Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of the differences between income taxes expense on net income attributable to LHC Group
Income taxes computed at federal statutory tax rate	$ 15,733	$ (5,232)	$ 28,170
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1,739	(443)	2,984
Reduction in valuation allowance		(392)	(193)
Nondeductible expenses	844	675	766
Uncertain tax position		3,200
Other items	40	437
Income tax credits	(845)	(213)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 17,511	$ (1,968)	$ 31,727