Significant Accounting Policies - Impact of Adoption of Revenue Recognition Standard (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Patient accounts receivable					$ 161,898
Allowance for uncollectible accounts					0
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
Net service revenue	$ 507,043	$ 269,678	$ 1,300,121	$ 771,462
Provision for bad debts		0		0
Net income attributable to LHC Group, Inc.'s common stockholders	21,230	10,906	43,022	31,678
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
Receivables			(5,693)	(11,331)
As previously reported
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Patient accounts receivable					161,898
Allowance for uncollectible accounts					23,556
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
Net service revenue		272,872		779,700
Provision for bad debts		3,194		8,238
Net income attributable to LHC Group, Inc.'s common stockholders		10,906		31,678
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
Receivables				(19,569)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Adjustment for ASU 2014-09
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Patient accounts receivable					0
Allowance for uncollectible accounts					$ (23,556)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
Net service revenue	$ (7,100)	(3,194)	$ (19,700)	(8,238)
Provision for bad debts		(3,194)		(8,238)
Net income attributable to LHC Group, Inc.'s common stockholders		$ 0		0
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
Receivables				$ 8,238