Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Document Annual Report Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Period End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag Document Financial Statement Error Correction Flag Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Documents Incorporated by Reference Amendment Flag Entity Central Index Key Auditor Firm Id Auditor Name Auditor Location Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract] Revenues Service revenues and sales Service revenues and sales (Note 2) Net revenue Revenue Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation) Selling, general and administrative expenses Total selling, general and administrative expense Depreciation Amortization Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Other operating expense/(income) Other operating expenses (Note 20) Total costs and expenses Total costs and expenses Income from operations Income/(loss) from operations Income from operations Interest expense Interest expense Other income/(expense) - net Other income - net (Note 10) Total other income - net Other income - net Income before income taxes Income/(expense) before income taxes Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Income taxes (Note 11) Income taxes Income tax provision Net income Net income/(loss) Net Income Earnings Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] Earnings Per Share (Note 16) Net income per share basic Net Income Earnings, Earnings per Share Average number of shares outstanding Earnings, Shares Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted Earnings Per Share (Note 16) Net income per diluted share Net Income Diluted earnings, Earnings per Share Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Average number of shares outstanding Diluted earnings, Shares Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents (Note 9) Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Inventories Inventories Prepaid income taxes Other Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses Total current assets Total current assets Investments of deferred compensation plans Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust (Notes 15 and 17) Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $241,376 (2017 - $230,034) Net properties and equipment Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation (Note 13) Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease right of use asset (Note 14) Operating lease assets Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $27,101 (2009 - $25,349) Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization (Note 6) Goodwill Ending balance Beginning balance Goodwill Other assets Other assets (Note 12) Total other assets Total assets Identifiable assets Total Assets Liabilities Liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable Self Insurance Reserve Accrued insurance Accrued Income Taxes Current Income taxes (Note 11) Accrued compensation Operating Lease, Liability, Current Current operating leases Short-term lease liability (Note 14) Other current liabilities Other current liabilities (Note 21) Total other current liabilities Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Deferred income taxes Deferred income taxes (Note 11) Deferred compensation liabilities Deferred compensation liabilities (Note 15) Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Noncurrent operating leases Long-term lease liability (Note 14) Other liabilities Total Liabilities Total Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) Stockholders' Equity Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 30,207,002 shares (2009 - 29,890,628 shares) Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 37,594,676 shares (2024 - 37,422,348 shares) Paid-in capital Retained earnings Treasury stock - 7,205,071 shares (2008 - 7,100,475 shares), at cost Treasury stock - 23,884,187 shares (2024 - 22,865,842 shares), at cost Value of stock payable under a deferred compensation plan. Deferred Compensation Payable In Company Stock Deferred compensation payable in Company stock (Note 15) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Capital stock - authorized Capital stock - par value Capital stock - issued Treasury stock Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Stock option expense Provision for deferred income taxes Benefit for deferred income taxes Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Noncash Noncash portion of long-term incentive compensation The net cash received (paid) for the settlement of litigation during the current period. Proceeds from (Payments for) Legal Settlements Litigation settlements Issuance of Stock and Warrants for Services or Claims Noncash directors' compensation Amortization and write-off of debt costs Amortization of debt issuance costs Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding amounts acquired in business combinations: Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Decrease/(Increase) in accounts receivable (Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable Decrease/(Increase) in inventories Decrease/(increase) in inventories Decrease in prepaid expenses (Increase)/decrease in prepaid expenses Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities Increase in income taxes Change in current income taxes Increase Decrease In Lease Assets and Liabilities Increase Decrease In Lease Assets and Liabilities Net change in lease assets and liabilities Decrease/(increase) in other assets Decrease/(increase) in other assets Increase in other liabilities Increase in other liabilities Other sources Other sources Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipments Proceeds from sale of fixed assets Business combinations, net of cash acquired Business combinations, net of cash acquired Other uses Other uses Net cash used by investing activities Net cash used by investing activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchases of treasury stock Dividends paid Dividends paid Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options Changes in cash overdrafts payable Change in cash overdraft payable Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Payments on other long-term debt Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities Other sources/(uses) Net cash used by