Non-controlling interest - Summary of Activity of Non-controlling Interest-redeemable (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interest-redeemable, Beginning balance	$ 11,426
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest-redeemable	4,241
Noncontrolling interest-redeemable distributions	(5,538)
Transfer of noncontrolling interest	1,342
Acquired noncontrolling interest	608
Purchase of additional controlling interest	(612)
Noncontrolling interest-redeemable, Ending balance	$ 11,467

The value of the portion of equity in a subsidiary that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the parent, where the parent company may be required to purchase a portion of the noncontrolling interest share of stock. This includes noncontrolling interests which has any of the following characteristics and is not permitted to be recorded as permanent equity: 1) It is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date or dates, whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise; 2) it is redeemable at the option of the holder; or 3) it has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer, such as stocks which must be redeemed out of future earnings.

No definition available.

Name:	lhcg_NoncontrollingInterestRedeemable
Namespace Prefix:	lhcg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant