Business Combinations And Asset Purchases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Business Combinations And Asset Purchases [Abstract]

Business Combinations And Asset Purchases

NOTE 5—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ASSET PURCHASES

The Company periodically acquires complementary businesses in specific geographic markets. The results of operations of the acquired companies are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations from the dates of acquisition. On March 4, 2011, the Company completed its previously announced asset acquisition of Praxair, Inc.'s (NYSE: PX) and Praxair Healthcare Services, Inc.'s (collectively, "Praxair") United States homecare business.

During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company purchased certain assets and businesses for total consideration of $23.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The 2011 total is comprised primarily of the asset acquisition of Praxair, Inc.'s U.S. homecare business.