Chemed (CHE) 10-Q 29 Jul 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Entity Registrant Name	CHEMED CORP
Trading Symbol	CHE
Entity Central Index Key	19,584
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	16,190,702

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 17,474	$ 14,727
Accounts receivable less allowances of $14,769 (2015 - $13,244)	98,952	106,262
Inventories	6,120	6,314
Prepaid income taxes	8,964	10,653
Prepaid expenses	15,457	12,852
Total current assets	146,967	150,808
Investments of deferred compensation plans	53,127	49,481
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $205,323 (2015 - $201,094)	118,502	117,370
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $33,051 (2015 - $32,866)	54,928	55,111
Goodwill	472,471	472,322
Other assets	6,960	7,233
Total Assets	852,955	852,325
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	41,962	43,695
Current portion of long-term debt	7,500	7,500
Accrued insurance	44,704	43,972
Accrued compensation	51,289	52,817
Accrued legal	1,729	1,233
Other current liabilities	20,267	22,119
Total current liabilities	167,451	171,336
Deferred income taxes	16,832	21,041
Long-term debt	140,000	83,750
Deferred compensation liabilities	52,452	49,467
Other liabilities	14,638	13,478
Total Liabilities	391,373	339,072
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 34,104,899 shares (2015 - 33,985,316 shares)	34,105	33,985
Paid-in capital	617,793	603,006
Retained earnings	907,531	865,845
Treasury stock - 18,014,005 shares (2015 - 17,187,540 shares)	(1,100,314)	(991,978)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock	2,467	2,395
Total Stockholders' Equity	461,582	513,253
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 852,955	$ 852,325

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 14,769	$ 13,244
Properties and equipment, at cost, accumulated depreciation	205,323	201,094
Identifiable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 33,051	$ 32,866
Capital stock - authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Capital stock - par value	$ 1	$ 1
Capital stock - issued	34,104,899	33,985,316
Treasury stock	18,014,005	17,187,540

Consolidated Statement Of Incom

Consolidated Statement Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statement Of Income [Abstract]
Service revenues and sales	$ 390,409	$ 381,921	$ 780,798	$ 758,573
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)	276,255	270,663	554,690	539,548
Selling, general and administrative expenses	62,628	58,442	121,673	117,479
Depreciation	8,581	8,082	17,005	16,114
Amortization	91	134	183	261
Other operating expenses	4,491		4,491
Total costs and expenses	352,046	337,321	698,042	673,402
Income from operations	38,363	44,600	82,756	85,171
Interest expense	(971)	(969)	(1,813)	(1,938)
Other income/(expense) - net	3,217	536	293	1,099
Income before income taxes	40,609	44,167	81,236	84,332
Income taxes	(15,724)	(17,192)	(31,511)	(32,820)
Net income	$ 24,885	$ 26,975	$ 49,725	$ 51,512
Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 1.51	$ 1.60	$ 3	$ 3.05
Average number of shares outstanding	16,443	16,880	16,583	16,872
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 1.48	$ 1.55	$ 2.93	$ 2.96
Average number of shares outstanding	16,831	17,419	16,999	17,419
Cash Dividends Per Share	$ 0.24	$ 0.22	$ 0.48	$ 0.44

Consolidated Statement Of Cash

Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 49,725	$ 51,512
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,188	16,375
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	8,124	7,734
Stock option expense	4,840	2,787
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(4,244)	(2,783)
Noncash early retirement expense	1,747
Amortization of restricted stock awards	974	897
Noncash directors' compensation	541	540
Noncash long-term incentive compensation	196	2,391
Amortization of debt issuance costs	260	262
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable	(839)	(2,182)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories	194	(78)
Increase in prepaid expenses	(2,605)	(507)
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities	(4,879)	(1,854)
Increase/(decrease) in income taxes	3,109	(2,384)
Increase in other assets	(3,636)	(2,229)
Increase in other liabilities	4,145	2,966
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	(1,383)	(3,998)
Other sources/(uses)	(9)	189
Net cash provided by operating activities	73,448	69,638
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(19,983)	(18,846)
Business combinations, net of cash acquired		(6,614)
Other sources	214	395
Net cash used by investing activities	(19,769)	(25,065)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Purchases of treasury stock	(94,337)	(29,762)
Proceeds from long-term debt	92,400	103,200
Payments on revolving line of credit	(32,400)	(88,200)
Dividends paid	(8,039)	(7,459)
Decrease in cash overdrafts payable	(5,440)	(6,791)
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation	(5,163)	(5,876)
Payments on other long-term debt	(3,750)	(2,500)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	3,533	8,044
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	1,383	3,998
Other sources/(uses)	881	(654)
Net cash used by financing activities	(50,932)	(26,000)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,747	18,573
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	14,727	14,132
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 17,474	$ 32,705

