CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 30,683	$ 37,631	$ (2,312)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	30,683	37,631	(2,312)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(382)	(370)	(709)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc.	$ 30,301	$ 37,261	$ (3,021)