Segment Information Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,501,348	$ 1,544,360	$ 4,630,443	$ 4,625,837
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	(34,329)	(32,761)	(101,633)	(97,326)
Operating Income (Loss)	133,731	117,053	324,649	326,828
Long Term Care Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,165,703	1,266,582	3,664,759	3,846,117
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	(17,650)	(15,851)	(51,840)	(47,343)
Operating Income (Loss)	158,998	126,833	419,778	357,104
specialty care group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	332,615	274,079	956,012	768,031
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	(4,075)	(3,778)	(12,134)	(12,283)
Operating Income (Loss)	31,061	26,424	92,881	72,254
Corporate/Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,030	3,699	9,672	11,689
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	(12,604)	(13,132)	(37,659)	(37,700)
Operating Income (Loss)	$ (56,328)	$ (36,204)	$ (188,010)	$ (102,530)