SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 segment	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
Number of reportable segments	3
Net sales
Customers	$ 218,091	$ 200,439
Depreciation and amortization	8,285	7,292
Income (loss) from operations	21,737	19,293
Interest (income) expense	7,777	8,379
Income (loss) before taxes	13,960	10,914
Capital expenditures	4,777	5,437
Total assets	1,126,447		1,126,719
Patient-Care Services
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	41.20%	40.40%
Net sales
Customers	176,369	160,551
Depreciation and amortization	3,417	2,961
Income (loss) from operations	26,651	23,282
Interest (income) expense	7,582	7,116
Income (loss) before taxes	19,069	16,166
Capital expenditures	2,541	3,082
Total assets	1,292,294		1,277,700
Distribution
Net sales
Customers	26,241	23,461
Intersegments	47,569	41,627
Depreciation and amortization	324	284
Income (loss) from operations	8,542	6,887
Interest (income) expense	832	849
Income (loss) before taxes	7,710	6,038
Capital expenditures	90	168
Total assets	178,481		170,077
Therapeutic Solutions
Net sales
Customers	15,333	16,257
Intersegments	844	745
Depreciation and amortization	2,673	2,474
Income (loss) from operations	268	751
Interest (income) expense	1,440	1,440
Income (loss) before taxes	(1,172)	(689)
Capital expenditures	624	90
Total assets	134,733		135,781
Other
Net sales
Customers	148	170
Depreciation and amortization	1,871	1,573
Income (loss) from operations	(13,447)	(11,728)
Interest (income) expense	(2,077)	(1,026)
Income (loss) before taxes	(11,370)	(10,702)
Capital expenditures	2,061	2,047
Total assets	(479,061)		(456,839)
Consolidated Adjustments
Net sales
Intersegments	(48,413)	(42,372)
Income (loss) from operations	(277)	101
Income (loss) before taxes	$ (277)	$ 101