OPTIONS AND AWARDS - EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY (Details) - The Ensign Plans - $ / shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Number of Options Outstanding
Beginning balance, outstanding (in shares)	1,573
Granted (in shares)	169
Exercised (in shares)	(38)
Ending balance, outstanding (in shares)	1,704
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning of period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 9.71
Granted (in dollars per share)	18.22
Exercised (in dollars per share)	3.59
End of period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 10.69
Number of options vested (in shares)	592	607
Weighted average exercise price of options vested (in dollars per share)	$ 4.94	$ 4.80