Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Numerator: Income (loss) amounts attributable to Advocat Inc. shareholders
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (431)	$ 2,939	$ (1,666)	$ 3,385
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(15)		(93)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Advocat Inc.	(446)	2,939	(1,759)	3,385
Preferred stock dividends	(86)	(86)	(172)	(172)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Advocat Inc. shareholders	(532)	2,853	(1,931)	3,213
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(2)	(2)	(143)	(10)
Net income (loss) attributable to Advocat Inc. shareholders	$ (534)	$ 2,851	$ (2,074)	$ 3,203
Per common share - basic
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (0.09)	$ 0.49	$ (0.33)	$ 0.56
Income (loss) from discontinued operations Operating income (loss), net of taxes			$ (0.03)
Discontinued operations, net of taxes			$ (0.03)
Net income (loss)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.49	$ (0.36)	$ 0.56
Per common share - diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (0.09)	$ 0.48	$ (0.33)	$ 0.54
Income (loss) from discontinued operations Operating income (loss), net of taxes			$ (0.03)
Discontinued operations, net of taxes			$ (0.03)
Net income (loss)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.48	$ (0.36)	$ 0.54
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	5,825	5,778	5,810	5,765
Diluted	5,825	5,934	5,810	5,906