Segment Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 segment	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Data
Number of reportable segments	2
Segment data
Net service revenues	$ 86,858	$ 89,950
Operating income	5,164	7,998
Interest expense, net	(18)	(38)
Income tax expense	(1,899)	(3,028)
Net income	3,247	4,932
Reportable segments
Segment data
Net service revenues	86,858	89,950
Operating income	10,224	13,470
Visiting Nurse
Segment data
Net service revenues	67,956	70,704
Operating income	8,226	11,012
Visiting Nurse | Medicare program
Segment data
Segment revenues (as a percent)	93.00%
Personal Care
Segment data
Net service revenues	18,902	19,246
Operating income	1,998	2,458
Personal Care | Medicaid and other government programs
Segment data
Segment revenues (as a percent)	85.00%
Corporate expenses
Segment data
Operating income	$ 5,060	$ 5,472