Chemed (CHE) 10-K 27 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 15, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
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		16,313,155
Entity Public Float			$ 2,156,861,482
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes

Consolidated Statement Of Incom

Consolidated Statement Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statement Of Income [Abstract]
Service revenues and sales	$ 1,576,881	$ 1,543,388	$ 1,456,282
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)	1,115,431	1,087,610	1,034,673
Selling, general and administrative expenses	243,572	237,821	222,589
Depreciation	34,279	32,369	29,881
Amortization	359	1,130	720
Other operating expenses (Note 21)	4,491
Total costs and expenses	1,398,132	1,358,930	1,287,863
Income from operations	178,749	184,458	168,419
Interest expense	(3,715)	(3,645)	(8,186)
Other income/(expense) - net (Note 10)	2,020	(687)	2,521
Income before income taxes	177,054	180,126	162,754
Income taxes (Note 11)	(68,311)	(69,852)	(63,437)
Net income	$ 108,743	$ 110,274	$ 99,317
Earnings Per Share (Note 15)
Net income	$ 6.64	$ 6.54	$ 5.79
Average number of shares outstanding	16,383	16,870	17,165
Diluted Earnings Per Share (Note 15)
Net income	$ 6.48	$ 6.33	$ 5.57
Average number of shares outstanding	16,789	17,422	17,840

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 9)	$ 15,310	$ 14,727
Accounts receivable less allowances of $14,236 (2015 - $13,244)	132,021	106,262
Inventories	5,755	6,314
Prepaid income taxes	3,709	10,653
Prepaid expenses	13,105	12,852
Total current assets	169,900	150,808
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust (Notes 14 and 16)	54,389	49,481
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation (Note 12)	121,302	117,370
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $33,225 (2015 - $32,866) (Note 6)	55,065	55,111
Goodwill	472,366	472,322
Other assets	7,037	7,233
Total Assets	880,059	852,325
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	39,586	43,695
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 3)	8,750	7,500
Accrued insurance	47,960	43,972
Accrued compensation	53,979	52,817
Accrued legal	1,805	1,233
Other current liabilities	19,752	22,119
Total current liabilities	171,832	171,336
Deferred income taxes (Note 11)	14,291	21,041
Long-term debt (Note 3)	100,000	83,750
Deferred compensation liabilities (Note 14)	54,288	49,467
Other liabilities	15,549	13,478
Total Liabilities	355,960	339,072
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13 and 18)
Stockholders' Equity
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 34,270,104 shares (2015 - 33,985,316 shares)	34,270	33,985
Paid-in capital	639,703	603,006
Retained earnings	958,149	865,845
Treasury stock - 18,083,527 shares (2015 - 17,187,540 shares), at cost	(1,110,536)	(991,978)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock (Note 14)	2,513	2,395
Total Stockholders' Equity	524,099	513,253
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 880,059	$ 852,325

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 14,236	$ 13,244
Identifiable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 33,225	$ 32,866
Capital stock - authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Capital stock - par value	$ 1	$ 1
Capital stock - issued	34,270,104	33,985,316
Treasury stock	18,083,527	17,187,540

Consolidated Statement Of Cash

Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 108,743	$ 110,274	$ 99,317
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	34,638	33,499	30,601
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	16,319	14,247	13,173
Stock option expense	8,330	5,445	4,802
Provision/(benefit) for deferred income taxes (Note 11)	(6,707)	6,325	6,978
Amortization of restricted stock awards	1,855	2,107	2,471
Noncash early retirement expense	1,747
Noncash portion of long-term incentive compensation	1,301	6,644	2,569
Noncash directors' compensation	541	540	480
Amortization of debt issuance costs	519	523	826
Amortization of discount on convertible notes			3,392
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding amounts acquired in business combinations:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable	(42,142)	4,132	(45,785)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories	559	(142)	535
Decrease/(increase) in prepaid expenses	(253)	(1,290)	6,362
Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities	891	476	(26,304)
Increase in income taxes	13,886	344	11,279
Increase in other assets	(5,224)	(47)	(4,769)
Increase in other liabilities	7,105	1,320	8,484
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	(7,195)	(14,042)	(5,172)
Other sources	480	1,145	1,040
Net cash provided by operating activities	135,393	171,500	110,279
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(39,772)	(44,135)	(43,571)
Business combinations, net of cash acquired (Note 7)		(6,614)	(250)
Other sources/(uses)	(90)	432	294
Net cash used by investing activities	(39,862)	(50,317)	(43,527)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	184,550	103,200	386,350
Payments on revolving line of credit	(159,550)	(153,200)	(336,350)
Purchases of treasury stock	(102,313)	(59,323)	(110,019)
Dividends paid	(16,439)	(15,605)	(14,255)
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation	(8,772)	(15,734)	(7,524)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (Note 4)	8,421	15,424	23,910
Payments on other long-term debt	(7,500)	(6,250)	(189,456)
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	7,195	14,042	5,172
Increase/(decrease) in cash overdrafts payable	(736)	(1,177)	9,714
Proceeds from other long-term debt			100,000
Retirement of warrants			(2,648)
Debt issuance costs			(914)
Other (uses)/sources	196	(1,965)	(1,018)
Net cash used by financing activities	(94,948)	(120,588)	(137,038)
Increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	583	595	(70,286)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	14,727	14,132	84,418
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 15,310	$ 14,727	$ 14,132

Consolidated Statement Of Chang

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Capital Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock-At Cost [Member]	Deferred Compensation Payable In Company Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 32,245	$ 481,011	$ 686,114	$ (752,634)	$ 2,154	$ 448,890
Net income			99,317			99,317
Dividends paid			(14,255)			(14,255)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)	809	61,469		(31,237)		31,041
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 20)				(110,019)		(110,019)
Retirement of warrants		(2,645)				(2,645)
Other	283	(990)		(395)	129	(973)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	33,337	538,845	771,176	(894,285)	2,283	451,356
Net income			110,274			110,274
Dividends paid			(15,605)			(15,605)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)	648	66,077		(38,257)		28,468
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 20)				(59,323)		(59,323)
Other		(1,916)		(113)	112	(1,917)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	33,985	603,006	865,845	(991,978)	2,395	513,253
Net income			108,743			108,743
Dividends paid			(16,439)			(16,439)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)	285	36,453		(16,127)		20,611
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 20)				(102,313)		(102,313)
Other		244		(118)	118	244
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 34,270	$ 639,703	$ 958,149	$ (1,110,536)	$ 2,513	$ 524,099

Consolidated Statement Of Chan7

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid per share	$ 1	$ 0.92	$ 0.84

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies NATURE OF OPERATIONS We operate through our two wholly-owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare Corporation (“VITAS”) and Roto-Rooter Group, Inc. (“Roto-Rooter”). VITAS focuses on hospice care that helps make terminally ill patients' final days as comfortable as possible. Through its team of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy and volunteers, VITAS provides direct medical services to patients, as well as spiritual and emotional counseling to both patients and their families. Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning and water restoration services to both residential and commercial customers. Through its network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees, Roto-Rooter offers plumbing, drain cleaning service and water restoration to approximately 90 % of the U.S. population.  PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis. Management has adopted the evaluation requirements of Accounting Stanadards Update “ASU No. 2014-15 – Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern”.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chemed Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated . We have analyzed the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities relative to our contractual relationships with Roto-Rooter’s independent contractors and franchisees. The guidance requires the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) to consolidate the accounts of the VIE. Based upon the guidance provided by the FASB, we have concluded that neither the independent contractors nor the franchisees are VIEs.  CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash equivalents comprise short-term, highly liquid investments, including money market funds that have original maturities of three months or less.  ACCOUNTS AND LOANS RECEIVABLE Accounts and loans receivable are recorded at the principal balance outstanding less estimated allowances for uncollectible accounts. For the Roto-Rooter segment, allowances for trade accounts receivable are generally provided for accounts more than 90 days past due, although collection efforts continue beyond that time. Due to the small number of loans receivable outstanding, allowances for loan losses are determined on a case-by-case basis. For the VITAS segment, allowances for accounts receivable are provided on accounts based on expected collection rates by payer types. The expected collection rate is based on both historical averages and known current trends. Final write-off of overdue accounts or loans receivable is made when all reasonable collection efforts have been made and payment is not forthcoming. We closely monitor our receivables and periodically review procedures for granting credit to attempt to hold losses to a minimum. We make appropriate provisions to reduce our accounts receivable balance for any governmental or other payer reviews resulting in denials of patient service revenue. We believe our hospice programs comply with all payer requirements at the time of billing. However, we cannot predict whether future billing reviews or similar audits by payers will result in material denials or reductions in revenue.  CONCENTRATION OF RISK As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 59 % and 49 %, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from Medicare and 31 % and 41 %, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from various state Medicaid programs. Combined accounts receivable from Medicare and Medicaid represent approximately 62 % of the consolidated net accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016.  As further described in Note 19, we had agreements with two vendors to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients. In 2016 and 2015, respectively, purchases made from these vendors represent in excess of 90 % of all pharmacy services used by VITAS.  INVENTORIES Substantially all of the inventories are either general merchandise or finished goods. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net r ealizable v alue. For determining the value of inventories, cost methods that reasonably approximate the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method are used.  DEPRECIATION AND PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT Depreciation of properties and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the remaining lease terms (excluding option terms) or their useful lives. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, renewals and betterments that do not materially prolong the useful lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected currently in other income, net.  Expenditures for major software purchases and software developed for internal use are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. For software developed for internal use, external direct costs for materials and services and certain internal payroll and related fringe benefit costs are capitalized in accordance with the FASB’s authoritative guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.  The weighted average lives of our property and equipment at December 31, 2016, were:     Buildings and building improvements 12.3 yrs.  Transportation equipment 10.3  Machinery and equipment 5.3  Computer software 4.6  Furniture and fixtures 4.8  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The table below shows a rollforward of Goodwill (in thousands):   Roto-  Vitas 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 - 44 44  Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 328,301 $ 144,065 $ 472,366  Identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets arise from purchase business combinations and are amortized using either an accelerated method or the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The selection of an amortization method is based on which method best reflects the economic pattern of usage of the asset. The weighted average lives of our identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2016, were:     Covenants not to compete 6.5 yrs.  Reacquired franchise rights 6.1  Referral networks 10.0  Customer lists 13.3  The date of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis is October 1. The VITAS trade name is considered to have an indefinite life. We also capitalize the direct costs of obtaining licenses to operate either hospice programs or plumbing operations subject to a minimum capitalization threshold. These costs are amortized over the life of the license using the straight line method. Certificates of Need (“CON”), which are required in certain states for hospice operations, are generally granted without expiration and thus, we believe them to be indefinite-lived assets subject to impairment testing.  We consider that Roto-Rooter Corp. (“RRC”), Roto-Rooter Services Co. (“RRSC”) and VITAS are appropriate reporting units for testing goodwill impairment. We consider RRC and RRSC separate reporting units but one operating segment. This is appropriate as they each have their own set of general ledger accounts that can be analyzed at “one level below an operating segment” per the definition of a reporting unit in FASB guidance.  We completed our qualitative analysis for impairment of goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1, 2016. Based on our assessment, we do not believe that it is more likely than not that our reporting units or indefinite-lived assets fair values are less than their carrying values.  LONG-LIVED ASSETS If we believe a triggering event may have occurred that indicates a possible impairment of our long-lived assets, we perform an estimate and valuation of the future benefits of our long-lived assets (other than goodwill, the VITAS trade name and capitalized CON costs) based on key financial indicators. If the projected undiscounted cash flows of a major business unit indicate that properties and equipment or identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets have been impaired, a write-down to fair value is made.  OTHER ASSETS Debt issuance costs are included in other assets. Issuance costs related to revolving credit agreements are amortized using the straight line method, over the life of the agreement. All other issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the debt. There are no amounts included in other assets that individually exceed 5% of total assets.  REVENUE RECOGNITION Both the VITAS segment and Roto-Rooter segment recognize service revenues and sales when the earnings process has been completed. Generally, this occurs when services are provided or products are delivered. See Footnote 2 for a more detailed description of revenue related to our VITAS segment. Sales of Roto-Rooter products, including drain cleaning machines and drain cleaning solution, comprise less than 2 % of our total service revenues and sales for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. The VITAS segment does not have product sales.  CHARITY CARE VITAS provides charity care, in certain circumstances, to patients without charge when management of the hospice program determines that the patient does not have the financial wherewithal to make payment. There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to charity care.  The cost of providing charity care during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $ 7. 0 million, $ 7. 6 million and $ 7. 3 million, respectively and is included in cost of services provided and goods sold. 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.  SALES TAX The Roto-Rooter segment collects sales tax from customers when required by state and federal laws. We record the amount of sales tax collected net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.  GUARANTEES In the normal course of business, Roto-Rooter enters into various guarantees and indemnifications in our relationships with customers and others. These arrangements include guarantees of services for periods ranging from one day to one year and product satisfaction guarantees. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, our accrual for service guarantees and warranty claims was $ 405,000 and $340,000 respectively.  OPERATING EXPENSES Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation) includes salaries, wages and benefits of service providers and field personnel, material costs, medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, insurance costs, service vehicle costs and other expenses directly related to providing service revenues or generating sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages, stock-based compensation expense and benefits of selling, marketing and administrative employees, advertising expenses, communications and branch telephone expenses, office rent and operating costs, legal, banking and professional fees and other administrative costs. The cost associated with VITAS sales personnel is included in cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation).      ADVERTISING We expense the production costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. The costs of telephone directory listings are expensed when the directories are placed in circulation. These directories are generally in circulation for approximately one year, at which point they are typically replaced by the publisher with a new directory. We generally pay for directory placement assuming it is in circulation for one year. If the directory is in circulation for less than or greater than one year, we receive a credit or additional billing, as necessary. We do not control the timing of when a new directory is placed in circulation. We pay for and expense the cost of internet advertising and placement on a “per click” basis. Advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $ 3 7.2 million (2015 – $ 36.4 million; 2014 - $ 3 2.8 million).  COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive impact of our outstanding stock options and nonvested stock awards. Stock options whose exercise price is greater than the average market price of our stock are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. Outstanding performance stock units (“PSUs”) that are vested or projected to vest are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.  OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES There are no amounts included in other current liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total current liabilities.  OTHER LIABILITIES (NON-CURRENT) There are no amounts included in other liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total liabilities.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period on a straight-line basis.  INSURANCE ACCRUALS For our Roto-Rooter segment and Corporate Office, we initially self-insure for all casualty insurance claims (workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability). As a result, we closely monitor and frequently evaluate our historical claims experience to estimate the appropriate level of accrual for self-insured claims. Our third-party administrator (“TPA”) processes and reviews claims on a monthly basis. Currently, our exposure on any single claim is capped by stop-loss coverage at $ 750,000 . In developing our estimates, we accumulate historical claims data for the previous 10 years to calculate loss development factors (“LDF”) by insurance coverage type. LDFs are applied to known claims to estimate the ultimate potential liability for known and unknown claims for each open policy year. LDFs are updated annually. Because this methodology relies heavily on historical claims data, the key risk is whether the historical claims are an accurate predictor of future claims exposure. The risk also exists that certain claims have been incurred and not reported on a timely basis. To mitigate these risks, in conjunction with our TPA, we closely monitor claims to ensure timely accumulation of data and compare claims trends with the industry experience of our TPA.  For the VITAS segment, we initially self-insure for workers’ compensation claims. Currently, VITAS’ exposure on any single claim is capped by stop-loss coverage at $ 1,000 ,000 . For VITAS’ self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, the valuation methods used are similar to those used internally for our other business units. We are also insured for other risks with respect to professional liability with a deductible of $750,000 .  Our casualty insurance liabilities are recorded gross before any estimated recovery for amounts exceeding our stop loss limits. Estimated recoveries from insurance carriers are recorded as accounts receivable.  TAXES ON INCOME Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amount of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized due to insufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward period available under the tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in laws and rates on the date of enactment.  In November 2015, the 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.  We are subject to income taxes in Canada, U.S. federal and most state jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required to determine our provision for income taxes. Our financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such uncertain positions assuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.  CONTINGENCIES As discussed in Note 18, we are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of our business. In addition, we periodically receive communications from governmental and regulatory agencies concerning compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements at our VITAS subsidiary. We establish reserves for specific, uninsured liabilities in connection with regulatory and legal action that we deem to be probable and reasonably estimable. We record legal fees associated with legal and regulatory actions as the costs are incurred. We disclose material loss contingencies that are probable but not reasonably estimable and those that are at least reasonably possible.  ESTIMATES The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Disclosures of after-tax expenses and adjustments are based on estimates of the effective income tax rates for the applicable segments.  CLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENT In 2016 and 2015, we classified $ 1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of non-cash restricted stock award amortization in selling, general and administrative expenses. We also recorded a classification adjustment of $ 2.5 million to decrease amortization and increase selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Income for 2014 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 adjustment is immaterial to our consolidated financial statements for the current and prior periods.

