CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 120,129	$ 30,683	$ 37,631
Other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	120,129	30,683	37,631
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(783)	(382)	(370)
Comprehensive income attributable to Amedisys, Inc.	$ 119,346	$ 30,301	$ 37,261