Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash	$ 9,720	$ 256
Receivables:
Patient accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $11,863 and $10,692, respectively	83,951	91,183
Other receivables	589	1,636
Amounts due from governmental entities	1,596	315
Total receivables, net	86,136	93,134
Deferred income taxes	7,671	7,269
Prepaid income taxes	7,436	26,667
Prepaid expenses	6,818	6,576
Other current assets	2,949	4,363
Total current assets	120,730	138,265
Property, building and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $34,331 and $28,073	29,531	28,182
Goodwill	169,150	164,731
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,985 and $2,325	62,042	59,389
Other assets	5,441	5,809
Total assets	386,894	396,376
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	14,897	23,119
Salaries, wages, and benefits payable	29,890	25,571
Self insurance reserve	5,444	5,612
Amounts due to governmental entities	4,979	3,234
Total current liabilities	55,210	57,536
Deferred income taxes	25,129	22,523
Income tax payable	3,415	3,415
Revolving credit facility	19,500	34,820
Total liabilities	103,254	118,294
Noncontrolling interest-redeemable	11,426	11,348
Stockholder's equity
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 21,578,772 and 21,374,264 shares issued and, 16,925,733 and 18,298,659 shares outstanding, respectively	216	183
Treasury stock - 4,653,039 and 3,075,605 shares at cost, respectively	(33,846)	(6,216)
Additional paid-in capital	100,619	95,964
Retained earnings	201,192	173,752
Total LHC Group, Inc. stockholders' equity	268,181	263,683
Noncontrolling interest-non-redeemable	4,033	3,051
Total equity	272,214	266,734
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 386,894	$ 396,376