,531,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2012.  We do not expect to recognize significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits within the twelve months beginning December 31, 2012, except for the effect of decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations estimated at $2,707,000, composed of temporary differences of $1,722,000, and permanent differences of $985,000.  Interest and penalties of $602,000 relate to these temporary and permanent difference changes within 12 months beginning December 31, 2012.  

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we have recognized a $2,387,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $-0- of temporary differences and $2,387,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $1,605,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse.  The favorable

30

impact on our tax provision was $3,992,000 composed of $2,387,000 tax and $1,605,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $-0- interest and penalties on temporary differences.

At December 31, 2011, we had $13,765,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $9,308,000 of deferred tax assets and $4,457,000 of permanent differences.  Accrued interest and penalties of $2,479,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011.  Unrecognized tax benefits of $4,457,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2011, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,650,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2011.    

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we have recognized a $2,502,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $-0- of temporary differences and $2,502,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $1,219,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse.  The favorable impact on our tax provision was $3,721,000 composed of $2,502,000 tax and $1,219,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $-0- interest and penalties on temporary differences.

At December 31, 2010, we had $14,511,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $9,048,000 of deferred tax assets and $5,463,000 of permanent differences.  Accrued interest and penalties of $4,350,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010.  Unrecognized tax benefits of $5,463,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2010, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,931,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2010.  

Interest and penalties expense related to U.S. federal and state income tax returns are included within income tax expense.  Interest and penalties expense (benefit) was $(585,000); $(1,871,000); and $(1,008,000); for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009 (with few state exceptions).  Currently, there are no U.S. federal and state returns under examination.

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation

NHC recognizes stock-based compensation for all stock options and restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the fair value for these grants as estimated at the date of grant either using the Black-Scholes pricing model for stock options or the quoted market price for restricted stock.

The 2005 and 2010 Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("the Committee") has the authority to select the participants to be granted options; to designate whether the option granted is an incentive stock option ("ISO"), a non–qualified option, or a stock appreciation right; to establish the number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the option; to establish the vesting provision for any award; and to establish the term any award may be outstanding.  The exercise price of any ISO’s granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted and the term of an ISO may not be any more than ten years.  The exercise price of any non–qualified options granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.

In May 2005, our stockholders approved the 2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan ("the 2005 Plan") pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock-based payments to key employees, directors, and non-employee consultants.  At December 31, 2012, 145,620 shares were available for future grants under the 2005 Plan.

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In May 2010, our stockholders approved the 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan ("the 2010 Plan") pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock-based payments to key employees, directors, and non-employee consultants.  At December 31, 2012, 470,732 shares were available for future grants under the 2010 Plan.

Under both the 2005 and 2010 Plans, the individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to five years.  The term of the options outstanding under both Plans is five years from the date of the grant.  Our policy is to issue new shares to satisfy option exercises.  

Additionally, we have an employee stock purchase plan that allows employees to purchase our shares of stock through payroll deductions.  The plan allows employees to terminate participation at any time.  

Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest.  Stock-based compensation totaled $2,366,000, $2,751,000, and $321,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  The expense for the 2012 year consisted of $2,159,000 for stock options and $207,000 for restricted stock.  

At December 31, 2012, we had $5,878,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation awards, which consisted of $5,392,000 for stock options and $486,000 for restricted stock.  This expense will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period, which is approximately 3.2 years for stock options and 1.3 years for restricted stock.  Stock-based compensation is included in salaries, wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of income.  Tax deductions for the options exercised and restricted stock vested totaled $404,000, $1,054,000, and $691,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  

Stock Options

The Company is required to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant.  The fair value of each option award is estimated using the Black–Scholes option valuation model with the weighted average assumptions indicated in the following table.  Each grant is valued as a single award with an expected term based upon expected employment and termination behavior.  Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period in a manner consistent with the option vesting provisions.  The straight–line attribution method requires that compensation expense is recognized at least equal to the portion of the grant–date fair value that is vested at that date.  The expected volatility is derived using weekly historical data for periods immediately preceding the date of grant.  The risk–free interest rate is the approximate yield on the United States Treasury Strips having a life equal to the expected option life on the date of grant.  The expected life is an estimate of the number of years an option will be held before it is exercised.  The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value the options granted in the periods shown.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
Risk-free interest rate	0.28%	2.02%	1.88%
Expected volatility	38.8%	23.7%	25.3%
Expected life, in years	2.1 years	4.8 years	4.5 years
Expected dividend yield	2.91%	3.62%	3.55%

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The following table summarizes option activity:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2010	385,305	$	44.78	$	−
Options granted	180,485		35.55		−
Options exercised	(72,149)		36.69		−
Options cancelled	(21,314)		32.01		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2010	472,327		43.07		−
Options granted	1,264,719		46.58		−
Options exercised	(224,969)		37.30		−
Options cancelled	(30,000)		44.25		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,482,077		46.92		−
Options granted	63,516		44.28		−
Options exercised	(295,371)		45.41		−
Options cancelled	(115,620)		50.99		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,134,602	$	46.75	$	711,000
Options exercisable	197,602	$	47.03	$	402,000

Options Outstanding December 31, 2012	Exercise Prices	Weighted Average Exercise Price	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
28,800	$37.70	$37.70	1.3
1,015,802	$44.80 - $46.69	$46.58	3.2
90,000	$51.50	$51.50	0.3
1,134,602		$46.75	3.0

At December 31, 2012, 197,602 options outstanding are exercisable.  Exercise prices on the options range from $37.70 to $51.50.  The weighted average remaining contractual life of all options outstanding at December 31, 2012 is 2.9 years.  The total intrinsic value of shares exercised during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $562,000.

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Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2010	–	$	–		–
Award shares granted	30,000		34.46		–
Award shares vested	–		–		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2010	30,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted	–		–		–
Award shares vested	6,000		34.46		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2011	24,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted	–		–		–
Award shares vested	6,000		34.46		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2012	18,000	$	34.46	$	226,000

The weighted average remaining contractual life of restricted stock at December 31, 2012 is 1.3 years.

Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees

Accrued Risk Reserves

We are self-insured for risks related to health insurance and have wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies that insure risks related to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability insurance claims both for our owned or leased entities and certain of the entities to which we provide management or accounting services.  The liability we have recognized for reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims totals $110,331,000 and $98,732,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  This liability is classified as current based on the uncertainty regarding the timing of potential payments.  The liability is included in accrued risk reserves in the consolidated balance sheets.  The amounts are subject to adjustment for actual claims incurred.  It is possible that these claims plus unasserted claims could exceed our insurance coverages and our reserves, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

As a result of the terms of our insurance policies and our use of wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies, we have retained significant insurance risk with respect to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability.  We use independent actuaries to estimate our exposures for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted claims) related to deductibles and exposures in excess of coverage limits, and we maintain reserves for these obligations.  Such estimates are based on many variables including historical and statistical information and other factors.  

Workers’ Compensation

For workers’ compensation, we utilize a wholly-owned Tennessee domiciled property/casualty insurance company to write coverage for NHC affiliates and for third-party customers.  Policies are written for a duration of twelve months and cover only risks related to workers’ compensation losses.  All customers are companies which operate in the long-term care industry.  Business is written on a direct basis.  For direct business, coverage is written for statutory limits and the insurance company’s losses in excess of $1,000,000 per claim are covered by reinsurance.  

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For these workers’ compensation insurance operations, the premium revenues reflected in the consolidated financial statements as other revenues for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are $5,438,000, $4,910,000, and $5,122,000.  Associated losses and expenses are reflected in the consolidated financial statements as salaries, wages and benefits.

General and Professional Liability Insurance and Lawsuits

The long term care industry has experienced significant increases in both the number of personal injury/wrongful death claims and in the severity of awards based upon alleged negligence by nursing facilities and their employees in providing care to residents.  As of December 31, 2012, we and/or our managed centers are currently defendants in 31 such claims covering the years 2005 through December 31, 2012.

In 2002, due to the unavailability and/or prohibitive cost of third-party professional liability insurance coverage, we established and capitalized a wholly-owned licensed liability insurance company incorporated in the Cayman Island, for the purpose of managing our losses related to these risks.  Thus, since 2002, insurance coverage for incidents occurring at all NHC owned providers, and most providers managed by us, is provided through this wholly-owned insurance company.  

Insurance coverage for all years includes both primary policies and excess policies.  Beginning in 2003, both primary and excess coverage is provided through our wholly-owned insurance company.  The primary coverage is in the amount of $1.0 million per incident, $3.0 million per location with an annual primary policy aggregate limit that is adjusted on an annual basis.  The excess coverage is $7.5 million annual excess in the aggregate applicable to years 2005-2007, $9.0 million annual excess in the aggregate for years 2008-2010 and $4.0 million excess per occurrence for 2011 and 2012.

Beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2012, additional insurance is purchased through third party providers that serve to supplement the coverage provided through our wholly-owned captive insurance company.  

For these professional liability insurance operations, the premium revenues reflected in the consolidated financial statements as other revenues for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are $4,203,000, $4,383,000, and $4,443,000.  Associated losses and expenses including those for self-insurance are included in the consolidated financial statements as other operating costs and expenses.  

SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. Lawsuit

On September 4, 2012, SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. ("SeniorTrust"), a Tennessee non-profit corporation, and ten non-profit limited liability company subsidiaries of SeniorTrust (the "SeniorTrust Subsidiaries") filed a lawsuit against the Company and another party.  The complaint of SeniorTrust and the SeniorTrust Subsidiaries alleges that the Company and another party exercised dominion and control over SeniorTrust, the SeniorTrust Subsidiaries and their board of directors for a period prior to sometime in 2008 and that the Company and another party used that control to cause one of SeniorTrust Subsidiaries to enter into sale, purchase, financing and management transactions with the Company and another party on terms adverse to SeniorTrust and one or more SeniorTrust Subsidiaries.  As part of its complaint, SeniorTrust and the SeniorTrust Subsidiaries seek a declaratory judgment and assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, conflict of interest, conversion, and unjust enrichment.  They claim that they have sustained substantial compensatory and punitive damages.

At December 31, 2012, NHC provides management services to seven skilled nursing centers for SeniorTrust and the SeniorTrust subsidiaries.  NHC has provided management services to these entities since 2005.  The Company adamantly denies the claims made by SeniorTrust and the SeniorTrust Subsidiaries and intends to vigorously defend against their complaint.

35

ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. Lawsuit

On January 16, 2013, we received notice that the receiver of ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. (“ElderTrust”), a Tennessee non-profit corporation, had filed a lawsuit against the Company and another party.  The complaint primarily asserts that the Company and another party caused ElderTrust to enter into transactions on adverse terms.  

At December 31, 2012, NHC provides management services to seven skilled nursing centers for ElderTrust.  NHC has provided management services to these entities since 2002.  The Company adamantly denies the claims made by ElderTrust and intends to vigorously defend against its complaint.

Other Matters   

On July 24, 2009, the Company received a civil investigative demand from the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, requesting production of documents related to NHC’s business relationships with non-profit entities.  The Company has responded to the demand and complied as required with the terms of the demand.

Debt Guarantees

At December 31, 2012, no agreement to guarantee the debt of other parties exists.  

Note 16 – Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P.

As of December 31, 2012, we have a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris, a business that specializes in hospice care services in NHC owned health care centers and in other settings.  The carrying value of our investment is $38,463,000 and $19,215,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The carrying amounts are included in investments in limited liability companies in the consolidated balance sheets.  Summarized financial information of Caris for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 is provided below.  

		December 31,
		2012		2011		2010
		( in thousands)
Current assets	$	30,894	$	18,219	$	20,257
Noncurrent assets		8,395		978		599
Liabilities		9,306		7,623		7,988
Partners’ capital		29,983		11,574		12,868
Revenue		57,824		44,454		43,896
Expenses		39,177		28,018		26,200
Net income		18,647		16,436		17,696

Increased Ownership Percentage

On January 1, 2012, we assigned our membership interest in Solaris Hospice to Caris in exchange for an additional 2.7% limited partnership interest.  At January 1, 2012, the carrying value of the assets and liabilities of the eight Solaris Hospice entities was $4,311,000.  In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, the carrying values have been reclassified to “investments in limited liability companies” in our December 31, 2012 consolidated balance sheet.  Of the carrying values that were reclassified, $2,945,000 was previously recorded goodwill.    

On June 1, 2012, we acquired an additional 7.5% limited partnership interest in Caris for $7.5 million.

36

Consolidation Considerations

Due to our increased ownership percentage in Caris, we have considered whether Caris should be consolidated by NHC under the guidance provided in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation.  We do not consolidate Caris because (1) Caris’ equity at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) the general partner of the Partnership has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Caris, and (3) the equity holders of Caris possess the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, including voting rights that are proportional to their economic interests.  Supporting the assertions above is the following:  (1) the ownership percentage of the general partner did not change and remains equally divided between NHC and another party, (2) the general partner manages and controls the Partnership with full and complete discretion, and (3) the limited partners have no right or power to take part in the control of the business of the Partnership, which is where our ownership percentage increases have occurred.   

Note 17 – Commitments

Asset Purchase Commitment

On December 26, 2012, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to purchase six skilled health care centers from NHI.  The six centers, which are located in Columbia (2), Knoxville and Springfield, Tennessee; Madisonville, Kentucky and Rossville, Georgia, have been leased by NHC since 1991 and have a total of 650 beds.  The purchase price is $21 million and the transaction is expected to close on December 31, 2013.  With the purchase of the six skilled health care centers, NHC’s master lease payment will decrease by $2.95 million in 2014.  

Lease Commitments

On December 26, 2012, we extended our master lease agreement with NHI through 2026.  Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 include expenses for leased premises and equipment under operating leases of $39,355,000, $39,736,000, and $38,086,000, respectively.  See Note 2 for the approximate future minimum rent commitments on non-cancelable operating leases with NHI.   

Note 18 – Variable Interest Entity

Accounting guidance requires that a variable interest entity (“VIE”), according to the provisions of ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, must be consolidated by the primary beneficiary.  The primary beneficiary is the party that has both the power to direct activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  We perform ongoing qualitative analysis to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE.  At December 31, 2012, we are the primary beneficiary of one VIE and therefore consolidate that entity.

Springfield, Missouri Lease

In December 2010, we signed an operating agreement to lease Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, a 120-bed skilled heath care center located in Springfield, Missouri.  The terms of the lease include a ten year lease and include five additional, five year lease options as well as a purchase option.  The operating lease agreement was established on the same date third party owners purchased the real estate of the 120-bed skilled health care center.  The third party owners purchased the real estate for $4,500,000, which is the amount NHC loaned the owners to purchase the facility under the terms of the lease agreement and the mortgage note.  The risks and rewards associated with the operations of the health care center and any appreciation or deprecation in the value of the real estate of the facility is borne by NHC.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the $4,500,000 mortgage note receivable from the third party owners is eliminated in our consolidated financial statements.  Land and buildings

37

and improvements of $4,500,000 have been recorded in our consolidated financial statements, as well as the operations of the center since December 1, 2010, because we are the primary beneficiary in the relationship.   

Note 19 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

On October 31, 2007, NHC issued $170,555,000 of NHC Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") with a liquidation preference of $15.75.  Each share of the Preferred Stock is entitled to annual preferred dividends of $0.80 per share.  Dividends on the Preferred Stock are cumulative.