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation  As used herein, the terms "We," "Company" and "Chemed" refer to Chemed Corporation or Chemed Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.  We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X. Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2015 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. However, in our opinion, the financial statements presented herein contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.  TAXES ON INCOME In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2015-17 which simplifies the balance sheet classification required for deferred tax balances. It allows for a company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities to be netted into a noncurrent account, either asset or liability, by jurisdiction. The ASU is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and the interim periods within that annual period. Early adoption is permitted. Companies have the choice to adopt prospectively or retrospectively. In order to simplify our balance sheet classification required for deferred tax balances, we adopted the ASU for our annual balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 on a prospective basis. Prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted. We do not believe that this change results in a material comparability issue between years on our balance sheet  CLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, we classified $435,000 and $974,000 respectively of non-cash restricted stock award amortization in selling, general and administrative expenses. We also recorded a classification adjustment of $448,000 and $897,000 to decrease amortization and increase selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 respectively related to non-cash restricted stock award amortization. This classification adjustment does not impact income from operations, income before income taxes, net income, earnings per share, net cash provided by operating activities or our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We believe the impact of the classification adjustments are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements for the current and prior periods. 

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	2. Revenue Recognition  Both the VITAS segment and the Roto-Rooter segment recognize service revenues and sales when the earnings process has been completed. Generally, this occurs when services are pr ovided or products are shipped . VITAS recognizes revenue at the estimated realizable amount due from third-party payers. Medicare payments are subject to certain limitations, as described below.  We actively monitor each of our hospice programs, by provider number, as to their specific admission, discharge rate and median length of stay data in an attempt to determine whether they are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary Medicare cap (“Medicare cap”). Should we determine that revenues for a program are likely to exceed the Medicare cap based on projected trends, we attempt to institute corrective action to influence the patient mix or to increase patient admissions. However, should we project our corrective action will not prevent that program from exceeding its Medicare cap, we estimate the amount of revenue recognized during the period that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record the amount as a reduction to patient revenue.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , no Medicare cap liability was recorded.  During the first six months ended June 30, 2015, we recorded $165,000 Medicare cap reversal of amounts recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 for one program’s projected 2015 measurement period liability. The fourth quarter of 2014 was part of the 2015 Medicare cap year.   In 2013, the U.S. government implemented automatic budget reductions of 2.0% for all government payees, including hospice benefits paid under the Medicare program. In 2015, CMS determined that the Medicare cap should be calculated “as if” sequestration did not occur. As a result of this decision, VITAS has received notification from our third party intermediary that an additional $1.9 million is owed for Medicare cap in two programs arising during the 2013 and 2014 measurement periods. The amounts are automatically deducted from our semi-monthly PIP payments. We do not believe that CMS is authorized under the sequestration authority or the statutory methodology for establishing the Medicare cap to demand the $1.9 million under their “as if” methodology. We have not recorded a reserve as of June 30, 2016 for the $1.9 million potential exposure. We have appealed CMS’s methodology change with the appropriate regulatory appeal board.  Shown below is the Medicare cap liability activity for the fiscal periods ended (in thousands):     June 30,  2016 2015  Beginning balance January 1, $ 1,165 $ 6,112  2015 measurement period - (165)  Payments (618) (4,782)  Ending balance June 30, $ 547 $ 1,165  Vitas provides charity care, in certain circumstances, to patients without charge when management of the hospice program determines, at the time services are performed, that the patient cannot afford payment. There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to charity care. The cost of charity care is calculated by taking the ratio of charity care days to total days of care and multiplying by total cost of care. The cost of charity care is as follows (in thousands):    Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  $ 1,715 $ 1,885 $ 3,521 $ 3,859 

