Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net income	$ 67,976	$ 58,699	$ 55,682
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments in restricted marketable debt securities	6,842	(2,574)	1,644
Unrealized gains on investments in marketable equity securities	0	0	1,073
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on sale of securities	(127)	(18)	(262)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,410)	544	(1,019)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,305	(2,048)	1,436
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	235	265	523
Comprehensive income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation	$ 73,516	$ 56,916	$ 57,641