Segments (Segment Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	$ 72,003	$ 67,722	$ 193,925	$ 205,714
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	87,504	76,913	237,934	232,228
VITAS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	42,950	45,737	113,430	147,262
Roto-Rooter [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	44,554	31,176	124,504	84,966
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	$ (15,501)	$ (9,191)	$ (44,009)	$ (26,514)