Segments

Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segments [Abstract]
Segments	 3. Segments  Service revenues and sales and after-tax earnings by business segment are as follows (in thousands):     Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service Revenues and Sales  VITAS $ 278,739 $ 276,460 $ 556,266 $ 546,073  Roto-Rooter 111,670 105,461 224,532 212,500  Total $ 390,409 $ 381,921 $ 780,798 $ 758,573   After-tax Earnings  VITAS $ 18,550 $ 21,800 $ 37,637 $ 41,116  Roto-Rooter 13,341 12,153 26,359 24,161  Total 31,891 33,953 63,996 65,277  Corporate (7,006) (6,978) (14,271) (13,765)  Net income $ 24,885 $ 26,975 $ 49,725 $ 51,512  We report corporate administrative expenses and unallocated investing and financing income and expense not directly related to either segment as “Corporate”.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	       4. Earnings per Share  Earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding. Earnings and diluted earnings per share are computed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):     Net Income  For the Three Months Ended June 30, Income Shares Earnings per Share  2016  Earnings $ 24,885 16,443 $ 1.51  Dilutive stock options - 289  Nonvested stock awards - 99  Diluted earnings $ 24,885 16,831 $ 1.48   2015  Earnings $ 26,975 16,880 $ 1.60  Dilutive stock options - 390  Nonvested stock awards - 149  Diluted earnings $ 26,975 17,419 $ 1.55    Net Income  For the Six Months Ended June 30, Income Shares Earnings per Share  2016  Earnings $ 49,725 16,583 $ 3.00  Dilutive stock options - 297  Nonvested stock awards - 119  Diluted earnings $ 49,725 16,999 $ 2.93   2015  Earnings $ 51,512 16,872 $ 3.05  Dilutive stock options - 395  Nonvested stock awards - 152  Diluted earnings $ 51,512 17,419 $ 2.96  For the three and six- month period s en ded June 30 , 201 6 and 2015 , 418,000 and 411,000 , respectively, stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive. 

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	5. Long-Term Debt  On June 30, 2014, we replaced our existing credit agreement with the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“2014 Credit Agreement”). Terms of the 2014 Credit Agreement consist of a five -year, $350 million revolving credit facility and a $100 million term loan. The 2014 Credit Agreement has a floating interest rate that is currently LIBOR plus 1 13 basis points.  The debt outstanding as of June 30, 2016 consists of the following:     Revolver $ 60,000  Term loan 87,500  Total 147,500  Current portion of long-term debt (7,500)  Long-term debt $ 140,000  Scheduled principal payments of the term loan are as follows:    2016 $ 3,750  2017 8,750  2018 10,000  2019 65,000  $ 87,500  The 2014 Credit Agreement contains the following quarterly financial covenants:     Description Requirement   Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA) < 3.50 to 1.00   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges) > 1.50 to 1.00   Annual Operating Lease Commitment < $50.0 million  We are in compliance with al l debt covenants as of June 30, 2016 . We have issued $37.4 million in standby le tters of credit as of June 30, 2016 mainly for insurance purposes. Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2014 Cr edit Agreement. As of June 30, 2016 , we have approximately $252.6 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility. 

Other Income_(Expense) - Net

Other Income/(Expense) - Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Other Income/(Expense) - Net	6. Other Income /(Expense) – Net  Other income /(expense) -- net comprises the following (in thousands):    Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Market value adjustment on assets held in  deferred compensation trust $ 3,188 $ 498 $ 201 $ 1,448  Loss on disposal of property and equipment (57) (63) (90) (15)  Interest income - net 85 86 182 130  Other - net 1 15 - (464)  Total other income/(expense) - net $ 3,217 $ 536 $ 293 $ 1,099 

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	7. Stock-Based Compensation Plans On February 19 , 2016 , the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) granted 9,541 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) contingent upon the achievement of certain total shareholders return (“TSR”) targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three -year period ending December 31, 2018 , the date at which such awards vest. The cumulative compensation cost of the TSR-based PSU award to be recorded over the three year service period is $1.4 million.  On February 19, 2016 , the CIC also granted 9,541 PSUs contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings per share (“EPS”) targets for the three -year perio d ending December 31, 2018 . At the end of each reporting period, the Company estimates the number of shares that it believes will ultimately be earned and records that expense over the service period of the award. We currently estimate the cumulative compensation cost of the EPS-based PSUs to be recorded over the three year service period is $ 557,000 .

