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Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 15, 2019	Jun. 29, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Entity Registrant Name	CHEMED CORP
Trading Symbol	CHE
Entity Central Index Key	0000019584
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 5,077,902,421
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,967,469

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract]
Service revenues and sales (Note 2)	$ 1,782,648	$ 1,666,724	$ 1,576,881
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)	1,228,644	1,150,532	1,115,431
Selling, general and administrative expenses	270,209	276,652	243,572
Depreciation	38,464	35,488	34,279
Amortization	399	137	359
Other operating expenses (Note 20)	1,300	90,880	4,491
Total costs and expenses	1,539,016	1,553,689	1,398,132
Income from operations	243,632	113,035	178,749
Interest expense	(4,990)	(4,272)	(3,715)
Other income--net (Note 10)	958	8,154	2,020
Income before income taxes	239,600	116,917	177,054
Income taxes (Note 11)	(34,056)	(18,740)	(68,311)
Net income	$ 205,544	$ 98,177	$ 108,743
Earnings Per Share (Note 15)
Net income	$ 12.80	$ 6.11	$ 6.64
Average number of shares outstanding	16,059	16,057	16,383
Diluted Earnings Per Share (Note 15)
Net income	$ 12.23	$ 5.86	$ 6.48
Average number of shares outstanding	16,803	16,742	16,789

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 9)	$ 4,831	$ 11,121
Accounts receivable less allowances of $15,175 for 2017	119,504	113,651
Inventories	5,705	5,334
Prepaid income taxes	10,646	29,848
Prepaid expenses	19,154	16,092
Total current assets	159,840	176,046
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust (Notes 14 and 16)	65,624	62,067
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation (Note 12)	162,033	143,034
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $33,283 (2017 - $32,887) (Note 6)	68,253	54,865
Goodwill	510,570	476,887
Other assets	9,209	7,127
Total Assets	975,529	920,026
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	50,150	48,372
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 3)		10,000
Accrued insurance	46,095	46,968
Accrued compensation	63,329	62,933
Accrued legal	1,857	1,786
Other current liabilities	30,239	23,463
Total current liabilities	191,670	193,522
Deferred income taxes (Note 11)	21,598	16,640
Long-term debt (Note 3)	89,200	91,200
Deferred compensation liabilities (Note 14)	64,616	61,800
Other liabilities	17,111	16,510
Total Liabilities	384,195	379,672
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13 and 17)
Stockholders' Equity
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 35,311,418 shares (2017 - 34,732,192 shares)	35,311	34,732
Paid-in capital	774,358	695,797
Retained earnings	1,225,617	1,038,955
Treasury stock - 19,438,358 shares (2017 - 18,694,047 shares) at cost	(1,446,296)	(1,231,332)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock (Note 14)	2,344	2,202
Total Stockholders' Equity	591,334	540,354
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 975,529	$ 920,026

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances		$ 15,175
Identifiable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 33,283	$ 32,887
Capital stock - authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Capital stock - par value	$ 1	$ 1
Capital stock - issued	35,311,418	34,732,192
Treasury stock	19,438,358	18,694,047

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 205,544	$ 98,177	$ 108,743
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	38,863	35,625	34,638
Stock option expense	12,611	10,485	8,330
Noncash portion of long-term incentive compensation	5,405	3,774	1,301
Provision/(benefit) for deferred income taxes (Note 11)	5,187	2,407	(6,707)
Noncash directors' compensation	766	766	541
Amortization of restricted stock awards	446	1,231	1,855
Amortization of debt issuance costs	441	516	519
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable		17,306	16,319
Loss on sale of transportation equipment (Note 20)		5,266
Noncash early retirement expense (Note 20)			1,747
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding amounts acquired in business combinations:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable	(5,570)	1,072	(42,142)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories	(351)	421	559
Increase in prepaid expenses	(2,665)	(2,987)	(253)
Increase in accounts payable and other current liabilities	8,935	12,890	891
(Decrease)/increase in income taxes	18,898	(26,104)	13,886
Increase in other assets	(5,544)	(8,330)	(5,224)
Increase in other liabilities	3,451	8,561	7,105
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation			(7,195)
Other sources	721	1,419	480
Net cash provided by operating activities	287,138	162,495	135,393
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(52,872)	(64,300)	(39,772)
Business combinations, net of cash acquired (Note 7)	(53,177)	(4,725)
Other sources/(uses)	824	1,417	(90)
Net cash used by investing activities	(105,225)	(67,608)	(39,862)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	469,550	212,350	127,050
Payments on revolving line of credit	(406,550)	(211,150)	(102,050)
Purchases of treasury stock	(158,884)	(94,640)	(102,313)
Payments on other long-term debt	(75,000)	(8,750)	(7,500)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (Note 4)	32,412	27,092	8,421
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation	(27,548)	(14,223)	(8,772)
Dividends paid	(18,662)	(17,371)	(16,439)
Change in cash overdrafts payable	(1,531)	6,700	(736)
Debt issuance costs	(1,052)
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation			7,195
Other sources/(uses)	(938)	916	196
Net cash used by financing activities	(188,203)	(99,076)	(94,948)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(6,290)	(4,189)	583
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	11,121	15,310	14,727
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 4,831	$ 11,121	$ 15,310

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Capital Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock-At Cost [Member]	Deferred Compensation Payable In Company Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 33,985	$ 603,006	$ 865,845	$ (991,978)	$ 2,395	$ 513,253
Net income			108,743			108,743
Dividends paid			(16,439)			(16,439)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)	285	36,453		(16,127)		20,611
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 19)				(102,313)		(102,313)
Other		244		(118)	118	244
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	34,270	639,703	958,149	(1,110,536)	2,513	524,099
Net income			98,177			98,177
Dividends paid			(17,371)			(17,371)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)	462	55,264		(26,467)		29,259
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 19)				(94,640)		(94,640)
Other		830		311	(311)	830
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	34,732	695,797	1,038,955	(1,231,332)	2,202	540,354
Net income			205,544			205,544
Dividends paid			(18,662)			(18,662)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options (Note 4)	579	79,452		(55,939)		24,092
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 19)				(158,884)		(158,884)
Other		(891)	(220)	(141)	142	(1,110)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 35,311	$ 774,358	$ 1,225,617	$ (1,446,296)	$ 2,344	$ 591,334