Hospice Revenue Recognition

Hospice Revenue Recognition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Hospice Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Hospice Revenue Recognition	2. Hospice Revenue Recognition Approximately 97% of our revenue in 2016 was from Medicare and Medicaid. The remaining revenue was from commercial insurance carriers and individual self-payers.  MEDICARE AND MEDICAID REVENUE Gross revenue is recorded on an accrual basis based on the date of service at amounts equal to the established payment rates. Medicare establishes the payment rates yearly which are consistent among all providers in the hospice industry. The payment rates are daily or hourly rates for each of the four levels of care we provide. The four levels of care are routine home care, general inpatient care, continuous home care and respite care. Routine home care accounts for 78.9% , 77.6% and 76.0% of our total net revenue for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. VITAS is subject to certain limitations on Medicare payments for services. Specifically, if the number of inpatient care days any hospice program provides to Medicare beneficiaries exceeds 20% of the total days of hospice care such program provided to all Medicare patients for an annual period beginning September 28, the days in excess of the 20 % figure may be reimbursed only at the routine homecare rate. None of VITAS ’ hospice programs exceeded the payment limi ts on inpatient services in 2016, 2015 or 2014 .  VITAS is also subject to a Medicare annual per-beneficiary cap (“Medicare cap”). Compliance with the Medicare cap is measured in one of two ways based on a provider election. The “streamlined” method compares total Medicare payments received under a Medicare provider number with respect to services provided to all Medicare hospice care beneficiaries in the program or programs covered by that Medicare provider number between November 1 of each year and October 31 of the following year with the product of the per-beneficiary cap amount and the number of Medicare beneficiaries electing hospice care for the first time from that hospice program or programs from September 28 through September 27 of the following year.  The “proportional” method compares the total Medicare payments received under a Medicare provider number with respect to services provided to all Medicare hospice care beneficiaries in the program or programs covered by the Medicare provider number between September 28 and September 27 of the following year with the product of the per beneficiary cap amount and a pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries receiving hospice services from that program during the same period. The pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries is calculated based on the ratio of days the beneficiary received hospice services durin g the measurement period to the total number of days the beneficiary received hospice services.  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 revenues are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary 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 actions, which include changes to the patient mix and increased 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 service revenue.  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 $2.1 million is owed for Medicare cap in three programs arising during the 2013, 2014 and 2015 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 the amounts they have withheld and intend to withhold under their current “as if” methodology. We have appealed CMS’s methodology change with the appropriate regulatory appeal board.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded $228,000 in Medicare cap revenue reduction related to one program’s projected 2015 measurement period liability. This revenue reduction was related to the CMS’s methodology change described above. During the year ended December 31, 2015 we recorded a $165,000 Medicare cap reversal of amounts recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 for one program’s projected 2015 measurement period liability. During the year ended December 31, 2014 , we recorded a net Medicare cap liability of $1.3 million for two programs’ projected 2014 and 2015 measurement period liability offset by the reversal of one program’s 2011 measurement period projected Medicare cap liability. The net pretax expense/(income) was $228,000 , ( $165 ,000 ) , and $ 1.3 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively  Shown below is the Medicare cap liability activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, (in thousands):     2016 2015  Beginning Balance January 1, $ 1,165 $ 6,112  2015 measurement period 228 (165)  Payments (1,158) (4,782)  Ending Balance December 31, $ 235 $ 1,165   REVENUE FROM OTHER PAYERS Gross revenue is recorded on an accrual basis based on the date of service at amounts equal to our established rates with the applicable payer.  ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS Payers may deny payment for services or require repayment of amounts that we previously received in whole or in part on the basis that such services are not eligible for coverage and do not qualify for reimbursement. We estimate denials each period and make adequate provision in the financial statements. The estimate of denials is based on historical trends and known circumstances and does not vary materially from period to period on an aggregate basis. Accounts are written-off when we believe all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted.         The allowance for doubtful accounts for VITAS comprises the following (in thousands):     Medicare Medicaid Commercial Other Total  Beginning Balance January 1, 2014 $ 4,814 $ 5,899 $ 2,037 $ 300 $ 13,050  Bad debt provision 286 8,096 2,969 2 11,353  Write-offs (1,863) (8,089) (2,819) (642) (13,413)  Other/Contractual adjustments 562 93 687 (174) 1,168  Ending Balance December 31, 2015 3,799 5,999 2,874 (514) 12,158  Bad debt provision 1,793 7,209 3,938 664 13,604  Write-offs (3,382) (6,595) (4,331) (209) (14,517)  Other/Contractual adjustments 752 65 791 (113) 1,495  Ending Balance December 31, 2016 $ 2,962 $ 6,678 $ 3,272 $ (172) $ 12,740 

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Cre

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit	3. Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit On May 15, 2014, we retired our Senior Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) outstanding. We paid the $187.0 million of principal outstanding using a combination of cash on hand and our existing revolving credit facility. In addition, we issued 249,000 Chemed shares in conjunction with the conversion feature of the Notes. At the time we issued the Notes, we had entered into a purchased call transaction to offset any potential economic dilution resulting from the conversion feature in the Notes. As a result, we received 266,000 Chemed shares from the exercise of the purchased call transaction. The issuance of shares under the conversion feature of the Notes, as well as the receipt of shares from the purchased call transaction were recorded as adjustments to paid-in capital during 2014.  At the time we issued the Notes we also sold warrants for the right to purchase approximately 2,477,000 Chemed shares in the future. During 2014, we settled these warrants with one counterparty representing half of the total warrants issued for $2.6 million in cash. The amount paid was recorded as an adjustment to paid-in capital. During 2014, Chemed’s stock price exceeded the exercise price of the remaining outstanding sold warrants resulting in the Company, on December 8, 2014, issuing 35,166 of common shares to the other counterparty in full settlement of the warrants. Pursuant to authoritative guidance, the settlement of the sold warrants was accounted for as an equity transaction.  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 generally LIBOR plus a tiered additional rate which varies based on our current leverage ratio. The interest rate is LIBOR plus 113 basis points as of December 31, 2016.  The debt outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consists of the following (in thousands):     December 31,  2016 2015  Revolver $ 25,000 $ -  Term loan 83,750 91,250  Total 108,750 91,250  Current portion of term loan (8,750) (7,500)  Long-term debt $ 100,000 $ 83,750  Scheduled principal payments of the term loan are as follows:    2017 $ 8,750  2018 10,000  2019 65,000  $ 83,750        Capitalized interest was not material for any of the periods shown. Summarized below are the total amounts of interest paid during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):     2016 $ 3,047  2015 2,988  2014 4,322  Debt issuance costs associated with the existing credit agreement were not written off as the lenders and their relative percentage participation in the facility did not change. With respect to the 2014 Credit Agreement, deferred financing costs were $0.9 million. The 2014 Credit Agreement contains the following quarterly financial covenants:     Description Requirement Chemed    Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA) < 3.50 to 1.00 0.63 to 1.00   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated  Fixed Charges) > 1.50 to 1.00 2.18 to 1.00   Annual Operating Lease Commitment < $50.0 million $21.1 million   We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2016. We have issued $38.7 million in standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2016 for insurance purposes. Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2014 Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2016, we have approximately $286.6 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	 4. Stock-Based Compensation Plans We have t wo stock incentive plans under which 3.8 million shares can be issued to key employees and directors through a grant of stock options, stock awards and/or performance stock units (“PSUs”). The Compensation/Incentive Committee (“CIC”) of the Board of Directors administers these plans.  We grant stock options, stock awards and PSUs to our officers, other key employees and directors to better align their long-term interests with those of our shareholders. We grant stock options at an exercise price equal to the market price of our stock on the date of grant. Options vest evenly annually over a three -year period. Those granted in 2016 and 2015 have a contractual life of 5 years; those granted prior to 2015 have a contractual life of 10 years. Restricted stock awards granted in 2015 vest ratably annually over a three year period; previous restricted stock awards generally cliff vest over a three - or four -year period. Unrestricted stock awards generally are granted to our non-employee directors annually at the time of our annual meeting. PSUs are contingent upon achievement of multi-year earnings targets or market targets. Upon achievement of targets, PSUs are converted to unrestricted shares of Capital stock.  We recognize the cost of stock options, stock awards and PSUs on a straight-line basis over the service life of the award, generally the vesting period. We include the cost of all stock-based compensation in selling, general and administrative expense.  In May 2016, the CIC granted 4 ,275 unrestricted shares of Capital Stock to the Company’s outside directors.  PERFORMANCE AWARDS  In February 2014, 2015 and 2016, the CIC granted PSUs contingent upon the achievement of certain total stockholder return (“TSR”) targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three -year measurement period, at which date the awards may vest. We utilize a Monte Carlo simulation approach in a risk-neutral framework with inputs including historical volatility and the risk-free rate of interest to value these TSR awards. We amortize the total estimated cost over the service period of the award.  In February 2014, 2015 and 2016, the CIC granted PSUs contingent on the achievement of certain earnings per share (“EPS”) targets over the three-year measurement period. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the number of shares we believe will ultimately vest and record that expense over the service period of the award.  Comparative data for the PSUs include:    2016 Awards 2015 Awards 2014 Awards  TSR Awards  Shares granted 9,541 10,761 10,340  Per-share fair value $ 150.74 $ 142.55 $ 112.60  Volatility 26.7% 25.2% 30.8%  Risk-free interest rate 0.89% 0.93% 0.33%   EPS Awards  Shares granted 9,541 10,761 14,061  Per-share fair value $ 126.37 $ 113.14 $ 82.80   Common Assumptions  Service period (years) 2.9 2.9 2.9  Three-year measurement period ends December 31, 2018 2017 2016  The following table summarizes total stock option , stock award and PSU activity during 2016 :    Stock Options Stock Awards Performance Units (PSUs)  Weighted Average Aggregate Weighted Weighted  Remaining Intrinsic Average Number of Average  Number of Exercise Contractual Value Number of Grant-Date Target Grant-Date  Options Price Life (Years) (thousands) Awards Price Units Price  Outstanding at January 1, 2016 1,563,875 $ 100.09 96,732 $ 87.75 76,376 $ 94.45  Granted 505,775 135.85 4,275 126.53 34,008 109.24  Exercised/Vested (233,903) 67.45 (55,740) 81.72 (46,610) 71.72  Canceled/ Forfeited (7,769) 117.34 - - - -  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,827,978 114.09 5.3 $ 82,972 45,267 98.82 63,774 118.95   Vested and expected to vest  at December 31, 2016 1,827,978 114.09 5.3 82,972 45,267 98.82 75,436 * 116.68  Exercisable at December 31, 2016 909,787 89.83 5.6 63,370 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.  * Amount includes 36,812 share units which vested and were converted to Capital Stock and distributed in the first quarter of 2017. The shares that vested in 2017 had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $99.50 per share and an estimated fair value of $167 per share.  We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. We determine expected term, volatility, and dividend yield and forfeiture rate based on our historical experience. We believe that historical experience is the best indicator of these factors.  Comparative data for stock option s, stock award s and PSUs include (in thousands, except per-share amounts):    Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Total compensation cost of stock-based compensation  plans charged against income $ 13,773 $ 14,737 $ 10,323  Total income tax benefit recognized in income for stock  based compensation plans 5,062 5,416 3,794  Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised 17,635 45,600 26,344  Total intrinsic value of stock awards vested during the period 7,429 12,065 4,564  Per-share weighted averaged grant-date fair value of  stock awards granted 126.53 121.75 88.48  The assumptions we used to value stock option grants are as follows:    2016 2015 2014   Stock price on date of issuance $135.85 $157.36 $106.59  Grant date fair value per share $22.74 $29.46 $21.58  Number of options granted 505,775 422,750 410,800  Expected term (years) 4.0 4.0 4.8  Risk free rate of return 1.09% 1.57% 1.59%  Volatility 21.10% 22.20% 22.60%  Dividend yield 0.8% 0.6% 0.8%  Forfeiture rate - - -  Other data for stock options, stock awards and PSUs for 2016 include (dollar amounts in thousands):    Stock Stock  Options Awards PSUs  Total unrecognized compensation related to nonvested options, stock awards  and PSUs at the end of year $ 20,039 $ 1,805 $ 2,085  Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost of  nonvested options, stock awards and PSUs to be recognized (years) 2.3 1.3 1.4  Actual income tax benefit realized from options exercised or stock awards  and PSUs vested $ 6,491 $ 2,735 $ 2,191  Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, stock awards and PSUs vested  and expected to vest $ 82,972 $ 7,219 $ 12,030  EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (“ESPP”) The ESPP allows eligible participants to purchase our shares through payroll deductions at current market value. We pay administrative and broker fees associated with the ESPP. Shares purchased for the ESPP are purchased on the open market and credited directly to participants’ accounts. In accordance with the FASB’s guidance, the ESPP is non-compensatory.

