Chemed (CHE) 10-Q 28 Apr 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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	16,082,181

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 47,049	$ 15,310
Accounts receivable less allowances of $15,908 (2016 - $14,236)	109,726	132,021
Inventories	5,433	5,755
Prepaid income taxes	1,663	3,709
Prepaid expenses	12,102	13,105
Total current assets	175,973	169,900
Investments of deferred compensation plans	56,596	54,389
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $216,423 (2016 - $211,290)	119,394	121,302
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $32,794 (2016 - $33,225)	54,976	55,065
Goodwill	472,391	472,366
Other assets	6,901	7,037
Total Assets	886,231	880,059
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	29,341	39,586
Current portion of long-term debt	9,375	8,750
Income taxes	12,614
Accrued insurance	54,150	47,960
Accrued compensation	37,382	53,979
Accrued legal	2,471	1,805
Other current liabilities	19,050	19,752
Total current liabilities	164,383	171,832
Deferred income taxes	11,875	14,291
Long-term debt	137,500	100,000
Deferred compensation liabilities	56,024	54,288
Other liabilities	15,805	15,549
Total Liabilities	385,587	355,960
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders' Equity
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 34,404,220 shares (2016 - 34,270,104 shares)	34,404	34,270
Paid-in capital	651,269	639,703
Retained earnings	983,742	958,149
Treasury stock - 18,407,027 shares (2016 - 18,083,527)	(1,170,933)	(1,110,536)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock	2,162	2,513
Total Stockholders' Equity	500,644	524,099
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 886,231	$ 880,059

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 15,908	$ 14,236
Properties and equipment, accumulated depreciation	216,423	211,290
Identifiable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 32,794	$ 33,225
Capital stock - authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Capital stock - par value	$ 1	$ 1
Capital stock - issued	34,404,220	34,270,104
Treasury stock	18,407,027	18,083,527

Consolidated Statement Of Incom

Consolidated Statement Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statement Of Income [Abstract]
Service revenues and sales	$ 405,864	$ 390,389
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)	285,140	278,435
Selling, general and administrative expenses	69,458	59,045
Depreciation	8,893	8,424
Amortization	46	92
Other operating expenses	873
Total costs and expenses	364,410	345,996
Income from operations	41,454	44,393
Interest expense	(995)	(842)
Other income/(expense) - net	2,463	(2,924)
Income before income taxes	42,922	40,627
Income taxes	(13,078)	(15,787)
Net income	$ 29,844	$ 24,840
Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 1.84	$ 1.49
Average number of shares outstanding	16,219	16,720
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net income	$ 1.78	$ 1.45
Average number of shares outstanding	16,801	17,170
Cash Dividends Per Share	$ 0.26	$ 0.24

Consolidated Statement Of Cash

Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 29,844	$ 24,840
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,939	8,516
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	4,249	4,242
Stock option expense	3,001	2,563
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(2,415)	(4,202)
Noncash long-term incentive compensation	827	(305)
Amortization of restricted stock awards	336	539
Amortization of debt issuance costs	129	130
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable	17,972	(41,050)
Decrease in inventories	322	212
Decrease in prepaid expenses	1,003	546
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities	(10,766)	(7,567)
Increase in income taxes	14,655	19,448
Increase/(decrease) in other assets	(2,140)	410
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities	1,992	(140)
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation		(900)
Other sources/(uses)	838	(59)
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,786	7,223
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(9,020)	(11,473)
Other sources/(uses)	(70)	153
Net cash used by investing activities	(9,090)	(11,320)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	116,000	59,000
Payments on revolving line of credit	(76,000)	(3,500)
Purchases of treasury stock	(54,262)	(52,460)
Change in cash overdrafts payable	(8,607)	7,061
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,635	2,887
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation	(4,744)	(4,020)
Dividends paid	(4,251)	(4,081)
Payments on other long-term debt	(1,875)	(1,875)
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation		900
Other sources	147	693
Net cash (used)/provided by financing activities	(27,957)	4,605
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	31,739	508
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	15,310	14,727
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 47,049	$ 15,235

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation  As used herein, the terms "We," "Company" and "Chemed" refer to Chemed Corporation or Chemed Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.  We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X. Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2016 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. However, in our opinion, the financial statements presented herein contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .  EARNINGS PER SHARE 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 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted the applicable provisions of ASU 2016-09 on a prospective basis. The impact of this ASU on our financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 was to decrease our income tax expense by $3.7 million as the result of excess tax benefits on stock based compensation being recorded on the statements of income . The decrease in income tax expense reduced our effective tax rate to 30.5% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to 38.9% in the first quarter of 2016. This, combined with the required change in diluted share count, resulted in an increase to basic earnings per share by $0.23 and an increase to diluted earnings per share by $0.22. 

