Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 15, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ADVOCAT INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000919956
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Period Focus	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,944,712
Entity Public Float			$ 15,721