ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Basis of Consolidation - (Details) $ in Thousands			6 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2017 USD ($) state location	Jan. 05, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2016 USD ($)
Basis of Presentation
Amortization of debt issuance costs			$ 473	$ 136
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities			$ 1,300
Community Health Systems Inc.
Basis of Presentation
Interest acquired (as a percent)	80.00%
Ownership percentage retained	20.00
Number of home health agencies | location	74
Number of states having home health agencies | state	22
Number of states having hospice agencies | state	7
Number of hospice agencies | location	16
Number of states | state	26
Number of branches operated | location	329
Purchase price	$ 128,900
LTS
Basis of Presentation
Interest acquired (as a percent)		100.00%
Purchase price		$ 37,000