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	2. Revenue Recognition  Both the VITAS segment and the Roto-Rooter segment recognize service revenues and sales when the earnings process has been completed. Generally, this occurs when services are pr ovided or products are shipped . VITAS recognizes revenue at the estimated realizable amount due from third-party payers. Medicare payments are subject to certain limitations, as described below.  We actively monitor each of our hospice programs, by provider number, as to their specific admission, discharge rate and median length of stay data in an attempt to determine whether they are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary Medicare cap (“Medicare cap”). Should we determine that revenues for a program are likely to exceed the Medicare cap based on projected trends, we attempt to institute corrective action to influence the patient mix or to increase patient admissions. However, should we project our corrective action will not prevent that program from exceeding its Medicare cap, we estimate the amount of revenue recognized during the period that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record the amount as a reduction to patient revenue.  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 were automatically deducted from our semi-monthly PIP payments. We do not believe that CMS is authorized under the sequestration authority or the statutory methodology for establishing the Medicare cap to demand the $2.1 million under their “as if” methodology. We have not recorded a reserve as of March 31, 2017 for $ 1.9 million of the potential exposure. We have appealed CMS’s methodology change with the appropriate regulatory appeal board.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, no Medicare cap was recorded.      Shown below is the Medicare cap liability activity for the fiscal periods ended (in thousands):     March 31,  2017 2016  Beginning balance January 1, $ 235 $ 1,165  Payments - (618)  Ending balance March 31, $ 235 $ 547  Vitas provides charity care, in certain circumstances, to patients without charge when management of the hospice program determines, at the time services are performed, that the patient cannot afford payment. There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to charity care. The cost of charity care is calculated by taking the ratio of charity care days to total days of care and multiplying by total cost of care. The cost of charity care is as follows (in thousands):    Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  $ 1,937 $ 1,806 

Segments

Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segments [Abstract]
Segments	 3. Segments  Service revenues and sales and after-tax earnings by business segment are as follows (in thousands):     Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  Service Revenues and Sales  VITAS $ 282,316 $ 277,528  Roto-Rooter 123,548 112,861  Total $ 405,864 $ 390,389   After-tax Earnings  VITAS $ 20,597 $ 19,087  Roto-Rooter 14,624 13,020  Total 35,221 32,107  Corporate (5,377) (7,267)  Net income $ 29,844 $ 24,840  We report corporate administrative expenses and unallocated investing and financing income and expense not directly related to either segment as “Corporate”.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	                  4. Earnings per Share  Earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding. Earnings and diluted earnings per share are computed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):     Net Income  For the Three Months Ended March 31, Income Shares Earnings per Share  2017  Earnings $ 29,844 16,219 $ 1.84  Dilutive stock options - 490  Nonvested stock awards - 92  Diluted earnings $ 29,844 16,801 $ 1.78   2016  Earnings $ 24,840 16,720 $ 1.49  Dilutive stock options - 305  Nonvested stock awards - 145  Diluted earnings $ 24,840 17,170 $ 1.45  For the three month perio ds en ded March 31 , 201 7 and 2016 , respectively, 402,000 and 421,000 stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	5. Long-Term Debt  On June 30, 2014, we replaced our existing credit agreement with the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“2014 Credit Agreement”). Terms of the 2014 Credit Agreement consist of a five -year, $350 million revolving credit facility and a $100 million term loan. The 2014 Credit Agreement has a floating interest rate that is generally LIBOR plus a tiered additional rate which varies based on our current leverage ratio. The interest rate is LIBOR plus 1 13 basis points as of March 31, 2017 .  The debt outstanding as of March 31, 2017 consists of the following:     Revolver $ 65,000  Term loan 81,875  Total 146,875  Current portion of long-term debt (9,375)  Long-term debt $ 137,500 Scheduled principal payments of the term loan are as follows:    2017 $ 6,875  2018 10,000  2019 65,000  $ 81,875  T he 2014 Credit Agreement contains the following quarterly financial covenants:     Description Requirement   Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA) < 3.50 to 1.00   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges) > 1.50 to 1.00   Annual Operating Lease Commitment < $50.0 million We are in compliance with al l debt covenants as of March 31, 2017 . We have issued $38.7 million in standby le tters of credit as of March 31, 2017 mainly for insurance purposes. Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2014 Cr edit Agreement. As of March 31, 2017 , we have approximately $246.3 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility.

