Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,091	4,014
Computations of the basic and diluted per share amounts
Net (loss) income attributable to Gentiva shareholders	$ (207,177)	$ 4,840
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	30,785	30,724
Shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and under stock plans for employees and directors using the treasury stock method	0	235
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	30,785	30,959
Basic earnings per common share
Net (loss) income attributable to Gentiva shareholders	$ (6.73)	$ 0.16
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income attributable to Gentiva shareholders	$ (6.73)	$ 0.16
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,630	3,661
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	80	9
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	381	344