Net Revenues (Schedule Of Net Revenues) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Product Information [Line Items]
Net revenue reimbursement percentage									61.00%	60.00%	60.00%
Net revenues	$ 492,162	$ 474,758	$ 449,033	$ 431,567	$ 422,126	$ 418,673	$ 418,366	$ 410,040	$ 1,847,520	$ 1,669,205	$ 1,550,477
Rental revenue net percentage									56.00%	61.50%	63.30%
Net revenue sales percentage									44.00%	38.50%	36.70%
Oxygen, Respiratory And Other Chronic Therapies [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Net revenues									1,656,040	1,486,639	1,398,240
DME, Infusion And Enteral Therapies [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Net revenues									$ 191,480	$ 182,566	$ 152,237