financing activities Net cash used by financing activities Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Capital Stock [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Paid-In Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock Common [Member] Treasury Stock-At Cost [Member] Deferred Compensation Share Based Payments [Member] Deferred Compensation Payable In Company Stock [Member] Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends paid Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4) Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Purchases of treasury stock (Note 19) Total cost of repurchased shares Excise tax on share repurchase Excise Tax On Share Repurchase Excise tax on share repurchase Stockholders' Equity, Other Other Cash Dividends Per Share Dividends paid per share Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract] Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Plans Segments And Nature Of The Business [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure Text Block Segments And Nature Of The Business Intangible Assets [Abstract] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Acquisitions [Abstract] Acquisitions Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Cash Overdrafts, Cash Equivalents And Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block] Cash Overdrafts, Cash Equivalents And Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure Other Income – Net [Abstract] Other Income—Net Other Income – Net Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Other Assets [Abstract] Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Other Assets Properties And Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Properties And Equipment Leases [Abstract] Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Retirement Plans [Abstract] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Plans Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Text Block Earnings Per Share Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments Legal And Regulatory Matters [Abstract] Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Legal And Regulatory Matters Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions Other Operating Expenses [Abstract] Other Operating Income and Expense [Text Block] Other Operating Expenses Other Current Liabilities [Abstract] Other Current Liabilities [Abstract] Other Current Liabilities Text Block Other Current Liabilities [Text Block] Other Current Liabilities Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recent Accounting Standards Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature Of Operations Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles Of Accounting Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Policy Text Block] Current Expected Credit Losses Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Of Risk Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Depreciation And Properties And Equipment Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Long-Lived Assets Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Lease Accounting Cloud Computing Policy [Policy Text Block] Cloud Computing Policy [Policy Text Block] Cloud Computing Other Assets [Policy Text Block] Other Assets [Policy Text Block] Other Assets Sales Tax [Policy Text Block] Sales Tax [Policy Text Block] Sales Tax Operating Expenses [Policy Text Block] Operating Expenses [Policy Text Block] Operating Expenses Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Other Current Liabilities Policy Text Block Other Current Liabilities Policy Text Block Other Current Liabilities Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Plans Insurance Accruals [Policy Text Block] Insurance Accruals [Policy Text Block] Insurance Accruals Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contingencies Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Estimates Schedule Of Weighted Average Lives Of Property And Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Weighted Average Lives Of Property And Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Weighted Average Lives Of Property And Equipment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Movement In Goodwill Weighted Average Lives Of Identifiable, Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table text block] Weighted Average Lives Of Identifiable, Definite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table text block] Weighted Average Lives Of Identifiable, Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Composition Of Patient Care Service Revenue By Payor And Level Of Care [Table Text Block] Composition Of Patient Care Service Revenue By Payor And Level Of Care [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Patient Care Service Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Disaggregated Revenue Interest Paid During Period [Table Text Block] Interest Paid During Period [Table Text Block] Interest Paid During The Years Credit Agreement Covenants [Table Text Block] Credit Agreement Convenants Table Text Block Financial Debt Covenants Schedule Of Comparative Data For Performance Stock Units [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Comparative Data For Performance Stock Units [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Comparative Data For Performance Stock Units Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Total Stock Option, Stock Award And PSU Activity Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Option And Stock Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Option And Stock Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Comparative Data For Stocks Option, Stock Awards And PSUs Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Valuation Assumptions Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Options And Stock Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Options And Stock Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Options, Stock Awards And PSUs Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Segment Data Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule By Year Of Projected Amortization Expense For Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Intangible Assets Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Business Acquisitions Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Of