SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Loss
Loss from continuing operations	$ (175)	$ (4,471)	$ (2,479)	$ (5,377)
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	141	165	286	341
Basic net income (loss)	(204)	(4,397)	(2,472)	(5,162)
Diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations	(204)	(4,397)	(2,472)	(5,162)
Shares
Basic net income (loss) (in shares)	13,463	8,847	12,844	8,806
Diluted net income (loss) (in shares)	13,463	8,847	12,844	8,806
Per Share
Basic income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.49)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.57)
Diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.49)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.57)
Basic loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Diluted loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Net Loss Attributable to AdCare:
Basic net loss (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.19)	$ (0.58)
Diluted net loss (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.19)	$ (0.58)
Continuing Operations:
Loss
Basic net income (loss)	(34)	(4,306)	(2,193)	(5,036)
Diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations	(34)	(4,306)	(2,193)	(5,036)
Shares
Basic net income (loss) (in shares)	13,463	8,847	12,844	8,806
Diluted net income (loss) (in shares)	13,463	8,847	12,844	8,806
Discontinued Operations:
Loss
Basic net income (loss)	(170)	(91)	(279)	(126)
Diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (170)	$ (91)	$ (279)	$ (126)
Shares
Basic net income (loss) (in shares)	13,463	8,847	12,844	8,806
Diluted net income (loss) (in shares)	13,463	8,847	12,844	8,806