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid per share	$ 1.16	$ 1.08	$ 1.00

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

1.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

We operate through our two wholly-owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare Corporation (“VITAS”) and Roto-Rooter Group, Inc. (“Roto-Rooter”). VITAS focuses on hospice care that helps make terminally ill patients' final days as comfortable as possible. Through its team of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy and volunteers, VITAS provides direct medical services to patients, as well as spiritual and emotional counseling to both patients and their families. Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning and water restoration services to both residential and commercial customers. Through its network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees, Roto-Rooter offers plumbing, drain cleaning service and water restoration to approximately 90% of the U.S. population.

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis. Management has adopted the evaluation requirements of Accounting Stanadards Update “ASU No. 2014-15 – Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern”.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chemed Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. We have analyzed the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities relative to our contractual relationships with Roto-Rooter’s independent contractors and franchisees. The guidance requires the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) to consolidate the accounts of the VIE. We have concluded that neither the independent contractors nor the franchisees are VIEs.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to current presentation.

CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash equivalents comprise short-term, highly liquid investments, including money market funds that have original maturities of three months or less.

CONCENTRATION OF RISK

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 68% and 59%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from Medicare and 26% and 32%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from various state Medicaid or managed Medicaid programs. Combined accounts receivable from Medicare, Medicaid, and managed Medicaid represent approximately 75% of the consolidated net accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018.

As further described in Note 18, we had agreements with a vendor to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients. In 2018 and 2017, respectively, purchases made from this vendor represent 99% and 85%, respectively, of all pharmacy services used by VITAS.

INVENTORIES

Substantially all of the inventories are either general merchandise or finished goods. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For determining the value of inventories, cost methods that reasonably approximate the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method are used.

DEPRECIATION AND PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

Depreciation of properties and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the remaining lease terms (excluding option terms) or their useful lives. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, renewals and betterments that do not materially prolong the useful lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected currently in other operating expense or other income, net.

Expenditures for major software purchases and software developed for internal use are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. For software developed for internal use, external direct costs for materials and services and certain internal payroll and related fringe benefit costs are capitalized in accordance with the FASB’s authoritative guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.

The weighted average lives of our property and equipment at December 31, 2018, were:


Buildings and building improvements	32.8	yrs.
Transportation equipment	10.5
Machinery and equipment	5.1
Computer software	4.6
Furniture and fixtures	4.8

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The table below shows a rollforward of Goodwill (in thousands):


			Roto-
	Vitas		Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	328,301	$	144,065	$	472,366
Business combinations		-		4,396		4,396
Foreign currency adjustments		-		125		125
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	328,301	$	148,586	$	476,887
Business combinations		5,030		28,780		33,810
Foreign currency adjustments		-		(127)		(127)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	333,331	$	177,239	$	510,570

Identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets arise from purchase business combinations and are amortized using either an accelerated method or the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The selection of an amortization method is based on which method best reflects the economic pattern of usage of the asset. Reacquired franchise rights are amortized over the remaining term of the franchise agreement at the time of acquisition. The weighted average lives of our identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2018, were:


Covenants not to compete	6.5	yrs.
Reacquired franchise rights	7.9
Referral networks	10.0
Customer lists	12.0

The date of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis is October 1. The VITAS trade name is considered to have an indefinite life. We also capitalize the direct costs of obtaining licenses to operate either hospice programs or plumbing operations subject to a minimum capitalization threshold. These costs are amortized over the life of the license using the straight-line method. Certificates of Need (“CON”), which are required in certain states for hospice operations, are generally granted without expiration and thus, we believe them to be indefinite-lived assets subject to impairment testing.

We consider that Roto-Rooter Corp. (“RRC”), Roto-Rooter Services Co. (“RRSC”) and VITAS are appropriate reporting units for testing goodwill impairment. We consider RRC and RRSC separate reporting units but one operating segment. This is appropriate as they each have their own set of general ledger accounts that can be analyzed at “one level below an operating segment” per the definition of a reporting unit in FASB guidance.

We completed our qualitative analysis for impairment of goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1, 2018. Based on our assessment, we do not believe that it is more likely than not that our reporting units or indefinite-lived assets fair values are less than their carrying values.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

If we believe a triggering event may have occurred that indicates a possible impairment of our long-lived assets, we perform an estimate and valuation of the future benefits of our long-lived assets (other than goodwill, the VITAS trade name and capitalized CON costs) based on key financial indicators. If the projected undiscounted cash flows of a major business unit indicate that properties and equipment or identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets have been impaired, a write-down to fair value is made.

OTHER ASSETS

Debt issuance costs are included in other assets. Issuance costs related to revolving credit agreements are amortized using the straight-line method, over the life of the agreement. All other issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the debt. There are no amounts included in other assets that individually exceed 5% of total assets.

SALES TAX

The Roto-Rooter segment collects sales tax from customers when required by state and federal laws. We record the amount of sales tax collected net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation) includes salaries, wages and benefits of service providers and field personnel, material costs, medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, insurance costs, service vehicle costs and other expenses directly related to providing service revenues or generating sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages, stock-based compensation expense and benefits of selling, marketing and administrative employees, advertising expenses, communications and branch telephone expenses, office rent and operating costs, legal, banking and professional fees and other administrative costs. The cost associated with VITAS sales personnel is included in cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation).

ADVERTISING

We expense the production costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. We pay for and expense the cost of internet advertising and placement on a “per click” basis. Similarly, the majority of our telephone directory listings are paid for and expensed on a “cost per call” basis. For those directories that are not on this billing basis, the cost of the directory is expensed when the directories are placed in circulation. Advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $47.0 million (2017 – $40.9 million; 2016 - $37.2 million).