Other Operating Expenses

Other Operating Expenses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Other Operating Expenses	6 . Other Operating Expenses  During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded $873,000 in expenses related to the closure of three Alabama programs at Vitas. The expenses mainly include employee severance and the write-off of leasehold improvements for one in-patient unit. 

Other Income_(Expense) - Net

Other Income/(Expense) - Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Other Income/(Expense) - Net	7 . Other Income /(Expense) – Net  Other income /(expense) -- net comprises the following (in thousands):    Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  Market value adjustment on assets held in  deferred compensation trust $ 2,615 $ (2,987)  Loss on disposal of property and equipment (236) (33)  Interest income 85 97  Other - net (1) (1)  Total other income/(expense) - net $ 2,463 $ (2,924) 

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	8 . Stock-Based Compensation Plans On February 17 , 2017 , the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) granted 7,304 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) contingent upon the achievement of certain total shareholders return (“TSR”) targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three -year period ending December 31, 2019 , the date at which such awards vest. The cumulative compensation cost of the TSR-based PSU award to be recorded over the three year service period is $1. 7 million.  On February 17, 2017 , the CIC also granted 7,304 PSUs contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings per share (“EPS”) targets for the three -year perio d ending December 31, 2019 . At the end of each reporting period, the Company estimates the number of shares that it believes will ultimately be earned and records that expense over the service period of the award. We currently estimate the cumulative compensation cost of the EPS-based PSUs to be recorded over the three year service period is $ 1.3 million .

Independent Contractor Operatio

Independent Contractor Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Independent Contractor Operations [Abstract]
Independent Contractor Operations	 9 . Independent Contractor Operations  The Roto-Rooter segment sublicenses with 6 9 independent contractors to operate certain plumbing repair , excavation, water restoration and drain cleaning businesses in lesser-populated areas of the United States and Canada. We had notes receivable from our independent contractors as of March 31, 2017 totaling $ 1. 5 million (December 31, 2016 - $ 1. 7 million). In most cases these loans are fully or partially secured by equipment owned by the contractor. The interest rates on the loans range from 0 % to 7 % per annum and the remaining terms of the loans range from 2.5 months to 5.4 years at March 31 , 201 7 . We recorded the following from our independent contractors (in thousands):    Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  Revenues $ 11,025 $ 9,858  Pretax profits 6,689 6,155 

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	    10 . Retirement Plans  All of the Company’s plans that provide retirement and similar benefits are defined contribution plans. These expenses include the impact of market gains and losses on assets held in deferred compensation plans. Ex penses for the Company’s retirement and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans are as follows (in thousands):     Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  $ 6,157 $ 526 

