| **Investments in and Advances to Nonconsolidated Affiliates**                                         | 3 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $20.1 million and $20.3 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 10 partially owned subsidiaries, of which 8 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 March 31, 2014 2013Net operating revenues$21.3 $19.5Operating expenses(11.2) (11.2)Income from continuing operations, net of tax18.5 6.7Net income18.5 6.7In December 2013, we signed an agreement to acquire an additional 30% equity interest from UMass Memorial Health Care, our joint venture partner in Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. This transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in 2014, will increase our ownership interest from 50% to 80% and will, when completed, result in a change in accounting for this hospital from the equity method of accounting to a consolidated entity. We expect to account for this change in control as a business combination and will consolidate this entity using the acquisition method. The consolidation of the operating results of Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. |

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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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