COMPUTATION OF 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 specific areas of financial reporting. 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 year ended December 31, 2018 was to decrease our income tax expense by $22.9 million as the result of excess tax benefits on stock based compensation being recorded on the statements of income. This, combined with the required change in diluted share count, resulted in an increase to basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.42 and $1.27, respectively. The impact of this ASU on our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 was to decrease our income tax expense by $18.9 million as the result of excess tax benefits on stock based compensation being recorded on the statements of income. This, combined with the required change in diluted share count, resulted in an increase to basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.18 and $1.08, respectively.

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

There are no amounts included in other current liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total current liabilities.

OTHER LIABILITIES (NON-CURRENT)

There are no amounts included in other liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total liabilities.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

INSURANCE ACCRUALS

For our Roto-Rooter segment and Corporate Office, we initially self-insure for all casualty insurance claims (workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability). As a result, we closely monitor and frequently evaluate our historical claims experience to estimate the appropriate level of accrual for self-insured claims. Our third-party administrator (“TPA”) processes and reviews claims on a monthly basis. Currently, our exposure on any single claim is capped by stop-loss coverage at $750,000. In developing our estimates, we accumulate historical claims data for the previous 10 years to calculate loss development factors (“LDF”) by insurance coverage type. LDFs are applied to known claims to estimate the ultimate potential liability for known and unknown claims for each open policy year. LDFs are updated annually. Because this methodology relies heavily on historical claims data, the key risk is whether the historical claims are an accurate predictor of future claims exposure. The risk also exists that certain claims have been incurred and not reported on a timely basis. To mitigate these risks, in conjunction with our TPA, we closely monitor claims to ensure timely accumulation of data and compare claims trends with the industry experience of our TPA.

For the VITAS segment, we initially self-insure for workers’ compensation claims. Currently, VITAS’ exposure on any single claim is capped by stop-loss coverage at $1,000,000. For VITAS’ self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, the valuation methods used are similar to those used internally for our other business units. We are also insured for other risks with respect to professional liability with a deductible of $750,000.

Our casualty insurance liabilities are recorded gross before any estimated recovery for amounts exceeding our stop loss limits. Estimated recoveries from insurance carriers are recorded as accounts receivable. Claims experience adjustments to our casualty and workers’ compensation accrual for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, were net pretax debits/(credits) of ($3,437,000), ($1,800,000), and $1,147,000 respectively.

TAXES ON INCOME

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law H.R.1, “An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018” (previously known as “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”) or (the “Act”). The Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. For businesses, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires resulting tax effects for the Act, to be recorded in the reporting period of enactment.

The SEC issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the Act’s impact. Under SAB 118, an entity would use something similar to the measurement period in a business combination, not to exceed one year. For matters that have not been completed, the Company would recognize provisional amounts to the extent that they are reasonably estimable, adjust them over time as more information becomes available, and disclose this information in its financial statements.

Our accounting for all elements of the Tax Act is complete. The Company did not record any material changes to the provisional amounts previously recorded, net benefit recorded in 2017 of $8.3 million. The Company also determined new rules, such as the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) and Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT), have no material impact to the financial statements.

Historically, the Company has not provided for deferred taxes on undistributed earnings because such earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. The Company continues this assertion that foreign earnings are permanently reinvested under the Act.

The Act provides for 100 percent bonus depreciation on personal tangible property expenditures starting September 27, 2017 through 2022. The bonus depreciation percentage is phased down from 100 percent beginning in 2023 through 2026. The Company expects to take full benefit of these bonus depreciation rules.

The IRS and other tax authorities are still issuing guidance on the Act, through various regulations some of which are still proposed and not final. The Company will implement any changes related to finalized regulations and other guidance in the period issued.

Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amount of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized due to insufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward period available under the tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in law and rates on the date of enactment.

We are subject to income taxes in Canada, U.S. federal and most state jurisdictions. Judgement is required to determine our provision for income taxes. Our financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such uncertain positions assuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.

CONTINGENCIES

As discussed in Note 17, we are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of our business. In addition, we periodically receive communications from governmental and regulatory agencies concerning compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements at our VITAS subsidiary. We establish reserves for specific, uninsured liabilities in connection with regulatory and legal action that we deem to be probable and reasonably estimable. We record legal fees associated with legal and regulatory actions as the costs are incurred. We disclose material loss contingencies that are probable but not reasonably estimable and those that are at least reasonably possible.

ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Disclosures of after-tax expenses and adjustments are based on estimates of the effective income tax rates for the applicable segments.

Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

2. Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The standard and subsequent amendments are theoretically intended to develop a common revenue standard for removing inconsistencies and weaknesses, improve comparability, provide for more useful information to users through improved disclosure requirements and simplify the preparation of financial statements. The standard is also referred to as Accounting Standards Codification No. 606 (“ASC 606”). We adopted ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018. The required disclosures of ASC 606 and impact of adoption are discussed below for each of our operating subsidiaries.

VITAS

Service revenue for VITAS is reported at the amount that reflects the ultimate consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing patient care. These amounts are due from third-party payors, primarily commercial health insurers and government programs (Medicare and Medicaid), and includes variable consideration for revenue adjustments due to settlements of audits and reviews, as well as certain hospice-specific revenue capitations. Amounts are generally billed monthly or subsequent to patient discharge. Subsequent changes in the transaction price initially recognized are not significant.

Hospice services are provided on a daily basis and the type of service provided is determined based on a physician’s determination of each patient’s specific needs on that given day. Reimbursement rates for hospice services are on a per diem basis regardless of the type of service provided or the payor. Reimbursement rates from government programs are established by the appropriate governmental agency and are standard across all hospice providers. Reimbursement rates from health insurers are negotiated with each payor and generally structured to closely mirror the Medicare reimbursement model. The types of hospice services provided and associated reimbursement model for each are as follows:

Routine Home Care occurs when a patient receives hospice care in their home, including a nursing home setting. The routine home care rate is paid for each day that a patient is in a hospice program and is not receiving one of the other categories of hospice care. For Medicare patients, the routine home care rate reflects a two-tiered rate, with a higher rate for the first 60 days of a hospice patient’s care and a lower rate for days 61 and after. In addition, there is a Service Intensity Add-on payment which covers direct home care visits conducted by a registered nurse or social worker in the last seven days of a hospice patient’s life, reimbursed up to four hours per day in fifteen minute increments at the continuous home care rate.

