Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Computations of the basic and diluted per share amounts
Net income (loss) attributable to Gentiva shareholders									$ 26,796	$ (450,525)	$ 52,155
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	30,548	30,423	30,338	30,724	30,402	30,337	30,293	30,127	30,509	30,336	29,724
Shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and under stock plans for employees and directors using the treasury stock method									178	0	744
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	30,891	30,423	30,446	30,959	30,541	30,337	30,846	30,789	30,687	30,336	30,468
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Gentiva shareholders	$ 0.28	$ (0.02)	$ 0.46	$ 0.16	$ 0.15	$ (15.62)	$ 0.17	$ 0.45	$ 0.88	$ (14.85)	$ 1.75
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Gentiva shareholders	$ 0.28	$ (0.02)	$ 0.46	$ 0.16	$ 0.15	$ (15.62)	$ 0.17	$ 0.44	$ 0.87	$ (14.85)	$ 1.71
Statement [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares									3,232	2,865	1,099
Stock Options [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares									2,813	2,388	1,061
Performance Shares [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares									89	129	38
Restricted Stock [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares									330	348	0