Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations We provide management, administrative and operating expertise and services to the housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and dietary service departments of the health care industry, including nursing homes, retirement complexes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals located throughout the United States. Although we do not directly participate in any government reimbursement programs, our clients’ reimbursements are subject to government regulation. Therefore, they are directly affected by any legislation relating to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement programs. We provide our services primarily pursuant to full service agreements with our clients. In such agreements, we are responsible for the day to day management of the managers and hourly employees located at our clients’ facilities. We also provide services on the basis of a management-only agreement for a very limited number of clients. Our agreements with clients typically provide for a one year service term, cancelable by either party upon 30 to 90 days’ notice after the initial 90-day period. We are organized into two reportable segments; housekeeping, laundry, linen and other services (“Housekeeping”), and dietary department services (“Dietary”). Housekeeping consists of the managing of the client’s housekeeping department which is principally responsible for the cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing of patient rooms and common areas of a client’s facility, as well as the laundering and processing of the personal clothing belonging to the facility’s patients. Also within the scope of this segment’s service is the responsibility for laundering and processing of the bed linens, uniforms and other assorted linen items utilized by a client facility. Dietary consists of managing the client’s dietary department which is principally responsible for food purchasing, meal preparation and providing dietitian consulting professional services, which includes the development of a menu that meets the patient’s dietary needs.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Healthcare Services Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts and notes receivable, deferred compensation funding and accounts payable. Our marketable securities consist of tax-exempt municipal bond investments that are reported at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses included in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"), we define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The fair value of our cash equivalents and marketable securities is determined based on “Level 2” inputs, which consists of quoted prices for similar assets or market corroborated inputs. We believe recorded values of all of our financial instruments approximate their current fair values because of their nature, stated interest rates and respective maturity dates or durations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are held in U.S. financial institutions or in custodial accounts with U.S. financial institutions. Cash and cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at time of purchase that are readily convertible into cash and have insignificant interest rate risk.
Investments in Marketable Securities	Investments in Marketable Securities We define our marketable securities as fixed income investments which are highly liquid investments that can be readily purchased or sold using established markets. At December 31, 2014, we had marketable securities of $11,799,000 which were comprised primarily of tax exempt municipal bonds. These investments are reported at fair value on our balance sheet. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the accumulated other comprehensive income on our consolidated balance sheet, statements of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity includes unrealized gains from marketable securities of $25,000 related to marketable securities which are not recognized under the fair value option in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The unrealized gains and losses are recorded net of income taxes. We, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We have not elected the fair value option for our available for sale marketable securities as we believe these assets are more representative of our investing activities and are viewed as non-operating in nature. These assets are available for future needs of the Company to support our current and projected growth, if required. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, our investments in marketable securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. These investment securities are valued based upon 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. Our investment policy is to seek to manage these assets to achieve our goal of preserving principal, maintaining adequate liquidity at all times, and maximizing returns subject to our investment guidelines. Our investment policy limits investment to certain types of instruments issued by institutions primarily with investment grade credit ratings and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by type and issuer. We periodically review our investments in marketable securities for other than temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2014, we believe that recorded value of our investments in marketable securities was recoverable in all material respects.
Inventories and Supplies	Inventories and Supplies Inventories and supplies include housekeeping, linen and laundry supplies, as well as food provisions and supplies. Inventories and supplies are stated at cost to approximate a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Linen supplies are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of 24 months.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair costs are expensed when incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in income. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: laundry and linen equipment installations — 3 to 7 years; housekeeping, and office furniture and equipment — 3 to 7 years; autos and trucks — 3 years.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenues from our service agreements with clients are recognized as services are performed. Revenues are reported net of sales taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to taxing authorities. As a distributor of laundry equipment, we occasionally sell laundry installations to certain clients. The sales in most cases represent the construction and installation of a turn-key operation and are for payment terms ranging from 24 to 60 months. Our accounting policy for these sales is to recognize the gross profit over the life of the payments associated with our financing of the transactions. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, laundry installation sales were not material.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. We accrue for probable tax obligations as required by facts and circumstances in the various regulatory environments. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. If appropriate, we would record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount for which realization is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are more fully described in subsequent Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we account for uncertain income tax positions reflected within our financial statements based on a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
Earnings per Common Share	Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect the weighted-average common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares, such as those issuable upon exercise of stock options.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation U.S. GAAP addresses the accounting for share-based compensation, specifically, the measurement and recognition of compensation expense, based on estimated fair values, for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options and participation in the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. We estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income over the requisite service periods. We use the straight-line single option method of expensing share-based awards in our consolidated financial statements of income. Because share-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, share-based compensation expense will be reduced to account for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Advertising costs were not material for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We account for long-lived assets in accordance with the criteria established in U.S. GAAP, which states that the carrying amounts of long-lived assets be periodically reviewed to determine whether current events or circumstances warrant adjustment to such carrying amounts. Any impairment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such assets exceeds their fair value, primarily based on estimated discounted cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell.
Acquisitions	Acquisitions We acquire businesses and/or assets that augment and complement our operations from time to time. These acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations from such business combinations as of the date of acquisition.
Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill	Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective lives. Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of net assets of the acquired business. We review the carrying values of goodwill at least annually during the fourth quarter of each year to assess impairment because these assets are not amortized. Additionally, we review the carrying value of any intangible asset or goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. We assess impairment by comparing the fair value of an identifiable intangible asset or reporting unit with its carrying value. Impairments are recorded when incurred.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. Gains or losses on the subsequent reissuance of shares are credited or charged to additional paid in capital.
Reclassification	Reclassification Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Use of Estimates in Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in Financial Statements In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are used for, but not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, accrued insurance claims, asset valuations and review for potential impairment, and deferred taxes. The estimates are based upon various factors including current and historical trends, as well as other pertinent industry and regulatory authority information. We regularly evaluate this information to determine if it is necessary to update the basis for our estimates and to compensate for known changes.
Change in Accounting Estimate	Change in Accounting Estimate In fiscal year 2015, the Company expects to transition its workers compensation and certain employee health & welfare insurance programs to HCSG Insurance Corp. ("HCSG Insurance" or the "Captive"), its wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary. HCSG Insurance currently provides general liability coverage to the Company. HCSG Insurance was formed in January 2014 to provide the Company with greater flexibility and cost efficiency in meeting its property & casualty and health & welfare needs. In conjunction with the aforementioned insurance programs being administered and provided by the Captive, during the third quarter 2014, management conducted a review of its self-insurance reserves to enhance its self-insurance estimation process. After analysis and consultation with insurance regulators and advisors, the Company recorded a non-cash adjustment of $37,416,000 to reflect estimated current and future insurance claims projected to be closed out over the next 15 to 17 years. This tax-effected adjustment of approximately $0.33 per diluted share, was recorded in the third quarter 2014 and is accounted for as a change in estimate, along with charges related to the corporate reorganization, self-funded health insurance program transition and other related expenses, is recorded in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk The accounting guidance requires the disclosure of significant concentrations of credit risk, regardless of the degree of such risk. Financial instruments, as defined by U.S. GAAP, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, deferred compensation funding and accounts and notes receivable. We define our marketable securities as fixed income investments which are highly liquid investments that can be readily purchased or sold using established markets. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities were held in one large financial institution located in the United States. Our clients are concentrated in the health care industry, primarily providers of long-term care. Many of our clients’ revenues are highly contingent on Medicare, Medicaid and third party payors’ reimbursement funding rates. Congress has enacted a number of major laws during the past decade that have significantly altered, or threatened to alter, overall government reimbursement for nursing home services. These changes and lack of substantive reimbursement funding rate reform legislation, as well as other trends in the long-term care industry have affected and could adversely affect the liquidity of our clients, resulting in their inability to make payments to us on agreed upon payment terms. These factors, in addition to delays in payments from clients, have resulted in, and could continue to result in, significant additional bad debts in the future. State Medicaid programs are experiencing increased demand, and with lower revenues than projected, they have fewer resources to support their Medicaid programs. In addition, comprehensive health care legislation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (together, the “Act”) was signed into law in March 2010. The Act will significantly impact the governmental healthcare programs in which our clients participate, and reimbursements received thereunder from governmental or third-party payors. Furthermore, in the coming year and beyond, new proposals or additional changes in existing regulations could be made to the Act which could directly impact the governmental reimbursement programs in which our clients participate. As a result, some state Medicaid programs are reconsidering previously approved increases in nursing home reimbursement or are considering delaying or foregoing those increases. A few states have indicated that it is possible they will run out of cash to pay Medicaid providers, including nursing homes. Any negative changes in our clients’ reimbursements may negatively impact our results of operations. Although we are currently evaluating the Act’s effect on our client base, we may not know the full effect until such time as these laws are fully implemented and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and other agencies issue applicable regulations or guidance. In 2009 and 2010, Federal economic stimulus legislation was enacted to counter the impact of the economic crisis on state budgets. The legislation included the temporary provision of additional federal matching funds to help states maintain their Medicaid programs. This legislation to provide states with an extension of this fiscal relief was extended through June 2011, but at a reduced reimbursement rate. In July 2011, CMS issued a final rule that reduced Medicare payments to nursing centers by 11.1% and changed the reimbursement for the provision of group rehabilitation therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries. This new rule was effective as of October 1, 2011. Even if federal or state legislation is enacted that provides additional funding to Medicaid providers, given the volatility of the economic environment, it is difficult to predict the impact of this legislation on our clients’ liquidity and their ability to make payments to us as agreed. In January 2013, the U.S. Congress enacted the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which delayed automatic spending cuts, including reduced Medicare payments to plans and providers up to 2%. These discretionary spending caps were originally enacted under provisions in the Budget Control Act of 2011, an initiative to reduce the federal deficit through the year 2021, also known as “sequestration.” The sequestration went into effect starting March 2013. In December 2013, the U.S. Congress enacted the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which reduces the impact of the sequestration over the next two years. This began in fiscal year 2014 and extended the reduction in Medicare payments to plans and providers for two years through the year 2023.
Significant Clients	Significant Clients We have several clients who each have made a contribution to our total consolidated revenues ranging from 3% to 6% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Although we expect to continue relationships with these clients, there can be no assurance thereof. The loss of such clients, or a significant reduction in the revenues we receive from these clients, would have a material adverse effect on the results of operations of our two operating segments. In addition, if such clients change their respective payment terms it could increase our accounts receivable balance and have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and cash and cash equivalents.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). This ASU will require an entity's management, for each annual and interim reporting period, to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The definition of substantial doubt within this ASU incorporates a likelihood threshold of "probable" similar to the use of that term under current guidance for Topic 450, Contingencies. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt. This ASU is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the amendment to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customer (Topic 606). This ASU establishes core principles that should assist an entity in recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance in this ASU supersedes the current revenue recognition requirements in Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have, if any, on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

We provide management, administrative and operating expertise and services to the housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and dietary service departments of the health care industry, including nursing homes, retirement complexes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals located throughout the United States. Although we do not directly participate in any government reimbursement programs, our clients’ reimbursements are subject to government regulation. Therefore, they are directly affected by any legislation relating to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement programs.

We provide our services primarily pursuant to full service agreements with our clients. In such agreements, we are responsible for the day to day management of the managers and hourly employees located at our clients’ facilities. We also provide services on the basis of a management-only agreement for a very limited number of clients. Our agreements with clients typically provide for a one year service term, cancelable by either party upon 30 to 90 days’ notice after the initial 90-day period.

We are organized into two reportable segments; housekeeping, laundry, linen and other services (“Housekeeping”), and dietary department services (“Dietary”).

Housekeeping consists of the managing of the client’s housekeeping department which is principally responsible for the cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing of patient rooms and common areas of a client’s facility, as well as the laundering and processing of the personal clothing belonging to the facility’s patients. Also within the scope of this segment’s service is the responsibility for laundering and processing of the bed linens, uniforms and other assorted linen items utilized by a client facility.

Dietary consists of managing the client’s dietary department which is principally responsible for food purchasing, meal preparation and providing dietitian consulting professional services, which includes the development of a menu that meets the patient’s dietary needs.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Healthcare Services Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts and notes receivable, deferred compensation funding and accounts payable. Our marketable securities consist of tax-exempt municipal bond investments that are reported at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses included in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"), we define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The fair value of our cash equivalents and marketable securities is determined based on “Level 2” inputs, which consists of quoted prices for similar assets or market corroborated inputs. We believe recorded values of all of our financial instruments approximate their current fair values because of their nature, stated interest rates and respective maturity dates or durations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are held in U.S. financial institutions or in custodial accounts with U.S. financial institutions. Cash and cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at time of purchase that are readily convertible into cash and have insignificant interest rate risk.