Segments And Nature Of The Busi

Segments And Nature Of The Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segments And Nature Of The Business [Abstract]
Segments And Nature Of The Business	       5. Segments and Nature of the Business Our segments include the VITAS segment and the Roto-Rooter segment. Relative contributions of each segment to service revenues and sales were 71 % and 29 %, respec tively, in 2016 and 72 % and 28 %, respectively, in 2015 . The vast majority of our service revenues and sales from continuing operations are generated from business within the United States.  The reportable segments have been defined along service lines, which is consistent with the way the businesses are managed. In determining reportable segments, the RRSC and RRC operating units of the Roto-Rooter segment have been aggregated on the basis of possessing similar operating and economic characteristics. The characteristics of these operating segments and the basis for aggregation are reviewed annually. Accordingly, the reportable segments are defined as follows:  · The VITAS segment provides hospice services for patients with terminal illnesses. This type of care is aimed at making the terminally ill patient’s end of life as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Hospice care is available to patients who have been initially certified or re-certified as terminally ill (i.e., a prognosis of six months or less) by their attending physician, if any, and the hospice physician. VITAS offers all levels of hospice care in a given market, including routine home care, inpatient care and continuous care. Over 95 % of VITAS’ revenues are derived through the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement programs.  · The Roto-Rooter segment provides repair and maintenance services to residential and commercial accounts using the Roto-Rooter registered service marks. Such services include plumbing, drain cleaning and water restoration. They are delivered through company-owned and operated territories, independent contractor-operated territories and franchised locations. This segment also manufactures and sells products and equipment used to provide such services.  · We report corporate administrative expenses and unallocated investing and financing income and expense not directly related to either segment as “Corporate”. Corporate administrative expense includes the stewardship, accounting and reporting, legal, tax and other costs of operating a publicly held corporation. Corporate investing and financing income and expenses include the costs and income associated with corporate debt and investment arrangements.              Segment data are set forth below (in thousands):    For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Revenues by Type of Service  VITAS  Routine homecare $ 887,940 $ 865,145 $ 810,413  Continuous care 138,025 150,802 152,206  General inpatient 97,580 99,439 102,876  Medicare cap (228) 165 (1,290)  Total segment 1,123,317 1,115,551 1,064,205  Roto-Rooter  Sewer and drain cleaning 145,699 142,562 141,078  Plumbing repair and maintenance 197,280 188,065 174,993  Independent contractors 40,097 37,966 36,496  Water restoration 50,229 38,163 18,480  Other products and services 20,259 21,081 21,030  Total segment 453,564 427,837 392,077  Total service revenues and sales $ 1,576,881 $ 1,543,388 $ 1,456,282  Aftertax Segment Earnings/(Loss)  VITAS $ 84,961 $ 93,346 $ 86,185  Roto-Rooter 52,893 48,573 42,075  Total 137,854 141,919 128,260  Corporate (29,111) (31,645) (28,943)  Net income $ 108,743 $ 110,274 $ 99,317  Interest Income  VITAS $ 8,294 $ 7,740 $ 6,111  Roto-Rooter 3,653 3,425 2,931  Total 11,947 11,165 9,042  Corporate - - 10  Intercompany eliminations (11,564) (10,884) (9,081)  Total interest income $ 383 $ 281 $ (29)  Interest Expense  VITAS $ 211 $ 200 $ 207  Roto-Rooter 332 348 363  Total 543 548 570  Corporate 3,172 3,097 7,616  Total interest expense $ 3,715 $ 3,645 $ 8,186   Income Tax Provision  VITAS $ 51,910 $ 56,675 $ 53,278  Roto-Rooter 32,719 29,630 25,808  Total 84,629 86,305 79,086  Corporate (16,318) (16,453) (15,649)  Total income tax provision $ 68,311 $ 69,852 $ 63,437  Identifiable Assets  VITAS $ 542,142 $ 523,717 $ 546,031  Roto-Rooter 261,641 255,192 251,407  Total 803,783 778,909 797,438  Corporate 76,276 73,416 62,494  Total identifiable assets $ 880,059 $ 852,325 $ 859,932       For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Additions to Long-Lived Assets  VITAS $ 22,000 $ 23,278 $ 21,880  Roto-Rooter 17,709 26,476 21,595  Total 39,709 49,754 43,475  Corporate 63 995 346  Total additions to long-lived assets $ 39,772 $ 50,749 $ 43,821  Depreciation and Amortization  VITAS $ 19,090 $ 19,547 $ 19,048  Roto-Rooter 15,002 13,360 10,975  Total 34,092 32,907 30,023  Corporate 546 592 578  Total depreciation and amortization $ 34,638 $ 33,499 $ 30,601    

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	6. Intangible Assets Amortization of definite-lived intangible asset s for t he years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, was $ 359,000 , $1.1 million and $ 720,000 respectively. The following is a schedule by year of projected amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets (in thousands):     2017 $ 162  2018 128  2019 96  2020 66  2021 26  Thereafter 35  The balance in identifiable intangible assets comprises the following (in thousands):     Gross Accumulated Net Book  Asset Amortization Value  December 31, 2016  Referral networks $ 21,729 $ (21,528) $ 201  Covenants not to compete 9,533 (9,295) 238  Customer lists 1,215 (1,215) -  Reacquired franchise rights 1,261 (1,187) 74  Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles 33,738 (33,225) 513  VITAS trade name 51,300 - 51,300  Rapid Rooter trade name 150 - 150  Operating licenses 3,102 - 3,102  Total $ 88,290 $ (33,225) $ 55,065   December 31, 2015  Referral networks $ 21,729 $ (21,473) $ 256  Covenants not to compete 9,533 (9,220) 313  Customer lists 1,215 (1,215) -  Reacquired franchise rights 1,260 (958) 302  Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles 33,737 (32,866) 871  VITAS trade name 51,300 - 51,300  Rapid Rooter trade name 150 - 150  Operating licenses 2,790 - 2,790  Total $ 87,977 $ (32,866) $ 55,111 

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	7. Business Combinations We did not complete any business combinations during 2016.  During 2015, we completed two business combination s of former franchisees within the Roto-Rooter segment for $ 6.6 million in cash to increase our market penetration in Pennsylvania and Nebraska. The purchase price of these acquisition s was allocated as follows (in thousands):   .  Identifiable intangible assets $ 213  Goodwill 5,944  Other assets and liabilities - net 457  $ 6,614 During 2014, we completed one business combination of a former franchisee within the Roto-Rooter segment for $250,000 in cash to increase our market penetration in Idaho. The purchase price of this acquisition was allocated as follows (in thousands):     Identifiable intangible assets $ 47  Goodwill 198  Other assets and liabilities - net 5  $ 250  The unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming purchase business combinations completed in 2015 and 2014 were completed on January 1, 2014, do not materially impact the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The results of operations of each of the above business combinations are included in our results of operations from the date of the respective acquisition.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	8. Discontinued Operations At D ecember 31, 2016 and 2015 , the accrual for our estimated liability for potential environmental cleanup and related costs arising from the 1991 sale of DuBois amounted to $ 1.7 million. Of the 2016 balance, $ 826,000 is included in other current liabilities and $ 901,000 is included in other liabilities (long-t erm). The estimated amounts and timing of payments of these liabilities follows (in thousands):     2017 $ 826  2018 300  Thereafter 601  $ 1,727  We are contingently liable for additional DuBois-related environmental cleanup and related costs up to a maximum of $ 14.9 million. On the basis of a continuing evaluation of the potential liability, we believe it is not probable this additional liability will be paid. Accordingly, no provision for this contingent liability has been recorded. The potential liability is not insured, and the recorded liability does not assume the recovery of insurance proceeds. Also, the environmental liability has not been discounted because it is not possible to reliably project the timing of payments. We believe that any adjustments to our recorded liability will not materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equiva

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	9. Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents Included in accounts payable are cash overdrafts of $ 8.6 million and $9.3 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.  From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds directly with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds . We had $ 72,000 in cash equ ivalents as of December 31, 2016 . These cash equivalents were invested in noninterest bearing accounts. There was $ 76,000 in cash equ ivalents as of December 31, 2015 . The weighted average rate of return for these cash equivalents was 0.20 % .  