Operations Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Income – Net Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Temporary Differences That Give Rise To Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Significant Changes To Unrecognized Tax Benefits Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Difference Between Actual Income Tax Provision For Continuing Operations And Income Tax Provision Calculated At Statutory U.S. Federal Tax Rate Schedule Of Income Taxes Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Income Taxes Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Income Taxes Paid Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Properties And Equipment Schedule Of Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Components Of Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Components Of Lease Expense Schedule Of Cash Flow Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Cash Flow Information Related To Leases [Table Text Block] Components Of Cash Flow Information Related To Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Maturity Of Operating Lease Liabilities Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Repurchased Capital Stock Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Operating Expenses Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Current Liabilities Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Software And Software Development Costs [Member] Cloud Computing [Member] Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Legal Entity Type Of Counterparty [Domain] Legal Entity Type of Counterparty [Domain] Medicare [Member] Medicare [Member] Medicare [Member] Medicaid [Member] Medicaid [Member] Medicaid [Member] Medicare And Medicaid [Member] Medicare And Medicaid [Member] Medicare, Medicaid, And Managed Medicaid [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Segment [Domain] Reporting Segment [Domain] Roto-Rooter And Corporate Office [Member] Roto Rooter And Corporate Office [Member] Roto Rooter And Corporate Office [Member] Segment Roto-Rooter [Member] Segment Roto Rooter [Member] Roto-Rooter [Member] Segment VITAS [Member] Segment Vitas [Member] VITAS [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Number Of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries Number Of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries Number of Operating Segments Number of operating segments Percent of population serviced Percent of population serviced Letters of credit outstanding, amount Standby letters of credit Standby letters of credit outstanding Number of service providers Number of service providers Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration risk, percentage Numer Of Projects Included In Prepaid Assets Numer Of Projects Included In Prepaid Assets Number of projects included in prepaid assets Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Capitalized contract cost Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Capitalized contract cost, amortization expense Total advertising, including advertising expense in cost of goods sold. Advertising, Including Advertising Expense in Cost of Goods Sold Advertising, including advertising expense in COGS Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Period Increase (Decrease) Adjustments to casualty and workers compensation accrual, net pretax debits/(credits) Exposure on single claim Exposure On Single Claim Exposure on single claim Exposure on auto liability claims Exposure On Auto Liability Claims Exposure on auto liability claims Professional liability and other risks, insurance deductible Professional liability and other risks, insurance deductible Historical claims data, period of time Historical claims data, period of time Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate, percent Effective income tax rate Lessee, Operating Lease, Remaining Lease Term Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Extend Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Terminate Excess tax expense (benefit) on stock options Excess stock compensation tax provision/(benefits) Amount of income tax expense (benefit) resulting from realignment of state and local tax structure. Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Resulting from Realignment of State and Local Tax Structure Income tax expense (benefit) resulting from realignment of state and local tax structure Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building And Building Improvements [Member] Building And Building Improvements [Member] Transportation Equipment [Member] Transportation Equipment [Member] Machinery And Equipment [Member] Machinery And Equipment [Member] Computer Equipment [Member] Computer Software [Member] Furniture And Fixtures [Member] Furniture And Fixtures [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Weighted average lives of property and equipment Business Combination, Segment Allocation [Table] Roto-Rooter [Member] Roto Rooter [Member] Roto-Rooter [Member] Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items] Goodwill, Acquired During Period Business combinations Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign currency adjustments Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Non-Compete Agreements [Member] Franchise Rights [Member] Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] Referral Networks [Member] Referral Networks [Member] Referral Networks [Member] Customer Lists [Member] Customer Lists [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Products And Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Charity Care [Member] Charity Care [Member] Charity Care [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Two Program Projected Measurment Period Liability Two Program Projected Measurment Period Liability [Member] Two Program Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member] Three Programs and Five Programs Projected Measurment Period Liability Three Programs And Five Programs Projected Measurment Period Liability [Member] Three Programs and Five Programs Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member] Two Programs and Six Programs Projected Measurment Period Liability Two Programs And Six Programs Projected Measurment Period Liability [Member] Two Programs and Six