The Preferred Stock, which is listed on the NYSE MKT exchange with the symbol "NHC.PRA", is convertible at any time at the option of the stockholder into NHC common stock at a conversion price of $65.07.  Each share of the Preferred Stock will be convertible into 0.24204 of a share of NHC common stock.  After the fifth anniversary of the closing date, NHC will have the option to redeem the Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, for $15.75 cash per share (plus accrued but unpaid dividends); provided that the Preferred Stock will not be redeemable prior to the eighth anniversary of the closing date unless the average closing price for NHC common stock for 20 trading sessions equals or exceeds the conversion price.  The conversion price will be adjusted to reflect any future NHC common stock splits or stock dividends.

Note 20 – Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock

On August 2, 2007, the NHC Board of Directors approved the adoption of a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend distribution of one right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of NHC common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 2, 2007. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from NHC a unit consisting of one one-ten thousandth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value at a purchase price of $250 per Unit, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a rights agreement between NHC and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent, dated as of August 2, 2007, as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.  No shares have been issued pursuant to this stockholder rights plan.  

Note 21 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)

The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial data for the two most recent fiscal years.

2012		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Net Operating Revenues	$	190,086	$	187,765	$	189,368	$	194,043
Income Before Non-Operating Income		14,742		16,487		16,671		18,135
Non-Operating Income		5,868		5,907		6,771		6,699
Net Income		12,676		13,614		17,233		14,434
Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,167		2,168
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		10,508		11,446		15,066		12,266
Basic Earnings Per Share		0.76		0.83		1.09		.88
Diluted Earnings Per Share		0.76		0.82		1.04		.87

2011		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Net Operating Revenues	$	192,948	$	190,783	$	197,064	$	192,742
Income Before Non-Operating Income		25,881		17,040		17,944		16,481
Non-Operating Income		4,561		5,155		5,140		5,677
Net Income		18,724		13,611		17,211		14,526
Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,167		2,168
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		16,556		11,443		15,044		12,358
Basic Earnings Per Share		1.21		.83		1.09		.89
Diluted Earnings Per Share		1.15		.83		1.05		.88

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2012, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and instructions for Form 10-K/A.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).   We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.  In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.  We have concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria.  Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young, LLP, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting included herein.

39

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

National HealthCare Corporation

We have audited National HealthCare Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). National HealthCare Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, National HealthCare Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of National HealthCare Corporation as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended and our report dated February 15, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

February 15, 2013

40

Changes in Internal Control

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefit of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, with NHC have been detected.

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

(a)

(1)

Financial Statements:

The Financial Statements are included in Item 8 and are filed as part of this report.

(2)

Financial Statement Schedule:

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

(in thousands)

Column A			Column B		Column C				Column D			Column E
					Additions
Description			Balance- Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to other Accounts		Deductions			Balance- End of Period
For the year ended December 31, 2010
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,502	$	2,256	$	−	$	1,816	(1)	$	3,942
	Accrued risk reserve	$	107,456	$	60,640	$	−	$	63,037		$	105,059
For the year ended December 31, 2011
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,942	$	2,430	$	−	$	2,659	(1)	$	3,713
	Accrued risk reserve	$	105,059	$	60,202	$	−	$	66,529		$	98,732
For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,713	$	2,455	$	−	$	3,002	(1)	$	3,166
	Accrued risk reserve	$	98,732	$	67,900	$	−	$	56,301		$	110,331
(1)  Amounts written off, net of recoveries

41

All other financial statement schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.  

(3)

Exhibits:

(a)

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index, which is found within this Form 10-K/A Annual Report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: August 23, 2013	/s/ Robert G. Adams
	Robert G. Adams
	Chief Executive Officer
Date:  August 23, 2013	/s/ Donald K. Daniel
	Donald K. Daniel
	Senior Vice President and Controller
	(Principal Financial Officer)

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-K/A FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.	Description		Page No. or Location
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer	Filed Herewith
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Accounting Officer	Filed Herewith
32	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 by Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer	Filed Herewith
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document	Filed Herewith
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	Filed Herewith
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	Filed Herewith
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	Filed Herewith
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	Filed Herewith
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	Filed Herewith

43

EX-31

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Robert G. Adams, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of National HealthCare Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function);

a.

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 23, 2013

/s/ Robert G. Adams                                 

Robert G. Adams

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Donald K. Daniel, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of National HealthCare Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function);

a.

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 23, 2013

/s/ Donald K. Daniel                              

Donald K. Daniel

Senior Vice President and Controller

(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32

Exhibit 32

Certification of Annual Report on Form 10-K/A

of National HealthCare Corporation

For The Year Ended December 31, 2012

The undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the undersigned's best knowledge and belief, the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for National HealthCare Corporation ("Issuer") for the period ending December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"):

(a)	fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
	Exchange Act of 1934; and
(b)	the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects,
	the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.

This Certification accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of the Issuer for the annual period ended December 31, 2012.

This Certification is executed as of August 23, 2013.

/s/Robert G. Adams                            

Robert G. Adams

Chief Executive Officer

 /s/ Donald K. Daniel                              

Donald K. Daniel

Principal Accounting Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.  

XML

Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P. (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Caris [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			75.10%
Equity Method Investments			$ 38,463,000	$ 19,215,000
Increase in Limited Partnership Interest Percentage	7.50%	2.70%
Increase in Limited Partnership Interest	7,500,000
Solaris Hospice [Member] | Reclassified Carrying Values which was Previously Recorded Goodwill [Member]
Assignment Of Hospice Business		2,945,000
Solaris Hospice [Member]
Number of Equity Method Entities		8
Assignment Of Hospice Business		$ 4,311,000

XML

Note 17 - Commitments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 26, 2012
Purchase Commitment Number of Properties					6
Purchase Commitment Number of Beds					650
Purchase Commitment Purchase Price					$ 21,000,000
Purchase Commitment Impact on Lease Expense	2,950,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		$ 39,355,000	$ 39,736,000	$ 38,086,000

XML

Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Note 9 – Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standard for fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  This accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available.  The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – The valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2 – The valuation is based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 – The valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by minimal or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the instrument.  Level 3 valuations are typically performed using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate management’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, or valuations that require significant management judgment or estimation.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Valuation of Marketable Securities

The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 1 inputs through quoted market prices.  The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 2 inputs through broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.  Our Level 2 marketable securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each month, typically utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data.  The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value.  These observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, and other industry and economic events.

We validated the prices provided by our broker by reviewing their pricing methods, obtaining market values from other pricing sources, analyzing pricing data in certain instances and confirming that the relevant markets are active.  After completing our validation procedures, we did not adjust or override any fair value measurements provided by our broker as of December 31, 2012 or 2011.  We did not have any transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 or 2011.

Other

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.  The estimated fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value based principally on their underlying interest rates and terms, maturities, collateral and credit status of the receivables.  Our long-term debt approximates fair value due to variable interest rates.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no material differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of NHC’s financial instruments.

The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2012	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs  (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,701	$	66,701	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		11,563		11,563		–		–
Marketable equity securities		107,250		107,250		–		–
Corporate debt securities		62,876		–		62,876		–
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		48,063		–		48,063		–
U.S. Treasury securities		16,604		16,604		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,664		–		7,664		–
Total financial assets	$	320,721	$	202,118	$	118,603	$	–

	Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2011	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,008	$	61,008	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		50,587		50,587		–		–
Marketable equity securities		85,051		85,051		–		–
Corporate debt securities		34,074		–		34,074		–
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		33,904		–		33,904		–
U.S. Treasury securities		8,070		8,070		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,577		–		7,577		–
Total financial assets	$	280,271	$	204,716	$	75,555	$	–

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Note 7 - Earnings per Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,068,302	1,420,620	235,620
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			2,623,861

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 66,701,000	$ 61,008,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	11,563,000	50,587,000
Marketable securities	107,250,000	85,051,000
Restricted marketable securities	135,207,000	83,625,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,166 and $3,713, respectively	74,693,000	71,696,000
Inventories	6,660,000	7,419,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,132,000	1,082,000
Notes receivable	5,840,000	1,260,000
Federal income tax receivable	5,933,000	6,470,000
Total current assets	414,979,000	368,198,000
Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment, at cost	675,455,000	659,523,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(254,548,000)	(229,872,000)
Net property and equipment	420,907,000	429,651,000
Other Assets:
Deposits	143,000	397,000
Goodwill	17,600,000	20,320,000
Notes receivable	15,949,000	21,189,000
Deferred income taxes	10,564,000	10,167,000
Investments in limited liability companies	40,039,000	20,502,000
Total other assets	84,295,000	72,575,000
Total assets	920,181,000	870,424,000
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	10,555,000	9,834,000
Accrued payroll	37,243,000	54,063,000
Amounts due to third party payors	17,001,000	16,807,000
Accrued risk reserves	110,331,000	98,732,000
Deferred income taxes	24,474,000	14,526,000
Other current liabilities	20,411,000	20,335,000
Dividends payable	6,480,000	6,362,000
Total current liabilities	226,495,000	220,659,000
Long-Term Debt	10,000,000	10,000,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities	13,890,000	16,244,000
Deferred Revenue	10,124,000	11,785,000
Stockholders’ Equity:
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 10,838,412 and 10,838,490 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding; stated at liquidation value of $15.75 per share	170,514,000	170,515,000
Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 14,158,127 and 13,862,738 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding	141,000	138,000
Capital in excess of par value	154,692,000	139,183,000
Retained earnings	283,517,000	265,198,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	50,808,000	36,702,000
Total stockholders’ equity	659,672,000	611,736,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 920,181,000	$ 870,424,000

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Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Investors, Inc.

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]

Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Investors, Inc.

In 1991, we formed National Health Investors, Inc. ("NHI") as a wholly-owned subsidiary.  We then transferred to NHI certain healthcare facilities owned by NHC and distributed the shares of NHI to NHC’s stockholders.  The distribution had the effect of separating NHC and NHI into two independent public companies.  As a result of the distribution, all of the outstanding shares of NHI were distributed to the then NHC investors.  NHI is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NHI.

Leases

On October 17, 1991, concurrent with our conveyance of real property to NHI, we leased from NHI the real property of certain health care centers.  At December 31, 2012, we lease the real property of 38 long-term health care centers, six assisted living centers and three independent living centers.  As part of our lease with NHI, we sublease four Florida long-term care centers to four separate corporations, none of which we own or control.

A 15-year lease extension began on January 1, 2007, and included three additional five-year renewal options, each at fair market value.  On December 26, 2012, we extended the lease agreement through the first of the three additional five-year renewal options; therefore, extending the master lease date through 2026 and the two additional five-year renewal options still remain.  Under the terms of the lease, base rent for 2007 totaled $33,700,000 with rent thereafter escalating by 4% of the increase in facility revenue over a 2007 base year.  The percentage rent is based on a quarterly calculation of revenue increases and is payable on a quarterly basis.  Percentage rent expense for 2012, 2011, and 2010 was approximately $2,591,000, $2,969,000, and $1,122,000, respectively.

Each lease with NHI is a "triple net lease" under which we are responsible for paying all taxes, utilities, insurance premium costs, repairs and other charges relating to the ownership of the facilities.  We are obligated at our expense to maintain adequate insurance on the facilities' assets.

We have a right of first refusal with NHI to purchase any of the properties transferred from us should NHI receive an offer from an unrelated party during the term of the lease or up to 180 days after termination of the related lease.

Base rent expense to NHI was $33,700,000 in 2012.  At December 31, 2012, the approximate future minimum base rent to be paid by us on non-cancelable operating leases with NHI are as follows:

	Total Commitments Including Florida Facilities		Total Commitments Excluding Florida Facilities
2013	$	33,700,000	$	28,948,000
2014		33,700,000		28,948,000
2015		33,700,000		28,948,000
2016		33,700,000		33,700,000
2017		33,700,000		33,700,000
Thereafter		303,300,000		303,300,000

Investment in NHI Common Stock

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we own 1,630,642 shares (or 5.9%) of NHI’s outstanding common stock.  We account for our investment in NHI common stock as available for sale marketable securities in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 320, Investments.

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Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P.

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 16 – Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P.

As of December 31, 2012, we have a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris, a business that specializes in hospice care services in NHC owned health care centers and in other settings.  The carrying value of our investment is $38,463,000 and $19,215,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The carrying amounts are included in investments in limited liability companies in the consolidated balance sheets.  Summarized financial information of Caris for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 is provided below.

	December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	( in thousands)
Current assets	$	30,894	$	18,219	$	20,257
Noncurrent assets		8,395		978		599
Liabilities		9,306		7,623		7,988
Partners’ capital		29,983		11,574		12,868
Revenue		57,824		44,454		43,896
Expenses		39,177		28,018		26,200
Net income		18,647		16,436		17,696

Increased Ownership Percentage

On January 1, 2012, we assigned our membership interest in Solaris Hospice to Caris in exchange for an additional 2.7% limited partnership interest.  At January 1, 2012, the carrying value of the assets and liabilities of the eight Solaris Hospice entities was $4,311,000.  In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, the carrying values have been reclassified to “investments in limited liability companies” in our December 31, 2012 consolidated balance sheet.  Of the carrying values that were reclassified, $2,945,000 was previously recorded goodwill.

On June 1, 2012, we acquired an additional 7.5% limited partnership interest in Caris for $7.5 million.

Consolidation Considerations

Due to our increased ownership percentage in Caris, we have considered whether Caris should be consolidated by NHC under the guidance provided in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation.  We do not consolidate Caris because (1) Caris’ equity at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) the general partner of the Partnership has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Caris, and (3) the equity holders of Caris possess the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, including voting rights that are proportional to their economic interests.  Supporting the assertions above is the following:  (1) the ownership percentage of the general partner did not change and remains equally divided between NHC and another party, (2) the general partner manages and controls the Partnership with full and complete discretion, and (3) the limited partners have no right or power to take part in the control of the business of the Partnership, which is where our ownership percentage increases have occurred.