Legal And Regulatory Matters

Legal And Regulatory Matters	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Legal And Regulatory Matters [Abstract]
Legal And Regulatory Matters	11 . 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 $2.2 million and $2.3 million for March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The Company and certain current and former directors and officers are defendants in a case captioned In re Chemed Corp. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation , No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (CJB) (D. Del.), which was consolidated on February 2, 2015 and is covered by the Company’s commercial insurance.  On February 2, 2015, the Court appointed KBC Asset Management NV 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 and defendants renewed a previously filed motion to dismiss those claims and allegations. The consolidated Complaint named fourteen individual defendants, together with the Company as nominal defendant. The Complaint alleges a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the individual defendants for allegedly permitting the Company to submit false claims to the U.S. government. The Complaint 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. On May 12, 2016, the court issued a Memorandum Order granting Chemed’s motion to dismiss, and 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 (June 13, 2016) 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.  However, on June 13, 2016, counsel for Chemed shareholder Michael Kvint filed a letter with the court requesting a two -week extension to file a motion to substitute Mr. Kvint as Lead Plaintiff, in place of Lead Plaintiff KBC and 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. Mr. Kvint’s motion was fully briefed by the parties. The Court heard oral argument on Mr. Kvint’s motion on January 24, 2017. On January 25, 2017, Magistrate Judge Burke entered an Order requesting additional letter briefing on issues arising from Mr. Kvint’s motion. Pursuant to that Order, the parties have each submitted opening and reply letter briefing. Magistrate Judge Burke has not yet issued a recommendation or report on Mr. Kvint’s motion. For additional procedural history of this litigation, please refer to our prior quarterly and annual filings.  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 Chhina.  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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Concentration Of Risk [Abstract]
Concentration Of Risk	     12 . Concentration of Risk  During the quarter VITAS had pharmacy services agreements with o ne service provider to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients. VITAS made purchases from this provider of $8.9 million for the first quarter of 2017. Vitas made purchases from two providers of $8.9 million for the first quarter of 2016. Purchases from these providers were approximately 90 % of all pharmacy services used by VITAS during each quarter presented. 

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equiva

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	13 . Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents  There are no cash overdrafts payable included in accounts payable at March 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 - $8.6 million).  From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our ov ernight funds. We had $ 30,000 in cash equivalents as of March 31, 2017 . There was $ 72,000 in cash equ ivalents as of December 31, 2016 . 

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	14 . Financial Instruments  FASB ’ s authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs in fair value measurements. Level 1 measurements are measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 measurements use significant other observable inputs. Level 3 measurements are measurements using significant unobservable inputs which require a company to develop its own assumptions. In recording the fair value of assets and liabilities, companies must use the most reliable measurement available. For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the liquidity and short-term nature of these instruments.   The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31 , 201 7 (in thousands):   Fair Value Measure  Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Mutual fund investments of deferred  compensation plans held in trust $ 56,596 $ 56,596 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 146,875 - 146,875 -  The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of Dece mber 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)  Mutual fund investments of deferred  compensation plans held in trust $ 54,389 $ 54,389 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 108,750 - 108,750 -  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 5, 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.

Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTr

Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTransactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTransactions [Abstract]
Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions	  15 . Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions  We repurchased the following capital stock for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 :    Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016   Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands): $ 54,262 $ 52,460  Shares repurchased 300,000 400,000  Weighted average price per share $ 180.87 $ 131.15  In March 2017 , the Board of Directors authorized an additional $ 100.0 million for stock repurchase under Chemed’s existing share repurchase program. We currently have $ 95.9 m illion of au thorization remaining under this share repurchase plan.

Recent Accounting Statements

Recent Accounting Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Recent Accounting Statements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Statements	 16 . 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 and subsequent amendments are 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 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. 

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill[Abstract]
Goodwill	    17 . Goodwill  Shown below is movement in Goodwill (in thousands):     Vitas Roto-Rooter Total  Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 328,301 $ 144,065 $ 472,366  Foreign currency adjustments - 25 25  Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 328,301 $ 144,090 $ 472,391 

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Schedule Of Medicare Cap Liability Activity	   March 31,  2017 2016  Beginning balance January 1, $ 235 $ 1,165  Payments - (618)  Ending balance March 31, $ 235 $ 547 
Schedule Of Cost Of Charity Care	   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  $ 1,937 $ 1,806 

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segments [Abstract]
Service Revenues And Sales And After-Tax Earnings By Business Segment	   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  Service Revenues and Sales  VITAS $ 282,316 $ 277,528  Roto-Rooter 123,548 112,861  Total $ 405,864 $ 390,389   After-tax Earnings  VITAS $ 20,597 $ 19,087  Roto-Rooter 14,624 13,020  Total 35,221 32,107  Corporate (5,377) (7,267)  Net income $ 29,844 $ 24,840 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share	  Net Income  For the Three Months Ended March 31, Income Shares Earnings per Share  2017  Earnings $ 29,844 16,219 $ 1.84  Dilutive stock options - 490  Nonvested stock awards - 92  Diluted earnings $ 29,844 16,801 $ 1.78   2016  Earnings $ 24,840 16,720 $ 1.49  Dilutive stock options - 305  Nonvested stock awards - 145  Diluted earnings $ 24,840 17,170 $ 1.45

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Outstanding	   Revolver $ 65,000  Term loan 81,875  Total 146,875  Current portion of long-term debt (9,375)  Long-term debt $ 137,500 
Schedule of Principal Payments of the Term Loan	  2017 $ 6,875  2018 10,000  2019 65,000  $ 81,875 
Financial Debt Covenants	   Description Requirement   Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA) < 3.50 to 1.00   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges) > 1.50 to 1.00   Annual Operating Lease Commitment < $50.0 million 

Other Income_(Expense) - Net (T

Other Income/(Expense) - Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Income/(Expense)- Net	   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  Market value adjustment on assets held in  deferred compensation trust $ 2,615 $ (2,987)  Loss on disposal of property and equipment (236) (33)  Interest income 85 97  Other - net (1) (1)  Total other income/(expense) - net $ 2,463 $ (2,924) 

Independent Contractor Operat28

Independent Contractor Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Independent Contractor Operations [Abstract]
Schedule Of Independent Contractors	   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  Revenues $ 11,025 $ 9,858  Pretax profits 6,689 6,155 

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans	   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016  $ 6,157 $ 526 

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments	The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31 , 201 7 (in thousands):   Fair Value Measure  Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  Mutual fund investments of deferred  compensation plans held in trust $ 56,596 $ 56,596 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 146,875 - 146,875 -  The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of Dece mber 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)  Mutual fund investments of deferred  compensation plans held in trust $ 54,389 $ 54,389 $ - $ -  Long-term debt 108,750 - 108,750 - 

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan31

Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTransactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTransactions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Capital Stock Repurchases	   Three months ended March 31,  2017 2016   Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands): $ 54,262 $ 52,460  Shares repurchased 300,000 400,000  Weighted average price per share $ 180.87 $ 131.15 

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill[Abstract]
Schedule of movement in Goodwill	  Vitas Roto-Rooter Total  Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 328,301 $ 144,065 $ 472,366  Foreign currency adjustments - 25 25  Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 328,301 $ 144,090 $ 472,391 

Basis Of Presentation (Narrativ

Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Decrease income taxes	$ 13,078	$ 15,787
Increase to basic earnings per share	$ 1.84	$ 1.49
Increase to diluted earnings per share	$ 1.78	$ 1.45
ASU No. 2016-09 [Member]
Decrease income taxes	$ 3,700
Effective tax rate	30.50%	38.90%
Increase to basic earnings per share	$ 0.23
Increase to diluted earnings per share	$ 0.22

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Medicare cap	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage of automatic budget reductions					2.00%
Unbilled Revenue	$ 1.9
Two Program Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Additional amount owed for Medicare cap			$ 2.1	$ 2.1	$ 2.1

Revenue Recognition (Schedule O

Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Medicare Cap Liability Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Beginning Balance January 1,	$ 235	$ 1,165
Payments		(618)
Ending Balance March 31,	$ 235	$ 547

Revenue Recognition (Schedule36

Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Cost Of Charity Care) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Charity care cost	$ 1,937	$ 1,806

Segments (Service Revenues And

Segments (Service Revenues And Sales And After-Tax Earnings By Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	$ 405,864	$ 390,389
Net income	29,844	24,840
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	405,864	390,389
Net income	35,221	32,107
Segment VITAS [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	282,316	277,528
Net income	20,597	19,087
Segment Roto-Rooter [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	123,548	112,861
Net income	14,624	13,020
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	$ (5,377)	$ (7,267)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Excluded stock options	402,000	421,000

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings, Net Income	$ 29,844	$ 24,840
Diluted earnings, Net Income	$ 29,844	$ 24,840
Earnings, Shares	16,219	16,720
Dilutive stock options, Shares	490	305
Nonvested stock awards, Shares	92	145
Diluted Earnings, Shares	16,801	17,170
Earnings per Share	$ 1.84	$ 1.49
Earnings per Share, Diluted earnings	$ 1.78	$ 1.45