General Inpatient Care occurs when a patient requires services in a controlled setting for a short period of time for pain control or symptom management which cannot be managed in other settings. General inpatient care services must be provided in a Medicare or Medicaid certified hospital or long-term care facility or at a freestanding inpatient hospice facility with the required registered nurse staffing.

Continuous Home Care is provided to patients while at home, including a nursing home setting, during periods of crisis when intensive monitoring and care, primarily nursing care, is required in order to achieve palliation or management of acute medical symptoms. Continuous home care requires a minimum of 8 hours of care within a 24-hour day, which begins at midnight. The care must be predominantly nursing care provided by either a registered nurse or licensed nurse practitioner. While the published Medicare continuous home care rates are daily rates, Medicare pays for continuous home care in fifteen minute increments. This fifteen minute rate is calculated by dividing the daily rate by 96.

Respite Care permits a hospice patient to receive services on an inpatient basis for a short period of time in order to provide relief for the patient’s family or other caregivers from the demands of caring for the patient. A hospice can receive payment for respite care for a given patient for up to five consecutive days at a time, after which respite care is reimbursed at the routine home care rate.

Each level of care represents a separate promise under the contract of care and is provided independently for each patient contingent upon the patient’s specific medical needs as determined by a physician. However, the clinical criteria used to determine a patient’s level of care is consistent across all patients, given that, each patient is subject to the same payor rules and regulations. As a result, we have concluded that each level of care is capable of being distinct and is distinct in the context of the contract. Furthermore, we have determined that each level of care represents a stand ready service provided as a series of either days or hours of patient care. We believe that the performance obligations for each level of care meet criteria to be satisfied over time. VITAS recognizes revenue based on the service output. VITAS believes this to be the most faithful depiction of the transfer of control of services as the patient simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance. Revenue is recognized on a daily or hourly basis for each patient in accordance with the reimbursement model for each type of service. VITAS’ performance obligations relate to contracts with an expected duration of less than one year. Therefore, VITAS has elected to apply the optional exception provided in ASC 606 and is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. The unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations referred to above relate to bereavement services provided to patients’ families for at least 12 months after discharge.

Care is provided to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Patients who meet our criteria for charity care are provided care without charge. There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to charity care. The cost of providing charity care during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, was $8.2 million, $7.7 million and $7.0 million, respectively and is included in cost of services provided and goods sold. 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.

Generally, patients who are covered by third-party payors are responsible for related deductibles and coinsurance which vary in amount. VITAS also provides service to patients without a reimbursement source and may offer those patients discounts from standard charges. VITAS estimates the transaction price for patients with deductibles and coinsurance, along with those uninsured patients, based on historical experience and current conditions. The estimate of any contractual adjustments, discounts or implicit price concessions reduces the amount of revenue initially recognized. Subsequent changes to the estimate of the transaction price are recorded as adjustments to patient service revenue in the period of change. Subsequent changes that are determined to be the result of an adverse change in the patients’ ability to pay (i.e. change in credit risk) are recorded as bad debt expense. VITAS has no material adjustments related to subsequent changes in the estimate of the transaction price or subsequent changes as the result of an adverse change in the patient’s ability to pay for any period reported.

Laws and regulations concerning government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, are complex and subject to varying interpretation. Compliance with such laws and regulations may be subject to future government review and interpretation. Additionally, the contracts we have with commercial health insurance payors provide for retroactive audit and review of claims. Settlement with third party payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing patient care. The variable consideration is estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement, existing correspondence from the payor and our historical settlement activity. These estimates are adjusted in future periods, as new information becomes available.

We are subject to certain limitations on Medicare payments for services which are considered variable consideration, as follows:

Inpatient Cap. If the number of inpatient care days any hospice program provides to Medicare beneficiaries exceeds 20% of the total days of hospice care such program provided to all Medicare patients for an annual period beginning September 28, the days in excess of the 20% figure may be reimbursed only at the routine homecare rate. None of VITAS’ hospice programs exceeded the payment limits on inpatient services during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Medicare Cap. We are also subject to a Medicare annual per-beneficiary cap (“Medicare cap”). Compliance with the Medicare cap is measured in one of two ways based on a provider election. The “streamlined” method compares total Medicare payments received under a Medicare provider number with respect to services provided to all Medicare hospice care beneficiaries in the program or programs covered by that Medicare provider number with the product of the per-beneficiary cap amount and the number of Medicare beneficiaries electing hospice care for the first time from that hospice program or programs from September 28 through September 27 of the following year. At December 31, 2018, all our programs except one are using the “streamlined” method.

The “proportional” method compares the total Medicare payments received under a Medicare provider number with respect to services provided to all Medicare hospice care beneficiaries in the program or programs covered by the Medicare provider number between September 28 and September 27 of the following year with the product of the per beneficiary cap amount and a pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries receiving hospice services from that program during the same period. The pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries is calculated based on the ratio of days the beneficiary received hospice services during the measurement period to the total number of days the beneficiary received hospice services.

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 revenues are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary 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 actions, which include changes to the patient mix and increased patient admissions. However, should we project our corrective action will not prevent that program from exceeding its Medicare cap, we estimate revenue recognized during the government fiscal year that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record an adjustment to revenue of an amount equal to a ratable portion of our best estimate for the year.

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 $3.6 million is owed for Medicare cap in three programs arising during the 2013 through 2018 measurement periods. The amounts are automatically deducted from our semi-monthly periodic interim payments (“PIP”). We do not believe that CMS is authorized under the sequestration authority or the statutory methodology for establishing the Medicare cap to the amounts they have withheld and intend to withhold under their current “as if” methodology. We have appealed CMS’s methodology change.

