GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 unit	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012 Patient-Care Centers	Dec. 31, 2011 Patient-Care Centers	Dec. 31, 2012 Distribution	Dec. 31, 2011 Distribution	Dec. 31, 2010 Distribution	Dec. 31, 2012 Therapeutic Solutions	Dec. 31, 2011 Therapeutic Solutions
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Number of reporting units with goodwill to be evaluated	3
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 609,484	$ 590,699	$ 474,166	$ 456,232	$ 38,388	$ 38,388	$ 38,388	$ 96,930	$ 96,079
Additions due to acquisitions	64,813	18,043	63,849	17,192				964	851
Contingent consideration	477	742	477	742
Balance at the end of the period	$ 674,774	$ 609,484	$ 538,492	$ 474,166	$ 38,388	$ 38,388	$ 38,388	$ 97,894	$ 96,930