Independent Contractor Operatio

Independent Contractor Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Independent Contractor Operations [Abstract]
Independent Contractor Operations	     8. Independent Contractor Operations  The Roto-Rooter segment sublicenses with 6 9 independent contractors to operate certain plumbing repair and drain cleaning businesses in lesser-populated areas of the United States and Canada. We had notes receivable from our independent contractors as of June 30 , 2016 totaling $ 1. 6 million (December 31, 2015 - $ 1. 8 million). In most cases these loans are fully or partially secured by equipment owned by the contractor. The interest rates on the loans range from 0 % to 7 % per annum and the remaining terms of the loans range from 2.5 months to 5.4 years at June 30 , 2016. We recorded the following from our independent contractors (in thousands):    Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ 9,770 $ 9,527 $ 19,629 $ 18,991  Pretax profits 6,024 5,661 12,180 11,218 

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	9. Retirement Plans  All of the Company’s plans that provide retirement and similar benefits are defined contribution plans. These expenses include the impact of market gains and losses on assets held in deferred compensation plans. Expenses for the Company’s pension and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans are as follows (in thousands):     Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  $ 5,861 $ 2,991 $ 6,387 $ 7,178  

Legal And Regulatory Matters

Legal And Regulatory Matters	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Legal And Regulatory Matters [Abstract]
Legal And Regulatory Matters	10. Legal and Regulatory Matters  The VITAS segment of the Company’s business operates in a heavily-regulated industry. As a result, the Company is subjected to inquiries and investigations by various government agencies, as well as to lawsuits, including qui tam actions. The following sections describe the various ongoing material lawsuits and investigations of which the Company is currently aware. It is not possible at this time for us to estimate either the timing or outcome of any of those matters, or whether any potential loss, or range of potential losses, is probable or estimable.  Regulatory Matters and Litigation  On May 2, 2013, the government filed a False Claims Act complaint against the Company and certain of its hospice-related subsidiaries in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, United States v. VITAS Hospice Services, LLC, et al. , No. 4:13-cv-00449-BCW (the “2013 Action”). Prior to that date, the Company received various qui tam lawsuits and subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice and OIG that have been previously disclosed. The 2013 Action alleges that, since at least 2002, VITAS, and since 2004, the Company, submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare program by (a) billing Medicare for continuous home care services when the patients were not eligible, the services were not provided, or the medical care was inappropriate, and (b) billing Medicare for patients who were not eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit because they did not have a life expectancy of six months or less if their illnesses ran their normal course. This complaint seeks treble damages, statutory penalties, and the costs of the action, plus interest. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on September 24, 2013. On September 30, 2014, the Court denied the motion, except to the extent that claims were filed before July 24, 2002. On November 13, 2014, the government filed a Second Amended Complaint. The Second Amended Complaint changed and supplemented some of the allegations, but did not otherwise expand the causes of action or the nature of the relief sought against VITAS. VITAS filed its Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 11, 2015. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability of loss or range of loss at this time.  For additional procedural history of this litigation, please refer to our prior quarterly and annual filings. The net costs incurred related to U.S. v. Vitas and related regulatory matters were $1.2 million and $1.4 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the net costs were $3.5 million and $2.7 million respectively.  In November 2013, two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed against the Company’s current and former directors, as well as certain of its officers, both of which are covered by the Company’s commercial insurance. On November 6, 2013, KBC Asset Management NV filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, KBC Asset Management NV, derivatively on behalf of Chemed Corp. v. McNamara, et al. , No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (D. Del.). On November 14, 2013, Mildred A. North filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, North, derivatively on behalf of Chemed Corp. v. Kevin McNamara, et al. , No. 13 Civ. 833 (MRB) (S.D. Ohio). Those proceedings were subsequently consolidated in the District of Delaware under the caption In re Chemed Corp. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation , No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (CJB) (D. Del.), by Order of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware dated February 2, 2015. Also on February 2, 2015, the Court appointed Plaintiff KBC the sole lead plaintiff and its counsel, the sole lead and liaison counsel.  On March 3, 2015, Lead Plaintiff KBC designated its Complaint as the operative complaint in the consolidated proceedings. The consolidated Complaint named Kevin McNamara, Joel Gemunder, Patrick Grace, Thomas Hutton, Walter Krebs, Andrea Lindell, Thomas Rice, Donald Saunders, Arthur Tucker, Jr., George Walsh III, Frank Wood, Timothy O’Toole, David Williams and Ernest Mrozek as individual defendants, together with the Company as nominal defendant. The Complaint alleges a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the individual defendants, and seeks (a) a declaration that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company; (b) an order requiring those defendants to pay compensatory damages, restitution and exemplary damages, in unspecified amounts, to the Company; (c) an order directing the Company to implement new policies and procedures; and (d) costs and disbursements incurred in bringing the action, including attorneys’ fees. Also on March 3, 2015, defendants renewed their previously-filed motion to dismiss those claims and allegations, which motion the court referred to Magistrate Judge Burke.  On December 23, 2015, Magistrate Judge Burke issued a Report and Recommendation recommending that (1) defendants’ motion to dismiss be granted; (2) plaintiff be given 14 days from the date of affirmance by the district court to file an amended complaint addressing deficiencies with regard to their duty of loyalty claim; and (3) failure to do so should give rise to dismissal with prejudice. On January 11, 2016, Lead Plaintiff KBC filed Objections to the Report and Recommendation. Defendants’ responses to those Objections were filed on January 28, 2016. On May 12, 2016, the court issued a Memorandum Order (1) overruling Lead Plaintiff KBC’s Objections to the Report and Recommendation; (2) adopting the Report and Recommendation; (3) granting Chemed’s motion to dismiss; and (4) dismissing Lead Plaintiff KBC’s Complaint, without prejudice to KBC’s opportunity to file within 30 days of the date of the court’s Order an amended Complaint addressing the deficiencies in its duty of loyalty claim. Lead Plaintiff KBC did not file an amended Complaint within the time specified by the court —i.e., on or before June 13, 2016.  However, on that date (June 13, 2016), counsel for Chemed shareholder Michael Kvint filed a letter with the court requesting a two -week extension (1) to file a motion to substitute Mr. Kvint as Lead Plaintiff, in place of Lead Plaintiff KBC; and (2) in that capacity, to file an amended Complaint. Alternatively, counsel for Mr. Kvint requested that any dismissal of the action be with prejudice to KBC only. On June 14, 2016, Chemed filed a reply letter with the court, reserving its rights to oppose any motion filed by Mr. Kvint and, if warranted, to oppose any other actions taken by Mr. Kvint to proceed with the action (including by filing an untimely amended Complaint). On July 21, 2016, the court entered an Oral Order providing Mr. Kvint until June 30, 2016 to file a Motion to Substitute and Motion for Leave to File an Amended Complaint. On that date, Mr. Kvint filed, under seal, a Motion To Substitute Plaintiff and File Amended Complaint, and attached a Proposed Amended Complaint. Chemed’s deadline for responding to that motion is July 18, 2016.  The Company intends to defend vigorously against the allegations in each of the above lawsuits. Regardless of the outcome of any of the preceding matters, responding to the subpoenas and dealing with the various regulatory agencies and opposing parties can adversely affect us through defense costs, potential payments, diversion of management time, and related publicity. Although the Company intends to defend them vigorously, there can be no assurance that those suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. 

