Discontinued operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	$ 58,527	$ 66,058
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	740	9,774
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Tax Benefit	604	3,734
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss), After tax	136
Hospice Disposal Group [Member] [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	48,357	52,497
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	1,214	9,888
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Tax Benefit	776	3,783
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss), After tax	438	6,105
Retail Disposal Group [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	10,170	13,561
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	(474)	(114)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Tax Benefit	(172)	(49)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss), After tax	$ (302)	$ (65)