SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 segment	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
Number of reportable segments	3
Net sales
Customers	$ 985,550	$ 918,539	$ 817,379
Depreciation and amortization	34,652	30,969	18,809
Income (loss) from operations	129,338	115,955	80,470
Interest (income) expense	31,169	31,821	30,340
Income (loss) before taxes	98,169	84,134	34,535
Total assets	1,237,327	1,126,719	1,060,570
Capital expenditures	33,163	28,674	30,593
Patient-Care
Summarized financial information concerning the Company's reportable segments
Minimum age for health insurance coverage under Medicare health insurance program	65
Medicare reimbursement for O&P products and services based on prices set forth in fee schedules, number of regional service areas	10
Minimum age to supplement Medicare benefits for financially needy persons under Medicaid health insurance program	65
Estimated government reimbursement as a percentage of the company's net sales	40.40%	40.00%	40.40%
Net sales
Customers	813,556	753,409	714,665
Intersegments	17,621	15,853
Depreciation and amortization	14,307	12,502	11,211
Income (loss) from operations	149,544	138,918	130,521
Interest (income) expense	30,353	28,440	28,410
Income (loss) before taxes	119,191	110,478	102,111
Total assets	1,423,258	1,277,700	1,053,361
Capital expenditures	15,311	11,886	17,599
Distribution
Net sales
Customers	107,266	100,456	95,544
Intersegments	191,202	174,431	168,823
Depreciation and amortization	1,139	1,088	1,004
Income (loss) from operations	34,178	28,293	30,395
Interest (income) expense	3,294	3,356	3,397
Income (loss) before taxes	30,884	24,937	26,998
Total assets	199,268	170,077	146,166
Capital expenditures	438	1,318	1,112
Therapeutic Solutions
Net sales
Customers	63,921	64,014	6,622
Intersegments	3,902	3,520	3,839
Depreciation and amortization	11,232	10,424	1,293
Income (loss) from operations	4,182	3,703	(5,402)
Interest (income) expense	5,743	5,761	480
Income (loss) before taxes	(1,561)	(2,058)	(5,882)
Total assets	135,786	135,781	142,970
Capital expenditures	3,948	4,217	2,056
Other
Net sales
Customers	807	660	548
Depreciation and amortization	7,974	7,068	5,414
Income (loss) from operations	(57,500)	(54,654)	(75,023)
Interest (income) expense	(8,221)	(5,736)	(1,947)
Income (loss) before taxes	(49,279)	(48,918)	(88,671)
Total assets	(520,985)	(456,839)	(281,927)
Capital expenditures	13,466	11,253	9,826
Consolidated Adjustments
Net sales
Intersegments	(212,725)	(193,804)	(172,662)
Depreciation and amortization		(113)	(113)
Income (loss) from operations	(1,066)	(305)	(21)
Income (loss) before taxes	$ (1,066)	$ (305)	$ (21)