Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Computations of the basic and diluted per share amounts
Net income (loss) attributable to Gentiva shareholders									$ (598,994)	$ 26,796	$ (450,525)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	35,054	31,037	30,941	30,785	30,548	30,423	30,338	30,724	31,954	30,509	30,336
Shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and under stock plans for employees and directors using the treasury stock method									0	178	0
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	35,054	31,532	31,239	30,785	30,891	30,423	30,446	30,959	31,954	30,687	30,336
Basic earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income attributable to Gentiva shareholders	$ (11.46)	$ 0.12	$ 0.21	$ (6.73)	$ 0.28	$ (0.02)	$ 0.46	$ 0.16	$ (18.75)	$ 0.88	$ (14.85)
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Gentiva shareholders	$ (11.46)	$ 0.12	$ 0.20	$ (6.73)	$ 0.28	$ (0.02)	$ 0.46	$ 0.16	$ (18.75)	$ 0.87	$ (14.85)
Statement [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares									826	3,232	2,865
Stock Options [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares									595	2,813	2,388
Performance Shares [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares									0	89	129
Restricted Stock [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares									231	330	348