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Note 13 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current deferred tax asset:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 1,022	$ 1,174
Accrued expenses	7,490	7,946
	8,512	9,120
Current deferred tax liability:
Unrealized gains on marketable securities	(31,154)	(22,058)
Other	(1,832)	(1,588)
	(32,986)	(23,646)
Net current deferred tax liability	(24,474)	(14,526)
Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
Financial reporting depreciation in excess of tax depreciation	4,086	968
Deferred gain on sale of assets (net)	(3,135)	(3,135)
Tax basis intangible asset in excess of financial reporting basis	663	968
Stock-based compensation	1,682	1,283
Long-term investments	(1,387)	157
Accrued expenses	2,132	2,129
Deferred revenue	6,523	7,797
Net noncurrent deferred tax asset	$ 10,564	$ 10,167

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Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) - Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted investments available for sale:
	$ 162,254	$ 111,925
	242,457	168,676
Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Investments available for sale:
Marketable equity securities	30,176	30,176
Marketable equity securities	107,250	85,051
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	61,453	33,426
Fair Value	62,876	34,074
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	47,194	33,275
Fair Value	48,063	33,904
US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	16,218	7,778
Fair Value	16,604	8,070
State and Municipal Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	7,213	7,270
Fair Value	$ 7,664	$ 7,577

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Note 10 - Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 10 - Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following:

	December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Land	$	50,711		$	47,195
Leasehold improvements		90,925			88,204
Buildings and improvements		396,228			390,973
Furniture and equipment		126,288			123,613
Construction in progress		11,303			9,538
		675,455			659,523
Less:  Accumulated depreciation		(254,548	)		(229,872	)
	$	420,907		$	429,651

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Note 3 - Relationship with National Health Corporation (Detail) (USD $)						12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Common Stock [Member] National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Common Stock [Member] National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Preferred Stock [Member] National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Preferred Stock [Member] National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 National [Member]	Dec. 31, 1991 National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 National Note Payable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 National Line of Credit [Member]
Notes Payable, Related Parties									$ 10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate										0.85%	1.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)	75,000,000					2,000,000
Deferred Revenue						2,000,000
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation						426,934,000	428,672,000	400,270,000
Administrative Fees, Amount Paid						3,862,000	3,608,000	3,299,000
Due from Related Parties						$ 5,149,086	$ 6,933,000
Shares, Outstanding (in Shares)		1,271,147	1,271,147	1,271,147	1,271,147
Equity Owned by Related Parties		9.00%	9.00%	11.70%	11.70%

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Note 19 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2007
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued (in Dollars)	$ 170,514,000	$ 170,515,000	$ 170,555,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 15.75	$ 15.75	$ 15.75
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount	$ 0.80
Preferred Stock Conversion Price	$ 65.07
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion (in Shares)	0.24204
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$ 15.75

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Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) - Available for Sale Marketable Equity Securities (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
NHI Common Stock (in Shares)		1,630,642
NHI Common Stock [Member]
NHI Common Stock (in Shares)	1,630,642	1,630,642
NHI Common Stock	$ 24,734	$ 24,734
NHI Common Stock	$ 92,180	$ 71,716

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Note 10 - Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Land	$	50,711		$	47,195
Leasehold improvements		90,925			88,204
Buildings and improvements		396,228			390,973
Furniture and equipment		126,288			123,613
Construction in progress		11,303			9,538
		675,455			659,523
Less:  Accumulated depreciation		(254,548	)		(229,872	)
	$	420,907		$	429,651

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Note 19 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Preferred Stock [Text Block]

Note 19 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

On October 31, 2007, NHC issued $170,555,000 of NHC Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") with a liquidation preference of $15.75.  Each share of the Preferred Stock is entitled to annual preferred dividends of $0.80 per share.  Dividends on the Preferred Stock are cumulative.

The Preferred Stock, which is listed on the NYSE MKT exchange with the symbol "NHC.PRA", is convertible at any time at the option of the stockholder into NHC common stock at a conversion price of $65.07.  Each share of the Preferred Stock will be convertible into 0.24204 of a share of NHC common stock.  After the fifth anniversary of the closing date, NHC will have the option to redeem the Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, for $15.75 cash per share (plus accrued but unpaid dividends); provided that the Preferred Stock will not be redeemable prior to the eighth anniversary of the closing date unless the average closing price for NHC common stock for 20 trading sessions equals or exceeds the conversion price.  The conversion price will be adjusted to reflect any future NHC common stock splits or stock dividends.

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Note 18 - Variable Interest Entity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Variable Interest Entity, Similar Entity Aggregation, Description

Note 18 – Variable Interest Entity

Accounting guidance requires that a variable interest entity (“VIE”), according to the provisions of ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, must be consolidated by the primary beneficiary.  The primary beneficiary is the party that has both the power to direct activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  We perform ongoing qualitative analysis to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE.  At December 31, 2012, we are the primary beneficiary of one VIE and therefore consolidate that entity.

Springfield, Missouri Lease

In December 2010, we signed an operating agreement to lease Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, a 120-bed skilled heath care center located in Springfield, Missouri.  The terms of the lease include a ten year lease and include five additional, five year lease options as well as a purchase option.  The operating lease agreement was established on the same date third party owners purchased the real estate of the 120-bed skilled health care center.  The third party owners purchased the real estate for $4,500,000, which is the amount NHC loaned the owners to purchase the facility under the terms of the lease agreement and the mortgage note.  The risks and rewards associated with the operations of the health care center and any appreciation or deprecation in the value of the real estate of the facility is borne by NHC.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the $4,500,000 mortgage note receivable from the third party owners is eliminated in our consolidated financial statements.  Land and buildings and improvements of $4,500,000 have been recorded in our consolidated financial statements, as well as the operations of the center since December 1, 2010, because we are the primary beneficiary in the relationship.

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Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Investors, Inc. (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 National Health Investors Inc [Member]	Dec. 31, 2007 National Health Investors Inc [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 39,355,000	$ 39,736,000	$ 38,086,000	$ 33,700,000	$ 33,700,000
Percentage Rent Expense	$ 2,591,000	$ 2,969,000	$ 1,122,000
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares (in Shares)		1,630,642		1,630,642
Percent Owned of Available-For-Sale Securities		5.90%		5.90%

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Note 5 - Non-Operating Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	$	13,616	$	9,674	$	8,993
Dividends and net realized gains on sales of securities		7,006		5,875		5,404
Interest income		4,623		4,984		5,380
Recovery of assets in acquisition of healthcare centers		–		–		3,563
	$	25,245	$	20,533	$	23,340

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Note 13 - Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Current Tax Provision
Federal	$	29,147	$	29,311	$	23,734
State		4,010		3,131		2,953
		33,157		32,442		26,687
Deferred Tax Provision
Federal		162		1,220		1,386
State		4		145		199
		166		1,365		1,585
Income Tax Provision	$	33,323	$	33,807	$	28,272

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Current deferred tax asset:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	1,022		$	1,174
Accrued expenses		7,490			7,946
		8,512			9,120
Current deferred tax liability:
Unrealized gains on marketable securities		(31,154	)		(22,058	)
Other		(1,832	)		(1,588	)
		(32,986	)		(23,646	)
Net current deferred tax liability	$	(24,474	)	$	(14,526	)
Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
Financial reporting depreciation in excess of tax depreciation	$	4,086		$	968
Deferred gain on sale of assets (net)		(3,135	)		(3,135	)
Tax basis intangible asset in excess of financial reporting basis		663			968
Stock-based compensation		1,682			1,283
Long-term investments		(1,387	)		157
Accrued expenses		2,132			2,129
Deferred revenue		6,523			7,797
Net noncurrent deferred tax asset	$	10,564			10,167

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Tax provision at federal statutory rate	$	31,948		$	34,258		$	28,338
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State, net of federal benefit		3,173			3,185			2,897
Nondeductible expenses		118			188			169
Insurance expense		39			26			(133	)
Other, net		823			57			62
Unrecognized tax benefits		409			85			660
Expiration of statute of limitations		(3,187	)		(3,992	)		(3,721	)
		1,375			(451	)		(66	)
Effective income tax expense	$	33,323		$	33,807		$	28,272

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]

	Deferred Tax Asset			Liability For Unrecognized Tax Benefits			Liability For Interest and Penalties			Liability Total
Balance, January 1, 2010	$	11,894		$	17,275		$	5,358		$	22,633
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,094			144			1,238
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(1,510	)		(1,356	)		67			(1,289	)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(295	)		(2,502	)		(1,219	)		(3,721	)
Balance, December 31, 2010		10,089			14,511			4,350			18,861
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,452			183			1,635
Additions for tax positions of prior years		(70	)		189			(449	)		(260	)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(93	)		(2,387	)		(1,605	)		(3,992	)
Balance, December 31, 2011		9,926			13,765			2,479			16,244
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,695			185			1,880
Additions for tax positions of prior years		728			845			170			1,015
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(1,999	)		(4,309	)		(940	)		(5,249	)
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	8,655		$	11,996		$	1,894		$	13,890

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Note 4 - Other Revenues (Detail) (USD $)				12 Months Ended			300 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		36 Months Ended	132 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member] National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member] National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member] National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 National [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Other Nursing Centers [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Nursing Centers [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Other Nursing Centers [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Other Nursing Centers [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Other Nursing Centers [Member]
Management Fees Revenue				$ 3,397,000	$ 3,539,000	$ 3,982,000	$ 37,621,000	$ 5,660,000	$ 6,138,000	$ 4,753,000	$ 39,807,000
Unbilled Receivables, Current	$ 21,333,000	$ 21,289,000	$ 21,320,000					$ 8,505,000	$ 8,502,000	$ 8,505,000	$ 8,505,000	$ 8,889,000

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Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) include our wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries and affiliates. Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we have an interest have been consolidated when we have been identified as the primary beneficiary. Investments in ventures in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not have control over are accounted for using the equity method. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently are adjusted for our share of the venture’s earnings or losses and cash distributions.  Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris Healthcare, LP (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services.  Investments in entities in which we lack the ability to exercise significant influence are included in the consolidated financial statements at cost unless there has been a decline in the market value of our investment that is deemed to be other than temporary.  All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Patient Revenues and Accounts Receivable

Revenues are derived from services rendered to patients for long-term care, including skilled and intermediate nursing, rehabilitation therapy, hospice, assisted living and retirement and home health care services.

Revenues are recorded when services are provided based on established rates adjusted to amounts expected to be received under governmental programs and other third-party contractual arrangements based on contractual terms. These revenues and receivables are stated at amounts estimated by management to be at their net realizable value.

For private pay patients in skilled nursing or assisted living and retirement facilities, we bill in advance for the following month, with the remittance being due on receipt of the statement and generally by the 10th day of the month the services are performed. A portion of the episodic Medicare payments for home health services are also received in advance of the services being rendered.  All advance billings are initially deferred and then are recognized as revenue when the services are performed.

We receive payments from the Medicare program under a prospective payment system ("PPS").  For skilled nursing services, Medicare pays a fixed fee per Medicare patient per day, based on the acuity level of the patient, to cover all post-hospital extended care routine service costs, ancillary costs and capital related costs.

Medicaid program payments for long-term care services are generally based on fixed per diem rates subject to program cost ceilings.

For homecare services, Medicare pays based on the acuity level of the patient and based on episodes of care.  An episode of care is defined as a length of care up to 60 days with multiple continuous episodes allowed. The services covered by the episode payment include all disciplines of care, in addition to medical supplies, within the scope of the home health benefit.  We are allowed to make a request for anticipated payment at the start of care equal to 60% of the expected payment for the initial episode.  The remaining balance due is paid following the submission of the final claim at the end of the episode.  Revenues are recognized when services are provided based on the number of days of service rendered in the episode.  Deferred revenue is recorded for payments received for which the related services have not yet been provided.

Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation.  Noncompliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to regulatory actions including fines, penalties, and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  We believe that we are in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Medicare program revenues, as well as certain Medicaid program revenues, are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment by government representatives.  The Medicare PPS methodology requires that patients be assigned to Resource Utilization Groups ("RUGs") based on the acuity level of the patient to determine the amount paid to us for patient services.  The assignment of patients to the various RUG categories is subject to post-payment review by Medicare intermediaries or their agents.  In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews.  Retroactive adjustments are estimated in the recording of revenues in the period the related services are rendered.  Any differences between our original estimates of reimbursements and subsequent revisions are reflected in operations in the period in which the revisions are made often due to final determination or the period of payment no longer being subject to audit or review.  We believe currently that any differences between the net revenues recorded and final determination will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements.  We have made provisions of approximately $17,001,000 as of December 31, 2012 for various Medicare and Medicaid current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews.

Approximately 67% of our net patient revenues are derived from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs and other government programs.

Revenue Recognition for Alternative Revenue Programs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Revenues

As discussed in Note 4 other revenues include revenues from the provision of insurance, management and accounting services to other long-term care providers, and rental income.  Our insurance revenues consist of premiums that are generally paid in advance and then amortized into income as earned over the related policy period.  We charge for management services based on a percentage of net revenues.  We charge for accounting services based on a monthly fee or a fixed fee per bed of the long-term care center under contract.  We generally record other revenues on the accrual basis based on the terms of our contractual arrangements.  However, with respect to management and accounting services revenue from certain long-term care providers, including but not limited to National Health Corporation ("National")  as discussed in Note 4, where collection is not reasonably assured based on insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, our policy is to recognize income only in the period in which collection is assured and the amounts at question are believed by management to be fixed and determined.

Certain management contracts, including, but not limited to contracts with National, subordinate the payment of management fees earned under those contracts to other expenditures of the long-term care center and to the availability of cash provided by the facility’s operations.  Revenues from management services provided to the facilities that generate insufficient cash flow to pay the management fee, as prioritized under the contractual arrangement, are not recognized until such time as the amount of revenue earned is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.  This recognition policy could cause our reported revenues and net income from management services to vary significantly from period to period.

We recognize rental income based on the terms of our operating leases.  Under certain of our leases, we receive contingent rent, which is based on the increase in revenues of a lessee over a base year.  We recognize contingent rent annually or monthly, as applicable, when, based on the actual revenue of the lessee, receipt of such income is assured.  We identify leased real estate properties as nonperforming if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due.  Our policy related to rental income on non-performing leased real estate properties is to recognize rental income in the period when the income is received.

Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]

Non-Operating Income

As discussed in Note 5, non-operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and realized gains on securities, interest income, and other miscellaneous non-operating income.

Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Estimation Methodology, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Provision for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on factors such as payor type, historical collection trends and aging categories.  We review these factors and determine an estimated provision for doubtful accounts.  Historically, bad debts have resulted primarily from uncollectible private balances or from uncollectible coinsurance and deductibles.  Receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance.  The allowance for doubtful accounts balance is assessed on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.

The Company includes provisions for doubtful accounts in operating expenses in its consolidated statements of income.  The provisions for doubtful accounts were $2,455,000, $2,430,000, and $2,256,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets estimated as follows:  buildings and improvements, 20-40 years and equipment and furniture, 3-15 years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over periods that do not exceed the non-cancelable respective lease terms using the straight-line method.

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged against income as incurred.  Betterments, which significantly extend the useful life, are capitalized.  We remove the costs and related allowances for accumulated depreciation or amortization from the accounts for properties sold or retired, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we evaluate the recoverability of the carrying values of our properties on a property by property basis.  We review our properties for recoverability when events or circumstances, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, and significant deteriorations of the underlying cash flows of the property, indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable.  The need to recognize an impairment is based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows from a property over the remaining useful life compared to the carrying value of that property.  If recognition of an impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.

Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable

In accordance with ASC Topic 310, Receivables, NHC evaluates the carrying values of its mortgage and other notes receivable on an instrument by instrument basis.  On a quarterly basis, NHC reviews its notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable.  If necessary, an impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments in Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities

Our investments in marketable securities and restricted marketable securities include available for sale securities, which are recorded at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities that are deemed temporary are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  If any adjustment to fair value reflects a significant decline in the value of the security, we consider all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is "other than temporary".  Credit losses are identified when we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security.  In the event of a credit loss, only the amount associated with the credit loss is recognized in earnings, with the amount of loss relating to other factors recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

The Company accounts for goodwill under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.  Under the provisions of this guidance, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment tests based on their estimated fair value. Unamortized goodwill is continually reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC.  The Company performs its annual impairment assessment on the first day of the fourth quarter.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

We utilize ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes.  Under this guidance, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  See Note 13 for further discussion of our accounting for income taxes.

Also under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-than-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  Liabilities for income tax matters include amounts for income taxes, applicable penalties, and interest thereon and are the result of the potential alternative interpretations of tax laws and the judgmental nature of the timing of recognition of taxable income.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Credit Risks

Our credit risks primarily relate to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, restricted marketable securities and notes receivable.  Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments.  Restricted cash and cash equivalents is primarily invested in commercial paper and certificates of deposit with financial institutions and other interest bearing accounts.  Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from patients (funded through Medicare, Medicaid, other contractual programs and through private payors) and from other health care companies for management, accounting and other services.  We perform continual credit evaluations of our clients and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts on these accounts receivable.  Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities are held primarily in accounts with brokerage institutions.  Notes receivable relate primarily to secured loans with health care facilities (recorded as notes receivable in the consolidated balance sheets) as discussed in Note 11.

