This item represents the aggregate carrying amount of all cost-method investments as reported on or included in the balance sheet. The original cost of the investments may differ from the aggregate carrying amount disclosed due to various adjustments such as: (i) dividends received in excess of earnings after the date of investment that are considered a return of investment and therefore recorded as reductions to cost of the investment, or (ii) a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors which may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary and accordingly such decrease in value has been recognized.

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+ Details

Nature of Operations Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 States	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Percent Of Net Services Revenue Provided By Medicare	84.00%	83.00%
Number Of States With Facilities	38
Minimum percent ownership for controlling interest percent	50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost	$ 5.8		$ 4.8
Cost Method Investments	$ 5.0
Maximum Percent Ownership For Equity Method Percent	50.00%
Maximum Percent Ownership For Cost Method Percent	20.00%
Home Health [Member]
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Operating Care Centers	427
Hospice [Member]
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Operating Care Centers	97
Hospice Inpatient [Member]
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Operating Care Centers	1