Concentration Of Risk

Concentration Of Risk	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Concentration Of Risk [Abstract]
Concentration Of Risk	11. Concentration of Risk  During the quarter VITAS had pharmacy services agreements with one service provider to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients . VITAS made purchases from this provider of $ 8.5 million and $ 9.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively . VITAS made purchases from two providers of $17.4 million and $18.7 million f or the six-month periods ending June 30, 2016 and 2015 , r espectively. Purchases from these providers exceed 90 % of all pharmacy services used by VITAS. 

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equiva

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	      12. Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents  I ncluded in accounts payable at June 30, 2016 is cash overdrafts payable of $3.9 million (December 31, 2015 - $9.3 million).  From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our ov ernight funds. We had $ 82,000 in cash equivalents as of June 30, 2016 . There was $ 76,000 in cash equ ivalents as of December 31, 2015 . The weighted average rate of return for our cash equivalents was 0.41 % at June 30, 2016 and 0.20 % at December 31, 2015 . 

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	13. Financial Instruments  FASB ’ s authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs in fair value measurements. Level 1 measurements are measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 measurements use significant other observable inputs. Level 3 measurements are measurements using significant unobservable inputs which require a company to develop its own assumptions. In recording the fair value of assets and liabilities, companies must use the most reliable measurement available. For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the liquidity and short-term nature of these instruments.   The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of June 30 , 2016 (in thousands):   Fair Value Measure  Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Mutual fund investments of deferred  compensation plans held in trust $ 53,127 $ 53,127 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 147,500 - 147,500 -   The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    Fair Value Measure  Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Mutual fund investments of deferred  compensation plans held in trust $ 49,481 $ 49,481 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 91,250 - 91,250 -  For the mutual fund investments carrying value is fair value. All outstanding long-term debt is at a floating interest rate tied to LIBOR. Therefore, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimation of fair value. 