Investments in Marketable Securities

We define our marketable securities as fixed income investments which are highly liquid investments that can be readily purchased or sold using established markets. At December 31, 2014, we had marketable securities of $11,799,000 which were comprised primarily of tax exempt municipal bonds. These investments are reported at fair value on our balance sheet. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the accumulated other comprehensive income on our consolidated balance sheet, statements of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity includes unrealized gains from marketable securities of $25,000 related to marketable securities which are not recognized under the fair value option in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The unrealized gains and losses are recorded net of income taxes.

We, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We have not elected the fair value option for our available for sale marketable securities as we believe these assets are more representative of our investing activities and are viewed as non-operating in nature. These assets are available for future needs of the Company to support our current and projected growth, if required. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, our investments in marketable securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. These investment securities are valued based upon 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.

Our investment policy is to seek to manage these assets to achieve our goal of preserving principal, maintaining adequate liquidity at all times, and maximizing returns subject to our investment guidelines. Our investment policy limits investment to certain types of instruments issued by institutions primarily with investment grade credit ratings and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by type and issuer.

We periodically review our investments in marketable securities for other than temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. As of December 31, 2014, we believe that recorded value of our investments in marketable securities was recoverable in all material respects.

Inventories and Supplies

Inventories and supplies include housekeeping, linen and laundry supplies, as well as food provisions and supplies. Inventories and supplies are stated at cost to approximate a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Linen supplies are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of 24 months.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair costs are expensed when incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in income. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: laundry and linen equipment installations — 3 to 7 years; housekeeping, and office furniture and equipment — 3 to 7 years; autos and trucks — 3 years.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from our service agreements with clients are recognized as services are performed. Revenues are reported net of sales taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to taxing authorities.

As a distributor of laundry equipment, we occasionally sell laundry installations to certain clients. The sales in most cases represent the construction and installation of a turn-key operation and are for payment terms ranging from 24 to 60 months. Our accounting policy for these sales is to recognize the gross profit over the life of the payments associated with our financing of the transactions. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, laundry installation sales were not material.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. We accrue for probable tax obligations as required by facts and circumstances in the various regulatory environments. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. If appropriate, we would record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount for which realization is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are more fully described in subsequent Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we account for uncertain income tax positions reflected within our financial statements based on a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect the weighted-average common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares, such as those issuable upon exercise of stock options.

Share-Based Compensation

U.S. GAAP addresses the accounting for share-based compensation, specifically, the measurement and recognition of compensation expense, based on estimated fair values, for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options and participation in the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. We estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income over the requisite service periods. We use the straight-line single option method of expensing share-based awards in our consolidated financial statements of income. Because share-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, share-based compensation expense will be reduced to account for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Advertising costs were not material for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We account for long-lived assets in accordance with the criteria established in U.S. GAAP, which states that the carrying amounts of long-lived assets be periodically reviewed to determine whether current events or circumstances warrant adjustment to such carrying amounts. Any impairment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such assets exceeds their fair value, primarily based on estimated discounted cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell.

Acquisitions

We acquire businesses and/or assets that augment and complement our operations from time to time. These acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations from such business combinations as of the date of acquisition.

Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective lives. Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of net assets of the acquired business. We review the carrying values of goodwill at least annually during the fourth quarter of each year to assess impairment because these assets are not amortized. Additionally, we review the carrying value of any intangible asset or goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. We assess impairment by comparing the fair value of an identifiable intangible asset or reporting unit with its carrying value. Impairments are recorded when incurred.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. Gains or losses on the subsequent reissuance of shares are credited or charged to additional paid in capital.

Reclassification

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Use of Estimates in Financial Statements

In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are used for, but not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, accrued insurance claims, asset valuations and review for potential impairment, and deferred taxes. The estimates are based upon various factors including current and historical trends, as well as other pertinent industry and regulatory authority information. We regularly evaluate this information to determine if it is necessary to update the basis for our estimates and to compensate for known changes.

Change in Accounting Estimate

In fiscal year 2015, the Company expects to transition its workers compensation and certain employee health & welfare insurance programs to HCSG Insurance Corp. ("HCSG Insurance" or the "Captive"), its wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary. HCSG Insurance currently provides general liability coverage to the Company. HCSG Insurance was formed in January 2014 to provide the Company with greater flexibility and cost efficiency in meeting its property & casualty and health & welfare needs. In conjunction with the aforementioned insurance programs being administered and provided by the Captive, during the third quarter 2014, management conducted a review of its self-insurance reserves to enhance its self-insurance estimation process. After analysis and consultation with insurance regulators and advisors, the Company recorded a non-cash adjustment of $37,416,000 to reflect estimated current and future insurance claims projected to be closed out over the next 15 to 17 years. This tax-effected adjustment of approximately $0.33 per diluted share, was recorded in the third quarter 2014 and is accounted for as a change in estimate, along with charges related to the corporate reorganization, self-funded health insurance program transition and other related expenses, is recorded in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

The accounting guidance requires the disclosure of significant concentrations of credit risk, regardless of the degree of such risk. Financial instruments, as defined by U.S. GAAP, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, deferred compensation funding and accounts and notes receivable. We define our marketable securities as fixed income investments which are highly liquid investments that can be readily purchased or sold using established markets. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities were held in one large financial institution located in the United States.

Our clients are concentrated in the health care industry, primarily providers of long-term care. Many of our clients’ revenues are highly contingent on Medicare, Medicaid and third party payors’ reimbursement funding rates. Congress has enacted a number of major laws during the past decade that have significantly altered, or threatened to alter, overall government reimbursement for nursing home services. These changes and lack of substantive reimbursement funding rate reform legislation, as well as other trends in the long-term care industry have affected and could adversely affect the liquidity of our clients, resulting in their inability to make payments to us on agreed upon payment terms. These factors, in addition to delays in payments from clients, have resulted in, and could continue to result in, significant additional bad debts in the future.

State Medicaid programs are experiencing increased demand, and with lower revenues than projected, they have fewer resources to support their Medicaid programs. In addition, comprehensive health care legislation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (together, the “Act”) was signed into law in March 2010. The Act will significantly impact the governmental healthcare programs in which our clients participate, and reimbursements received thereunder from governmental or third-party payors. Furthermore, in the coming year and beyond, new proposals or additional changes in existing regulations could be made to the Act which could directly impact the governmental reimbursement programs in which our clients participate. As a result, some state Medicaid programs are reconsidering previously approved increases in nursing home reimbursement or are considering delaying or foregoing those increases. A few states have indicated that it is possible they will run out of cash to pay Medicaid providers, including nursing homes. Any negative changes in our clients’ reimbursements may negatively impact our results of operations. Although we are currently evaluating the Act’s effect on our client base, we may not know the full effect until such time as these laws are fully implemented and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and other agencies issue applicable regulations or guidance.

In 2009 and 2010, Federal economic stimulus legislation was enacted to counter the impact of the economic crisis on state budgets. The legislation included the temporary provision of additional federal matching funds to help states maintain their Medicaid programs. This legislation to provide states with an extension of this fiscal relief was extended through June 2011, but at a reduced reimbursement rate. In July 2011, CMS issued a final rule that reduced Medicare payments to nursing centers by 11.1% and changed the reimbursement for the provision of group rehabilitation therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries. This new rule was effective as of October 1, 2011. Even if federal or state legislation is enacted that provides additional funding to Medicaid providers, given the volatility of the economic environment, it is difficult to predict the impact of this legislation on our clients’ liquidity and their ability to make payments to us as agreed.

In January 2013, the U.S. Congress enacted the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which delayed automatic spending cuts, including reduced Medicare payments to plans and providers up to 2%. These discretionary spending caps were originally enacted under provisions in the Budget Control Act of 2011, an initiative to reduce the federal deficit through the year 2021, also known as “sequestration.” The sequestration went into effect starting March 2013. In December 2013, the U.S. Congress enacted the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which reduces the impact of the sequestration over the next two years. This began in fiscal year 2014 and extended the reduction in Medicare payments to plans and providers for two years through the year 2023.

Significant Clients

We have several clients who each have made a contribution to our total consolidated revenues ranging from 3% to 6% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Although we expect to continue relationships with these clients, there can be no assurance thereof. The loss of such clients, or a significant reduction in the revenues we receive from these clients, would have a material adverse effect on the results of operations of our two operating segments. In addition, if such clients change their respective payment terms it could increase our accounts receivable balance and have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and cash and cash equivalents.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). This ASU will require an entity's management, for each annual and interim reporting period, to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The definition of substantial doubt within this ASU incorporates a likelihood threshold of "probable" similar to the use of that term under current guidance for Topic 450, Contingencies. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt. This ASU is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the amendment to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customer (Topic 606). This ASU establishes core principles that should assist an entity in recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance in this ASU supersedes the current revenue recognition requirements in Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have, if any, on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.