At any point in time we have funds in our operating accounts and restricted cash accounts that are with third party financial institutions.  These balances in the U.S. may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits.  While we monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts, these cash and restricted cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets.

Our financial instruments, principally our notes receivable, are subject to the possibility of loss of the carrying values as a result of the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations.  We obtain various collateral and other protective rights, and continually monitor these rights in order to reduce such possibilities of loss.  We evaluate the need to provide reserves for potential losses on our financial instruments based on management's periodic review of the portfolio on an instrument by instrument basis.  See Note 11 for additional information on the notes receivable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Marketable Securities

Restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted marketable securities primarily represent assets that are held by our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers' compensation and professional liability claims.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories consist generally of food and supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]

Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities primarily represent accruals for current federal and state income taxes, real estate taxes and other current liabilities.

Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accrued Risk Reserves

We are principally self-insured for risks related to employee health insurance and utilize wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers’ compensation and professional liability claims.  Accrued risk reserves primarily represent the accrual for risks associated with employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims.  The accrued risk reserves include a liability for unpaid reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims.  Our policy with respect to a significant portion of our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an actuary to estimate our exposure for claims obligation (for both asserted and unasserted claims).  Our health insurance reserve is based on our known claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but unreported claims determined by our analysis of historical claims paid.  We reassess our accrued risk reserves on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based awards granted include stock options, restricted stock units, and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan.  Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the awards, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period only for those equity awards expected to vest.

The fair value of the restricted stock units is determined based on the stock price on the date of grant. We estimated the fair value of stock options and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan using the Black-Scholes model. This model utilizes the estimated fair value of common stock and requires that, at the date of grant, we use the expected term of the grant, the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yield of our common stock. The fair value is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.

Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Noncurrent Liabilities

Other noncurrent liabilities include reserves primarily related to various uncertain income tax positions (see Note 13)

Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National (as discussed in Note 3), certain amounts related to episodic payments received by our home health care providers in advance of providing services (as discussed in Note 1) and entrance fees that have been and are currently being received upon reservation and occupancy of retirement center units for a continuing care retirement community we own.  In accordance with ASC Topic 954-430, Health Care Entities – Deferred Revenue, the estimated amount of entrance fees that are expected to be refunded to current residents should be recorded as deferred revenue.  According to our entrance fee contracts, a portion of the entrance fees are refundable (90%) only after a contract holder’s unit has been resold. The amounts received from new residents in excess of the amounts to be paid to previous residents are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the facility.  The non-refundable portion (10%) is being recognized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents.

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income

ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, requires that changes in the amounts of certain items, including unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, be shown in the consolidated financial statements as comprehensive income.  We report comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and also in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segment Disclosures

ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial reports issued to stockholders.  Management believes that substantially all of our operations are part of the long-term health care industry segment. See Note 4 for a detail of other revenues provided within the long-term health care industry segment.  Information about the costs and expenses associated with each of the components of other revenues is not separately identifiable.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011–08, which is included in the Codification under ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.”  The revised standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual goodwill impairment test by providing entities an option to perform a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary.  This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2012.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–05, which is included in Codification under ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income”.This accounting standard update eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. It also requires presentation on the face of the financial statements of reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2012. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–12 which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments only. The adoption of this accounting standard update resulted in financial statement presentation changes only.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–04, which is included in the Codification under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”  The amendments in this update result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  The amendments became effective beginning in our first fiscal quarter of 2012.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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Note 12 - Long-Term Debt (Detail) - Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Thereafter	$ 10,000
Total	$ 10,000	$ 10,000

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Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary of Outstanding Stock Options (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Number of Shares	1,134,602	1,482,077	472,327	385,305
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 46.75	$ 46.92	$ 43.07	$ 44.78
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 711,000
Options exercisable	197,602
Options exercisable (in Dollars per share)	$ 47.03
Options exercisable (in Dollars)	$ 402,000
Number of Shares	63,516	1,264,719	180,485
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 44.28	$ 46.58	$ 35.55
Number of Shares	(295,371)	(224,969)	(72,149)
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 45.41	$ 37.30	$ 36.69
Number of Shares	(115,620)	(30,000)	(21,314)
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 50.99	$ 44.25	$ 32.01

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Note 12 - Long-Term Debt (Detail) - Long-term Debt (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 0.9%
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	2013
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	$ 0	$ 0
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	2018
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	10,000	10,000
	10,000	10,000
Less current portion	0	0
	$ 10,000	$ 10,000

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Note 21 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

2012	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Net Operating Revenues	$	190,086	$	187,765	$	189,368	$	194,043
Income Before Non-Operating Income		14,742		16,487		16,671		18,135
Non-Operating Income		5,868		5,907		6,771		6,699
Net Income		12,676		13,614		17,233		14,434
Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,167		2,168
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		10,508		11,446		15,066		12,266
Basic Earnings Per Share		0.76		0.83		1.09		.88
Diluted Earnings Per Share		0.76		0.82		1.04		.87

2011	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Net Operating Revenues	$	192,948	$	190,783	$	197,064	$	192,742
Income Before Non-Operating Income		25,881		17,040		17,944		16,481
Non-Operating Income		4,561		5,155		5,140		5,677
Net Income		18,724		13,611		17,211		14,526
Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,167		2,168
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		16,556		11,443		15,044		12,358
Basic Earnings Per Share		1.21		.83		1.09		.89
Diluted Earnings Per Share		1.15		.83		1.05		.88

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Note 13 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Benefits (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Balance	$ 13,765,000	$ 14,511,000
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	(3,187,000)	(3,992,000)	(3,721,000)
Balance	11,996,000	13,765,000	14,511,000
Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Balance	9,926,000	10,089,000	11,894,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	728,000	(70,000)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years			(1,510,000)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	(1,999,000)	(93,000)	(295,000)
Balance	8,655,000	9,926,000	10,089,000
Liability For Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Member]
Balance	13,765,000	14,511,000	17,275,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	1,695,000	1,452,000	1,094,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	845,000	189,000
Reductions for tax positions of prior years			(1,356,000)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	(4,309,000)	(2,387,000)	(2,502,000)
Balance	11,996,000	13,765,000	14,511,000
Liability For Interest and Penalties [Member]
Balance	2,479,000	4,350,000	5,358,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	185,000	183,000	144,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	170,000	(449,000)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years			67,000
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	(940,000)	(1,605,000)	(1,219,000)
Balance	1,894,000	2,479,000	4,350,000
Total Liability [Member]
Balance	16,244,000	18,861,000	22,633,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	1,880,000	1,635,000	1,238,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,015,000	(260,000)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years			(1,289,000)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations	(5,249,000)	(3,992,000)	(3,721,000)
Balance	$ 13,890,000	$ 16,244,000	$ 18,861,000

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Note 17 - Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Purchase Commitment To Increase Property Plant And Equipment [Text Block]

Note 17 – Commitments

Asset Purchase Commitment

On December 26, 2012, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to purchase six skilled health care centers from NHI.  The six centers, which are located in Columbia (2), Knoxville and Springfield, Tennessee; Madisonville, Kentucky and Rossville, Georgia, have been leased by NHC since 1991 and have a total of 650 beds.  The purchase price is $21 million and the transaction is expected to close on December 31, 2013.  With the purchase of the six skilled health care centers, NHC’s master lease payment will decrease by $2.95 million in 2014.

Lease Commitments

On December 26, 2012, we extended our master lease agreement with NHI through 2026.  Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 include expenses for leased premises and equipment under operating leases of $39,355,000, $39,736,000, and $38,086,000, respectively.  See Note 2 for the approximate future minimum rent commitments on non-cancelable operating leases with NHI.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 57,957,000	$ 64,072,000	$ 52,695,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	29,792,000	28,901,000	27,141,000
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	2,455,000	2,430,000	2,256,000
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	(13,616,000)	(9,674,000)	(8,993,000)
Distributions from unconsolidated investments	6,317,000	10,828,000	6,462,000
Recovery of assets in acquisition of healthcare centers			(3,563,000)
Gains on sale of marketable securities	(1,640,000)	(754,000)	(891,000)
Deferred income taxes	558,000	1,990,000	3,505,000
Stock-based compensation	2,366,000	2,751,000	321,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions:
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	(7,636,000)	(7,830,000)	(2,509,000)
Accounts receivable	(7,263,000)	5,032,000	(15,817,000)
Income tax receivable	537,000	(3,779,000)	3,470,000
Inventories	759,000	434,000	(372,000)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(77,000)	169,000	(166,000)
Trade accounts payable	831,000	(1,113,000)	(352,000)
Accrued payroll	(16,418,000)	2,008,000	5,205,000
Amounts due to third party payors	481,000	(860,000)	(891,000)
Other current liabilities and accrued risk reserves	11,675,000	(9,129,000)	(103,000)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(2,354,000)	(2,617,000)	(3,772,000)
Deferred revenue	(31,000)	(35,000)	(265,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	64,693,000	82,824,000	63,361,000
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to and acquisitions of property and equipment	(22,003,000)	(23,372,000)	(32,293,000)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest in hospice business	(7,500,000)	(7,500,000)
Acquisition of homecare business			(14,342,000)
Collections of notes receivable, net	660,000	1,222,000	1,300,000
Decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents	46,660,000	9,235,000	47,451,000
Purchases of marketable securities	(111,691,000)	(57,597,000)	(93,305,000)
Sale of marketable securities	62,649,000	46,266,000	43,849,000
Cash acquired in acquisition of facilities			989,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(31,225,000)	(31,746,000)	(46,351,000)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Tax (expense) benefit from stock-based compensation	(267,000)	(52,000)	154,000
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders	(8,671,000)	(8,671,000)	(8,673,000)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(30,849,000)	(15,952,000)	(14,780,000)
Issuance of common shares	13,412,000	8,392,000	2,655,000
Repurchase of common shares			(5,944,000)
Entrance fee refunds	(1,630,000)	(2,170,000)	(957,000)
(Increase) decrease in deposits	230,000	(95,000)	21,000
Other			(30,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,775,000)	(18,548,000)	(27,554,000)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	5,693,000	32,530,000	(10,544,000)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	61,008,000	28,478,000	39,022,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	66,701,000	61,008,000	28,478,000
Supplemental Information:
Cash payments for interest	383,000	501,000	658,000
Cash payments for income taxes	34,142,000	40,798,000	22,969,000
Effective January 1, 2012, NHC assigned the assets and liabilities of eight Solaris Hospice programs to Caris in exchange for an additional limited partnership interest.
Current assets assigned	1,862,000
Property and equipment assigned	303,000
Current liabilities assigned	(799,000)
Goodwill	2,945,000
Investment in limited liability company	(4,311,000)
Effective December 1, 2010, NHC acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of two 120-bed long-term health care centers. The consideration given was first mortgage bonds owned by NHC.
Real and personal property			(4,873,000)
Current assets acquired			(1,958,000)
Current liabilities acquired			1,623,000
First mortgage revenue bonds			1,645,000
Gain on recovery of assets			$ 3,563,000

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders per share	$ 0.80	$ 0.80	$ 0.80
Common Stock [Member]
Dividends declared to common stockholders per share	$ 2.20	$ 1.18	$ 1.10

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Note 3 - Relationship with National Health Corporation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 3 - Relationship with National Health Corporation

National Health Corporation, which is wholly-owned by the National Health Corporation Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), was formed in 1986 and is our administrative services affiliate and contractor.  As discussed below, all of the personnel conducting our business, including our executive management team, are employees of National and have ownership interests in National only through their participation as employees in the ESOP.

Management Contracts

We currently manage five long-term health care centers for National under a management contract.  We manage the centers for management fees that are comparable to those in the industry.  The management contract has been extended until January 1, 2018.  See Note 4 for additional information regarding management fees recognized from National.

Financing Activities

During 1991, we borrowed $10,000,000 from National.  The term note payable currently requires quarterly interest payments at the prime rate minus .85 percent.  The entire principal is due at maturity in 2018.

In conjunction with our management contract, we have entered into a line of credit arrangement whereby we may have amounts due from National from time to time.  The maximum loan commitment under the line of credit is $2,000,000.  The interest rate on the line of credit is prime plus one percent and the final maturity is January 20, 2018.  At December 31, 2012, National did not have an outstanding balance on the line of credit.

The maximum line of credit commitment amount of $2,000,000 is also the amount of a deferred gain that has been outstanding since NHC sold certain assets to National in 1988.  The amount of the deferred gain is expected to remain deferred until the management contract with National expires, currently scheduled in January 2018.  The deferred gain is included in deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.

Payroll and Related Services

The personnel conducting our business, including our executive management team, are employees of National and have ownership interests in National only through their participation in the ESOP.  National provides payroll services to NHC, provides employee fringe benefits, and maintains certain liability insurance.  We pay to National all the costs of personnel employed for our benefit, as well as an administrative fee equal to 1% of payroll costs.  Such costs of personnel totaling approximately $426,934,000, $428,672,000, and $400,270,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively, are reflected as salaries, wages and benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  The administrative fee paid to National for 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $3,862,000, $3,608,000, and $3,299,000, respectively.  National owes us $5,149,086 and $6,933,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as a result of the differences between interim payments for payroll and benefits services costs made during the current and previous years and such actual costs.  The amounts are included in accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets.

National’s Ownership of Our Stock

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, National owns 1,271,147 shares (or approximately 9.0%) of our outstanding common stock and 1,271,147 shares (or approximately 11.7%) of our outstanding preferred stock.

Consolidation Considerations

Because of the contractual and management relationships between NHC and National as described in this note above, we have considered whether National should be consolidated by NHC under the guidance provided in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation.  We do not consolidate National because (1) NHC does not have any obligation or rights (current or future) to absorb losses or to receive benefits from National.  The ESOP participants bear the current and future financial gain or burden of National, (2) National’s equity at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without past or future subordinated support from NHC or other parties, and (3) the equity holders of National (that is collectively the ESOP, its trustees, and the ESOP participants) possess the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, including voting rights that are proportional to their economic interests.  Supporting the assertions above is the following:  (1) substantive independent trustees are appointed for the benefit of the ESOP participants when decisions must be made that may create the appearance of a conflict of interest between NHC and the ESOP, and (2) National was designed, formed and is operated for the purpose of creating variability and passing that variability along to the ESOP participants—that is, to provide retirement benefits and value to the employees of NHC and NHC’s affiliates.  The contractual and management relationships between NHC and National are with certain nursing centers that are substantially less than 50% of the fair value of the total assets of National.  NHC does not have a variable interest in National as a whole.

