Represents the number of branches operated by entity.

No definition available.

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Represents the number of home health branch locations operated by acquired entity.

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Represents the number of hospice branch locations operated by the acquired entity.

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No definition available.

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Represents the number of states.

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No definition available.

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Represents the ownership percentage retained by acquired entity.

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No definition available.

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Amount of amortization expense attributable to debt discount (premium) and debt issuance costs.

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Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination.

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Amount of consideration transferred, consisting of acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred by the acquirer, and equity interest issued by the acquirer.

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Amount of cash outflow for realized tax benefit related to deductible compensation cost reported on the entity's tax return for equity instruments in excess of the compensation cost for those instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes.

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Amount of the fee for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility.

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Reflects the estimated amount of loss from the specified contingency as of the balance sheet date.

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ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Basis of Consolidation - (Details) $ in Thousands					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 14, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2017 USD ($) state location	Dec. 31, 2016 state location	Jan. 05, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2017 USD ($)
Basis of Presentation
Number of home health branch locations operated by acquired entity \| location			76
Number of hospice branch locations operated by acquired entity \| location			15
Number of states \| state			22
Amortization of debt issuance costs							$ 706	$ 207
Impact of lost admissions, visits, assessments and other related costs									$ 3,300
Unused and LOC fees					$ 400	$ 100	1,000	$ 300
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 states \| state		26
Number of branches operated \| location		332
Purchase price	$ 1,200	$ 128,900
LTS
Basis of Presentation
Interest acquired (as a percent)				100.00%
Purchase price				$ 37,000