Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Textual (Details)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
HealthSouth ownership percentage of subsidiary guarantors (percent)	100.00%
Senior secured leverage ratio maximum	1.75
Consolidated coverage ratio minimum	2

Minimum consolidated coverage ratio to permit the declaration and payment of dividends under senior note indenture.

No definition available.

Name:	hls_Consolidatedcoverageratiominimum
Namespace Prefix:	hls_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant