| **Investments in and Advances to Nonconsolidated Affiliates**                     | 9 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
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| **Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]** |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| Investments in and Advances to Nonconsolidated Affiliates                         | Investments in and Advances to Nonconsolidated AffiliatesAs of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had $13.0 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 September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015Net operating revenues$11.3 $9.2 $33.4 $26.3Operating expenses(6.0) (4.0) (18.1) (11.7)Income from continuing operations, net of tax5.2 5.1 15.2 13.8Net income5.2 5.1 15.2 13.8 |

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| - Definition
The entire disclosure for the information summarizing investments in and advances to majority-owned subsidiaries, other controlled companies, and other affiliates. It reflects specified information about ownership, financial results from, and financial position in such entities.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Section S99 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-14) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=50485924&loc=d3e611322-123010
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