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Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Options Outstanding (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	1,134,602	1,482,077	472,327	385,305
Exercise Prices, Low range	$ 37.70
Exercise Prices, Upper range	$ 51.50
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 46.75	$ 46.92	$ 43.07	$ 44.78
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years
Price Range $37.70 [Member]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	28,800
Exercise Prices	$ 37.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 37.70
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	1 year 109 days
Price Range $44.80 - $46.69 [Member]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	1,015,802
Exercise Prices, Low range	$ 44.80
Exercise Prices, Upper range	$ 46.69
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 46.58
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years 73 days
Price $51.50 [Member]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	90,000
Exercise Prices	$ 51.50
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 51.50
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	109 days

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

National HealthCare Corporation ("NHC" or "the Company") operates, manages or provides services to long-term health care centers and associated assisted living centers, retirement centers and home health care programs located in 11 Southeastern, Northeastern and Midwestern states in the United States.  The most significant part of our business relates to skilled and intermediate nursing care in which setting we provide assisted living and retirement services, rehabilitative therapy services, and home health care.  We also have a non-controlling ownership interest in a hospice care business that services NHC owned health care centers and others.  The long-term health care environment has continually undergone changes with regard to Federal and state reimbursement programs and other payor sources, compliance regulations, competition among other health care providers and patient care litigation issues.  We continually monitor these industry developments as well as other factors that affect our business.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) include our wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries and affiliates. Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we have an interest have been consolidated when we have been identified as the primary beneficiary. Investments in ventures in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not have control over are accounted for using the equity method. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently are adjusted for our share of the venture’s earnings or losses and cash distributions.  Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris Healthcare, LP (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services.  Investments in entities in which we lack the ability to exercise significant influence are included in the consolidated financial statements at cost unless there has been a decline in the market value of our investment that is deemed to be other than temporary.  All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Net Patient Revenues and Accounts Receivable

Revenues are derived from services rendered to patients for long-term care, including skilled and intermediate nursing, rehabilitation therapy, hospice, assisted living and retirement and home health care services.

Revenues are recorded when services are provided based on established rates adjusted to amounts expected to be received under governmental programs and other third-party contractual arrangements based on contractual terms. These revenues and receivables are stated at amounts estimated by management to be at their net realizable value.

For private pay patients in skilled nursing or assisted living and retirement facilities, we bill in advance for the following month, with the remittance being due on receipt of the statement and generally by the 10th day of the month the services are performed. A portion of the episodic Medicare payments for home health services are also received in advance of the services being rendered.  All advance billings are initially deferred and then are recognized as revenue when the services are performed.

We receive payments from the Medicare program under a prospective payment system ("PPS").  For skilled nursing services, Medicare pays a fixed fee per Medicare patient per day, based on the acuity level of the patient, to cover all post-hospital extended care routine service costs, ancillary costs and capital related costs.

Medicaid program payments for long-term care services are generally based on fixed per diem rates subject to program cost ceilings.

For homecare services, Medicare pays based on the acuity level of the patient and based on episodes of care.  An episode of care is defined as a length of care up to 60 days with multiple continuous episodes allowed. The services covered by the episode payment include all disciplines of care, in addition to medical supplies, within the scope of the home health benefit.  We are allowed to make a request for anticipated payment at the start of care equal to 60% of the expected payment for the initial episode.  The remaining balance due is paid following the submission of the final claim at the end of the episode.  Revenues are recognized when services are provided based on the number of days of service rendered in the episode.  Deferred revenue is recorded for payments received for which the related services have not yet been provided.

Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation.  Noncompliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to regulatory actions including fines, penalties, and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  We believe that we are in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Medicare program revenues, as well as certain Medicaid program revenues, are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment by government representatives.  The Medicare PPS methodology requires that patients be assigned to Resource Utilization Groups ("RUGs") based on the acuity level of the patient to determine the amount paid to us for patient services.  The assignment of patients to the various RUG categories is subject to post-payment review by Medicare intermediaries or their agents.  In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews.  Retroactive adjustments are estimated in the recording of revenues in the period the related services are rendered.  Any differences between our original estimates of reimbursements and subsequent revisions are reflected in operations in the period in which the revisions are made often due to final determination or the period of payment no longer being subject to audit or review.  We believe currently that any differences between the net revenues recorded and final determination will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements.  We have made provisions of approximately $17,001,000 as of December 31, 2012 for various Medicare and Medicaid current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews.

Approximately 67% of our net patient revenues are derived from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs and other government programs.

Other Revenues

As discussed in Note 4 other revenues include revenues from the provision of insurance, management and accounting services to other long-term care providers, and rental income.  Our insurance revenues consist of premiums that are generally paid in advance and then amortized into income as earned over the related policy period.  We charge for management services based on a percentage of net revenues.  We charge for accounting services based on a monthly fee or a fixed fee per bed of the long-term care center under contract.  We generally record other revenues on the accrual basis based on the terms of our contractual arrangements.  However, with respect to management and accounting services revenue from certain long-term care providers, including but not limited to National Health Corporation ("National")  as discussed in Note 4, where collection is not reasonably assured based on insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, our policy is to recognize income only in the period in which collection is assured and the amounts at question are believed by management to be fixed and determined.

Certain management contracts, including, but not limited to contracts with National, subordinate the payment of management fees earned under those contracts to other expenditures of the long-term care center and to the availability of cash provided by the facility’s operations.  Revenues from management services provided to the facilities that generate insufficient cash flow to pay the management fee, as prioritized under the contractual arrangement, are not recognized until such time as the amount of revenue earned is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.  This recognition policy could cause our reported revenues and net income from management services to vary significantly from period to period.

We recognize rental income based on the terms of our operating leases.  Under certain of our leases, we receive contingent rent, which is based on the increase in revenues of a lessee over a base year.  We recognize contingent rent annually or monthly, as applicable, when, based on the actual revenue of the lessee, receipt of such income is assured.  We identify leased real estate properties as nonperforming if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due.  Our policy related to rental income on non-performing leased real estate properties is to recognize rental income in the period when the income is received.

Non-Operating Income

As discussed in Note 5, non-operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and realized gains on securities, interest income, and other miscellaneous non-operating income.

Provision for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on factors such as payor type, historical collection trends and aging categories.  We review these factors and determine an estimated provision for doubtful accounts.  Historically, bad debts have resulted primarily from uncollectible private balances or from uncollectible coinsurance and deductibles.  Receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance.  The allowance for doubtful accounts balance is assessed on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.

The Company includes provisions for doubtful accounts in operating expenses in its consolidated statements of income.  The provisions for doubtful accounts were $2,455,000, $2,430,000, and $2,256,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets estimated as follows:  buildings and improvements, 20-40 years and equipment and furniture, 3-15 years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over periods that do not exceed the non-cancelable respective lease terms using the straight-line method.

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged against income as incurred.  Betterments, which significantly extend the useful life, are capitalized.  We remove the costs and related allowances for accumulated depreciation or amortization from the accounts for properties sold or retired, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we evaluate the recoverability of the carrying values of our properties on a property by property basis.  We review our properties for recoverability when events or circumstances, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, and significant deteriorations of the underlying cash flows of the property, indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable.  The need to recognize an impairment is based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows from a property over the remaining useful life compared to the carrying value of that property.  If recognition of an impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.

Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable

In accordance with ASC Topic 310, Receivables, NHC evaluates the carrying values of its mortgage and other notes receivable on an instrument by instrument basis.  On a quarterly basis, NHC reviews its notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable.  If necessary, an impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.

Investments in Marketable Securities and Restricted Marketable Securities

Our investments in marketable securities and restricted marketable securities include available for sale securities, which are recorded at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities that are deemed temporary are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  If any adjustment to fair value reflects a significant decline in the value of the security, we consider all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is "other than temporary".  Credit losses are identified when we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security.  In the event of a credit loss, only the amount associated with the credit loss is recognized in earnings, with the amount of loss relating to other factors recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Goodwill

The Company accounts for goodwill under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.  Under the provisions of this guidance, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment tests based on their estimated fair value. Unamortized goodwill is continually reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC.  The Company performs its annual impairment assessment on the first day of the fourth quarter.

Income Taxes

We utilize ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes.  Under this guidance, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  See Note 13 for further discussion of our accounting for income taxes.

Also under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-than-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  Liabilities for income tax matters include amounts for income taxes, applicable penalties, and interest thereon and are the result of the potential alternative interpretations of tax laws and the judgmental nature of the timing of recognition of taxable income.

Concentration of Credit Risks

Our credit risks primarily relate to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, restricted marketable securities and notes receivable.  Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments.  Restricted cash and cash equivalents is primarily invested in commercial paper and certificates of deposit with financial institutions and other interest bearing accounts.  Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from patients (funded through Medicare, Medicaid, other contractual programs and through private payors) and from other health care companies for management, accounting and other services.  We perform continual credit evaluations of our clients and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts on these accounts receivable.  Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities are held primarily in accounts with brokerage institutions.  Notes receivable relate primarily to secured loans with health care facilities (recorded as notes receivable in the consolidated balance sheets) as discussed in Note 11.

At any point in time we have funds in our operating accounts and restricted cash accounts that are with third party financial institutions.  These balances in the U.S. may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits.  While we monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts, these cash and restricted cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets.

Our financial instruments, principally our notes receivable, are subject to the possibility of loss of the carrying values as a result of the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations.  We obtain various collateral and other protective rights, and continually monitor these rights in order to reduce such possibilities of loss.  We evaluate the need to provide reserves for potential losses on our financial instruments based on management's periodic review of the portfolio on an instrument by instrument basis.  See Note 11 for additional information on the notes receivable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Marketable Securities

Restricted cash and cash equivalents and restricted marketable securities primarily represent assets that are held by our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers' compensation and professional liability claims.

Inventories

Inventories consist generally of food and supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities primarily represent accruals for current federal and state income taxes, real estate taxes and other current liabilities.

Accrued Risk Reserves

We are principally self-insured for risks related to employee health insurance and utilize wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers’ compensation and professional liability claims.  Accrued risk reserves primarily represent the accrual for risks associated with employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims.  The accrued risk reserves include a liability for unpaid reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims.  Our policy with respect to a significant portion of our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an actuary to estimate our exposure for claims obligation (for both asserted and unasserted claims).  Our health insurance reserve is based on our known claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but unreported claims determined by our analysis of historical claims paid.  We reassess our accrued risk reserves on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based awards granted include stock options, restricted stock units, and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan.  Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the awards, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period only for those equity awards expected to vest.

The fair value of the restricted stock units is determined based on the stock price on the date of grant. We estimated the fair value of stock options and stock purchased under our employee stock purchase plan using the Black-Scholes model. This model utilizes the estimated fair value of common stock and requires that, at the date of grant, we use the expected term of the grant, the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yield of our common stock. The fair value is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.

Other Noncurrent Liabilities

Other noncurrent liabilities include reserves primarily related to various uncertain income tax positions (see Note 13).

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National (as discussed in Note 3), certain amounts related to episodic payments received by our home health care providers in advance of providing services (as discussed in Note 1) and entrance fees that have been and are currently being received upon reservation and occupancy of retirement center units for a continuing care retirement community we own.  In accordance with ASC Topic 954-430, Health Care Entities – Deferred Revenue, the estimated amount of entrance fees that are expected to be refunded to current residents should be recorded as deferred revenue.  According to our entrance fee contracts, a portion of the entrance fees are refundable (90%) only after a contract holder’s unit has been resold. The amounts received from new residents in excess of the amounts to be paid to previous residents are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the facility.  The non-refundable portion (10%) is being recognized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents.

Comprehensive Income

ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, requires that changes in the amounts of certain items, including unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, be shown in the consolidated financial statements as comprehensive income.  We report comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and also in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.

Segment Disclosures

ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial reports issued to stockholders.  Management believes that substantially all of our operations are part of the long-term health care industry segment. See Note 4 for a detail of other revenues provided within the long-term health care industry segment.  Information about the costs and expenses associated with each of the components of other revenues is not separately identifiable.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011–08, which is included in the Codification under ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.”  The revised standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual goodwill impairment test by providing entities an option to perform a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary.  This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2012.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–05, which is included in Codification under ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income”.This accounting standard update eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. It also requires presentation on the face of the financial statements of reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2012. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–12 which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments only. The adoption of this accounting standard update resulted in financial statement presentation changes only.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011–04, which is included in the Codification under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”  The amendments in this update result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  The amendments became effective beginning in our first fiscal quarter of 2012.  The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest rate		0.28	%		2.02	%		1.88	%
Expected volatility		38.8	%		23.7	%		25.3	%
Expected life, in years		2.1			4.8			4.5
Expected dividend yield		2.91	%		3.62	%		3.55	%

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2010		385,305		$	44.78	$	−
Options granted		180,485			35.55		−
Options exercised		(72,149	)		36.69		−
Options cancelled		(21,314	)		32.01		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2010		472,327			43.07		−
Options granted		1,264,719			46.58		−
Options exercised		(224,969	)		37.30		−
Options cancelled		(30,000	)		44.25		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011		1,482,077			46.92		−
Options granted		63,516			44.28		−
Options exercised		(295,371	)		45.41		−
Options cancelled		(115,620	)		50.99		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,134,602		$	46.75	$	711,000
Options exercisable		197,602		$	47.03	$	402,000

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]

Options Outstanding December 31, 2012	Exercise Prices			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
28,800		$37.70		$	37.70		1.3
1,015,802	$44.80	-	$46.69	$	46.58		3.2
90,000		$51.50		$	51.50		0.3
1,134,602				$	46.75		3.0

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2010		–	$	–		–
Award shares granted		30,000		34.46		–
Award shares vested		–		–		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2010		30,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted		–		–		–
Award shares vested		6,000		34.46		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2011		24,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted		–		–		–
Award shares vested		6,000		34.46		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2012		18,000	$	34.46	$	226,000

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Note 20 - Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholder Rights Plan Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 20 – Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock

On August 2, 2007, the NHC Board of Directors approved the adoption of a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend distribution of one right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of NHC common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 2, 2007. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from NHC a unit consisting of one one-ten thousandth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value at a purchase price of $250 per Unit, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a rights agreement between NHC and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent, dated as of August 2, 2007, as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.  No shares have been issued pursuant to this stockholder rights plan.