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan T

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]
Capital Stock Repurchases Plan Transactions	            14. Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions  We repurchased the following capital stock for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 :    Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands): $ 49,853 $ 29,762 $ 102,313 $ 29,762  Shares repurchased 380,134 250,000 780,134 250,000  Weighted average price per share $ 131.15 $ 119.05 $ 131.15 $ 119.05  In March 2016 , the Board of Directors authorized an additional $ 100.0 million for stock repurchase under Chemed’s existing share repurchase program. We currently have $ 50.2 m illion of au thorization remaining under this share repurchase plan.  Of the $49.9 million and $102 .3 million in repurchases made during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 respectively, $8.0 million was paid for in July 2016. Amounts repurchased but settled subsequent to the end of the periods are considered non-cash financing activities and excluded from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  

Recent Accounting Statements

Recent Accounting Statements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Recent Accounting Statements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Statements	 15. Recent Accounting Statements  In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which provides additional guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue. The standard will also be used to develop a common revenue standard for removing inconsistencies and weaknesses, improve comparability, provide more useful information to users through improved disclosure requirements, and simplify the preparation of financial statements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our existing revenue recognition policies and disclosures.  In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, “ASU No. 2014-15 - Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern”. ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance is effective for us for the annual period ending December 31, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2016-02 – Leases” which introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on to the balance sheets and updates lessor accounting to align with changes in the lessee model and the revenue recognition standard. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our financial statements, existing lease recognition policies and disclosures.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09- “Compensation – Stock Compensation” which is part of the FASB’s Simplification Initiative. The object of this initiative is to identify, evaluate, and improve areas of GAAP. The areas of simplification in this initiative involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our financial statements. 

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	              16. Goodwill  Shown below is movement in Goodwill (in thousands):     Vitas Roto-Rooter Total  Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 328,301 $ 138,421 $ 466,722  Business combinations - 5,944 5,944  Foreign currency adjustments - (344) (344)  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 328,301 $ 144,021 $ 472,322  Foreign currency adjustments - 149 149  Balance at June 30, 2016 $ 328,301 $ 144,170 $ 472,471  

Other Operating Expenses

Other Operating Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Other Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Other Operating Expenses	   17 . Other Operating Expenses  During the three and six-months ended June 30 , 201 6 , the Company recorded early retirement related costs and accelerated stock-based compensation expense of approximately $ 4.5 million pretax and $2.8 million after-tax related to the early retirement of VITAS’ former Chief Executive Officer . The accrual was calculated in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. 

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Schedule Of Medicare Cap Liability Activity	   June 30,  2016 2015  Beginning balance January 1, $ 1,165 $ 6,112  2015 measurement period - (165)  Payments (618) (4,782)  Ending balance June 30, $ 547 $ 1,165 
Schedule Of Cost Of Charity Care	   Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  $ 1,715 $ 1,885 $ 3,521 $ 3,859 

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segments [Abstract]
Service Revenues And Sales And After-Tax Earnings By Business Segment	   Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service Revenues and Sales  VITAS $ 278,739 $ 276,460 $ 556,266 $ 546,073  Roto-Rooter 111,670 105,461 224,532 212,500  Total $ 390,409 $ 381,921 $ 780,798 $ 758,573   After-tax Earnings  VITAS $ 18,550 $ 21,800 $ 37,637 $ 41,116  Roto-Rooter 13,341 12,153 26,359 24,161  Total 31,891 33,953 63,996 65,277  Corporate (7,006) (6,978) (14,271) (13,765)  Net income $ 24,885 $ 26,975 $ 49,725 $ 51,512 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share	  Net Income  For the Three Months Ended June 30, Income Shares Earnings per Share  2016  Earnings $ 24,885 16,443 $ 1.51  Dilutive stock options - 289  Nonvested stock awards - 99  Diluted earnings $ 24,885 16,831 $ 1.48   2015  Earnings $ 26,975 16,880 $ 1.60  Dilutive stock options - 390  Nonvested stock awards - 149  Diluted earnings $ 26,975 17,419 $ 1.55    Net Income  For the Six Months Ended June 30, Income Shares Earnings per Share  2016  Earnings $ 49,725 16,583 $ 3.00  Dilutive stock options - 297  Nonvested stock awards - 119  Diluted earnings $ 49,725 16,999 $ 2.93   2015  Earnings $ 51,512 16,872 $ 3.05  Dilutive stock options - 395  Nonvested stock awards - 152  Diluted earnings $ 51,512 17,419 $ 2.96 

