Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 58,699	$ 55,682	$ 50,538
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments in restricted marketable debt securities	(2,574)	1,644	(140)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments in marketable equity securities		1,073	21,845
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on sale of securities	(18)	(262)	(816)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	544	(1,019)	(8,185)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,048)	1,436	12,704
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	265	523
Comprehensive income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation	$ 56,916	$ 57,641	$ 63,242