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Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Investors, Inc. (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

	Total Commitments Including Florida Facilities		Total Commitments Excluding Florida Facilities
2013	$	33,700,000	$	28,948,000
2014		33,700,000		28,948,000
2015		33,700,000		28,948,000
2016		33,700,000		33,700,000
2017		33,700,000		33,700,000
Thereafter		303,300,000		303,300,000

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Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary of Assumptions Used To Value Options Granted	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Risk-free interest rate	0.28%	2.02%	1.88%
Expected volatility	38.80%	23.70%	25.30%
Expected life, in years	2 years 36 days	4 years 292 days	4 years 6 months
Expected dividend yield	2.91%	3.62%	3.55%

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Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

	Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2012	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs  (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,701	$	66,701	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		11,563		11,563		–		–
Marketable equity securities		107,250		107,250		–		–
Corporate debt securities		62,876		–		62,876		–
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		48,063		–		48,063		–
U.S. Treasury securities		16,604		16,604		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,664		–		7,664		–
Total financial assets	$	320,721	$	202,118	$	118,603	$	–

	Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2011	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,008	$	61,008	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		50,587		50,587		–		–
Marketable equity securities		85,051		85,051		–		–
Corporate debt securities		34,074		–		34,074		–
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		33,904		–		33,904		–
U.S. Treasury securities		8,070		8,070		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,577		–		7,577		–
Total financial assets	$	280,271	$	204,716	$	75,555	$	–

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Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 Stock Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Restricted Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Stock Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Restricted Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 2005 Plan [Member]	May 31, 2005 2005 Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 2010 Plan [Member]	May 31, 2010 2010 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)									1,200,000		1,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)								145,620		470,732
Share-based Compensation	$ 2,366,000	$ 2,751,000	$ 321,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense				2,159,000	207,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	5,878,000					5,392,000	486,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition				3 years 73 days	1 year 109 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	404,000	1,054,000	691,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number (in Shares)	197,602
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit (in Dollars per share)	$ 37.70
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (in Dollars per share)	$ 51.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 328 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$ 562,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years				1 year 109 days

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Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	$ 80,296,000	$ 57,138,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	93,000	387,000
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities	62,649,000	46,266,000	43,849,000
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$ 1,640,000	$ 754,000	$ 891,000

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Note 4 - Other Revenues (Detail) - Other Revenues (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Revenues	$ 55,876	$ 58,048	$ 57,024
Insurance Services [Member]
Other Revenues	15,671	15,657	17,068
Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member]
Other Revenues	20,042	21,601	20,897
Rental Income [Member]
Other Revenues	19,039	19,124	17,375
Other Income [Member]
Other Revenues	$ 1,124	$ 1,666	$ 1,684

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Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Provision for Doubtful Accounts (in Dollars)	$ 2,455,000	$ 2,430,000	$ 2,256,000
Caris [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.10%
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Percent of Revenues Derived From Medicare, Medicaid, and Other Government Programs [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	67.00%
Medicare and Medicaid [Member]
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, End of Period (in Dollars)	$ 17,001,000

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Income	$ 57,957	$ 64,072	$ 52,695
Other Comprehensive Income:
Unrealized gains on investments in marketable securities	23,099	598	15,016
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(8,993)	(183)	(5,809)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	14,106	415	9,207
Comprehensive Income	$ 72,063	$ 64,487	$ 61,902

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Note 6 - Other Operating Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other Operating Expenses [Text Block]

Note 6 – Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses include the costs of care and services that we provide to the residents of our facilities and the costs of maintaining our facilities.  Our primary patient care costs include drugs, medical supplies, purchased professional services, food, professional insurance and licensing fees.  The primary facility costs include utilities and property insurance.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$ 3,166	$ 3,713
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares issued	10,838,412	10,838,490
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares outstanding	10,838,412	10,838,490
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; liquidation value (in Dollars per share)	$ 15.75	$ 15.75
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	14,158,127	13,862,738
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,158,127	13,862,738

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Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities as Available for Sale (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Within 1 year	$ 8,868	$ 5,280
Within 1 year	8,918	5,298
1 to 5 years	80,910	44,923
1 to 5 years	82,801	45,734
6 to 10 years	40,670	21,993
6 to 10 years	41,856	22,768
Over 10 years	1,630	9,553
Over 10 years	1,632	9,825
	132,078	81,749
	$ 135,207	$ 83,625

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Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues:
Net patient revenues	$ 705,386,000	$ 715,489,000	$ 663,629,000
Other revenues	55,876,000	58,048,000	57,024,000
Net operating revenues	761,262,000	773,537,000	720,653,000
Costs and Expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	426,934,000	428,672,000	400,270,000
Other operating	198,691,000	198,439,000	197,016,000
Rent	39,355,000	39,736,000	38,086,000
Depreciation and amortization	29,792,000	28,901,000	27,141,000
Interest	455,000	443,000	513,000
Total costs and expenses	695,227,000	696,191,000	663,026,000
Income Before Non-Operating Income	66,035,000	77,346,000	57,627,000
Non-Operating Income	25,245,000	20,533,000	23,340,000
Income Before Income Taxes	91,280,000	97,879,000	80,967,000
Income Tax Provision	(33,323,000)	(33,807,000)	(28,272,000)
Net Income	57,957,000	64,072,000	52,695,000
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders	(8,671,000)	(8,671,000)	(8,673,000)
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$ 49,286,000	$ 55,401,000	$ 44,022,000
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.56	$ 4.02	$ 3.22
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.49	$ 3.90	$ 3.22
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	13,852,709	13,774,628	13,671,053
Diluted (in Shares)	16,598,816	16,414,023	13,676,476

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Note 5 - Non-Operating Income (Detail) (Caris [Member])	Dec. 31, 2012
Caris [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.10%

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Note 18 - Variable Interest Entity (Detail) (Springfield Missouri Lease [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 02, 2010
Springfield Missouri Lease [Member]
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Current			$ 4,500,000
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Current	4,500,000
Land and Land Improvements		$ 4,500,000

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Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		36 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2007	Sep. 04, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Workers Compensation Premium Revenue [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Workers Compensation Premium Revenue [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Workers Compensation Premium Revenue [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Professional Liability Insurance [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Professional Liability Insurance [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Professional Liability Insurance [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Coverage Amount per Incident [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Coverage Amount per Location [Member]
Self Insurance Reserve	$ 110,331,000	$ 98,732,000
Direct Business Coverage Statutory Limits	1,000,000
Other Premium Revenue, Net						5,438,000	4,910,000	5,122,000	4,203,000	4,383,000	4,443,000
Primary Insurance Coverage Amount Per Incident												1,000,000
Primary Insurance Coverage Amount Per Location													3,000,000
Annual Excess Coverage	$ 4,000,000	$ 4,000,000	$ 9,000,000	$ 7,500,000
Number of Subsidiaries					10

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Note 21 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 21 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)

The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial data for the two most recent fiscal years.

2012	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Net Operating Revenues	$	190,086	$	187,765	$	189,368	$	194,043
Income Before Non-Operating Income		14,742		16,487		16,671		18,135
Non-Operating Income		5,868		5,907		6,771		6,699
Net Income		12,676		13,614		17,233		14,434
Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,167		2,168
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		10,508		11,446		15,066		12,266
Basic Earnings Per Share		0.76		0.83		1.09		.88
Diluted Earnings Per Share		0.76		0.82		1.04		.87

2011	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Net Operating Revenues	$	192,948	$	190,783	$	197,064	$	192,742
Income Before Non-Operating Income		25,881		17,040		17,944		16,481
Non-Operating Income		4,561		5,155		5,140		5,677
Net Income		18,724		13,611		17,211		14,526
Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,167		2,168
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders		16,556		11,443		15,044		12,358
Basic Earnings Per Share		1.21		.83		1.09		.89
Diluted Earnings Per Share		1.15		.83		1.05		.88

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Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 15 - Contingencies and Guarantees

Accrued Risk Reserves

We are self-insured for risks related to health insurance and have wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies that insure risks related to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability insurance claims both for our owned or leased entities and certain of the entities to which we provide management or accounting services.  The liability we have recognized for reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims totals $110,331,000 and $98,732,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  This liability is classified as current based on the uncertainty regarding the timing of potential payments.  The liability is included in accrued risk reserves in the consolidated balance sheets.  The amounts are subject to adjustment for actual claims incurred.  It is possible that these claims plus unasserted claims could exceed our insurance coverages and our reserves, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

As a result of the terms of our insurance policies and our use of wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies, we have retained significant insurance risk with respect to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability.  We use independent actuaries to estimate our exposures for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted claims) related to deductibles and exposures in excess of coverage limits, and we maintain reserves for these obligations.  Such estimates are based on many variables including historical and statistical information and other factors.

Workers’ Compensation

For workers’ compensation, we utilize a wholly-owned Tennessee domiciled property/casualty insurance company to write coverage for NHC affiliates and for third-party customers.  Policies are written for a duration of twelve months and cover only risks related to workers’ compensation losses.  All customers are companies which operate in the long-term care industry.  Business is written on a direct basis.  For direct business, coverage is written for statutory limits and the insurance company’s losses in excess of $1,000,000 per claim are covered by reinsurance.

For these workers’ compensation insurance operations, the premium revenues reflected in the consolidated financial statements as other revenues for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are $5,438,000, $4,910,000, and $5,122,000.  Associated losses and expenses are reflected in the consolidated financial statements as salaries, wages and benefits.

General and Professional Liability Insurance and Lawsuits

The long term care industry has experienced significant increases in both the number of personal injury/wrongful death claims and in the severity of awards based upon alleged negligence by nursing facilities and their employees in providing care to residents.  As of December 31, 2012, we and/or our managed centers are currently defendants in 31 such claims covering the years 2005 through December 31, 2012.

In 2002, due to the unavailability and/or prohibitive cost of third-party professional liability insurance coverage, we established and capitalized a wholly-owned licensed liability insurance company incorporated in the Cayman Island, for the purpose of managing our losses related to these risks.  Thus, since 2002, insurance coverage for incidents occurring at all NHC owned providers, and most providers managed by us, is provided through this wholly-owned insurance company.

Insurance coverage for all years includes both primary policies and excess policies.  Beginning in 2003, both primary and excess coverage is provided through our wholly-owned insurance company.  The primary coverage is in the amount of $1.0 million per incident, $3.0 million per location with an annual primary policy aggregate limit that is adjusted on an annual basis.  The excess coverage is $7.5 million annual excess in the aggregate applicable to years 2005-2007, $9.0 million annual excess in the aggregate for years 2008-2010 and $4.0 million excess per occurrence for 2011 and 2012.

Beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2012, additional insurance is purchased through third party providers that serve to supplement the coverage provided through our wholly-owned captive insurance company.

For these professional liability insurance operations, the premium revenues reflected in the consolidated financial statements as other revenues for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are $4,203,000, $4,383,000, and $4,443,000.  Associated losses and expenses including those for self-insurance are included in the consolidated financial statements as other operating costs and expenses.

SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. Lawsuit

On September 4, 2012, SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. ("SeniorTrust"), a Tennessee non-profit corporation, and ten non-profit limited liability company subsidiaries of SeniorTrust (the "SeniorTrust Subsidiaries") filed a lawsuit against the Company and another party.  The complaint of SeniorTrust and the SeniorTrust Subsidiaries alleges that the Company and another party exercised dominion and control over SeniorTrust, the SeniorTrust Subsidiaries and their board of directors for a period prior to sometime in 2008 and that the Company and another party used that control to cause one of SeniorTrust Subsidiaries to enter into sale, purchase, financing and management transactions with the Company and another party on terms adverse to SeniorTrust and one or more SeniorTrust Subsidiaries.  As part of its complaint, SeniorTrust and the SeniorTrust Subsidiaries seek a declaratory judgment and assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, conflict of interest, conversion, and unjust enrichment.  They claim that they have sustained substantial compensatory and punitive damages.

At December 31, 2012, NHC provides management services to seven skilled nursing centers for SeniorTrust and the SeniorTrust subsidiaries.  NHC has provided management services to these entities since 2005.  The Company adamantly denies the claims made by SeniorTrust and the SeniorTrust Subsidiaries and intends to vigorously defend against their complaint.

ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. Lawsuit

On January 16, 2013, we received notice that the receiver of ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. (“ElderTrust”), a Tennessee non-profit corporation, had filed a lawsuit against the Company and another party.  The complaint primarily asserts that the Company and another party caused ElderTrust to enter into transactions on adverse terms.

At December 31, 2012, NHC provides management services to seven skilled nursing centers for ElderTrust.  NHC has provided management services to these entities since 2002.  The Company adamantly denies the claims made by ElderTrust and intends to vigorously defend against its complaint.

Other Matters

On July 24, 2009, the Company received a civil investigative demand from the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, requesting production of documents related to NHC’s business relationships with non-profit entities.  The Company has responded to the demand and complied as required with the terms of the demand.

Debt Guarantees

At December 31, 2012, no agreement to guarantee the debt of other parties exists.

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Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]

Column A	Column B		Column C				Column D			Column E
			Additions
Description	Balance- Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to other Accounts		Deductions			Balance- End of Period
For the year ended December 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,502	$	2,256	$	−	$	1,816	(1)	$	3,942
Accrued risk reserve	$	107,456	$	60,640	$	−	$	63,037		$	105,059
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,942	$	2,430	$	−	$	2,659	(1)	$	3,713
Accrued risk reserve	$	105,059	$	60,202	$	−	$	66,529		$	98,732
For the year ended December 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,713	$	2,455	$	−	$	3,002	(1)	$	3,166
Accrued risk reserve	$	98,732	$	67,900	$	−	$	56,301		$	110,331

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Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P. (Detail) - Summary of Financial Information of Caris (Caris [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Caris [Member]
Current assets	$ 30,894	$ 18,219	$ 20,257
Noncurrent assets	8,395	978	599
Liabilities	9,306	7,623	7,988
Partners’ capital	29,983	11,574	12,868
Revenue	57,824	44,454	43,896
Expenses	39,177	28,018	26,200
Net income	$ 18,647	$ 16,436	$ 17,696

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Note 7 - Earnings per Share (Detail) - Summary of Earnings and Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Used in the Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic									13,852,709	13,774,628	13,671,053
Net income (in Dollars)	$ 14,434	$ 17,233	$ 13,614	$ 12,676	$ 14,526	$ 17,211	$ 13,611	$ 18,724	$ 57,957	$ 64,072	$ 52,695
Dividends to preferred stockholders (in Dollars)									8,671	8,671	8,673
Net income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)	12,266	15,066	11,446	10,508	12,358	15,044	11,443	16,556	49,286	55,401	44,022
Earnings per common share, basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.88	$ 1.09	$ 0.83	$ 0.76	$ 0.89	$ 1.09	$ 0.83	$ 1.21	$ 3.56	$ 4.02	$ 3.22
Diluted:
Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock									109,233
Convertible preferred stock									2,623,329	2,623,452
Assumed average common shares outstanding									16,598,816	16,414,023	13,676,476
Add dilutive preferred stock dividends for effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock (in Dollars)									8,671	8,671
Net income for diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars)									$ 57,957	$ 64,072	$ 44,022
Earnings per common share, diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.87	$ 1.04	$ 0.82	$ 0.76	$ 0.88	$ 1.05	$ 0.83	$ 1.15	$ 3.49	$ 3.90	$ 3.22
Stock Options [Member]
Diluted:
Dilutive effect of securities									8,019	9,934	3,237
Restricted Stock [Member]
Diluted:
Dilutive effect of securities									5,526	6,009	2,186

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Note 13 - Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised	$ (267,000)	$ (52,000)	$ 154,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)	(4,309,000)	(2,387,000)	(2,502,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	1,999,000
Entity Not Subject to Income Taxes, Difference in Bases, Amount	2,310,000	2,387,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	(3,187,000)	(3,992,000)	(3,721,000)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	3,187,000	3,992,000	3,721,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1,894,000	2,479,000	4,350,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	11,996,000	13,765,000	14,511,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	8,292,000	9,308,000	9,048,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefit, Permanent Differences	3,704,000	4,457,000	5,463,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	1,531,000		1,931,000
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Cumulative Amount of Temporary Difference		0
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense	(585,000)	(1,871,000)	(1,008,000)
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)	(2,707,000)
Entity Not Subject to Income Taxes, Difference in Bases, Amount	985,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	602,000
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Cumulative Amount of Temporary Difference	1,722,000
Interest and Penalties [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	940,000	1,605,000	1,219,000
Permanent Differences [Member] | Favorable Impact on Tax Provision [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	707,000
Permanent Differences [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)			(2,502,000)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued		1,650,000
Temporary Differences [Member] | Favorable Impact on Tax Provision [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	170,000
Temporary Differences [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)			0
Favorable Impact on Tax Provision [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued		$ 1,605,000	$ 1,219,000

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Note 12 - Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]

			December 31,
	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Maturities	2012		2011
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 0.9%	2013	$	–	$	–
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%	2018		10,000		10,000
				10,000		10,000
Less current portion				–		–
			$	10,000	$	10,000

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]

	Long-Term Debt
	(in thousands)
2013	$	−
2014		−
2015		−
2016		−
2017		−
Thereafter		10,000
Total	$	10,000

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Note 7 - Earnings per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,852,709		13,774,628		13,671,053
Net income	$	57,957	$	64,072	$	52,695
Dividends to preferred stockholders		8,671		8,671		8,673
Net income available to common stockholders	$	49,286	$	55,401	$	44,022
Earnings per common share, basic	$	3.56	$	4.02	$	3.22
Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,852,709		13,774,628		13,671,053
Dilutive effect of stock options		8,019		9,934		3,237
Dilutive effect of restricted stock		5,526		6,009		2,186
Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock		109,233		–		–
Convertible preferred stock		2,623,329		2,623,452		–
Assumed average common shares outstanding		16,598,816		16,414,023		13,676,476
Net income available to common stockholders	$	49,286	$	55,401	$	44,022
Add dilutive preferred stock dividends for effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock		8,671		8,671		–
Net income for diluted earnings per common share	$	57,957	$	64,072	$	44,022
Earnings per common share, diluted	$	3.49	$	3.90	$	3.22

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Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized  Cost		Fair Value
Investments available for sale:
Marketable equity securities	$	30,176	$	107,250	$	30,176	$	85,051
Restricted investments available for sale:
Corporate debt securities		61,453		62,876		33,426		34,074
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		47,194		48,063		33,275		33,904
U.S. Treasury securities		16,218		16,604		7,778		8,070
State and municipal securities		7,213		7,664		7,270		7,577
	$	162,254	$	242,457	$	111,925	$	168,676

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	December 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Shares		Cost		Fair Value		Shares		Cost		Fair Value
NHI Common Stock		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	92,180		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	71,716

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Maturities:
Within 1 year	$	8,868	$	8,918	$	5,280	$	5,298
1 to 5 years		80,910		82,801		44,923		45,734
6 to 10 years		40,670		41,856		21,993		22,768
Over 10 years		1,630		1,632		9,553		9,825
	$	132,078	$	135,207	$	81,749	$	83,625

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Note 5 - Non-Operating Income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Nonoperating Income [Text Block]

Note 5 – Non-Operating Income

Non-operating income is outlined in the table below.  Non-operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and other realized gains and losses on securities, interest income, and other miscellaneous non-operating income.  Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest in Caris, a business that specializes in hospice care services.  See Note 16 for additional disclosures regarding Caris.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	$	13,616	$	9,674	$	8,993
Dividends and net realized gains on sales of securities		7,006		5,875		5,404
Interest income		4,623		4,984		5,380
Recovery of assets in acquisition of healthcare centers		–		–		3,563
	$	25,245	$	20,533	$	23,340

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Note 12 - Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)		$ 75,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.70%
Eurodollar Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.70%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)		$ 5,000,000

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Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

(in thousands)

Column A	Column B		Column C				Column D			Column E
			Additions
Description	Balance- Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to other Accounts		Deductions			Balance- End of Period
For the year ended December 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,502	$	2,256	$	−	$	1,816	(1)	$	3,942
Accrued risk reserve	$	107,456	$	60,640	$	−	$	63,037		$	105,059
For the year ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,942	$	2,430	$	−	$	2,659	(1)	$	3,713
Accrued risk reserve	$	105,059	$	60,202	$	−	$	66,529		$	98,732
For the year ended December 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,713	$	2,455	$	−	$	3,002	(1)	$	3,166
Accrued risk reserve	$	98,732	$	67,900	$	−	$	56,301		$	110,331

(1) Amounts written off, net of recoveries

All other financial statement schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

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Note 16 - Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P. (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	( in thousands)
Current assets	$	30,894	$	18,219	$	20,257
Noncurrent assets		8,395		978		599
Liabilities		9,306		7,623		7,988
Partners’ capital		29,983		11,574		12,868
Revenue		57,824		44,454		43,896
Expenses		39,177		28,018		26,200
Net income		18,647		16,436		17,696

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Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 8 - Investments in Marketable Securities

Our investments in marketable securities include available for sale securities.  Realized gains and losses from securities sales are determined on the specific identification of the securities.Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities consist of the following:

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized  Cost		Fair Value
Investments available for sale:
Marketable equity securities	$	30,176	$	107,250	$	30,176	$	85,051
Restricted investments available for sale:
Corporate debt securities		61,453		62,876		33,426		34,074
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		47,194		48,063		33,275		33,904
U.S. Treasury securities		16,218		16,604		7,778		8,070
State and municipal securities		7,213		7,664		7,270		7,577
	$	162,254	$	242,457	$	111,925	$	168,676

Included in the available for sale marketable equity securities are the following:

(in thousands, except share amounts)

	December 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Shares		Cost		Fair Value		Shares		Cost		Fair Value
NHI Common Stock		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	92,180		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	71,716

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities classified as available for sale, by contractual maturity, are as follows:

	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Maturities:
Within 1 year	$	8,868	$	8,918	$	5,280	$	5,298
1 to 5 years		80,910		82,801		44,923		45,734
6 to 10 years		40,670		41,856		21,993		22,768
Over 10 years		1,630		1,632		9,553		9,825
	$	132,078	$	135,207	$	81,749	$	83,625

Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale securities are $80,296,000 and $57,138,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Gross unrealized losses related to available for sale securities were $93,000 and $387,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale of investments in marketable securities during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $62,649,000, $46,266,000, and $43,849,000, respectively.  Net investment gains of $1,640,000, $754,000, and $891,000 were realized on these sales during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

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Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Number of Shares			30,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)			$ 34.46
Number of Shares	6,000	6,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 34.46	$ 34.46
Number of Shares	18,000	24,000	30,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 34.46	$ 34.46	$ 34.46
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 226,000

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Note 4 - Other Revenues

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other Revenues

Note 4 - Other Revenues

Other revenues are outlined in the table below.  Revenues from insurance services include premiums for workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance policies that our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance subsidiaries have written for certain long-term health care centers to which we provide management or accounting services. Revenues from management and accounting services include management and accounting fees provided to managed and other long-term health care centers.  Revenues from rental income include health care real estate properties owned by us and leased to third party operators.  Other revenues include miscellaneous health care related earnings.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Insurance services	$	15,671	$	15,657	$	17,068
Management and accounting service fees		20,042		21,601		20,897
Rental income		19,039		19,124		17,375
Other		1,124		1,666		1,684
	$	55,876	$	58,048	$	57,024

Management Fees from National

We have managed long-term care centers for National since 1988, and we currently manage five centers.  See Note 3 regarding our relationship with National.

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, National paid and we recognized approximately $3,397,000, $3,539,000, and $3,982,000, respectively, of management fees and interest on management fees, which amounts are included in management and accounting service fees.  Unrecognized and unpaid management fees from National total $21,333,000, $21,289,000, and $21,320,000 at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We have recognized approximately $37,621,000 of management fees and interest from these centers since 1988.

The unpaid fees from these five centers, because the amount collectable could not be reasonably determined when the management services were provided, and because we cannot estimate the timing or amount of expected future collections, will be recognized as revenues only when the collectability of these fees can be reasonably assured.  Under the terms of our management agreement with National, the payment of these fees to us may be subordinated to other expenditures of the five long-term care centers.  We continue to manage these centers so that we may be able to collect our fees in the future and because the incremental savings from discontinuing services to a center may be small compared to the potential benefit.  We may receive payment for the unrecognized management fees in whole or in part in the future only if cash flows from the operating and investing activities of centers or proceeds from the sale of the centers are sufficient to pay the fees.  There can be no assurance that such future improved cash flows will occur.

Management Fees from Other Nursing Centers

We continue to manage fourteen long-term health centers (excluding the five National centers) for third-party owners where the management fees are recognized only when realized.  During 2012, 2011, and 2010, we recognized $5,660,000, $6,138,000, and $4,753,000, respectively, of management fees and interest from these fourteen long-term care centers.  Unrecognized and unpaid management fees from these centers total $8,505,000, $8,502,000, and $8,889,000 at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  We have recognized approximately $39,807,000 of management fees and interest from these centers since 2002.

The unpaid fees from these fourteen centers, because of insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, will be recognized as revenues only when the collectability of the fees can be reasonably assured.  Under the terms of our management agreements, the payment of these fees to us may be subordinated to other expenditures of each of the long-term care providers.  We continue to manage these centers so that we may be able to collect our fees in the future and because the incremental savings from discontinuing services to a center may be small compared to the potential benefit.  We may receive payment for the unrecognized and uncollected management fees in whole or in part in the future only if cash flows from operating and investing activities of the centers or proceeds from the sale of the centers are sufficient to pay the fees.  There can be no assurance that such future improved cash flows will occur.

During 2012, a receiver was appointed for the fourteen long-term health centers and the Board of Directors’ of the respective two nonprofit organizations no longer have the custodial responsibility over the assets of the entities.  Consequently, the appointed receiver for each of the two nonprofit organizations filed a lawsuit against us and another party.  As stated above, we are currently managing the fourteen facilities and have a management contract with the receiver, but it is unknown at this time how long we will continue to manage the health care centers or the receiver’s intentions.  However, if we no longer manage some or all of the fourteen health care centers, such impact may be adverse and material to our future results of operations and cash flows.  See Note 15 for additional information on the pending litigation.

Rental Income

In 2007, NHC acquired all of the net assets of National Health Realty, Inc., which was a health care real estate investment trust.  The properties acquired in the acquisition are the properties that have generated the majority of the rental income for NHC for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.  The health care properties currently owned and leased to third party operators include nine skilled nursing facilities and four assisted living communities.  We renewed the rental agreements in 2011 for a five year period, which ends on December 31, 2015.

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balance at January 1, 2010 at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 170,555,000	$ 137,000	$ 130,867,000	$ 197,140,000	$ 27,080,000	$ 525,779,000
Balance at January 1, 2010 (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2009	10,841,062	13,717,701
Net income				52,695,000		52,695,000
Other comprehensive income					9,207,000	9,207,000
Stock-based compensation			321,000			321,000
Tax benefit (expense) from exercise of stock options			154,000			154,000
Shares sold – options exercised		1,000	2,654,000			2,655,000
Shares sold – options exercised (in Shares)		102,349				(72,149)
Shares repurchased		(2,000)	(5,942,000)			(5,944,000)
Shares repurchased (in Shares)		(182,900)
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	(7,000)		7,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in Shares)	(454)	108
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders				(8,673,000)		(8,673,000)
Dividends declared to common stockholders				(15,048,000)		(15,048,000)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	170,548,000	136,000	128,061,000	226,114,000	36,287,000	561,146,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	10,840,608	13,637,258
Net income				64,072,000		64,072,000
Other comprehensive income					415,000	415,000
Stock-based compensation			2,751,000			2,751,000
Tax benefit (expense) from exercise of stock options			(52,000)			(52,000)
Shares sold – options exercised		2,000	8,390,000			8,392,000
Shares sold – options exercised (in Shares)		224,969				(224,969)
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	(33,000)		33,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in Shares)	(2,118)	511
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders				(8,671,000)		(8,671,000)
Dividends declared to common stockholders				(16,317,000)		(16,317,000)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	170,515,000	138,000	139,183,000	265,198,000	36,702,000	611,736,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	10,838,490	13,862,738
Net income				57,957,000		57,957,000
Other comprehensive income					14,106,000	14,106,000
Stock-based compensation			2,366,000			2,366,000
Tax benefit (expense) from exercise of stock options			(267,000)			(267,000)
Shares sold – options exercised		3,000	13,409,000			13,412,000
Shares sold – options exercised (in Shares)		295,371				(295,371)
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	(1,000)		1,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in Shares)	(78)	18
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders				(8,671,000)		(8,671,000)
Dividends declared to common stockholders				(30,967,000)		(30,967,000)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 170,514,000	$ 141,000	$ 154,692,000	$ 283,517,000	$ 50,808,000	$ 659,672,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	10,838,412	14,158,127

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Note 5 - Non-Operating Income (Detail) - Non-operating income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Non-operating Income	$ 25,245	$ 20,533	$ 23,340
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Investments [Member]
Non-operating Income	13,616	9,674	8,993
Dividends and Other Net Realized Gains and Losses on Sales of Securities [Member]
Non-operating Income	7,006	5,875	5,404
Interest Income [Member]
Non-operating Income	4,623	4,984	5,380
Recovery of Assets in Acquisition [Member]
Non-operating Income			$ 3,563

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Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Investors, Inc. (Detail) - Future Minimum Base Rent on Non-Cancelable Operation Leases with NHI (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
Including Florida Facilities [Member]
2013	$ 33,700,000
2014	33,700,000
2015	33,700,000
2016	33,700,000
2017	33,700,000
Thereafter	303,300,000
Exluding Florida Facilities [Member]
2013	28,948,000
2014	28,948,000
2015	28,948,000
2016	33,700,000
2017	33,700,000
Thereafter	$ 303,300,000

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Note 21 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Operating Revenues	$ 194,043	$ 189,368	$ 187,765	$ 190,086	$ 192,742	$ 197,064	$ 190,783	$ 192,948	$ 761,262	$ 773,537	$ 720,653
Income Before Non-Operating Income	18,135	16,671	16,487	14,742	16,481	17,944	17,040	25,881	66,035	77,346	57,627
Non-Operating Income	6,699	6,771	5,907	5,868	5,677	5,140	5,155	4,561
Net Income	14,434	17,233	13,614	12,676	14,526	17,211	13,611	18,724	57,957	64,072	52,695
Preferred Dividends	2,168	2,167	2,168	2,168	2,168	2,167	2,168	2,168	8,671	8,671	8,673
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$ 12,266	$ 15,066	$ 11,446	$ 10,508	$ 12,358	$ 15,044	$ 11,443	$ 16,556	$ 49,286	$ 55,401	$ 44,022
Basic Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.88	$ 1.09	$ 0.83	$ 0.76	$ 0.89	$ 1.09	$ 0.83	$ 1.21	$ 3.56	$ 4.02	$ 3.22
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.87	$ 1.04	$ 0.82	$ 0.76	$ 0.88	$ 1.05	$ 0.83	$ 1.15	$ 3.49	$ 3.90	$ 3.22

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Note 4 - Other Revenues (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Other Revenues

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Insurance services	$	15,671	$	15,657	$	17,068
Management and accounting service fees		20,042		21,601		20,897
Rental income		19,039		19,124		17,375
Other		1,124		1,666		1,684
	$	55,876	$	58,048	$	57,024

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Note 20 - Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Aug. 02, 2007
Dividend Distributions Rights (in Shares)			1
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$ 15.75
Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share			$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share			$ 250

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Note 13 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Provision for Income Taxes (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current Tax Provision
Federal	$ 29,147	$ 29,311	$ 23,734
State	4,010	3,131	2,953
	33,157	32,442	26,687
Deferred Tax Provision
Federal	162	1,220	1,386
State	4	145	199
	166	1,365	1,585
Income Tax Provision	$ 33,323	$ 33,807	$ 28,272

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Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 66,701	$ 61,008
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	11,563	50,587
Available for sale securities	242,457	168,676
Total financial assets	320,721	280,271
Marketable Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Available for sale securities	107,250	85,051
Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities	107,250	85,051
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Available for sale securities	62,876	34,074
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities	62,876	34,074
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Available for sale securities	48,063	33,904
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities	48,063	33,904
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	16,604
Available for sale securities		8,070
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	16,604
Available for sale securities		8,070
State and Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Available for sale securities	7,664	7,577
State and Municipal Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities	7,664	7,577
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	66,701	61,008
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	11,563	50,587
Total financial assets	202,118	204,716
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total financial assets	$ 118,603	$ 75,555

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Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Balance - beginning of period	$ 3,713		$ 3,942		$ 3,502
Charged to costs and expenses	2,455		2,430		2,256
Deductions	3,002	[1]	2,659	[1]	1,816	[1]
Balance - end of period	3,166		3,713		3,942
Accrued Risk Reserve [Member]
Balance - beginning of period	98,732		105,059		107,456
Charged to costs and expenses	67,900		60,202		60,640
Deductions	56,301		66,529		63,037
Balance - end of period	$ 110,331		$ 98,732		$ 105,059

[1] Amounts written off, net of recoveries

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Note 11 - Notes Receivable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 11 - Notes Receivable

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we have notes receivable from managed and other long-term health care centers totaling $21,789,000 and $22,449,000, respectively, reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  The notes are first and second mortgages with interest rates ranging from prime plus 2% to 10.5% fixed rate with periodic payments required prior to maturity.  The notes mature in the years from 2013 through 2016.  The proceeds of the notes were used by the long-term health care centers for construction costs, development costs incurred during construction, and working capital.