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Outstanding	   Revolver $ 60,000  Term loan 87,500  Total 147,500  Current portion of long-term debt (7,500)  Long-term debt $ 140,000 
Schedule of Principal Payments of the Term Loan	  2016 $ 3,750  2017 8,750  2018 10,000  2019 65,000  $ 87,500 
Financial Debt Covenants	   Description Requirement   Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA) < 3.50 to 1.00   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges) > 1.50 to 1.00   Annual Operating Lease Commitment < $50.0 million 

Other Income_(Expense) - Net (T

Other Income/(Expense) - Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Income/(Expense)- Net	   Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Market value adjustment on assets held in  deferred compensation trust $ 3,188 $ 498 $ 201 $ 1,448  Loss on disposal of property and equipment (57) (63) (90) (15)  Interest income - net 85 86 182 130  Other - net 1 15 - (464)  Total other income/(expense) - net $ 3,217 $ 536 $ 293 $ 1,099 

Independent Contractor Operat28

Independent Contractor Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Independent Contractor Operations [Abstract]
Schedule Of Independent Contractors	   Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ 9,770 $ 9,527 $ 19,629 $ 18,991  Pretax profits 6,024 5,661 12,180 11,218 

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans	   Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  $ 5,861 $ 2,991 $ 6,387 $ 7,178 

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments	The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of June 30 , 2016 (in thousands):   Fair Value Measure  Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Mutual fund investments of deferred  compensation plans held in trust $ 53,127 $ 53,127 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 147,500 - 147,500 -   The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    Fair Value Measure  Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Mutual fund investments of deferred  compensation plans held in trust $ 49,481 $ 49,481 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 91,250 - 91,250 - 

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan31

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Capital Stock Repurchases	   Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands): $ 49,853 $ 29,762 $ 102,313 $ 29,762  Shares repurchased 380,134 250,000 780,134 250,000  Weighted average price per share $ 131.15 $ 119.05 $ 131.15 $ 119.05 

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Abstract]
Schedule of movement in Goodwill	  Vitas Roto-Rooter Total  Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 328,301 $ 138,421 $ 466,722  Business combinations - 5,944 5,944  Foreign currency adjustments - (344) (344)  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 328,301 $ 144,021 $ 472,322  Foreign currency adjustments - 149 149  Balance at June 30, 2016 $ 328,301 $ 144,170 $ 472,471 

Basis Of Presentation (Narrativ

Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Classification adjustments	$ 435,000	$ 448,000	$ 974,000	$ 897,000

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Medicare cap reversal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 165,000
Percentage of automatic budget reductions					2.00%
Unbilled Revenue	$ 1,900,000	$ 1,900,000
Two Program Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Additional amount owed for Medicare cap				$ 1,900,000	$ 1,900,000

Revenue Recognition (Schedule O

Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Medicare Cap Liability Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Beginning Balance January 1,	$ 1,165	$ 6,112
2015 measurement period		(165)
Payments	(618)	(4,782)
Ending Balance June 30,	$ 547	$ 1,165

Revenue Recognition (Schedule36

Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Cost Of Charity Care) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Charity care cost	$ 1,715	$ 1,885	$ 3,521	$ 3,859

Segments (Service Revenues And

Segments (Service Revenues And Sales And After-Tax Earnings By Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	$ 390,409	$ 381,921	$ 780,798	$ 758,573
Net income	24,885	26,975	49,725	51,512
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	390,409	381,921	780,798	758,573
Net income	31,891	33,953	63,996	65,277
Segment VITAS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	278,739	276,460	556,266	546,073
Net income	18,550	21,800	37,637	41,116
Segment Roto-Rooter [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	111,670	105,461	224,532	212,500
Net income	13,341	12,153	26,359	24,161
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	$ (7,006)	$ (6,978)	$ (14,271)	$ (13,765)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Excluded stock options	418,000	411,000	418,000	411,000

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings, Income	$ 24,885	$ 26,975	$ 49,725	$ 51,512
Diluted earnings, Income	$ 24,885	$ 26,975	$ 49,725	$ 51,512
Net Income, Earnings, Shares	16,443	16,880	16,583	16,872
Dilutive stock options, Shares	289	390	297	395
Nonvested stock awards, Shares	99	149	119	152
Net Income, Diluted Earnings, Shares	16,831	17,419	16,999	17,419
Earnings per Share	$ 1.51	$ 1.60	$ 3	$ 3.05
Earnings per Share, Diluted earnings	$ 1.48	$ 1.55	$ 2.93	$ 2.96

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit issued	$ 37,400,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit	$ 252,600,000
2014 Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility period, years	5 years
2014 Credit Agreement [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.13%
2014 Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 350,000,000
2014 Credit Agreement [Member] | Medium-term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 100,000,000