Other Income_(Expense)-Net

Other Income/(Expense)-Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Other Income/(Expense)-Net	10. Other Income/(expense)—Net Other income/(expense)—net from continuing operations comprises the following (in thousands):    For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Market value gains related to deferred  compensation trusts $ 2,061 $ 148 $ 3,118  Loss on disposal of property and equipment (424) (698) (640)  Interest income/ (expense) 383 281 (29)  Other--net - (418) 72  Total other income/(expense) $ 2,020 $ (687) $ 2,521  The market value gain relates to gains on the assets in the deferred compensation trust. There is an offsetting expense in selling, general and administrative expense to reflect the corresponding increase in the liability. 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	11. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes comprises the following (in thousands):    For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Current  U.S. federal $ 64,698 $ 55,026 $ 48,577  U.S. state and local 9,927 8,104 7,285  Foreign 393 397 597  Deferred  U.S. federal, state and local (6,712) 6,323 6,970  Foreign 5 2 8  Total $ 68,311 $ 69,852 $ 63,437 A summary of the temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets/ (liabilities) follows (in thousands):     December 31,  2016 2015  Accrued liabilities $ 43,575 $ 39,529  Stock compensation expense 9,309 8,555  Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable 1,952 1,729  State net operating loss carryforwards 1,811 1,701  Other 776 896  Deferred income tax assets 57,423 52,410  Amortization of intangible assets (52,133) (50,136)  Accelerated tax depreciation (14,975) (18,030)  Currents assets (1,825) (1,576)  Market valuation of investments (1,341) (1,375)  State income taxes (793) (1,465)  Other (639) (857)  Deferred income tax liabilities (71,706) (73,439)  Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (14,283) $ (21,029) At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , state net operating loss carryforwards were $36.0 million and $34.0 million, respectively. These net operating losses will expire, in varying amounts, between 2024 and 2036 . Based on our history of operating earnings, we have determined that our operating income will, more likely than not, be sufficient to ensure realization of our deferred income tax assets.      A reconciliation of the beginning and ending of year amount of our unrecognized tax benefit is as follows (in thousands):    2016 2015 2014  Balance at January 1, $ 1,052 $ 980 $ 892  Unrecognized tax benefits due to positions taken in current year 218 260 247  Decrease due to expiration of statute of limitations (201) (188) (159)  Balance at December 31, $ 1,069 $ 1,052 $ 980  We file tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. T he years ended December 31, 2013 and forward remain open for review for federal income tax purposes. The earliest open year relating to any of our major state jurisdictions is the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2011 . During the next twelve months, we do not anticipate a material net change in unrecognized tax benefits.  We classify interest related to our accrual for uncertain tax positions in separate interest ac counts. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we have approximately $130,000 and $125,000 , respectively, accrued in interest payable related to uncertain tax positions. These accruals are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Net interest expense related to uncertain tax positions included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income is not material.  The difference between the actual income tax provision for continuing operations and the income tax provision calculated at the statutory U.S. federal tax rate is explained as follows (in thousands):     For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014   Income tax provision calculated using the statutory rate of 35% $ 61,969 $ 63,044 $ 56,964  State and local income taxes, less federal income tax effect 6,044 5,787 5,536  Nondeductible expenses 881 1,438 1,290  Other--net (583) (417) (353)  Income tax provision $ 68,311 $ 69,852 $ 63,437  Effective tax rate 38.6 % 38.8 % 39.0 % Summarized below are the total amounts of income taxes paid during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):     2016 $ 60,905  2015 62,928  2014 44,921  Provision has not been made for additional taxes on $ 35.1 million of undistributed earnings of our domestic subsidiaries. Should we elect to sell our interest in all of these businesses rather than to effect a tax-free liquidation, additional taxes amounting to approximately $ 12.9 million would be incurred based on current income tax rates.

Properties And Equipment

Properties And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Properties And Equipment [Abstract]
Properties And Equipment	12. Properties and Equipment A summary of properties and equipment follows (in thousands):    December 31,  2016 2015  Land $ 7,098 $ 5,365  Buildings and building improvements 79,814 64,440  Transportation equipment 33,895 31,077  Machinery and equipment 89,346 83,293  Computer software 45,079 45,414  Furniture and fixtures 71,781 71,894  Projects under development 5,579 16,981  Total properties and equipment 332,592 318,464  Less accumulated depreciation (211,290) (201,094)  Net properties and equipment $ 121,302 $ 117,370  The net book value of computer software at December 31, 2016 and 2015, was $7.9 million and $ 8.3 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for computer software was $ 4.0 million, $ 3.9 million and $ 4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively

Lease Arrangements

Lease Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Lease Arrangements	13. Lease Arrangements We have operating leases that cover our corporate office headquarters, various warehouse and office facilities, office equipment and transportation equipment. The remaining terms of these leases range from monthly to eleven years, and in most cases we expect that these leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of business. We have no significant capita l leases as of December 31, 2016 or 2015 . The following is a summary of future minimum rental payments and sublease rentals to be received under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2016 (in thousands):     2017 $ 21,091  2018 17,884  2019 14,423  2020 11,943  2021 7,810  Thereafter 15,891  Total minimum rental payments $ 89,042  Total rental expense incurred under operating leases for continuing operations follows (in thousands):     For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014   Total rental expense $ 40,034 $ 40,021 $ 39,606

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	14. Retirement Plans Retirement obligations under various plans cover substantially all full-time employees who meet age and/or service eligibility requirements . All plans providing retirement benefits to our employees are defined contribution plans. Expenses for our retirement and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans are as follows (in thousands):    For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014   $ 14,467 $ 11,970 $ 13,838  These expenses include the impact of market gains and losses on assets held in deferred compensation plans. We have excess benefit plans for key employees whose participation in the qualified plans is limited by U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act requirements. Benefits are determined based on theoretical participation in the qualified plans. Benefits are only invested in mutual funds, and participants are not permitted to diversify accumulated benefits in shares of our capital stock. Trust assets invested in shares of our stock are included in treasury stock, and the corresponding liability is included in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2016 , these trusts held 99,315 shares at historical average cost or $ 2.5 mil lion of our stock (2015 – 99,309 shares or $ 2.4 million). 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	1 5. Earnings Per Share The computation of earnings per share follows (in thousands, except per share data):      Net Income  For the Years Ended December 31, Net Income Shares Earnings per Share  2016  Earnings $ 108,743 16,383 $ 6.64  Dilutive stock options - 296  Nonvested stock awards - 110  Diluted earnings $ 108,743 16,789 $ 6.48   2015  Earnings $ 110,274 16,870 $ 6.54  Dilutive stock options - 394  Nonvested stock awards - 158  Diluted earnings $ 110,274 17,422 $ 6.33   2014  Earnings $ 99,317 17,165 $ 5.79  Dilutive stock options - 412  Nonvested stock awards - 149  Conversion of Notes and impact of warrants outstanding - 114  Diluted earnings $ 99,317 17,840 $ 5.57  During 2016 , 923,000 stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price durin g most of the year. During 2015 , 422,000 stock options were also excluded. During 2014 , 411,000 stock options were also excluded.  In 2014, diluted earnings per share was impacted by the issuance of 249,000 shares of capital stock under the conversion feature of our 1.875% Senior Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) on May 15, 2014. The dilutive impact of this conversion feature for 2014 was 102,000 shares.  At the time we issued the Notes, as discussed in Note 3, we also sold warrants for the right to purchase approximately 2,477,000 Chemed shares in the future. During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, we settled these warrants with one counterparty representing half of the total warrants issued for $ 2.6 million. The amount paid was recorded as an adjustment to paid-in capital. During the third quarter of 2014, Chemed’s stock price exceeded the exercise price of the remaining outstanding sold warrants resulting in the Company, on December 8, 2014, issuing 35,166 of Capital shares to the other counterparty in full settlement of the warrants. Pursuant to authoritative guidance, the settlement of the sold warrants were accounted for as an equity transaction. The dilutive impact of the warrants was 12,000 shares for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	 16. 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.  The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 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)   Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust $ 54,389 $ 54,389 $ - $ -  Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 108,750 - 108,750 - 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)   Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust $ 49,481 $ 49,481 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 91,250 - 91,250 -  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. As further described in Footnote 3, our outstanding long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt have floating interest rates that are reset at short-term intervals, generally 30 or 60 days. The interest rate we pay also includes an additional amount based on our current leverage ratio. As such, we believe our borrowings reflect significant nonperformance risks, mainly credit risk. Based on these factors, we believe the fair value of our long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt approximate the carrying value.

Loans Receivable From Independe

Loans Receivable From Independent Contractors	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Loans Receivable From Independent Contractors [Abstract]
Loans Receivable From Independent Contractors	17. Loans Receivable from Independent Contractors At December 31, 2016 , we had contractual arrangements with 69 independent contractors to provide plumbing repair , drain cleaning and water restoration services under sublicensing agreements using the Roto-Rooter name in lesser-populated areas of the United States and Canada. The arrangements give the independent contractors the right to conduct a plumbing, drain cleaning and water restoration business using the Roto-Rooter name in a specified territory in exchange for a royalty based on a percentage of labor sales, depending upon type of service this percentage ranges between 27% – 32% . We also pay for certain telephone directory advertising and internet marketing in these areas, lease certain capital equipment and provide operating manuals to serve as resources for operating a plumbing , drain cleaning and water restoration business. The contracts are generally cancelable upon 90 days’ written notice (without cause) or upon a few days’ notice (with cause). The independent contractors are responsible for running the businesses as they believe best.  Our maximum exposure to loss from arrangements with our independent contractors at December 31, 2016, is approximately $ 1.7 million (2015 - $ 1.8 million). The exposure to loss is mainly the result of loans provided to the independent contractors. In most cases, these loans are partially secured by receivables and equipment owned by the independent contractor. The interest rates on the loans range from zero to 7 % per annum, and the remaining terms of the loans range from 2.5 months to 5.4 years at D ecember 31, 2016 . We recorded the following from our independent contractors (in thousands):    For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014   Revenues $ 40,097 $ 37,966 $ 36,496  Pretax profits 24,477 22,176 21,238 

Legal And Regulatory Matters

Legal And Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Legal And Regulatory Matters [Abstract]
Legal And Regulatory Matters	   18. 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 reasonably 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. This case is in the discovery phase. 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 $5.3 million, $5.0 million and $2.1 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014 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 June 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 filed an Answering Brief in Opposition to Mr. Kvint’ motion on July 18, 2016. Mr. Kvint filed a Reply Brief in Support of his motion on July 27, 2016. The Court requested further briefing.  Jordan Seper, (“Seper”) a Registered Nurse at VITAS' Inland Empire program from May 12, 2014 to March 21, 2015, filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court on September 26, 2016. She alleged VITAS Healthcare Corp of CA (“VITAS CA”) (1) failed to provide minimum wage for all hours worked; (2) failed to provide overtime for all hours worked; (3) failed to provide a second meal period; (4) failed to provide rest breaks; (5) failed to indemnify for necessary expenditures; (6) failed to timely pay wages due at time of separation; and (7) engaged in unfair business practices. Seper seeks a state-wide class action of current and former non-exempt employees employed with VITAS in California within the four years preceding the filing of the lawsuit. She seeks court determination that this action may be maintained as a class action for the entire California class and subclasses, designation as class representative, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages (including wages for regular or overtime hours allegedly worked but not paid, premium payments for missed meal or rest periods, and unreimbursed expenses), all applicable penalties associated with each claim, pre and post-judgment interest, and attorneys' fees and costs. Seper served VITAS CA with the lawsuit, Jordan A. Seper on behalf of herself and others similarly situated v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corp of CA, a business entity unknown; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number BC 642857 on October 13, 2016.  On November 14, 2016, the Parties filed a Stipulation to transfer the venue of the lawsuit from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Superior Court accepted transfer of the case on December 6, 2016. On December 16, 2016, VITAS CA filed its Answer and served written discovery on Seper.  Jiwan Chhina ("Chhina"), hired by VITAS as a Home Health Aide on February 5, 2002, is currently a Licensed Vocational Nurse for VITAS' San Diego program. On September 27, 2016, Chhina filed a lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court, alleging (1) failure to pay minimum wage for all hours worked; (2) failure to provide overtime for all hours worked; (3) failure to pay wages for all hours at the regular rate; (4) failure to provide meal periods; (5) failure to provide rest breaks; (6) failure to provide complete and accurate wage statements; (7) failure to pay for all reimbursement expenses; (8) unfair business practices; and (9) violation of the California Private Attorneys General Act. Chhina seeks to pursue these claims in the form of a state-wide class action of current and former non-exempt employees employed with VITAS in California within the four years preceding the filing of the lawsuit. He seeks court determination that this action may be maintained as a class action for the entire California class and subclasses, designation as class representative, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages (including wages for regular or overtime hours allegedly worked but not paid, premium payments for missed meal or rest periods, and unreimbursed expenses), all applicable penalties associated with each claim, pre-judgment interest, and attorneys' fees and costs. Chhina served VITAS CA with the lawsuit, Jiwann Chhina v. VITAS Health Services of California, Inc., a California corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation dba VITAS Healthcare, Inc.; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive; San Diego Superior Court Case Number 37-2015-00033978-CU-OE-CTL on November 3, 2016. On December 1, 2016, VITAS filed its Answer and served written discovery on Plaintiff.  The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability of loss or range of loss for either of these lawsuits at this time.  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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Concentration Of Risk [Abstract]
Concentration Of Risk	 19. Concentration of Risk During the year VITAS had pharmacy services agreements (“Agreements”) with two service providers to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients. VITAS made purchases from these two providers of $ 3 5.2 million, $ 3 7.7 million and $ 3 5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, purchases from these vendors represent approximately 90 % of all pharmacy services used by VITAS. VITAS’ accounts payable for pharmacy services was $ 2.5 million at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2015, VITAS’ accounts payable for pharmacy services was $ 3.0 million.

Capital Stock Transactions

Capital Stock Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Stock Transactions [Abstract]
Capital Stock Transactions	20. Capital Stock Transactions In March 2016 , our Board of Directors authorized an additional $100 million for stock repurchase under the Febru ary 2011 repurchase program. We repurchased the following capital stock:     For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands): $ 102,313 $ 59,323 $ 110,019  Shares repurchased 780,134 460,765 1,182,934  Weighted average price per share $ 131.15 $ 128.75 $ 93.01 

Other Operating Expenses

Other Operating Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Other Operating Expenses	 21. Other Operating Expenses  During 2016, the Company recorded early retirement related costs and accelerated stock-based compensation expense of approximately of $4.5 million pretax and $2.8 million after-tax related to the early retirement of VITAS’ former Chief Executive Officer. The costs were calculated in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. 

