STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense	$ 1.5	$ 0.8	$ 2.2	$ 1.8
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.3
stock appreciation right expense	$ 0.2	$ 0.1	$ 0.3	$ 0.1
2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based compensation agreement by share-based payment awared, number of shares originally authorized	3,580,000		3,580,000
share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment awared, adjustment to number of shares authorized	3,275,000		3,275,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	6,855,000		6,855,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,733,002		1,733,002
CHS 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based compensation agreement by share-based payment awared, number of shares originally authorized	13,000,000		13,000,000
BioScrip/CHS Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based compensation agreement by share-based payment awared, number of shares originally authorized	3,106,315		3,106,315
rollover options	716,086		716,086
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	2,390,229		2,390,229
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,870,779		1,870,779

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- Definition

Share-based compensation agreement by share-based payment awared, number of shares originally authorized

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment awared, adjustment to number of shares authorized

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

stock appreciation right expense

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

The noncash expense that represents the cost of restricted stock or unit distributed to employees as compensation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

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- Definition

The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(3)

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- Definition

The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock or unit options distributed to employees as compensation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph 64

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph i

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

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