Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Gross carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		$ 641,669	$ 1,085,066
Goodwill adjustment			13,641
Accumulated impairment losses	(457,037)		(457,037)
Goodwill acquired during 2012		14,695
Goodwill, Ending Balance		656,364	641,669
Home Health [Member]
Gross carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		3,688	264,679
Goodwill adjustment			2,379
Accumulated impairment losses			(263,370)
Goodwill acquired during 2012		5,331
Goodwill, Ending Balance		9,019	3,688
Hospice [Member]
Gross carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		637,981	820,387
Goodwill adjustment			11,261
Accumulated impairment losses			(193,667)
Goodwill acquired during 2012		9,364
Goodwill, Ending Balance		$ 647,345	$ 637,981

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

Change in the carrying value of goodwill. The change could be the result of new goodwill acquired, goodwill impairment, if any, goodwill written off related to the sale of a business or other adjustments to goodwill.

+ References+ Details