Recent Accounting Statements

Recent Accounting Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Recent Accounting Statements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Statements	22. 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 is intended 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. This guidance and subsequent amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are in the process of analyzing various contractual arrangements with customers at each subsidiary. We believe that it is likely, as a result of adopting the ASU that certain expenses currently included in bad debt expense will be shown as contractual allowances (i.e. net revenue). We currently do not have an estimate of the magnitude of this potential impact. We anticipate a modified retrospective adoption of the ASU.  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 Accounting Standards Update “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, 2016. The impact of this ASU on our financial statements in 2017 and later years could be material, dependent upon the volatility of our stock price. This price volatility could materially increase or decrease the amount of the income tax benefit related to stock compensation recognized in the income statement and the classification of such benefit in the statement of cash flows. Adoption of this statement will not materially impact our statement of financial position.  In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2016-15 – Cash Flow Classification” which amends guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The primary purpose of ASU 2016-15 is to reduce diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues. The guidance in this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We have analyzed the impact of ASU 2016-15 on our statement of cash flows and do not expect it to have a material effect. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2017-4 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other”. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the FASB eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The guidance in the ASU is effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We anticipate adoption of this standard will have no impact on our consolidated financial statements.                                                       

Schedule II - Valuation And Qua

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	     SCHEDULE II   CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES  VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS  (IN THOUSANDS)  DR/(CR)   ADDITIONS  (CHARGED)  CREDITED (CHARGED)  BALANCE AT TO COSTS CREDITED BALANCE  BEGINNING AND TO OTHER DEDUCTIONS AT END  DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACCOUNTS (a) OF PERIOD  Allowances for doubtful  accounts (b)   For the year 2016 $ (13,244) $ (16,420) $ (1,518) $ 16,946 $ (14,236)   For the year 2015 $ (14,728) $ (14,435) $ (1,169) $ 17,088 $ (13,244)   For the year 2014 $ (12,590) $ (13,079) $ (840) $ 11,781 $ (14,728)    (a) With respect to allowances for doubtful accounts, deductions include accounts considered uncollectible or  written off, payments, companies divested, etc.   (b) Classified in consolidated balance sheet as a reduction of accounts receivable.   S-3 

Summary Of Significant Accoun31

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature Of Operations	NATURE OF OPERATIONS We operate through our two wholly-owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare Corporation (“VITAS”) and Roto-Rooter Group, Inc. (“Roto-Rooter”). VITAS focuses on hospice care that helps make terminally ill patients' final days as comfortable as possible. Through its team of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy and volunteers, VITAS provides direct medical services to patients, as well as spiritual and emotional counseling to both patients and their families. Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning and water restoration services to both residential and commercial customers. Through its network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees, Roto-Rooter offers plumbing, drain cleaning service and water restoration to approximately 90 % of the U.S. population.
Principles Of Accounting	PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis. Management has adopted the evaluation requirements of Accounting Stanadards Update “ASU No. 2014-15 – Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern”.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chemed Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated . We have analyzed the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities relative to our contractual relationships with Roto-Rooter’s independent contractors and franchisees. The guidance requires the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) to consolidate the accounts of the VIE. Based upon the guidance provided by the FASB, we have concluded that neither the independent contractors nor the franchisees are VIEs.
Cash Equivalents	CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash equivalents comprise short-term, highly liquid investments, including money market funds that have original maturities of three months or less.
Accounts And Loans Receivable	ACCOUNTS AND LOANS RECEIVABLE Accounts and loans receivable are recorded at the principal balance outstanding less estimated allowances for uncollectible accounts. For the Roto-Rooter segment, allowances for trade accounts receivable are generally provided for accounts more than 90 days past due, although collection efforts continue beyond that time. Due to the small number of loans receivable outstanding, allowances for loan losses are determined on a case-by-case basis. For the VITAS segment, allowances for accounts receivable are provided on accounts based on expected collection rates by payer types. The expected collection rate is based on both historical averages and known current trends. Final write-off of overdue accounts or loans receivable is made when all reasonable collection efforts have been made and payment is not forthcoming. We closely monitor our receivables and periodically review procedures for granting credit to attempt to hold losses to a minimum. We make appropriate provisions to reduce our accounts receivable balance for any governmental or other payer reviews resulting in denials of patient service revenue. We believe our hospice programs comply with all payer requirements at the time of billing. However, we cannot predict whether future billing reviews or similar audits by payers will result in material denials or reductions in revenue.
Concentration Of Risk	CONCENTRATION OF RISK As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 59 % and 49 %, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from Medicare and 31 % and 41 %, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from various state Medicaid programs. Combined accounts receivable from Medicare and Medicaid represent approximately 62 % of the consolidated net accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016.  As further described in Note 19, we had agreements with two vendors to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients. In 2016 and 2015, respectively, purchases made from these vendors represent in excess of 90 % of all pharmacy services used by VITAS.
Inventories	  INVENTORIES Substantially all of the inventories are either general merchandise or finished goods. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net r ealizable v alue. For determining the value of inventories, cost methods that reasonably approximate the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method are used.
Depreciation And Properties And Equipment	DEPRECIATION AND PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT Depreciation of properties and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the remaining lease terms (excluding option terms) or their useful lives. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, renewals and betterments that do not materially prolong the useful lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected currently in other income, net.  Expenditures for major software purchases and software developed for internal use are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. For software developed for internal use, external direct costs for materials and services and certain internal payroll and related fringe benefit costs are capitalized in accordance with the FASB’s authoritative guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.  The weighted average lives of our property and equipment at December 31, 2016, were:     Buildings and building improvements 12.3 yrs.  Transportation equipment 10.3  Machinery and equipment 5.3  Computer software 4.6  Furniture and fixtures 4.8 
Goodwill And Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The table below shows a rollforward of Goodwill (in thousands):   Roto-  Vitas 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 - 44 44  Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 328,301 $ 144,065 $ 472,366  Identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets arise from purchase business combinations and are amortized using either an accelerated method or the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The selection of an amortization method is based on which method best reflects the economic pattern of usage of the asset. The weighted average lives of our identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2016, were:     Covenants not to compete 6.5 yrs.  Reacquired franchise rights 6.1  Referral networks 10.0  Customer lists 13.3  The date of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis is October 1. The VITAS trade name is considered to have an indefinite life. We also capitalize the direct costs of obtaining licenses to operate either hospice programs or plumbing operations subject to a minimum capitalization threshold. These costs are amortized over the life of the license using the straight line method. Certificates of Need (“CON”), which are required in certain states for hospice operations, are generally granted without expiration and thus, we believe them to be indefinite-lived assets subject to impairment testing.  We consider that Roto-Rooter Corp. (“RRC”), Roto-Rooter Services Co. (“RRSC”) and VITAS are appropriate reporting units for testing goodwill impairment. We consider RRC and RRSC separate reporting units but one operating segment. This is appropriate as they each have their own set of general ledger accounts that can be analyzed at “one level below an operating segment” per the definition of a reporting unit in FASB guidance.  We completed our qualitative analysis for impairment of goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1, 2016. Based on our assessment, we do not believe that it is more likely than not that our reporting units or indefinite-lived assets fair values are less than their carrying values.
Long-Lived Assets	  LONG-LIVED ASSETS If we believe a triggering event may have occurred that indicates a possible impairment of our long-lived assets, we perform an estimate and valuation of the future benefits of our long-lived assets (other than goodwill, the VITAS trade name and capitalized CON costs) based on key financial indicators. If the projected undiscounted cash flows of a major business unit indicate that properties and equipment or identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets have been impaired, a write-down to fair value is made.
Other Assets	OTHER ASSETS Debt issuance costs are included in other assets. Issuance costs related to revolving credit agreements are amortized using the straight line method, over the life of the agreement. All other issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the debt. There are no amounts included in other assets that individually exceed 5% of total assets.
Revenue Recognition	REVENUE RECOGNITION Both the VITAS segment and Roto-Rooter segment recognize service revenues and sales when the earnings process has been completed. Generally, this occurs when services are provided or products are delivered. See Footnote 2 for a more detailed description of revenue related to our VITAS segment. Sales of Roto-Rooter products, including drain cleaning machines and drain cleaning solution, comprise less than 2 % of our total service revenues and sales for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. The VITAS segment does not have product sales.
Charity Care	CHARITY CARE VITAS provides charity care, in certain circumstances, to patients without charge when management of the hospice program determines that the patient does not have the financial wherewithal to make payment. There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to charity care.  The cost of providing charity care during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $ 7. 0 million, $ 7. 6 million and $ 7. 3 million, respectively and is included in cost of services provided and goods sold. 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.
Sales Tax	SALES TAX The Roto-Rooter segment collects sales tax from customers when required by state and federal laws. We record the amount of sales tax collected net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
Guarantees	GUARANTEES In the normal course of business, Roto-Rooter enters into various guarantees and indemnifications in our relationships with customers and others. These arrangements include guarantees of services for periods ranging from one day to one year and product satisfaction guarantees. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, our accrual for service guarantees and warranty claims was $ 405,000 and $340,000 respectively.
Operating Expenses	OPERATING EXPENSES Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation) includes salaries, wages and benefits of service providers and field personnel, material costs, medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, insurance costs, service vehicle costs and other expenses directly related to providing service revenues or generating sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages, stock-based compensation expense and benefits of selling, marketing and administrative employees, advertising expenses, communications and branch telephone expenses, office rent and operating costs, legal, banking and professional fees and other administrative costs. The cost associated with VITAS sales personnel is included in cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation).    
Advertising	ADVERTISING We expense the production costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. The costs of telephone directory listings are expensed when the directories are placed in circulation. These directories are generally in circulation for approximately one year, at which point they are typically replaced by the publisher with a new directory. We generally pay for directory placement assuming it is in circulation for one year. If the directory is in circulation for less than or greater than one year, we receive a credit or additional billing, as necessary. We do not control the timing of when a new directory is placed in circulation. We pay for and expense the cost of internet advertising and placement on a “per click” basis. Advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $ 3 7.2 million (2015 – $ 36.4 million; 2014 - $ 3 2.8 million). 
Computation Of Earnings Per Share	COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive impact of our outstanding stock options and nonvested stock awards. Stock options whose exercise price is greater than the average market price of our stock are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. Outstanding performance stock units (“PSUs”) that are vested or projected to vest are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.
Other Current Liabilities	OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES There are no amounts included in other current liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total current liabilities.
Other Liabilities (Non-Current)	OTHER LIABILITIES (NON-CURRENT) There are no amounts included in other liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total liabilities.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period on a straight-line basis.
Insurance Accruals	INSURANCE ACCRUALS For our Roto-Rooter segment and Corporate Office, we initially self-insure for all casualty insurance claims (workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability). As a result, we closely monitor and frequently evaluate our historical claims experience to estimate the appropriate level of accrual for self-insured claims. Our third-party administrator (“TPA”) processes and reviews claims on a monthly basis. Currently, our exposure on any single claim is capped by stop-loss coverage at $ 750,000 . In developing our estimates, we accumulate historical claims data for the previous 10 years to calculate loss development factors (“LDF”) by insurance coverage type. LDFs are applied to known claims to estimate the ultimate potential liability for known and unknown claims for each open policy year. LDFs are updated annually. Because this methodology relies heavily on historical claims data, the key risk is whether the historical claims are an accurate predictor of future claims exposure. The risk also exists that certain claims have been incurred and not reported on a timely basis. To mitigate these risks, in conjunction with our TPA, we closely monitor claims to ensure timely accumulation of data and compare claims trends with the industry experience of our TPA.  For the VITAS segment, we initially self-insure for workers’ compensation claims. Currently, VITAS’ exposure on any single claim is capped by stop-loss coverage at $ 1,000 ,000 . For VITAS’ self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, the valuation methods used are similar to those used internally for our other business units. We are also insured for other risks with respect to professional liability with a deductible of $750,000 .  Our casualty insurance liabilities are recorded gross before any estimated recovery for amounts exceeding our stop loss limits. Estimated recoveries from insurance carriers are recorded as accounts receivable.
Taxes On Income	TAXES ON INCOME Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amount of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized due to insufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward period available under the tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in laws and rates on the date of enactment.  In November 2015, the 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.  We are subject to income taxes in Canada, U.S. federal and most state jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required to determine our provision for income taxes. Our financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such uncertain positions assuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.
Contingencies	CONTINGENCIES As discussed in Note 18, we are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of our business. In addition, we periodically receive communications from governmental and regulatory agencies concerning compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements at our VITAS subsidiary. We establish reserves for specific, uninsured liabilities in connection with regulatory and legal action that we deem to be probable and reasonably estimable. We record legal fees associated with legal and regulatory actions as the costs are incurred. We disclose material loss contingencies that are probable but not reasonably estimable and those that are at least reasonably possible.
Estimates	ESTIMATES The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Disclosures of after-tax expenses and adjustments are based on estimates of the effective income tax rates for the applicable segments.
Classification Adjustment	CLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENT In 2016 and 2015, we classified $ 1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of non-cash restricted stock award amortization in selling, general and administrative expenses. We also recorded a classification adjustment of $ 2.5 million to decrease amortization and increase selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Income for 2014 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 adjustment is immaterial to our consolidated financial statements for the current and prior periods.

