Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Entity Registrant Name	OMNICARE INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000353230
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 2,721,616,660
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	116,882,996
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011