During the years ended December 31, 2018, we recorded $4.1 million in Medicare cap revenue reduction related to two programs’ 2018 measurement period liability and 2 programs’ projected 2019 measurement period liability.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded $ 2.4 million in Medicare cap revenue reduction related to two programs’ projected 2018 measurement period liability and $247,000 for two programs’ cap liability for prior periods.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded $228,000 in Medicare cap revenue reduction related to one programs’ projected 2015 measurement period liability.

For VITAS’ patients in the nursing home setting in which Medicaid pays the nursing home room and board, VITAS serves as a pass-through between Medicaid and the nursing home. We are responsible for paying the nursing home for that patient’s room and board. Medicaid reimburses us for 95% of the amount we have paid. This results in a 5% net expense for VITAS related to nursing home room and board. This transaction creates a performance obligation in that VITAS is facilitating room and board being delivered to our patient. As a result, the 5% net expense is recognized as a contra-revenue account under ASC 606 in the accompanying financial statements.

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):


	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	939,951	$	47,609	$	22,958	$	1,010,518
Continuous care		110,596		6,126		5,776		122,498
Inpatient care		69,354		8,156		5,167		82,677
	$	1,119,901	$	61,891	$	33,901	$	1,215,693

All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								7,831
Subtotal							$	1,223,524
Medicare cap adjustment								(4,123)
Implicit price concessions								(11,785)
Room and board, net								(10,054)
Net revenue							$	1,197,562

Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning, water restoration and other related services to both residential and commercial customers primarily in the United States. Services are provided through a network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees. Service revenue for Roto-Rooter is reported at the amount that reflects the ultimate consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing services.

Roto-Rooter owns and operates branches focusing mainly on large population centers in the United States. Roto-Rooter’s primary lines of business in company-owned branches consist of plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, excavation and water restoration. For purposes of ASC 606 analysis, plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, and excavation have been combined into one portfolio and are referred to as “short-term core services”. Water restoration is analyzed as a separate portfolio. The following describes the key characteristics of these portfolios:

Short-term Core Services are plumbing, drain and sewer cleaning and excavation services. These services are provided to both commercial and residential customers. The duration of services provided in this category range from a few hours to a few days. There are no significant warranty costs or on-going obligations to the customer once a service has been completed. For residential customers, payment is received at the time of job completion before the Roto-Rooter technician leaves the residence. Commercial customers may be granted credit subject to internally designated authority limits and credit check guidelines. If credit is granted, payment terms are 30 days or less.

Each job in this category is a distinct service with a distinct performance obligation to the customer. Revenue is recognized at the completion of each job. Variable consideration consists of pre-invoice discounts and post-invoice discounts. Pre-invoice discounts are given in the form of coupons or price concessions. Post-invoice discounts consist of credit memos generally granted to resolve customer service issues. Variable consideration is estimated based on historical activity and recorded at the time service is completed.

Water Restoration Services involve the remediation of water and humidity after a flood. These services are provided to both commercial and residential customers. The duration of services provided in this category generally ranges from 3 to 5 days. There are no significant warranties or on-going obligations to the customer once service has been completed. The majority of these services are paid by the customer’s insurance company. Variable consideration relates primarily to allowances taken by insurance companies upon payment. Variable consideration is estimated based on historical activity and recorded at the time service is completed.

For both short-term core services and water restoration services, Roto-Rooter satisfies its performance obligation at a point in time. The services provided generally involve fixing plumbing, drainage or flood-related issues at the customer’s property. At the time service is complete, the customer acknowledges its obligation to pay for service and its satisfaction with the service performed. This provides evidence that the customer has accepted the service and Roto-Rooter is now entitled to payment. As such, Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue for these services upon completion of the job and receipt of customer acknowledgement. Roto-Rooter’s performance obligations for short-term core services and water restoration services relate to contracts with an expected duration of less than a year. Therefore, Roto-Rooter has elected to apply the optional exception provided in ASC 606 and is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. Roto-Rooter does not have significant unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations at the time of initial revenue recognition for short-term core or water restoration services.

Roto-Rooter owns the rights to certain territories and contracts with an independent third-party to operate the territory under Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The contract is for a specified term but cancellable by either party without penalty with 90 days advance notice. Under the terms of these arrangements, Roto-Rooter provides certain back office support and advertising along with a limited license to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The independent contractor is responsible for all day-to-day management of the business including staffing decisions and pricing of services provided. All performance obligations of Roto-Rooter cease at the termination of the arrangement.

Independent contractors pay Roto-Rooter a standard fee calculated as a percentage of their weekly labor sales. The primary value for the independent contractors under these arrangements is the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue from independent contractors over-time (weekly) as the independent contractor’s labor sales are completed. Payment from independent contractors is also received on a weekly basis. The use of Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks and advertising provides immediate value to the independent contractor as a result of Roto-Rooter’s nationally recognized brand. Therefore, over-time recognition provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. There is no significant variable consideration related to these arrangements.

Roto-Rooter has licensed the rights to operate under Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks in other territories to franchisees. The contract is for a 10 year term but cancellable by Roto-Rooter for cause with 60 day advance notice without penalty. The franchisee may cancel the contract for any reason with 60 days advance notice without penalty. Under the terms of the contract, Roto-Rooter provides national advertising and consultation on various aspects of operating a Roto-Rooter business along with the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The franchisee is responsible for all day- to-day management of the business including staffing decisions, pricing of services provided and local advertising spend and placement. All performance obligations of Roto-Rooter cease at the termination of the arrangement.

Franchisees pay Roto-Rooter a standard monthly fee based on the population within the franchise territory. The standard fee is revised on a yearly basis based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The primary value for the franchisees under this arrangement is the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue from franchisees over-time (monthly). Payment from franchisees is also received on a monthly basis. The use of Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks and advertising provides immediate value to the franchisees as a result of Roto-Rooter’s nationally recognized brand. Therefore, over-time recognition provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. There is no significant variable consideration related to these arrangements.

