Summary of Activity Related to Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Net (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended								6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012 Non-Compete Agreements & Reacquired Franchise Rights		Jun. 30, 2012 Certificates of Need and Licenses	Jun. 30, 2012 Acquired Names of Business		Dec. 31, 2011 Acquired Names of Business		Jun. 30, 2012 Home Health	Jun. 30, 2012 Hospice care centers
Goodwill and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 334,695								$ 152,500	$ 182,200
Additions	8,700								5,000	3,700
Ending balance	343,353								157,500	185,900
Beginning balance	50,067	4,200	[1]	34,000	11,800	[2]	11,800	[2]
Additions	600	300	[1]	300
Amortization	(1,300)	(1,300)	[1]
Ending balance	$ 49,335	$ 3,200	[1]	$ 34,300	$ 11,800	[2]	$ 11,800	[2]

[1] The weighted-average amortization period of our non-compete agreements and reacquired franchise rights is 1.6 and 1.1 years, respectively.

[2] Acquired Names of Business includes $11.7 million of unamortized acquired names and $0.1 million of amortized acquired names which have a weighted-average amortization period of 1.7 years.