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Note 7 - Earnings per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Note 7 - Earnings Per Share

We compute earnings per share using the two-class method.  Under the two-class method, earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.

The following table summarizes the earnings and the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,852,709		13,774,628		13,671,053
Net income	$	57,957	$	64,072	$	52,695
Dividends to preferred stockholders		8,671		8,671		8,673
Net income available to common stockholders	$	49,286	$	55,401	$	44,022
Earnings per common share, basic	$	3.56	$	4.02	$	3.22
Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,852,709		13,774,628		13,671,053
Dilutive effect of stock options		8,019		9,934		3,237
Dilutive effect of restricted stock		5,526		6,009		2,186
Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock		109,233		–		–
Convertible preferred stock		2,623,329		2,623,452		–
Assumed average common shares outstanding		16,598,816		16,414,023		13,676,476
Net income available to common stockholders	$	49,286	$	55,401	$	44,022
Add dilutive preferred stock dividends for effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock		8,671		8,671		–
Net income for diluted earnings per common share	$	57,957	$	64,072	$	44,022
Earnings per common share, diluted	$	3.49	$	3.90	$	3.22

Excluded in the above table are 1,068,302; 1,420,620; and 235,620 shares associated with stock options for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, due to their antidilutive impact.  Also excluded in 2010 are 2,623,861 potential common shares issuable upon the conversion of preferred stock due to their antidilutive impact.

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Note 13 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Tax provision at federal statutory rate	$ 31,948	$ 34,258	$ 28,338
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State, net of federal benefit	3,173	3,185	2,897
Nondeductible expenses	118	188	169
Insurance expense	39	26	(133)
Other, net	823	57	62
Unrecognized tax benefits	409	85	660
Expiration of statute of limitations	(3,187)	(3,992)	(3,721)
	1,375	(451)	(66)
Effective income tax expense	$ 33,323	$ 33,807	$ 28,272

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Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation

NHC recognizes stock-based compensation for all stock options and restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the fair value for these grants as estimated at the date of grant either using the Black-Scholes pricing model for stock options or the quoted market price for restricted stock.

The 2005 and 2010 Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("the Committee") has the authority to select the participants to be granted options; to designate whether the option granted is an incentive stock option ("ISO"), a non–qualified option, or a stock appreciation right; to establish the number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the option; to establish the vesting provision for any award; and to establish the term any award may be outstanding.  The exercise price of any ISO’s granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted and the term of an ISO may not be any more than ten years.  The exercise price of any non–qualified options granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.

In May 2005, our stockholders approved the 2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan ("the 2005 Plan") pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock-based payments to key employees, directors, and non-employee consultants.  At December 31, 2012, 145,620 shares were available for future grants under the 2005 Plan.

In May 2010, our stockholders approved the 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan ("the 2010 Plan") pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock-based payments to key employees, directors, and non-employee consultants.  At December 31, 2012, 470,732 shares were available for future grants under the 2010 Plan.

Under both the 2005 and 2010 Plans, the individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to five years.  The term of the options outstanding under both Plans is five years from the date of the grant.  Our policy is to issue new shares to satisfy option exercises.

Additionally, we have an employee stock purchase plan that allows employees to purchase our shares of stock through payroll deductions.  The plan allows employees to terminate participation at any time.

Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest.  Stock-based compensation totaled $2,366,000, $2,751,000, and $321,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  The expense for the 2012 year consisted of $2,159,000 for stock options and $207,000 for restricted stock.

At December 31, 2012, we had $5,878,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation awards, which consisted of $5,392,000 for stock options and $486,000 for restricted stock.  This expense will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period, which is approximately 3.2 years for stock options and 1.3 years for restricted stock.  Stock-based compensation is included in salaries, wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of income.  Tax deductions for the options exercised and restricted stock vested totaled $404,000, $1,054,000, and $691,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Stock Options

The Company is required to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant.  The fair value of each option award is estimated using the Black–Scholes option valuation model with the weighted average assumptions indicated in the following table.  Each grant is valued as a single award with an expected term based upon expected employment and termination behavior.  Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period in a manner consistent with the option vesting provisions.  The straight–line attribution method requires that compensation expense is recognized at least equal to the portion of the grant–date fair value that is vested at that date.  The expected volatility is derived using weekly historical data for periods immediately preceding the date of grant.  The risk–free interest rate is the approximate yield on the United States Treasury Strips having a life equal to the expected option life on the date of grant.  The expected life is an estimate of the number of years an option will be held before it is exercised.  The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value the options granted in the periods shown.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest rate		0.28	%		2.02	%		1.88	%
Expected volatility		38.8	%		23.7	%		25.3	%
Expected life, in years		2.1			4.8			4.5
Expected dividend yield		2.91	%		3.62	%		3.55	%

The following table summarizes option activity:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2010		385,305		$	44.78	$	−
Options granted		180,485			35.55		−
Options exercised		(72,149	)		36.69		−
Options cancelled		(21,314	)		32.01		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2010		472,327			43.07		−
Options granted		1,264,719			46.58		−
Options exercised		(224,969	)		37.30		−
Options cancelled		(30,000	)		44.25		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011		1,482,077			46.92		−
Options granted		63,516			44.28		−
Options exercised		(295,371	)		45.41		−
Options cancelled		(115,620	)		50.99		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,134,602		$	46.75	$	711,000
Options exercisable		197,602		$	47.03	$	402,000

Options Outstanding December 31, 2012	Exercise Prices			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
28,800		$37.70		$	37.70		1.3
1,015,802	$44.80	-	$46.69	$	46.58		3.2
90,000		$51.50		$	51.50		0.3
1,134,602				$	46.75		3.0

At December 31, 2012, 197,602 options outstanding are exercisable.  Exercise prices on the options range from $37.70 to $51.50.  The weighted average remaining contractual life of all options outstanding at December 31, 2012 is 2.9 years.  The total intrinsic value of shares exercised during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $562,000.

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2010		–	$	–		–
Award shares granted		30,000		34.46		–
Award shares vested		–		–		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2010		30,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted		–		–		–
Award shares vested		6,000		34.46		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2011		24,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted		–		–		–
Award shares vested		6,000		34.46		–
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2012		18,000	$	34.46	$	226,000

The weighted average remaining contractual life of restricted stock at December 31, 2012 is 1.3 years.

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Note 12 - Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 12 - Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands):

			December 31,
	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Maturities	2012		2011
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 0.9%	2013	$	–	$	–
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%	2018		10,000		10,000
				10,000		10,000
Less current portion				–		–
			$	10,000	$	10,000

$75,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement

 Effective October 24, 2012, we extended the maturity of our Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A., as lender (the "Lender").  The Credit Agreement provides for a $75,000,000 revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"), of which up to $5,000,000 may be utilized for letters of credit.

Borrowings bear interest at either (i) the Eurodollar rate plus 0.70% or (ii) the base rate.  Letter of credit fees are equal to 0.70% times the maximum amount available to be drawn under outstanding letters of credit.  The rates and fees are unchanged from those in effect prior to the extension.

Commitment fees are payable on the daily unused portion of the Credit Facility at a rate of twenty (20) basis points per annum.  NHC is permitted to prepay the loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time, without penalty.

The Credit Facility matures on October 23, 2013.  Between 90 and 120 days prior to the maturity date, NHC may request the extension of the maturity date.  If the Lender elects to consent to such extension, subject to certain conditions, the maturity date will be extended to the date which is 364 days after the then maturity date.

NHC’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain NHC subsidiaries and are secured by pledges by NHC and the guarantors of (i) 100% of the equity interests of domestic subsidiaries and (ii) up to 65% of the voting equity interests and 100% of the non-voting equity interests of foreign subsidiaries, in each case, held by NHC or the guarantors.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and covenants, including covenants that restrict, among other things, asset dispositions, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, restricted payments, debt, liens, investments and affiliate transactions.  The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default.

The Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2012 are as follows:

	Long-Term Debt
	(in thousands)
2013	$	−
2014		−
2015		−
2016		−
2017		−
Thereafter		10,000
Total	$	10,000

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Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 12, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,158,127
Entity Public Float			$ 308,000,000
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001047335
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

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Note 13 - Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 13 - Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following components:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Current Tax Provision
Federal	$	29,147	$	29,311	$	23,734
State		4,010		3,131		2,953
		33,157		32,442		26,687
Deferred Tax Provision
Federal		162		1,220		1,386
State		4		145		199
		166		1,365		1,585
Income Tax Provision	$	33,323	$	33,807	$	28,272

The deferred tax assets and liabilities, consisting of temporary differences tax effected at the respective income tax rates, are as follows:

	December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Current deferred tax asset:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	1,022		$	1,174
Accrued expenses		7,490			7,946
		8,512			9,120
Current deferred tax liability:
Unrealized gains on marketable securities		(31,154	)		(22,058	)
Other		(1,832	)		(1,588	)
		(32,986	)		(23,646	)
Net current deferred tax liability	$	(24,474	)	$	(14,526	)
Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
Financial reporting depreciation in excess of tax depreciation	$	4,086		$	968
Deferred gain on sale of assets (net)		(3,135	)		(3,135	)
Tax basis intangible asset in excess of financial reporting basis		663			968
Stock-based compensation		1,682			1,283
Long-term investments		(1,387	)		157
Accrued expenses		2,132			2,129
Deferred revenue		6,523			7,797
Net noncurrent deferred tax asset	$	10,564			10,167

A reconciliation of income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Tax provision at federal statutory rate	$	31,948		$	34,258		$	28,338
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State, net of federal benefit		3,173			3,185			2,897
Nondeductible expenses		118			188			169
Insurance expense		39			26			(133	)
Other, net		823			57			62
Unrecognized tax benefits		409			85			660
Expiration of statute of limitations		(3,187	)		(3,992	)		(3,721	)
		1,375			(451	)		(66	)
Effective income tax expense	$	33,323		$	33,807		$	28,272

The exercise of non-qualified stock options results in state and federal income tax benefits to the Company related to the difference between the market price at the date of exercise and the option exercise price.  During 2012, 2011 and 2010, $(267,000), $(52,000), and $154,000, respectively, attributable to the tax benefit of stock options exercised and restricted stock, was credited to additional paid-in capital.

Our deferred tax assets have been evaluated for realization based on historical taxable income, tax planning strategies, the expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income anticipated.  Our deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in full due to the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character under the tax law.  As such, there is no need for a valuation allowance.

Uncertain tax positions may arise where tax laws may allow for alternative interpretations or where the timing of recognition of income is subject to judgment.  We believe we have adequate provisions for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions.  However, because of uncertainty of interpretation by various tax authorities and the possibility that there are issues that have not been recognized by management, we cannot guarantee we have accurately estimated our tax liabilities.  We believe that our liabilities reflect the anticipated outcome of known uncertain tax positions in conformity with ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes.  Our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are presented in the consolidated balance sheets within other noncurrent liabilities.

Also under ASC Topic 740, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more–likely–than–not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.

In accordance with current guidance, the Company has established a liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which are differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured pursuant to this Interpretation.  Generally a liability is created for an unrecognized tax benefit because it represents a company’s potential future obligation to a taxing authority for a tax position that was not recognized per above.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

	Deferred Tax Asset			Liability For Unrecognized Tax Benefits			Liability For Interest and Penalties			Liability Total
Balance, January 1, 2010	$	11,894		$	17,275		$	5,358		$	22,633
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,094			144			1,238
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(1,510	)		(1,356	)		67			(1,289	)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(295	)		(2,502	)		(1,219	)		(3,721	)
Balance, December 31, 2010		10,089			14,511			4,350			18,861
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,452			183			1,635
Additions for tax positions of prior years		(70	)		189			(449	)		(260	)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(93	)		(2,387	)		(1,605	)		(3,992	)
Balance, December 31, 2011		9,926			13,765			2,479			16,244
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−			1,695			185			1,880
Additions for tax positions of prior years		728			845			170			1,015
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(1,999	)		(4,309	)		(940	)		(5,249	)
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	8,655		$	11,996		$	1,894		$	13,890

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we have recognized a $4,309,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $1,999,000 of temporary differences and $2,310,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $940,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse.  The favorable impact on our tax provision was $3,187,000 composed of $2,310,000 tax and $707,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $170,000 interest and penalties on temporary differences.

At December 31, 2012, we had $11,996,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $8,292,000 of deferred tax assets and $3,704,000 of permanent differences.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,894,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012.  Unrecognized tax benefits of $3,704,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2012, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,531,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2012.  We do not expect to recognize significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits within the twelve months beginning December 31, 2012, except for the effect of decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations estimated at $2,707,000, composed of temporary differences of $1,722,000, and permanent differences of $985,000.  Interest and penalties of $602,000 relate to these temporary and permanent difference changes within 12 months beginning December 31, 2012.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we have recognized a $2,387,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $-0- of temporary differences and $2,387,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $1,605,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse.  The favorable impact on our tax provision was $3,992,000 composed of $2,387,000 tax and $1,605,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $-0- interest and penalties on temporary differences.

At December 31, 2011, we had $13,765,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $9,308,000 of deferred tax assets and $4,457,000 of permanent differences.  Accrued interest and penalties of $2,479,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011.  Unrecognized tax benefits of $4,457,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2011, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,650,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2011.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we have recognized a $2,502,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $-0- of temporary differences and $2,502,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $1,219,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse.  The favorable impact on our tax provision was $3,721,000 composed of $2,502,000 tax and $1,219,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $-0- interest and penalties on temporary differences.

At December 31, 2010, we had $14,511,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $9,048,000 of deferred tax assets and $5,463,000 of permanent differences.  Accrued interest and penalties of $4,350,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010.  Unrecognized tax benefits of $5,463,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2010, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,931,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2010.

Interest and penalties expense related to U.S. federal and state income tax returns are included within income tax expense.  Interest and penalties expense (benefit) was $(585,000); $(1,871,000); and $(1,008,000); for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009 (with few state exceptions).  Currently, there are no U.S. federal and state returns under examination.

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Note 11 - Notes Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Gross (in Dollars)	$ 21,789,000	$ 22,449,000
Minimum [Member]
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Maximum [Member]
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	10.50%

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Note 10 - Property and Equipment (Detail) - Property and equipment, at cost (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Land	$ 50,711	$ 47,195
Leasehold improvements	90,925	88,204
Buildings and improvements	396,228	390,973
Furniture and equipment	126,288	123,613
Construction in progress	11,303	9,538
	675,455	659,523
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(254,548)	(229,872)
	$ 420,907	$ 429,651