Identifiable Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		$ 1,447,754	$ 1,113,401	$ 1,098,706
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(1,057,673)	(457,037)	(457,037)
Goodwill		390,081	656,364	641,669
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		334,353	14,695
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(220,800)	(600,636)
Home Health [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		386,824	272,389	267,058
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(263,370)	(263,370)	(263,370)
Goodwill		123,500	9,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		114,435	5,331
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0
Hospice [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		944,285	841,012	831,648
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(794,303)	(193,667)	(193,667)
Goodwill		150,000	647,300
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		103,273	9,364
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(220,800)	(600,636)
Community Care [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		116,645	0	0
Goodwill		116,600
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 116,645	$ 0