GOODWILL (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
GOODWILL
Number of reporting units with goodwill to be evaluated	3
Goodwill, gross
Additions due to acquisitions	$ 1,536	$ 3,975
Additions due to contingent consideration	127	341
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period	609,484	590,699
Additions due to acquisitions	1,536	3,975
Additions due to contingent consideration	127	341
Balance at the end of the period	611,147	595,015
Patient-Care Centers
Goodwill, gross
Balance at the beginning of the period	519,974	502,040
Additions due to acquisitions	1,536	3,552
Additions due to contingent consideration	127	341
Balance at the end of the period	521,637	505,933
Accumulated Impairment Loss	(45,808)	(45,808)	(45,808)	(45,808)
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period	474,166	456,232
Additions due to acquisitions	1,536	3,552
Additions due to contingent consideration	127	341
Balance at the end of the period	475,829	460,125
Distribution
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period			38,388	38,388
Balance at the end of the period	38,388	38,388	38,388	38,388
Therapeutic Solutions
Goodwill, gross
Additions due to acquisitions		423
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period		96,079	96,930
Additions due to acquisitions		423
Balance at the end of the period	$ 96,930	$ 96,502	$ 96,930