Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Information
Revenues	$ 399,902	$ 399,092	$ 797,244	$ 785,176
Operating income (loss)	23,332	24,568	43,832	45,225
Total assets	1,001,901	963,116	1,001,901	963,116	992,258
Capital expenditures	3,154	3,219	7,415	5,300
Depreciation and amortization	6,704	5,000	13,349	9,964
Residential Services
Segment Information
Revenues	219,657	212,489	437,966	418,828
Operating income (loss)	28,431	23,905	56,588	45,919
Total assets	530,249	380,816	530,249	380,816
Capital expenditures	1,102	1,259	2,361	2,320
Depreciation and amortization	3,281	2,692	6,547	5,299
ResCare HomeCare
Segment Information
Revenues	83,716	79,427	167,363	158,080
Operating income (loss)	5,376	5,629	10,177	10,939
Total assets	177,650	284,979	177,650	284,979
Capital expenditures	171	67	640	184
Depreciation and amortization	619	532	1,200	1,077
Youth Services
Segment Information
Revenues	45,042	46,583	91,599	91,664
Operating income (loss)	3,602	4,473	6,871	7,566
Total assets	104,677	111,842	104,677	111,842
Capital expenditures	25	56	112	100
Depreciation and amortization	346	266	697	559
Workforce Services
Segment Information
Revenues	51,487	60,593	100,316	116,604
Operating income (loss)	2,354	4,712	4,302	9,169
Total assets	81,668	101,960	81,668	101,960
Capital expenditures	105	691	175	804
Depreciation and amortization	309	325	614	685
Corporate
Segment Information
Operating income (loss)	(16,431)	(14,151)	(34,106)	(28,368)
Total assets	107,657	83,519	107,657	83,519
Capital expenditures	1,751	1,146	4,127	1,892
Depreciation and amortization	$ 2,149	$ 1,185	$ 4,291	$ 2,344