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Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 02, 2019 USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) item
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Average amortization period			7 years 4 months 24 days
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Average amortization period			20 years 4 months 24 days
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Average amortization period			4 years
Roto-Rooter, Oakland [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquisition date				Jul. 01, 2019
Business combination cost		$ 18.0
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of completed business combinations \| item					4
Business combination cost					$ 42.2
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| HSW RR, Inc [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Business combination cost	$ 120.0
VITAS [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of completed business combinations \| item					1
Business combination cost					$ 11.0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Borrowing amount	$ 450.0