Programs Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Change In Accounting Principle [Member] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adoption of ASC 606 [Member] Adoption Of Asc606 [Member] Adoption of ASC 606 [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Period of tier one care rate Period of tier one care rate Period of tier two care rate Period of tier two care rate Period of services provided after discharge Period of services provided after discharge Perid of Service Intensity Add-on payment Perid of Service Intensity Add-on payment Period of service intensity add-on payment Reimbursement period per day Reimbursement Period Per Day Reimbursement period per day in 15 min. increments Minimum amount of care per 24-hr period Minimum amount of care per 24-hr period Charity Care, Direct and Indirect Cost Basis, Amount Charity care cost Inpatient Cap Percentage Max Inpatient Cap Percentage Max Inpatient cap percentage Increase (decrease) medicare cap liability. Increase Decrease Medicare Cap Liability Medicare cap adjustment The amount by which revenues exceed the annual per-beneficiary Medicare cap. Medicare Cap Liability Medicare cap liability Medicare cap Percenatge Of Medicaid Reimbursement Percenatge Of Medicaid Reimbursement Percentage of Medicaid reimbursement Percentage of expenses from patients room and board Percentage of expenses Credit payment terms Credit payment terms Duration of services provided Duration of services provided Duration Of Advance Notice Of Cancelation Without Penatly For Both Parties Duration Of Advance Notice Of Cancelation Without Penatly For Both Parties Duration of advance notice of cancellation without penalty for both parties Term of contract Term of contract Duration of advance notice of cancelation without penalty Duration Of Advance Notice Of Cancelation Without Penatly Duration of advance notice of cancelation without penalty Accounts Receivable, Sale Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Commercial Insurance [member] Commercial Insurance [Member] Commercial [Member] Care Services [Member] Care Services [Member] Care Services [Member] Routine Home Care [Member] Routine Home Care [Member] Routine Home Care [Member] Inpatient Care [Member] Inpatient Care [Member] Inpatient Care [Member] Continuous Care [Member] Continuous Care [Member] Continuous Care [Member] All Other Revenue- Self-pay, Respite Care, Ect. [Member] All Other Revenue Self Pay Respite Care Ect. [Member] All Other Revenue- Self-pay, Respite Care, Etc. [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Gross revenue Implicit price concessions Implicit price concessions Implicit price concessions Room And Board, Net Room And Board, Net Room and board, net Short-Term Core Service Jobs [Member] Short Term Core Service Jobs [Member] Short-Term Core [Member] Drain cleaning [Member] Drain Cleaning [Member] Drain cleaning [Member] Plumbing [Member] Plumbing [Member] Plumbing [Member] Excavation [Member] Excavation [Member] Excavation [Member] Other Short Term Core Service Jobs [Member] Other Short Term Core Service Jobs [Member] Other [Member] Water Restoration [Member] Water Restoration [Member] Water Restoration [Member] Contractor Revenue [Member] Contractor Revenue [Member] Independent Contractors [Member] Franchise Fees [Member] Franchise Fees [Member] Franchisee Fees [Member] All Other [Member] All Other [Member] Other [Member] Implicit Price Concessions And Credit Memos Implicit Price Concessions And Credit Memos Implicit price concessions and credit memos Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Two Thousand Eighteen Credit Agreement [Member] Two Thousand Eighteen Credit Agreement [Member] 2018 Credit Agreement [Member] Two Thousand Twenty Two Credit Agreement [Member] Two Thousand Twenty Two Credit Agreement [Member] 2022 Credit Facilities [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Expansion Feature [Member] Expansion Feature [Member] Expansion Feature [Member] Medium Term Notes [Member] Term Loan [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period Credit facility period, years Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Borrowing capacity Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Basis spread on variable interest rate Debt Instrument, Variable Interest Rate, Type [Extensible Enumeration] Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Prepayment penalties Debt Issuance Cost Deferred financing costs Unused line of credit Unused lines of credit Interest Paid, Net Interest paid Leverage ratio (consolidated indebtedness/consolidated adjustment EBITDA). Leverage ratio (consolidated indebtedness/consolidated adjustment EBITDA) Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA) Leverage ratio consolidated indebtedness consolidated adjustment EBITDA actual Leverage ratio consolidated indebtedness consolidated adjustment EBITDA actual Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Chemed Fixed charge coverage ratio (consolidated free cash flow/consolidated fixed charges) Fixed charge coverage ratio (consolidated free cash flow/consolidated fixed charges) Interest Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Adj. EBITDA/Consolidated Interest Expense) Fixed charge coverage ratio consolidated free cash flow consolidated fixed charges actual. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Consolidated Free Cash Flow Consolidated Fixed Charges Actual Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Chemed Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Title of Individual [Axis] Title Of Individual With Relationship To Entity [Domain] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Outside Directors [Member] Outside Directors [Member] Outside Directors [Member] Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Stock Units [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Options [Member] Performance Based Total Shareholder Return Targets [Member] Performance Based Total Shareholder Return Targets [Member] Performance Based TSR [Member] Former Executive [Member] Former Executive [Member] Former Executive [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock Options, Number of stock incentive plans Stock Options Number Of Stock Incentive Plans Number of stock incentive plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of shares authorized Share Based Compensation Percentage Of Targeted Performance Awards Share Based Compensation Percentage Of Targeted Performance Awards Percentage participant can ultimately receive of the targeted PSUs Shares vesting period Shares vesting period, years Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Cumulative compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Shares of stock granted Number of Nonvested Target Units, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Contractual Life Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Contractual Life Shares contractual life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Number of Options, Granted Options granted Number of options granted Performance Based Earnings Per Share Targets [Member] Performance Based Earnings Per Share Targets [Member] Performance Based EPS [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per-share fair value Per-share weighted average grant-date fair value of stock awards granted Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate Risk free rate of return Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Service period (years) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Year Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Year Three-year measurement period ends December 31, Stock Awards [Member] Stock Awards [Member] Stock Awards [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Number of Options, Outstanding Number of Options, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Number of Options, Exercised/Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Number of Options, Canceled/Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Number of Options, Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Number of Options, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercised and vested in period, weighted average exercise price. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercised And Vested in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised/Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled/Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number Number of Awards, Outstanding Number of Awards, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted Number of Awards, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Number of Awards, Exercised/Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures Number of Awards, Canceled/ Forfeited Number of Awards, Vested and expected to vest Number Of Awards Vested And Expected To Vest At December 31 2015 Number of Awards, Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Number of Nonvested Target Units, Outstanding Number of Nonvested Target Units, Outstanding Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, exercised and vested in period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercised And Vested in Period Number of Nonvested Target Units, Exercised/Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Number of Nonvested Target Units, Canceled/Forfeited Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, vested and expected to vest Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, vested and expected to vest Number of Nonvested Target Units, Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, exercised and vested in period, weighted average grant date fair value. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercised And Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Exercised/Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Canceled/Forfeited Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested and Expected to Vest Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested and Expected to Vest Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest Number of units expected to vest and be converted in the near future Number Of Units Expected To Vest And Be Converted In Near Future Number of units expected to vest and be converted in the near future Cumulative compensation expense Total compensation expense of stock-based compensation plans charged against income Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award income tax benefit recognized in income. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Income Tax Benefit Recognized In Income Total income tax benefit recognized in income for stock based compensation expense charged against income Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options vested in period total intrinsic value. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of stock awards vested during the period The average of the high and low stock price on the grant date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance of stock options awarded under the plan during the reporting period. Stock Price On Date Of Issuance Stock price on date of issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Grant date fair value per share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend yield Stock Options, Forfeiture Rate Stock Options, Forfeiture Rate Forfeiture rate Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized compensation at the end of the year Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation to be recognized (years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Actual income tax benefit realized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value vested and expected to vest Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Percentage of total revenue by each segment. Percentage of segment revenue Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] wages Wages Patient Care Expense Patient Care Expense Patient care expense Cost of Other Property Operating Expense Other expenses Cost of Goods and Service, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Total cost of services provided and goods sold Labor and Related Expense Wages Advertising Expense Advertising Employee Benefits and Share-Based Compensation Stock compensation Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense Other expenses Operating Expenses Total costs and expense Interest Income (Expense), Operating Intercompany interest income/(expense) Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Additions to long-lived assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2026 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2027 