Long-Term Debt (Debt Outstandin

Long-Term Debt (Debt Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 147,500
Current portion of long term debt	(7,500)	$ (7,500)
Long-term debt	140,000	$ 83,750
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	60,000
Medium-term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 87,500

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Pri

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Principal Payments of the Term Loan) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 147,500
Medium-term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	3,750
2,017	8,750
2,018	10,000
2,019	65,000
Total	$ 87,500

Long-Term Debt (Financial Debt

Long-Term Debt (Financial Debt Covenants) (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	3.50
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1.50
Annual Operating Lease Commitment, Requirement	$ 50

Other Income_(Expense) - Net (S

Other Income/(Expense) - Net (Schedule Of Other Income/(Expense)- Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Market value adjustment on assets held in deferred compensation trust	$ 3,188	$ 498	$ 201	$ 1,448
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	(57)	(63)	(90)	(15)
Interest income - net	85	86	182	130
Other - net	1	15		(464)
Total other income/(expense) - net	$ 3,217	$ 536	$ 293	$ 1,099

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 19, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	9,541
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Cumulative compensation expense	$ 1,400,000
Performance Based EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	9,541
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Cumulative compensation expense	$ 557,000

Independent Contractor Operat46

Independent Contractor Operations (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Notes receivable from independent contractors | $	$ 1.6	$ 1.8
Roto-Rooter segment [Member]
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Independent contractors with sublicenses | item	69
Maximum [Member]
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Interest rates on loans	7.00%
Terms of the loans to independent contractors, years	5 years 4 months 24 days
Minimum [Member]
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Interest rates on loans	0.00%
Terms of the loans to independent contractors, years	2 months 15 days

Independent Contractor Operat47

Independent Contractor Operations (Schedule Of Independent Contractors) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Independent Contractor Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 9,770	$ 9,527	$ 19,629	$ 18,991
Pretax profits	$ 6,024	$ 5,661	$ 12,180	$ 11,218

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of E

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans expense	$ 5,861	$ 2,991	$ 6,387	$ 7,178

Legal And Regulatory Matters (D

Legal And Regulatory Matters (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)item	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of shareholder derivative lawsuits filed | item			2
Number of days given to file amended complaint			14 days
Filling opportunity period			30 days
Extension period			14 days
U.S. v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Life expectancy period			6 months
Net costs incurred | $	$ 1.2	$ 1.4	$ 3.5	$ 2.7

Concentration Of Risk (Narrativ

Concentration Of Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)item	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)item	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of service providers | item	1		2
Segment VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
VITAS made purchases from Enclara | $	$ 8.5	$ 9.5	$ 17.4	$ 18.7
Sales Revenue [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of concentration risk services represent from vendor			90.00%	90.00%

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equi51

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash overdrafts included in accounts payable	$ 3,900,000	$ 9,300,000
Cash equivalents	$ 82,000	$ 76,000
Cash equivalents weighted average rate of return	0.41%	0.20%

Financial Instruments (Carrying

Financial Instruments (Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual fund investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$ 53,127	$ 49,481
Long-term debt	147,500	91,250
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual fund investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	53,127	49,481
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	147,500	91,250
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual fund investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust
Long-term debt

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan53

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, amount authorized						$ 100,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 50,200		$ 50,200
Purchases of treasury stock		$ 49,853	$ 29,762	$ 102,313	$ 29,762
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Purchases of treasury stock	$ 8,000

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan54

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Schedule Of Capital Stock Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]
Total cost of repurchased shares	$ 49,853	$ 29,762	$ 102,313	$ 29,762
Shares repurchased	380,134	250,000	780,134	250,000
Weighted average price per share	$ 131.15	$ 119.05	$ 131.15	$ 119.05

Goodwill (Schedule of movement

Goodwill (Schedule of movement in Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 472,322	$ 466,722
Business combinations		5,944
Foreign currency adjustments	149	(344)
Ending balance	472,471	472,322
Segment VITAS [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	328,301	328,301
Business combinations
Foreign currency adjustments
Ending balance	328,301	328,301
Roto-Rooter segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	144,021	138,421
Business combinations		5,944
Foreign currency adjustments	149	(344)
Ending balance	$ 144,170	$ 144,021

Other Operating Expenses (Narra

Other Operating Expenses (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
stock-based compensation expense, pre tax		$ 4,840	$ 2,787
Segment VITAS [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense, after tax	$ 2,800	2,800
stock-based compensation expense, pre tax	$ 4,500	$ 4,500