Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of care centers closed	3	29

Number of operating care centers that were closed during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	amed_NumberOfCareCentersClosed
Namespace Prefix:	amed_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration