Other Operating Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Severance and other operating costs related to closing Roto-Rooter's HVAC business			$ 1,126			$ 1,126
Other operating expenses	11,461		1,126	26,221		1,126
Litigation settlement of VITAS segment [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Litigation settlement	10,500	[1]		10,500	[1]
Settlements of Roto-Rooter segment [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Litigation settlement	$ 961	[2]		$ 15,721	[2]

[1] Santos claims discussed in Note 10.

[2] Morganelli claims discussed in Note 10 and estimated cost of certain customer claims currently under negotiation.