The composition of disaggregated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):


Short-term core service jobs	$	421,790
Water restoration		101,784
Contractor revenue		50,093
Franchise fees		6,382
All other		11,958
Subtotal	$	592,007
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(6,921)
Net revenue	$	585,086

Initial Adoption of ASC 606

The Company utilized the modified retrospective method of adoption for all contracts. Except for the changes discussed below, the Company has consistently applied the accounting policies to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Sales tax collected from customers at Roto-Rooter is excluded from revenue under ASC 606 and prior revenue standards.

For VITAS, expenses related to payor audits and reviews, as well as variable consideration estimated for patient deductibles and coinsurance, have been historically estimated as revenue was recognized and classified as bad debt expense, included in the consolidated statements of income as selling, general and administrative expense. Upon adoption of ASC 606, these expenses are classified as contra-revenue. There is no change in the timing of recognition related to the variable consideration. The amount of these expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $11.8 million.

Also for VITAS, the 5% net expense related to Medicaid room and board has been historically recorded on a net basis in cost of services provided in the consolidated income statements. Upon adoption of ASC 606, due to the change in the residual value method required by ASC 606, the expense will be classified as a contra-revenue. The amount of the change in the classification for these expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $10.1 million. There has been no change in the evaluation of Medicaid room and board related to net versus gross presentation.

Related to Roto-Rooter, expenses related to post-invoice variable consideration in our short-term core portfolio, and adjustments made subsequent to initial estimates related to allowances taken by insurance companies for water restoration, have been classified as a contra-revenue account in the statements of income. These amounts were previously classified as bad debt expense in SG&A. The amount of the change in classification for these expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $6.9 million. The initial estimate related to allowances taken by insurance companies for water restoration services has historically been classified as contra-revenue and did not change as a result of the transition.

There was no material impact on the consolidated balance sheets related to the initial adoption. There is no impact to consolidated net income as a result of the initial adoption. As a result of the change in classification in the statements of income, amounts previously included in the provision for uncollectible accounts in the statements of cash flow have been included in the decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable line item in 2018. The total impact of the change from prior revenue guidance (ASC 605) to guidance adopted on January 1, 2018 related to classification in the statements of income is as follows (in thousands):


	Impact for the year ended December 31, 2018
	ASC 605		Adjustment		ASC 606
Service revenue and sales	$	1,811,408	$	(28,760)	$	1,782,648
Cost of services provided and goods sold		1,238,698		(10,054)		1,228,644
Selling, general and administrative expenses		288,915		(18,706)		270,209

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit

3. Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit

On June 20, 2018, we replaced our existing credit agreement with the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“2018 Credit Agreement”). Terms of the 2018 Credit Agreement consist of a five-year, $450 million revolving credit facility and a $150 million expansion feature, which may consist of term loans or additional revolving commitments. The 2018 Credit Agreement has a floating interest rate that is generally LIBOR plus a tiered additional rate which varies based on our current leverage ratio. For December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, the interest rate is LIBOR plus 100 basis points.

The debt outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consists of the following (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2018		2017
Revolver	$	89,200	$	26,200
Term loan		-		75,000
Total		89,200		101,200
Current portion of term loan		-		(10,000)
Long-term debt	$	89,200	$	91,200

Capitalized interest was not material for any of the periods shown. Summarized below are the total amounts of interest paid during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


2018	$	4,178
2017		3,626
2016		3,047

The 2018 Credit Agreement contains the following quarterly financial covenants:


Description	Requirement	Chemed


Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA)	< 3.50 to 1.00	0.41 to 1.00

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated
Fixed Charges)	> 1.50 to 1.00	7.61 to 1.00

We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2018. We have issued $36.4 million in standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2018 for insurance purposes. Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2018 Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2018, we have approximately $324.4 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

4. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

We have three stock incentive plans under which a total of 5.1 million shares were able to be issued to key employees and directors through a grant of stock options, stock awards and/or performance stock units (“PSUs”). The Compensation/Incentive Committee (“CIC”) of the Board of Directors administers these plans.

We grant stock options, stock awards and PSUs to our officers, other key employees and directors to better align their long-term interests with those of our shareholders. We grant stock options at an exercise price equal to the market price of our stock on the date of grant. Options vest ratably annually over a three-year period. Those granted in 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 have a contractual life of 5 years; those granted prior to 2014 have a contractual life of 10 years. Restricted stock awards granted in 2015 vest ratably annually over a three year period. Unrestricted stock awards generally are granted to our non-employee directors annually at the time of our annual meeting. PSUs are contingent upon achievement of multi-year earnings per share (“EPS”) targets or total shareholder return (“TSR”) targets. Upon achievement of targets, PSUs are converted to unrestricted shares of stock.

We recognize the cost of stock options, stock awards and PSUs on a straight-line basis over the service life of the award, generally the vesting period. We include the cost of all stock-based compensation in selling, general and administrative expense.

In May 2018, the CIC granted 2,295 unrestricted shares of stock to the Company’s outside directors.

PERFORMANCE AWARDS

In February 2016, 2017 and 2018, the CIC granted PSUs contingent upon the achievement of certain TSR targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three-year measurement period, at which date the awards may vest. We utilize a Monte Carlo simulation approach in a risk-neutral framework with inputs including historical volatility and the risk-free rate of interest to value these TSR awards. We amortize the total estimated cost over the service period of the award.

In February 2016, 2017 and 2018, the CIC granted PSUs contingent on the achievement of certain EPS targets over the three-year measurement period. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the number of shares of stock we believe will ultimately vest and record that expense over the service period of the award.

