| **Investments in and Advances to Nonconsolidated Affiliates**                                         | 9 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
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| **Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]** |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| Investments in and Advances to Nonconsolidated Affiliates                                             | Investments in and Advances to Nonconsolidated AffiliatesAs of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $19.1 million and $20.8 million, respectively, of investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates included in Other long-term assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates represent our investments in 12 partially owned subsidiaries, of which 9 are general or limited partnerships, limited liability companies, or joint ventures in which HealthSouth or one of its subsidiaries is a general or limited partner, managing member, member, or venturer, as applicable. We do not control these affiliates but have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of certain of these affiliates. Our ownership percentages in these affiliates range from approximately 1% to 51%. We account for these investments using the cost and equity methods of accounting.The following summarizes the combined results of operations of our equity method affiliates (on a 100% basis, in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 2012 2013 2012Net operating revenues$16.2 $18.6 $55.4 $64.2Operating expenses(10.3) (9.6) (32.5) (37.5)Income from continuing operations, net of tax4.4 7.1 18.4 21.5Net income4.4 7.1 18.4 21.5 |

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| - Definition
General disclosure relating to our investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates. These investments include affiliates that the Company accounts for under the equity and cost methods.
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No definition available.
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