Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	Total	U. S. Physical Therapy, Inc. Common Stock Shares	U. S. Physical Therapy, Inc. Additional Paid-In Capital	U. S. Physical Therapy, Inc. Retained Earnings	U. S. Physical Therapy, Inc. Treasury Stock Shares	U. S. Physical Therapy, Inc. Total Shareholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 116,383	$ 139	$ 45,570	$ 89,876	$ (31,628)	$ 103,957	$ 12,426
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010		13,893			(2,215)
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		102
Cancellation of restricted stock, shares		(9)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, shares		118
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2	2				2
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	622		622			622
Compensation expense - restricted stock	963		963			963
Transfer of compensation liability for certain stock issued pursuant to long-term incentive plans	199		199			199
Purchase of noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(10,888)		(9,841)			(9,841)	(1,047)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners	(4,597)						(4,597)
Cash dividends to shareholders	(1,890)			(1,890)		(1,890)
Net income	13,788			8,646		8,646	5,142
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2011	$ 114,582	$ 141	$ 37,513	$ 96,632	$ (31,628)	$ 102,658	$ 11,924
Ending balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2011		14,104			(2,215)