Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Information
Revenues	$ 389,454	$ 397,342
Operating income (loss)	21,198	20,046
Total assets	1,041,212	1,013,332	1,051,958
Capital expenditures	4,103	4,261
Depreciation and amortization	8,195	8,807
Residential Services
Segment Information
Revenues	204,501	200,798
Operating income (loss)	24,398	26,569
Total assets	548,885	526,801
Capital expenditures	1,670	1,259
Depreciation and amortization	4,839	5,219
ResCare HomeCare
Segment Information
Revenues	88,068	84,019
Operating income (loss)	4,532	4,798
Total assets	188,168	187,612
Capital expenditures	218	392
Depreciation and amortization	682	683
Youth Services
Segment Information
Revenues	41,880	46,557
Operating income (loss)	3,061	3,261
Total assets	92,566	108,219
Capital expenditures	33	88
Depreciation and amortization	361	406
Workforce Services
Segment Information
Revenues	39,818	48,829
Operating income (loss)	3,612	1,948
Total assets	82,332	87,867
Capital expenditures	15	70
Depreciation and amortization	276	310
Pharmacy Services
Segment Information
Revenues	15,187	17,139
Operating income (loss)	1,027	1,145
Total assets	17,113	14,034
Capital expenditures	169	76
Depreciation and amortization	32	47
Corporate
Segment Information
Operating income (loss)	(15,432)	(17,675)
Total assets	112,148	88,799
Capital expenditures	1,998	2,376
Depreciation and amortization	$ 2,005	$ 2,142