CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 37,631	$ (2,312)	$ 13,089
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	37,631	(2,312)	13,089
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(370)	(709)	(313)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc.	$ 37,261	$ (3,021)	$ 12,776