Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Medicare Cap Liability Activity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Beginning balance January 1,	$ 2,965	$ 1,371
Reversal - 2012 measurement period	(2,577)
Reversal - 2011 measurement period		(829)
Other		(198)
Ending balance September 30,	$ 388	$ 344

The reversal of medicare cap liability expense recorded for the 2011 measurement period.

No definition available.

Name:	che_MedicareCapLiabilityReversalPeriodOne
Namespace Prefix:	che_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration