Discontinued operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses			$ 7,114	$ 675
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	50,079	66,781	108,606	132,839
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	724	7,956	1,464	17,730
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Tax Benefit	195	3,039	799	6,773
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(39,275)	4,917	(39,139)	10,957
Hospice Disposal Group [Member] [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	49,551	52,969	97,908	105,466
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	1,900	8,106	3,114	17,994
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Tax Benefit	904	3,101	1,680	6,884
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss), After tax	(38,808)	5,005	(38,370)	11,110
Retail Disposal Group [Member]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses			6,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	528	13,812	10,698	27,373
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	(1,176)	(150)	(1,650)	(264)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Tax Benefit	(709)	(62)	(881)	(111)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss), After tax	$ (467)	$ (88)	$ (769)	$ (153)