| **Investments in and Advances to Nonconsolidated Affiliates**                                         | 6 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had $13.6 million and $11.7 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 seven partially owned subsidiaries, of which six 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 60%. 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 June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015Net operating revenues$10.9 $8.9 $22.1 $17.1Operating expenses(5.8) (3.8) (12.1) (7.7)Income from continuing operations, net of tax5.0 4.8 10.0 8.7Net income5.0 4.8 10.0 8.7 |

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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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