Summary Of Significant Accoun32

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Weighted Average Lives Of Property And Equipment	  Buildings and building improvements 12.3 yrs.  Transportation equipment 10.3  Machinery and equipment 5.3  Computer software 4.6  Furniture and fixtures 4.8 
Schedule of movement in Goodwill	  Roto-  Vitas 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 - 44 44  Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 328,301 $ 144,065 $ 472,366 
Weighted Average Lives Of Identifiable, Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	  Covenants not to compete 6.5 yrs.  Reacquired franchise rights 6.1  Referral networks 10.0  Customer lists 13.3 

Hospice Revenue Recognition (Ta

Hospice Revenue Recognition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Hospice Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Schedule Of Medicare Cap Liability Activity	  2016 2015  Beginning Balance January 1, $ 1,165 $ 6,112  2015 measurement period 228 (165)  Payments (1,158) (4,782)  Ending Balance December 31, $ 235 $ 1,165 
Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	  Medicare Medicaid Commercial Other Total  Beginning Balance January 1, 2014 $ 4,814 $ 5,899 $ 2,037 $ 300 $ 13,050  Bad debt provision 286 8,096 2,969 2 11,353  Write-offs (1,863) (8,089) (2,819) (642) (13,413)  Other/Contractual adjustments 562 93 687 (174) 1,168  Ending Balance December 31, 2015 3,799 5,999 2,874 (514) 12,158  Bad debt provision 1,793 7,209 3,938 664 13,604  Write-offs (3,382) (6,595) (4,331) (209) (14,517)  Other/Contractual adjustments 752 65 791 (113) 1,495  Ending Balance December 31, 2016 $ 2,962 $ 6,678 $ 3,272 $ (172) $ 12,740 

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of C34

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]
Debt Outstanding	  December 31,  2016 2015  Revolver $ 25,000 $ -  Term loan 83,750 91,250  Total 108,750 91,250  Current portion of term loan (8,750) (7,500)  Long-term debt $ 100,000 $ 83,750 
Schedule of Principal Payments of the Term Loan	  2017 $ 8,750  2018 10,000  2019 65,000  $ 83,750 
Interest Paid During Period	  2016 $ 3,047  2015 2,988  2014 4,322 
Financial Debt Covenants	  Description Requirement Chemed    Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA) < 3.50 to 1.00 0.63 to 1.00   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated  Fixed Charges) > 1.50 to 1.00 2.18 to 1.00   Annual Operating Lease Commitment < $50.0 million $21.1 million 

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Schedule Of Comparative Date For Performance Stock Units	   2016 Awards 2015 Awards 2014 Awards  TSR Awards  Shares granted 9,541 10,761 10,340  Per-share fair value $ 150.74 $ 142.55 $ 112.60  Volatility 26.7% 25.2% 30.8%  Risk-free interest rate 0.89% 0.93% 0.33%   EPS Awards  Shares granted 9,541 10,761 14,061  Per-share fair value $ 126.37 $ 113.14 $ 82.80   Common Assumptions  Service period (years) 2.9 2.9 2.9  Three-year measurement period ends December 31, 2018 2017 2016 
Schedule Of Total Stock Option And Award Activity	  Stock Options Stock Awards Performance Units (PSUs)  Weighted Average Aggregate Weighted Weighted  Remaining Intrinsic Average Number of Average  Number of Exercise Contractual Value Number of Grant-Date Target Grant-Date  Options Price Life (Years) (thousands) Awards Price Units Price  Outstanding at January 1, 2016 1,563,875 $ 100.09 96,732 $ 87.75 76,376 $ 94.45  Granted 505,775 135.85 4,275 126.53 34,008 109.24  Exercised/Vested (233,903) 67.45 (55,740) 81.72 (46,610) 71.72  Canceled/ Forfeited (7,769) 117.34 - - - -  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,827,978 114.09 5.3 $ 82,972 45,267 98.82 63,774 118.95   Vested and expected to vest  at December 31, 2016 1,827,978 114.09 5.3 82,972 45,267 98.82 75,436 * 116.68  Exercisable at December 31, 2016 909,787 89.83 5.6 63,370 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.  * Amount includes 36,812 share units which vested and were converted to Capital Stock and distributed in the first quarter of 2017. The shares that vested in 2017 had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $99.50 per share and an estimated fair value of $167 per share. 
Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Option And Stock Award Activity	  Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Total compensation cost of stock-based compensation  plans charged against income $ 13,773 $ 14,737 $ 10,323  Total income tax benefit recognized in income for stock  based compensation plans 5,062 5,416 3,794  Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised 17,635 45,600 26,344  Total intrinsic value of stock awards vested during the period 7,429 12,065 4,564  Per-share weighted averaged grant-date fair value of  stock awards granted 126.53 121.75 88.48 
Schedule Of Valuation Assumptions	  2016 2015 2014   Stock price on date of issuance $135.85 $157.36 $106.59  Grant date fair value per share $22.74 $29.46 $21.58  Number of options granted 505,775 422,750 410,800  Expected term (years) 4.0 4.0 4.8  Risk free rate of return 1.09% 1.57% 1.59%  Volatility 21.10% 22.20% 22.60%  Dividend yield 0.8% 0.6% 0.8%  Forfeiture rate - - - 
Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Options, Stock Awards And PSUs	  Stock Stock  Options Awards PSUs  Total unrecognized compensation related to nonvested options, stock awards  and PSUs at the end of year $ 20,039 $ 1,805 $ 2,085  Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost of  nonvested options, stock awards and PSUs to be recognized (years) 2.3 1.3 1.4  Actual income tax benefit realized from options exercised or stock awards  and PSUs vested $ 6,491 $ 2,735 $ 2,191  Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, stock awards and PSUs vested  and expected to vest $ 82,972 $ 7,219 $ 12,030 

Segments And Nature Of The Bu36

Segments And Nature Of The Business (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segments And Nature Of The Business [Abstract]
Service Revenues And Sales And After-Tax Earnings By Business Segment	    For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Revenues by Type of Service  VITAS  Routine homecare $ 887,940 $ 865,145 $ 810,413  Continuous care 138,025 150,802 152,206  General inpatient 97,580 99,439 102,876  Medicare cap (228) 165 (1,290)  Total segment 1,123,317 1,115,551 1,064,205  Roto-Rooter  Sewer and drain cleaning 145,699 142,562 141,078  Plumbing repair and maintenance 197,280 188,065 174,993  Independent contractors 40,097 37,966 36,496  Water restoration 50,229 38,163 18,480  Other products and services 20,259 21,081 21,030  Total segment 453,564 427,837 392,077  Total service revenues and sales $ 1,576,881 $ 1,543,388 $ 1,456,282  Aftertax Segment Earnings/(Loss)  VITAS $ 84,961 $ 93,346 $ 86,185  Roto-Rooter 52,893 48,573 42,075  Total 137,854 141,919 128,260  Corporate (29,111) (31,645) (28,943)  Net income $ 108,743 $ 110,274 $ 99,317  Interest Income  VITAS $ 8,294 $ 7,740 $ 6,111  Roto-Rooter 3,653 3,425 2,931  Total 11,947 11,165 9,042  Corporate - - 10  Intercompany eliminations (11,564) (10,884) (9,081)  Total interest income $ 383 $ 281 $ (29)  Interest Expense  VITAS $ 211 $ 200 $ 207  Roto-Rooter 332 348 363  Total 543 548 570  Corporate 3,172 3,097 7,616  Total interest expense $ 3,715 $ 3,645 $ 8,186   Income Tax Provision  VITAS $ 51,910 $ 56,675 $ 53,278  Roto-Rooter 32,719 29,630 25,808  Total 84,629 86,305 79,086  Corporate (16,318) (16,453) (15,649)  Total income tax provision $ 68,311 $ 69,852 $ 63,437  Identifiable Assets  VITAS $ 542,142 $ 523,717 $ 546,031  Roto-Rooter 261,641 255,192 251,407  Total 803,783 778,909 797,438  Corporate 76,276 73,416 62,494  Total identifiable assets $ 880,059 $ 852,325 $ 859,932       For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Additions to Long-Lived Assets  VITAS $ 22,000 $ 23,278 $ 21,880  Roto-Rooter 17,709 26,476 21,595  Total 39,709 49,754 43,475  Corporate 63 995 346  Total additions to long-lived assets $ 39,772 $ 50,749 $ 43,821  Depreciation and Amortization  VITAS $ 19,090 $ 19,547 $ 19,048  Roto-Rooter 15,002 13,360 10,975  Total 34,092 32,907 30,023  Corporate 546 592 578  Total depreciation and amortization $ 34,638 $ 33,499 $ 30,601    

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule By Year Of Projected Amortization Expense For Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	  2017 $ 162  2018 128  2019 96  2020 66  2021 26  Thereafter 35 
Schedule Of Intangible Assets	  Gross Accumulated Net Book  Asset Amortization Value  December 31, 2016  Referral networks $ 21,729 $ (21,528) $ 201  Covenants not to compete 9,533 (9,295) 238  Customer lists 1,215 (1,215) -  Reacquired franchise rights 1,261 (1,187) 74  Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles 33,738 (33,225) 513  VITAS trade name 51,300 - 51,300  Rapid Rooter trade name 150 - 150  Operating licenses 3,102 - 3,102  Total $ 88,290 $ (33,225) $ 55,065   December 31, 2015  Referral networks $ 21,729 $ (21,473) $ 256  Covenants not to compete 9,533 (9,220) 313  Customer lists 1,215 (1,215) -  Reacquired franchise rights 1,260 (958) 302  Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles 33,737 (32,866) 871  VITAS trade name 51,300 - 51,300  Rapid Rooter trade name 150 - 150  Operating licenses 2,790 - 2,790  Total $ 87,977 $ (32,866) $ 55,111 

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
PENNSYLVANIA and NEBRASKA [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Business Acquisitions	 .  Identifiable intangible assets $ 213  Goodwill 5,944  Other assets and liabilities - net 457  $ 6,614 
IDAHO
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Business Acquisitions	  Identifiable intangible assets $ 47  Goodwill 198  Other assets and liabilities - net 5  $ 250  

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Schedule Of Estimated Timing Of Payments Of Liabilities	  2017 $ 826  2018 300  Thereafter 601  $ 1,727 

Other Income_(Expense)-Net (Tab

Other Income/(Expense)-Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Income/(Expense)- Net	  For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Market value gains related to deferred  compensation trusts $ 2,061 $ 148 $ 3,118  Loss on disposal of property and equipment (424) (698) (640)  Interest income/ (expense) 383 281 (29)  Other--net - (418) 72  Total other income/(expense) $ 2,020 $ (687) $ 2,521 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes	  For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Current  U.S. federal $ 64,698 $ 55,026 $ 48,577  U.S. state and local 9,927 8,104 7,285  Foreign 393 397 597  Deferred  U.S. federal, state and local (6,712) 6,323 6,970  Foreign 5 2 8  Total $ 68,311 $ 69,852 $ 63,437 
Schedule Of Temporary Differences That Give Rise To Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	  December 31,  2016 2015  Accrued liabilities $ 43,575 $ 39,529  Stock compensation expense 9,309 8,555  Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable 1,952 1,729  State net operating loss carryforwards 1,811 1,701  Other 776 896  Deferred income tax assets 57,423 52,410  Amortization of intangible assets (52,133) (50,136)  Accelerated tax depreciation (14,975) (18,030)  Currents assets (1,825) (1,576)  Market valuation of investments (1,341) (1,375)  State income taxes (793) (1,465)  Other (639) (857)  Deferred income tax liabilities (71,706) (73,439)  Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (14,283) $ (21,029) 
Schedule Of Significant Changes To Unrecognized Tax Benefits	  2016 2015 2014  Balance at January 1, $ 1,052 $ 980 $ 892  Unrecognized tax benefits due to positions taken in current year 218 260 247  Decrease due to expiration of statute of limitations (201) (188) (159)  Balance at December 31, $ 1,069 $ 1,052 $ 980 
Schedule Of Difference Between Actual Income Tax Provision For Continuing Operations And Income Tax Provision Calculated At Statutory U.S. Federal Tax Rate	  For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014   Income tax provision calculated using the statutory rate of 35% $ 61,969 $ 63,044 $ 56,964  State and local income taxes, less federal income tax effect 6,044 5,787 5,536  Nondeductible expenses 881 1,438 1,290  Other--net (583) (417) (353)  Income tax provision $ 68,311 $ 69,852 $ 63,437  Effective tax rate 38.6 % 38.8 % 39.0 % 
Schedule Of Income Taxes Paid	  2016 $ 60,905  2015 62,928  2014 44,921 

Properties And Equipment (Table

Properties And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Properties And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule Of Properties And Equipment	  December 31,  2016 2015  Land $ 7,098 $ 5,365  Buildings and building improvements 79,814 64,440  Transportation equipment 33,895 31,077  Machinery and equipment 89,346 83,293  Computer software 45,079 45,414  Furniture and fixtures 71,781 71,894  Projects under development 5,579 16,981  Total properties and equipment 332,592 318,464  Less accumulated depreciation (211,290) (201,094)  Net properties and equipment $ 121,302 $ 117,370 

Lease Arrangements (Tables)