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit issued	$ 38,700,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit	$ 246,300,000
2014 Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility period, years	5 years
2014 Credit Agreement [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.13%
2014 Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 350,000,000
2014 Credit Agreement [Member] | Term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 100,000,000

Long-Term Debt (Debt Outstandin

Long-Term Debt (Debt Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 146,875
Current portion of long-term debt	(9,375)	$ (8,750)
Long-term debt	137,500	$ 100,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	65,000
Term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 81,875

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Pri

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Principal Payments of the Term Loan) (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 146,875
Term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,017	6,875
2,018	10,000
2,019	65,000
Total	$ 81,875

Long-Term Debt (Financial Debt

Long-Term Debt (Financial Debt Covenants) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Operating Lease Commitment, Requirement	$ 50
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	1
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	3.50
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1.50

Other Operating Expenses (Narra

Other Operating Expenses (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)item
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 873,000
Segment VITAS [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 873,000
Number of programs closed | item	3

Other Income_(Expense) - Net (S

Other Income/(Expense) - Net (Schedule Of Other Income/(Expense)- Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Income/(Expense) - Net [Abstract]
Market value adjustment on assets held in deferred compensation trust	$ 2,615	$ (2,987)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	(236)	(33)
Interest income - net	85	97
Other - net	(1)	(1)
Total other income/(expense) - net	$ 2,463	$ (2,924)

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 17, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	7,304
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Cumulative compensation expense	$ 1.7
Performance Based EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	7,304
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Cumulative compensation expense	$ 1.3

Independent Contractor Operat47

Independent Contractor Operations (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Notes receivable from independent contractors | $	$ 1.5	$ 1.7
Roto-Rooter segment [Member]
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Independent contractors with sublicenses | item	69
Maximum [Member]
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Interest rates on loans	7.00%
Terms of the loans to independent contractors, years	5 years 4 months 24 days
Minimum [Member]
Independent Contractor Operations [Line Items]
Interest rates on loans	0.00%
Terms of the loans to independent contractors, years	2 months 15 days

Independent Contractor Operat48

Independent Contractor Operations (Schedule Of Independent Contractors) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Independent Contractor Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 11,025	$ 9,858
Pretax profits	$ 6,689	$ 6,155

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of E

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans expense	$ 6,157	$ 526

Legal And Regulatory Matters (N

Legal And Regulatory Matters (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Life expectancy period	6 months
Period in which the opportunity to file amended compliant addressing the deficiencies in the claim	30 days
Extension period	14 days
Proceeding time period for law suite	4 years
U.S. v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Net costs incurred	$ 2.2	$ 2.3

Concentration Of Risk (Narrativ

Concentration Of Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts payable	$ 29,341		$ 39,586
Segment VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of service providers | item	1	2
VITAS made purchases from Enclara	$ 8,900	$ 8,900
Sales Revenue [Member] | Segment VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of concentration risk services represent from vendor	90.00%	90.00%

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equi52

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash overdrafts included in accounts payable		$ 8,600,000
Cash equivalents	$ 30,000	$ 72,000

Financial Instruments (Carrying

Financial Instruments (Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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]
Compensation plans held in trust	$ 56,596	$ 54,389
Long-term debt	146,875	108,750
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Compensation plans held in trust	56,596	54,389
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	146,875	108,750
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Compensation plans held in trust
Long-term debt

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan54

Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTransactions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTransactions [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, amount authorized	$ 100
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 95.9

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan55

Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTransactions (Schedule Of Capital Stock Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Capital Stock Repurchase PlanTransactions [Abstract]
Total cost of repurchased shares	$ 54,262	$ 52,460
Shares repurchased	300,000	400,000
Weighted average price per share	$ 180.87	$ 131.15

Goodwill (Schedule of movement

Goodwill (Schedule of movement in Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 472,366
Foreign currency adjustments	25
Ending balance	472,391
Segment VITAS [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	328,301
Foreign currency adjustments
Ending balance	328,301
Roto-Rooter segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	144,065
Foreign currency adjustments	25
Ending balance	$ 144,090