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2028 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2029 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2030 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Thereafter Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Table] Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade Names [Member] VITAS Trade Name [Member] Rapid Rooter Trade Name [Member] Rapid Rooter Trade Name [Member] Roto-Rooter Trade Name [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Operating Licenses [Member] Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [LIne Items] Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, Gross Asset Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Intangible assets, Net Book Value Asset Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Franchise Michigan [Member] Franchise Michigan [Member] Franchise, Michigan [Member] Franchise, New Jersey [Member] Franchise New Jersey [Member] Franchise, New Jersey [Member] Franchise, Texas [Member] Franchise Texas [Member] Franchise, Texas [Member] Franchise, Kentucky [Member] Franchise Kentucky [Member] Franchise, Kentucky [Member] Franchise, South Carolina [Member] Franchise South Carolina [Member] Franchise, South Carolina [Member] Franchise, Georgia [Member] Franchise Georgia [Member] Franchise, Georgia [Member] Asset Acquisition [Line Items] Number of businesses acquired Number of completed business combinations Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Acquisition, in cash Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Total purchase price Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Operating licenses Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Preliminary purchase price Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Service revenues and sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per share Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted earnings per share Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Dubois [Member] Dubois [Member] DuBois [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities Estimated liability for potential environmental cleanup and related costs from the sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities Discontinued operations, amount included in other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Discontinued operations, amount included in other liabilities (long-term) The maximum amount that the entity is contingently liable for additional environmental cleanup and related costs. Contingent Liability For Incurring Additional Environmental Cleanup And Related Costs Contingent liability for incurring additional environmental cleanup and related costs Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Capitalized Property And Equipment Not Paid Capitalized Property And Equipment Not Paid Capitalized property and equipment were not paid for Cash overdraft payable included in accounts payable. Cash overdraft payable included in accounts payable Cash overdrafts included in accounts payable Market value gains and losses on assets held in deferred compensation trust. Market Value Gains On Assets Held In Deferred Compensation Trust Market value adjustment on assets held in deferred compensation trust Interest income Other nonoperating income expense Other Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Year Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Year Net operating losses expiration year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Accrued interest payable related to uncertain tax positions Undistributed Earnings of Domestic Subsidiaries Undistributed earnings of domestic subsidiaries Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Domestic Subsidiaries Additional taxes if interest in all businesses is sold rather than to effect a tax-free liquidation Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current, U.S. federal Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current, U.S. state and local Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current, Foreign Deferred federal state and local income tax expense benefit. Deferred Federal State And Local Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred, U.S. federal, state and local Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred, Foreign Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Lease Liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Lease Liabilities Lease liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Stock compensation expense Deferred Tax Assets, Implicit Price Concessions Deferred Tax Assets, Implicit Price Concessions Implicit price concessions Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards State net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Other Other Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets Amortization of intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Accelerated tax depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Right Of Use Lease Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Right Of Use Lease Assets Right of use lease assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Regulatory Assets Current assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense State income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Market valuation of investments Deferred tax liability, deposit with OAS. Deferred Tax Liability, Deposit with OAS Deposit with OAS Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Other Deferred income Tax Liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities Net deferred income tax liabilities Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at December 31, Balance at January 1, Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Decrease due to expiration of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized tax benefits decrease due to positions taken in current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized tax benefits increase due to positions taken in current year Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate U.S. federal tax at statutory rate Income Tax Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes State and local income taxes, less federal income tax effect Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Limitation On Executive Compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Limitation On Executive Compensation Limitation on executive compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Other adjustments--net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent U.S. federal tax at statutory rate, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Limitation On Executive Compensation, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Limitation On Executive Compensation, Percent Limitation on executive compensation, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Percent Excess stock compensation tax provision/(benefits), percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent Other, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Other adjustments--net, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items] Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Other assets comprise the following Other assets comprise the following [Abstract] OAS receivable OAS Receivable Deposit with OAS Other Receivables Other Capitalized Computer Software, Net Net book value of computer software Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Depreciation expense for computer software Land [Member] Land [Member] Building [Member] Buildings and Building Improvements [Member] Construction In Progress [Member] Projects Under Development [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total properties and equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less accumulated depreciation Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Operating Lease Payments Include To Extended Lease Terms Operating Lease Payments Include To Extended Lease Terms Operating lease payments related to extended lease terms Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Signed But Not Yet Commenced, Payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Signed But Not Yet Commenced, Payments Lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced Operating Lease, Liability Total liability recognized on the balance sheet Total operating lease liabilities Lease, Cost [Abstract] Lease Expense Operating Lease, Cost Operating lease expense Sublease Income Sublease income Lease, Cost Net lease expense Lessee Disclosure [Abstract] Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Payments Operating cash flows from leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term, Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Weighted Average Discount Rate, Operating leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2026 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2027 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2028 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2029 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five 2030 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Less: interest Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust, Shares Number of treasury stock shares held Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust Treasury stock held value Defined contribution plans (losses)/gains Net (losses)/gains for retirement and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Excluded stock options, Anti-dilutive Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Diluted earnings Dilutive stock options, Shares Nonvested stock awards, Shares Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Period in which the interest rate will reset Period in which the interest rate will reset Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Portion At Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Value [Member] Mutual fund investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure. Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Claims Selected, Number Loss Contingency, Claims Selected, Number Number of claims selected Number of total care claims Number of total care claims Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Damages sought Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount Stock repurchase program, amount authorized Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Shares repurchased Weighted average cost per share Weighted average price per share Other Operating Income and Expense [Table] Other Operating Income and Expense [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Litigation Settlements [Member] Litigation Settlements [Member] Litigation Settlements [Member] Gain On Sale Of Fixed Assets [Member] Gain On Sale Of Fixed Assets [Member] (Gain)/Loss On Disposal Of Property And Equipment [Member] Other Operating Income and Expense [Line Items] Other Operating Income and Expense [Line Items] Other Sundry Liabilities, Current All other Percentage of individual amounts of total current liabilities Percentage Of Individual Amounts Of Total Current Liabilities Percentage of individual amounts of total current liabilities Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Abstract] Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items] Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag] Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag] Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag] Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag] Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag] Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block] Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Chief Financial Officer [Member] Chief Financial Officer [Member] Former Chief Financial Officer [Member] Former Chief Financial Officer [Member] Former Chief Financial Officer [Member] Corporate Non Segment [Member] Corporate [Member] Hospice and Covenant Care [Member] Hospice And Covenant Care [Member] Hospice and Covenant Care [Member] Income Tax Jurisdiction [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Jurisdiction [Domain] Domestic Country [Member] Federal [Member] State And Local Jurisdiction [Member] State [Member] Foreign Country [Member] Foreign [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Audit of the provision of elevated level-of-care hospice services. Audit Of Provision Of Elevated Level Of Care Hospice Services [Member] Audit Of Provision Of Elevated Level Of Care Hospice Services [Member] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Line Items] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table]