Lease Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Summary Of Future Minimum Rental Payments And Sublease Rentals To Be Received Under Operating Leases	  2017 $ 21,091  2018 17,884  2019 14,423  2020 11,943  2021 7,810  Thereafter 15,891  Total minimum rental payments $ 89,042 
Schedule Of Total Rental Expense Incurred Under Operating Leases For Continuing Operations	  For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014   Total rental expense $ 40,034 $ 40,021 $ 39,606 

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans	  For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014   $ 14,467 $ 11,970 $ 13,838 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share	  Net Income  For the Years Ended December 31, Net Income Shares Earnings per Share  2016  Earnings $ 108,743 16,383 $ 6.64  Dilutive stock options - 296  Nonvested stock awards - 110  Diluted earnings $ 108,743 16,789 $ 6.48   2015  Earnings $ 110,274 16,870 $ 6.54  Dilutive stock options - 394  Nonvested stock awards - 158  Diluted earnings $ 110,274 17,422 $ 6.33   2014  Earnings $ 99,317 17,165 $ 5.79  Dilutive stock options - 412  Nonvested stock awards - 149  Conversion of Notes and impact of warrants outstanding - 114  Diluted earnings $ 99,317 17,840 $ 5.57 

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments	 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)   Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust $ 54,389 $ 54,389 $ - $ -  Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 108,750 - 108,750 - 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)   Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust $ 49,481 $ 49,481 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 91,250 - 91,250 - 

Loans Receivable From Indepen47

Loans Receivable From Independent Contractors (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Loans Receivable From Independent Contractors [Abstract]
Schedule Of Independent Contractors	  For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014   Revenues $ 40,097 $ 37,966 $ 36,496  Pretax profits 24,477 22,176 21,238 

Capital Stock Transactions (Tab

Capital Stock Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Stock Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Capital Stock Repurchases	  For the Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands): $ 102,313 $ 59,323 $ 110,019  Shares repurchased 780,134 460,765 1,182,934  Weighted average price per share $ 131.15 $ 128.75 $ 93.01 

Summary Of Significant Accoun49

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)entityitem	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries | entity	2
Number of venders | item	2
Cost of providing charity care	$ 7,000,000	$ 7,600,000	$ 7,300,000
Guarantee and warranty claims accrual	405,000	340,000
Advertising expense in continuing operations	$ 37,200,000	36,400,000	32,800,000
Years in circulation	1 year
Historical claims data, period of time	10 years
Classification adjustments	$ 1,900,000	$ 2,100,000	$ 2,500,000
Sales Revenue [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	90.00%	90.00%	90.00%
Total Assets [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	5.00%
Total Current Liabilities [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	5.00%
Total Liabilities [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	5.00%
Roto Rooter And Corporate Office [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Exposure on single claim	$ 750,000
Segment Roto-Rooter [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | item	1
Percent of population serviced	90.00%
Segment Roto-Rooter [Member] | Service Revenues [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Segment Roto-Rooter [Member] | Sales Revenue [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	29.00%	28.00%
Segment VITAS [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 0
Exposure on single claim	1,000,000
Professional liability and other risks, insurance deductible	$ 750,000
Segment VITAS [Member] | Service Revenues [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	90.00%	90.00%
Segment VITAS [Member] | Sales Revenue [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	71.00%	72.00%
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Period of service guarantee	1 day
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Period of service guarantee	1 year
Medicare [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	59.00%	49.00%
Medicaid [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	31.00%	41.00%
Medicare And Medicaid [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	62.00%

Summary Of Significant Accoun50

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Weighted Average Lives Of Property And Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Building And Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	12 years 3 months 18 days
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	10 years 3 months 18 days
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	5 years 3 months 18 days
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	4 years 7 months 6 days
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	4 years 9 months 18 days

Summary Of Significant Accoun51

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of movement in Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 472,322	$ 466,722
Business combinations		5,944
Foreign currency adjustments	44	(344)
Ending balance	472,366	472,322
Segment VITAS [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	328,301	328,301
Business combinations
Foreign currency adjustments
Ending balance	328,301	328,301
Roto-Rooter segment [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	144,021	138,421
Business combinations		5,944
Foreign currency adjustments	44	(344)
Ending balance	$ 144,065	$ 144,021

Summary Of Significant Accoun52

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Weighted Average Lives Of Identifiable, Definite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Covenants Not To Compete [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets	6 years 6 months
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets	6 years 1 month 6 days
Referral Networks [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets	10 years
Customer Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets	13 years 3 months 18 days

Hospice Revenue Recognition (Na

Hospice Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue	97.00%
Medicare care costs reimbursement, benchmark percentage of the days in care	20.00%
Percentage of automatic budget reductions				2.00%
Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue	78.90%	77.60%	76.00%
One Program Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Net pretax expense/(income) from medicare cap liability	$ 228,000	$ (165,000)
Two Program Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Net pretax expense/(income) from medicare cap liability			$ 1,300,000
Three Program Projected Measurment Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Unbilled revenue		$ 2,100,000	$ 2,100,000	$ 2,100,000

Hospice Revenue Recognition (Sc

Hospice Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Medicare Cap Liability Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Hospice Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Beginning Balance January 1,	$ 1,165	$ 6,112
2015 measurement period	228	(165)
Payments	(1,158)	(4,782)
Ending Balance December 31,	$ 235	$ 1,165

Hospice Revenue Recognition (55

Hospice Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Bad debt provision	$ 16,319	$ 14,247	$ 13,173
Segment VITAS [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	12,158	13,050
Bad debt provision	13,604	11,353
Write-offs	(14,517)	(13,413)
Other/Contractual adjustments	1,495	1,168
Ending Balance	12,740	12,158	13,050
Medicare [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	3,799	4,814
Bad debt provision	1,793	286
Write-offs	(3,382)	(1,863)
Other/Contractual adjustments	752	562
Ending Balance	2,962	3,799	4,814
Medicaid [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	5,999	5,899
Bad debt provision	7,209	8,096
Write-offs	(6,595)	(8,089)
Other/Contractual adjustments	65	93
Ending Balance	6,678	5,999	5,899
Commercial [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	2,874	2,037
Bad debt provision	3,938	2,969
Write-offs	(4,331)	(2,819)
Other/Contractual adjustments	791	687
Ending Balance	3,272	2,874	2,037
Other [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(514)	300
Bad debt provision	664	2
Write-offs	(209)	(642)
Other/Contractual adjustments	(113)	(174)
Ending Balance	$ (172)	$ (514)	$ 300

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of C56

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 08, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of convertible notes			$ 187,000,000
Shares issued in conjunction with the conversion feature of the Notes	35,166		249,000
Warrants issued for cash			$ 2,648,000
Number of shares called by warrants			2,477,000
Stock received in purchased call transaction			266,000
2014 Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility period, years		5 years
Standby letters of credit issued		$ 38,700,000
Deferred financing costs		$ 900,000
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
Unused lines of credit		286,600,000
2014 Credit Agreement [Member] | Term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt		$ 100,000,000

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of C57

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit (Debt Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 108,750	$ 91,250
Current portion of term loan	(8,750)	(7,500)
Long-term debt	100,000	83,750
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	25,000
Term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 83,750	$ 91,250

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of C58

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit (Schedule of Principal Payments of the Term Loan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 108,750	$ 91,250
Term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,017	8,750
2,018	10,000
2,019	65,000
Total	$ 83,750	$ 91,250

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of C59

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit (Interest Paid During Period) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 3,047	$ 2,988	$ 4,322

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of C60

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit (Financial Debt Covenants) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	1
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Chemed	0.63
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Chemed	1
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	3.50
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Chemed	1
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1.50
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Chemed	2.18
Annual Operating Lease Commitment, Requirement	$ 50
Annual Operating Lease Commitment, Chemed	$ 21.1

Stock-Based Compensation Plan61

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016shares	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016item$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Dec. 31, 2014shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock incentive plans | item			2
Number of shares authorized			3,800,000
Options granted			505,775	422,750	410,800
Perfromance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted			34,008
Shares vesting period, years			3 years
Per-share weighted averaged grant-date fair value of stock awards vested | $ / shares			$ 71.72
Perfromance Stock Units [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested share units that will be converted		36,812
Per-share weighted averaged grant-date fair value of stock awards vested | $ / shares		$ 99.50
Estimated fair value per share | $ / shares		$ 167
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years			3 years
Shares contractual life			5 years
Stock Options [Member] | Prior to Year 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares contractual life			10 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years			3 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Prior to Year 2015 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years			3 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Prior to Year 2015 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years			4 years
Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted			9,541	10,761	10,340
Performance Based EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted			9,541	10,761	14,061
Outside Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted	4,275

Stock-Based Compensation Plan62

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule of Comparative Date for Performance Stock Units) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Per-share fair value	$ 126.53	$ 121.75	$ 88.48
Volatility	21.10%	22.20%	22.60%
Risk-free interest rate	1.09%	1.57%	1.59%
Service period (years)	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days
Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	9,541	10,761	10,340
Per-share fair value	$ 150.74	$ 142.55	$ 112.60
Volatility	26.70%	25.20%	30.80%
Risk-free interest rate	0.89%	0.93%	0.33%
Performance Based EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	9,541	10,761	14,061
Per-share fair value	$ 126.37	$ 113.14	$ 82.80

Stock-Based Compensation Plan63

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Total Stock Option And Award Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Outstanding at January 1, 2016		1,563,875
Number of Options, Granted		505,775	422,750	410,800
Number of Options, Exercised/Vested		(233,903)
Number of Options, Canceled/Forfeited		(7,769)
Number of Options, Outstanding at December 31, 2016		1,827,978	1,563,875
Number of Options, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016		1,827,978
Number of Options, Exercisable at December 31, 2016		909,787
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2016		$ 100.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted		135.85
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised/Vested		67.45
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled/Forfeited		117.34
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2016		114.09	$ 100.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016		114.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at December 31, 2016		$ 89.83
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Outstanding at December 31, 2016		5 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016		5 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable at December 31, 2016		5 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2016		$ 82,972
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and dxpected to vest at December 31, 2016		82,972
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2016		$ 63,370
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Granted		$ 126.53	$ 121.75	$ 88.48
Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Awards, Outstanding at January 1, 2016		96,732
Number of Awards, Granted		4,275
Number of Awards, Exercised/Vested		(55,740)
Number of Awards, Outstanding at December 31, 2016		45,267	96,732
Number of Awards, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016		45,267
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2016		$ 87.75
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Granted		126.53
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Exercised/Vested		81.72
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2016		98.82	$ 87.75
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016		$ 98.82
Perfromance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Outstanding at January 1, 2016		76,376
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Granted		34,008
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Exercised/Vested		(46,610)
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Outstanding at December 31, 2016		63,774	76,376
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016	[1]	75,436
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2016		$ 94.45
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Granted		109.24
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Exercised/Vested		71.72
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2016		118.95	$ 94.45
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016		$ 116.68
[1]	Amount includes 36,812 share units which vested and were converted to Capital Stock and distributed in the first quarter of 2017. The shares that vested in 2017 had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $99.50 per share and an estimated fair value of $167 per share.

Stock-Based Compensation Plan64

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Option And Stock Award Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Total compensation cost of stock-based compensation plans charged against income	$ 13,773	$ 14,737	$ 10,323
Total income tax benefit recognized in income for stock based compensation plans	5,062	5,416	3,794
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	17,635	45,600	26,344
Total intrinsic value of stock awards vested during the period	$ 7,429	$ 12,065	$ 4,564
Per-share weighted averaged grant-date fair value of stock awards granted	$ 126.53	$ 121.75	$ 88.48

Stock-Based Compensation Plan65

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Valuation Assumptions) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock price on date of issuance	$ 135.85	$ 157.36	$ 106.59
Grant date fair value per share	$ 22.74	$ 29.46	$ 21.58
Number of options granted	505,775	422,750	410,800
Expected term (years)	4 years	4 years	4 years 9 months 18 days
Risk free rate of return	1.09%	1.57%	1.59%
Volatility	21.10%	22.20%	22.60%
Dividend yield	0.80%	0.60%	0.80%
Forfeiture rate

Stock-Based Compensation Plan66

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Options, Stock Awards And PSUs) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation related to nonvested options, stock awards and PSU's at end of year	$ 20,039
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost of nonvested options, stock awards and PSU's to be recognized (years)	2 years 3 months 18 days
Actual income tax benefit realized from options exercised or stock awards and PSU's vested	$ 6,491
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, stock awards and PSUs vested and expected to vest	82,972
Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation related to nonvested options, stock awards and PSU's at end of year	$ 1,805
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost of nonvested options, stock awards and PSU's to be recognized (years)	1 year 3 months 18 days
Actual income tax benefit realized from options exercised or stock awards and PSU's vested	$ 2,735
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, stock awards and PSUs vested and expected to vest	7,219
Perfromance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation related to nonvested options, stock awards and PSU's at end of year	$ 2,085
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost of nonvested options, stock awards and PSU's to be recognized (years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Actual income tax benefit realized from options exercised or stock awards and PSU's vested	$ 2,191
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, stock awards and PSUs vested and expected to vest	$ 12,030

