Computation of Net Income Per Common Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 33,741	$ 25,658	$ 41,165
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,209)	(186)	(783)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc.	35,950	25,844	41,948
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit	0	(1,804)	(1,357)
Net income (loss) attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc.	$ 35,950	$ 24,040	$ 40,591
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	22,341	21,900	21,429
Basic net income (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc.	$ 1.61	$ 1.18	$ 1.96
Loss from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ (0.08)	$ (0.07)
Net income (loss) attributable to The Ensign Group, Inc.	$ 1.61	$ 1.10	$ 1.89
Common Class A [Member]
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	22,341	21,900	21,429