Comparative data for the PSUs include:



	2018 Awards	2017 Awards	2016 Awards
TSR Awards
Shares of stock granted	7,523	7,304	9,541
Per-share fair value	$ 341.20	$ 226.95	$ 150.74
Volatility	22.9%	21.8%	26.7%
Risk-free interest rate	2.34%	1.44%	0.89%

EPS Awards
Shares of stock granted	7,523	7,304	9,541
Per-share fair value	$ 256.29	$ 172.60	$ 126.37

Common Assumptions
Service period (years)	2.9	2.9	2.9
Three-year measurement period ends December 31,	2020	2019	2018

The following table summarizes total stock option, stock award and PSU activity during 2018:


	Stock Options						Stock Awards			Performance Units (PSUs)
			Weighted Average			Aggregate			Weighted			Weighted
				Remaining		Intrinsic			Average	Number of		Average
	Number of		Exercise	Contractual		Value	Number of		Grant-Date	Target		Grant-Date
	Options		Price	Life (Years)		(thousands)	Awards		Price	Units		Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2018	1,698,458	$	141.62				9,706	$	121.75	53,732	$	151.09
Granted	246,350		306.70				2,295		333.75	32,255		209.49
Exercised/Vested	(539,104)		112.79				(12,001)		162.29	(37,827)		129.48
Canceled/ Forfeited	(10,670)		153.31				-		-	-		-
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	1,395,034	$	181.82	3.6	$	144,271	-	$	-	48,160	$	207.17

Vested and expected to vest
at December 31, 2018	1,395,034	$	181.82	3.6	$	144,271	-	$	-	83,250	*$	202.10
Exercisable at December 31, 2018	770,385		137.48	3.3		110,291	n.a.		n.a.	n.a.		n.a.
* Amount includes 32,134 share units which vested and were converted to shares of stock and distributed in the first quarter of 2019.

We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. We determine expected term, volatility, and dividend yield and forfeiture rate based on our historical experience. We believe that historical experience is the best indicator of these factors.

Comparative data for stock options, stock awards and PSUs include (in thousands, except per-share amounts):


		Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Total compensation expense of stock-based compensation
plans charged against income	$	19,229	$	16,256	$	13,773
Total income tax benefit recognized in income for stock
based compensation expense charged against income		4,788		5,690		5,062
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised		102,144		50,192		17,635
Total intrinsic value of stock awards vested during the period		4,003		6,983		7,429
Per-share weighted average grant-date fair value of
stock awards granted		333.75		203.52		126.53

The assumptions we used to value stock option grants are as follows:


	2018	2017	2016
Stock price on date of issuance	$306.70	$231.91	$135.85
Grant date fair value per share	$67.16	$46.27	$22.74
Number of options granted	246,350	330,550	505,775
Expected term (years)	4.0	4.0	4.0
Risk free rate of return	2.99%	1.86%	1.09%
Volatility	22.42%	22.80%	21.10%
Dividend yield	0.4%	0.5%	0.8%
Forfeiture rate	-	-	-

Other data for stock options, stock awards and PSUs for 2018 include (dollar amounts in thousands):


		Stock		Stock
		Options		Awards		PSUs

Total unrecognized compensation at the end of the year	$	27,556	$	-	$	5,925
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation to be recognized (years)		2.3		-		1.8
Actual income tax benefit realized	$	24,075	$	944	$	2,086
Aggregate intrinsic value vested and expected to vest	$	144,271	$	-	$	23,363

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (“ESPP”)

The ESPP allows eligible participants to purchase shares of stock through payroll deductions at current market value. We pay administrative and broker fees associated with the ESPP. Shares of stock purchased for the ESPP are purchased on the open market and credited directly to participants’ accounts. In accordance with the FASB’s guidance, the ESPP is non-compensatory.

Segments And Nature Of The Business

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Segments And Nature Of The Business [Abstract]

Segments And Nature Of The Business

5.Segments and Nature of the Business

Our segments include the VITAS segment and the Roto-Rooter segment. Relative contributions of each segment to service revenues and sales were 67% and 33%, respectively, in 2018 and 69% and 31%, respectively, in 2017 and 2016. The vast majority of our service revenues and sales from continuing operations are generated from business within the United States.

The reportable segments have been defined along service lines, which is consistent with the way the businesses are managed. In determining reportable segments, the RRSC and RRC operating units of the Roto-Rooter segment have been aggregated on the basis of possessing similar operating and economic characteristics. The characteristics of these operating segments and the basis for aggregation are reviewed annually.

We report corporate administrative expenses and unallocated investing and financing income and expense not directly related to either segment as “Corporate”. Corporate administrative expense includes the stewardship, accounting and reporting, legal, tax and other costs of operating a publicly held corporation. Corporate investing and financing income and expenses include the costs and income associated with corporate debt and investment arrangements.

Segment data are set forth below (in thousands):


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Revenues by Type of Service
VITAS
Routine homecare	$	1,010,518	$	935,913	$	887,940
Continuous care		122,498		124,557		138,025
General inpatient		82,677		90,472		97,580
Other		7,831		-		-
Subtotal revenue		1,223,524		1,150,942		1,123,545
Room and board, net	$	(10,054)	$	-	$	-
Implicit price concessions		(11,785)		-		.
Medicare cap adjustment		(4,123)		(2,682)		(228)
Total segment		1,197,562		1,148,260		1,123,317
Roto-Rooter
Short-term core service jobs		421,790		373,579		345,638
Water restoration		101,784		82,272		50,229
Contractor revenue		50,093		43,770		40,097
Franchise fees		6,382		6,130		5,090
Other		11,958		12,713		12,510
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(6,921)		-		-
Total segment		585,086		518,464		453,564
Total service revenues and sales	$	1,782,648	$	1,666,724	$	1,576,881
After-tax Segment Earnings/(Loss)
VITAS	$	138,846	$	57,645	$	84,961
Roto-Rooter		98,711		73,299		52,893
Total		237,557		130,944		137,854
Corporate		(32,013)		(32,767)		(29,111)
Net income	$	205,544	$	98,177	$	108,743
Interest Income
VITAS	$	13,412	$	12,044	$	8,294
Roto-Rooter		7,000		5,635		3,653
Total		20,412		17,679		11,947
Intercompany eliminations		(19,741)		(17,252)		(11,564)
Total interest income	$	671	$	427	$	383
Interest Expense
VITAS	$	175	$	188	$	211
Roto-Rooter		319		323		332
Total		494		511		543
Corporate		4,496		3,761		3,172
Total interest expense	$	4,990	$	4,272	$	3,715