Segments And Nature Of The Bu67

Segments And Nature Of The Business (Service Revenues And Sales And After-Tax Earnings By Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	$ 1,576,881	$ 1,543,388	$ 1,456,282
Net income	108,743	110,274	99,317
Total interest income	383	281	(29)
Total interest expense	3,715	3,645	8,186
Total income tax provision	68,311	69,852	63,437
Total identifiable assets	880,059	852,325	859,932
Total additions to long-lived assets	39,772	50,749	43,821
Total depreciation and amortization	34,638	33,499	30,601
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	137,854	141,919	128,260
Total interest income	11,947	11,165	9,042
Total interest expense	543	548	570
Total income tax provision	84,629	86,305	79,086
Total identifiable assets	803,783	778,909	797,438
Total additions to long-lived assets	39,709	49,754	43,475
Total depreciation and amortization	34,092	32,907	30,023
Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	(11,564)	(10,884)	(9,081)
Segment VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	1,123,317	1,115,551	1,064,205
Net income	84,961	93,346	86,185
Total interest income	8,294	7,740	6,111
Total interest expense	211	200	207
Total income tax provision	51,910	56,675	53,278
Total identifiable assets	542,142	523,717	546,031
Total additions to long-lived assets	22,000	23,278	21,880
Total depreciation and amortization	19,090	19,547	19,048
Segment Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	453,564	427,837	392,077
Net income	52,893	48,573	42,075
Total interest income	3,653	3,425	2,931
Total interest expense	332	348	363
Total income tax provision	32,719	29,630	25,808
Total identifiable assets	261,641	255,192	251,407
Total additions to long-lived assets	17,709	26,476	21,595
Total depreciation and amortization	15,002	13,360	10,975
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	(29,111)	(31,645)	(28,943)
Total interest income			10
Total interest expense	3,172	3,097	7,616
Total income tax provision	(16,318)	(16,453)	(15,649)
Total identifiable assets	76,276	73,416	62,494
Total additions to long-lived assets	63	995	346
Total depreciation and amortization	546	592	578
Routine Homecare [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	887,940	865,145	810,413
Continuous Care [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	138,025	150,802	152,206
General Inpatient [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	97,580	99,439	102,876
Medicare Cap [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	(228)	165	(1,290)
Sewer And Drain Cleaning [Member] | Segment Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	145,699	142,562	141,078
Plumbing Repair And Maintenance [Member] | Segment Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	197,280	188,065	174,993
Independent Contractors [Member] | Segment Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	40,097	37,966	36,496
Water Restoration [Member] | Segment Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	50,229	38,163	18,480
Other Products And Services [Member] | Segment Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	$ 20,259	$ 21,081	$ 21,030
Sales Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	90.00%	90.00%	90.00%
Sales Revenue [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	71.00%	72.00%
Sales Revenue [Member] | Segment Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	29.00%	28.00%
Sales Revenue [Member] | Medicare And Medicaid Reimbursement Programs [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	95.00%

Intangible Assets (Schedule By

Intangible Assets (Schedule By Year Of Projected Amortization Expense For Definite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2,017	$ 162
2,018	128
2,019	96
2,018	66
2,021	26
Thereafter	35
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 359	$ 1,100	$ 720

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	$ 33,738	$ 33,737
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(33,225)	(32,866)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	513	871
Intangible assets, Gross Asset	88,290	87,977
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	55,065	55,111
VITAS Trade Name [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Asset	51,300	51,300
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	51,300	51,300
Rapid Rooter Trade Name [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Asset	150	150
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	150	150
Operating Licenses [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Asset	3,102	2,790
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	3,102	2,790
Referral Networks [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	21,729	21,729
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(21,528)	(21,473)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	201	256
Covenants Not To Compete [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	9,533	9,533
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(9,295)	(9,220)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	238	313
Customer Lists [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	1,215	1,215
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(1,215)	(1,215)
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	1,261	1,260
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(1,187)	(958)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	$ 74	$ 302

Business Combinations (Narrativ

Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)entity	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)entity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combinations	$ 6,614,000	$ 250,000
Segment Roto-Rooter [Member] | PENNSYLVANIA and NEBRASKA [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | entity	2
Business combinations	$ 6,600,000
Segment Roto-Rooter [Member] | IDAHO
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | entity		1
Business combinations		$ 250,000

Business Combinations (Schedule

Business Combinations (Schedule Of Business Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 472,366	$ 472,322	$ 466,722
PENNSYLVANIA and NEBRASKA [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		213
Goodwill		5,944
Other assets and liabilities - net		457
Assets total		$ 6,614
IDAHO
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets			47
Goodwill			198
Other assets and liabilities - net			5
Assets total			$ 250

Discontinued Operations (Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) - DuBois [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Estimated liability for potential environmental cleanup and related costs from the sale	$ 1,700	$ 1,700
Discontinued operations, amount included in other current liabilities	826
Discontinued operations, amount included in other liabilities (long-term)	901
Maximum [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Contingent liability for incurring additional environmental cleanup and related costs	$ 14,900

Discontinued Operations (Schedu

Discontinued Operations (Schedule Of Estimated Timing Of Payments Of Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
2,017	$ 826
2,018	300
Thereafter	601
Total estimated timing of payments of liabilities related to discontinued operations	$ 1,727

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equi74

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash overdrafts included in accounts payable	$ 9,300,000	$ 8,600,000
Cash equivalents	$ 76,000	$ 72,000
Cash equivalents weighted average rate of return	0.20%

Other Income_(Expense)-Net (Sch

Other Income/(Expense)-Net (Schedule Of Other Income/(Expense)- Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Market value gains related to deferred compensation trusts	$ 2,061	$ 148	$ 3,118
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	(424)	(698)	(640)
Interest income/ (expense)	383	281	(29)
Other - net		(418)	72
Total other income/(expense)	$ 2,020	$ (687)	$ 2,521

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 36,000	$ 34,000
Accrued interest payable related to uncertain tax positions	130	$ 125
Undistributed earnings of domestic subsidiaries	35,100
Additional taxes if interest in all businesses is sold rather than to effect a tax-free liquidation	$ 12,900
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating losses expiration date	Jan. 1, 2036
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating losses expiration date	Jan. 1, 2024

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provi

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current, U.S. federal	$ 64,698	$ 55,026	$ 48,577
Current, U.S. state and local	9,927	8,104	7,285
Current, Foreign	393	397	597
Deferred, U.S. federal, state and local	(6,712)	6,323	6,970
Deferred, Foreign	5	2	8
Total	$ 68,311	$ 69,852	$ 63,437

Income Taxes (Summary Of Tempor

Income Taxes (Summary Of Temporary Differences That Give Rise To Deferred Tax Assets/ (Liabilities)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities	$ 43,575	$ 39,529
Stock compensation expense	9,309	8,555
Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable	1,952	1,729
State net operating loss carryforwards	1,811	1,701
Other	776	896
Deferred income tax assets	57,423	52,410
Amortization of intangible assets	(52,133)	(50,136)
Accelerated tax depreciation	(14,975)	(18,030)
Current assets	(1,825)	(1,576)
Market valuation of investments	(1,341)	(1,375)
State income taxes	(793)	(1,465)
Other	(639)	(857)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(71,706)	(73,439)
Deferred income tax liabilities	$ (14,283)	$ (21,029)

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Signi

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Significant Changes To Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Balance at January 1,	$ 1,052	$ 980	$ 892
Unrecognized tax benefits due to positions taken in current year	218	260	247
Decrease due to expiration of statute of limitations	(201)	(188)	(159)
Balance at December 31,	$ 1,069	$ 1,052	$ 980

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Diffe

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Difference Between Actual Income Tax Provision For Continuing Operations And Income Tax Provision Calculated At Statutory U.S. Federal Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax provision calculated using the statutory rate of 35%	$ 61,969	$ 63,044	$ 56,964
State and local income taxes, less federal income tax effect	6,044	5,787	5,536
Nondeductible expenses	881	1,438	1,290
Other --net	(583)	(417)	(353)
Income tax provision	$ 68,311	$ 69,852	$ 63,437
Effective tax rate	38.60%	38.80%	39.00%
Statutory rate	35.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Taxes Paid) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income taxes paid	$ 60,905	$ 62,928	$ 44,921

Properties And Equipment (Narra

Properties And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Properties And Equipment [Abstract]
Net book value of computer software	$ 7.9	$ 8.3
Depreciation expense for computer software	$ 4	$ 3.9	$ 4.4

Properties And Equipment (Sched

Properties And Equipment (Schedule Of Properties And Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	$ 332,592	$ 318,464
Less accumulated depreciation	(211,290)	(201,094)
Net properties and equipment	121,302	117,370
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	7,098	5,365
Buildings and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	79,814	64,440
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	33,895	31,077
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	89,346	83,293
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	45,079	45,414
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	71,781	71,894
Projects Under Development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	$ 5,579	$ 16,981

Lease Arrangements (Narrative)

Lease Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease arrangements, remaining terms of leases under operating lease	11 years

Lease Arrangements (Summary Of

Lease Arrangements (Summary Of Future Minimum Rental Payments And Sublease Rentals To Be Received Under Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
2,017	$ 21,091
2,018	17,884
2,019	14,423
2,020	11,943
2,021	7,810
Thereafter	15,891
Total minimum rental payments	$ 89,042

Lease Arrangements (Schedule Of

Lease Arrangements (Schedule Of Total Rental Expense Incurred Under Operating Leases For Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Total rental expense	$ 40,034	$ 40,021	$ 39,606

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (D

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Number of treasury stock shares held	99,315	99,309
Treasury stock held value	$ 2.5	$ 2.4

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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans expense	$ 14,467	$ 11,970	$ 13,838

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 08, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Excluded stock options		923,000	422,000	411,000
Shares issued in conjunction with the conversion feature of the Notes	35,166			249,000
Number of shares called by warrants				2,477,000
Dilutive impact of the warrants				12,000
Payments for Repurchase of Warrants				$ 2,648
Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Interest rate of senior convertible notes				1.875%
Dilutive impact of the warrants				102,000

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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings, Net Income	$ 108,743	$ 110,274	$ 99,317
Dilutive stock options, Net Income
Nonvested stock awards, Net Income
Diluted earnings, Net Income	$ 108,743	$ 110,274	$ 99,317
Earnings, Shares	16,383	16,870	17,165
Dilutive stock options, Shares	296	394	412
Nonvested stock awards, Shares	110	158	149
Conversion of Notes and impact of warrants outstanding, Shares			114
Diluted Earnings, Shares	16,789	17,422	17,840
Earnings per Share	$ 6.64	$ 6.54	$ 5.79
Earnings per Share, Diluted earnings	$ 6.48	$ 6.33	$ 5.57

Financial Instruments (Carrying

Financial Instruments (Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Period in which the interest rate will reset	30 days
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Period in which the interest rate will reset	60 days
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$ 54,389	$ 49,481
Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	108,750	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]
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	54,389	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 and current portion of long-term debt	$ 108,750	$ 91,250

Loans Receivable From Indepen92

Loans Receivable From Independent Contractors (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Independent contractors with sublicenses | item	69
Maximum exposure to loss from arrangements with independent contractors | $	$ 1.7	$ 1.8
Days contracts may be cancelled with written notice	90 days
Maximum [Member]
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of labor sales	32.00%
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]
Percentage of labor sales	27.00%
Interest rates on loans	0.00%
Terms of the loans to independent contractors, years	2 months 15 days

Loans Receivable From Indepen93

Loans Receivable From Independent Contractors (Schedule Of Independent Contractors) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans Receivable From Independent Contractors [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 40,097	$ 37,966	$ 36,496
Pretax profits	$ 24,477	$ 22,176	$ 21,238

Legal And Regulatory Matters (D

Legal And Regulatory Matters (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of shareholder derivative lawsuits filed | item	2
Number of days given to file amended complaint		14 days
Extension period		14 days
U.S. v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Life expectancy period		6 months
Net costs incurred | $		$ 5.3	$ 5	$ 2.1
Seper v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Proceeding time period for law suite		4 years
Chhina v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Proceeding time period for law suite		4 years

Concentration Of Risk (Narrativ

Concentration Of Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
VITAS made purchases from Enclara	$ 35,200	$ 37,700	$ 35,600
Accounts payable	39,586	43,695
Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts payable	$ 2,500
Segment VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of service providers | item	2
Accounts payable		$ 3,000
Sales Revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of concentration risk services represent from vendor	90.00%	90.00%	90.00%
Sales Revenue [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of concentration risk services represent from vendor	71.00%	72.00%

Capital Stock Transactions (Nar

Capital Stock Transactions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Capital Stock Transactions [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, amount authorized	$ 100

Capital Stock Transactions (Sch

Capital Stock Transactions (Schedule Of Capital Stock Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Capital Stock Transactions [Abstract]
Total cost of repurchased shares	$ 102,313	$ 59,323	$ 110,019
Shares repurchased	780,134	460,765	1,182,934
Weighted average price per share	$ 131.15	$ 128.75	$ 93.01

Other Operating Expenses (Narra

Other Operating Expenses (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 4,491
Segment VITAS [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	4,500
Other operating expense, after tax	$ 2,800

Schedule II - Valuation And Q99

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	$ (13,244)	$ (14,728)	$ (12,590)
(CHARGED) CREDITED TO COSTS AND EXPENSES	(16,420)	(14,435)	(13,079)
(CHARGED) CREDITED TO OTHER ACCOUNTS	(1,518)	(1,169)	(840)
DEDUCTIONS	16,946	17,088	11,781
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD	$ (14,236)	$ (13,244)	$ (14,728)