Income Tax Provision
VITAS	$	40,847	$	16,436	$	51,910
Roto-Rooter		28,850		32,782		32,719
Total		69,697		49,218		84,629
Corporate		(35,641)		(30,478)		(16,318)
Total income tax provision	$	34,056	$	18,740	$	68,311
Identifiable Assets
VITAS	$	553,949	$	545,304	$	542,142
Roto-Rooter		351,030		294,663		261,641
Total		904,979		839,967		803,783
Corporate		70,550		80,059		76,276
Total identifiable assets	$	975,529	$	920,026	$	880,059


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Additions to Long-Lived Assets
VITAS	$	36,969	$	23,469	$	22,000
Roto-Rooter		68,786		45,386		17,709
Total		105,755		68,855		39,709
Corporate		128		483		63
Total additions to long-lived assets	$	105,883	$	69,338	$	39,772
Depreciation and Amortization
VITAS	$	19,700	$	18,630	$	19,090
Roto-Rooter		19,016		16,790		15,002
Total		38,716		35,420		34,092
Corporate		147		205		546
Total depreciation and amortization	$	38,863	$	35,625	$	34,638

Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

6.Intangible Assets

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, was $399,000, $137,000 and $359,000 respectively. The following is a schedule by year of projected amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets (in thousands):


2019	$	1,628
2020		1,624
2021		1,620
2022		1,611
2023		1,590
Thereafter		8,880

The balance in identifiable intangible assets comprises the following (in thousands):


		Gross		Accumulated		Net Book
		Asset		Amortization		Value
December 31, 2018
Referral networks	$	21,850	$	(21,152)	$	698
Covenants not to compete		9,796		(9,367)		429
Customer lists		2,025		(1,235)		790
Reacquired franchise rights		12,447		(1,529)		10,918
Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles		46,118		(33,283)		12,835
VITAS trade name		51,300		-		51,300
Roto-Rooter trade name		150		-		150
Operating licenses		3,968		-		3,968
Total	$	101,536	$	(33,283)	$	68,253

December 31, 2017
Referral networks	$	21,140	$	(21,140)	$	-
Covenants not to compete		9,519		(9,291)		228
Customer lists		1,217		(1,217)		-
Reacquired franchise rights		1,298		(1,239)		59
Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles		33,174		(32,887)		287
VITAS trade name		51,300		-		51,300
Roto-Rooter trade name		150		-		150
Operating licenses		3,128		-		3,128
Total	$	87,752	$	(32,887)	$	54,865

Business Combinations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combinations

7.Business Combinations

During 2018, we completed four business combinations of former franchisees within the Roto-Rooter segment for $42.2 million in cash to increase our market penetration. The Vitas segment completed one business combination in Florida for $11.0 million to increase our market penetration. The purchase price of these acquisition was allocated as follows (in thousands):


Reacquired franchise rights	$	11,161
All other identifiable intangible assets		2,500
Goodwill		33,828
Other assets and liabilities - net		5,688
	$	53,177

There was no gain or loss as a result of the settlement of the preexisting relationship with the former franchisees at Roto-Rooter. Goodwill, substantially all of which is deductible for tax purposes, was determined based on the residual difference between the fair value of consideration transferred and the value assigned to all tangible and intangible assets. Among factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill for both Roto-Rooter and VITAS were expected synergies associated with combining operations of the acquiree into our existing operating platforms.

During 2017, we completed two business combinations of former franchisees within the Roto-Rooter segment for $4.7 million in cash to increase our market penetration. The purchase price of these acquisition was allocated as follows (in thousands):


Identifiable intangible assets	$	98
Goodwill		4,396
Other assets and liabilities - net		231
	$	4,725

We did not complete any business combinations during 2016.

The unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming purchase business combinations completed in 2018 were completed on January 1, 2017 are presented below (in thousands, except per share data):


	For the Years Ended
	December 31,
	2018		2017
Service revenues and sales	$	1,811,532	$	1,705,747
Net income	$	209,891	$	103,920
Earnings per share	$	13.07	$	6.47
Diluted earnings per share	$	12.49	$	6.21

The pro-forma revenue and net income amounts associated with the acquisitions are based on unaudited historical results of the acquiree. No material pro-forma adjustments were made to the acquiree’s historical results.

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

8.Discontinued Operations

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the accrual for our estimated liability for potential environmental cleanup and related costs arising from the 1991 sale of DuBois amounted to $1.7 million. Of the 2018 balance, $826,000 is included in other current liabilities and $901,000 is included in other liabilities (long-term). The estimated amounts and timing of payments of these liabilities follows (in thousands):


2019	$	826
2020		300
Thereafter		601
	$	1,727

We are contingently liable for additional DuBois-related environmental cleanup and related costs up to a maximum of $14.9 million. On the basis of a continuing evaluation of the potential liability, we believe it is not probable this additional liability will be paid. Accordingly, no provision for this contingent liability has been recorded. The potential liability is not insured, and the recorded liability does not assume the recovery of insurance proceeds. Also, the environmental liability has not been discounted because it is not possible to reliably project the timing of payments. We believe that any adjustments to our recorded liability will not materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents	9. Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents Included in accounts payable are cash overdrafts of $13.8 million and $15.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds directly with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds. The amount invested was less than $100,000 for each balance sheet date presented.

Other Income-Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Other Income-Net [Abstract]

Other Income-Net

10.Other Income -- Net

Other income -- net from continuing operations comprises the following (in thousands):


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017			2016

Interest income	$	671	$	427	$		383
Market value gains related to deferred
compensation trusts		287		8,430			2,061
Other--net		-		(703)			(424)
Total other income	$	958	$	8,154		$	2,020

The market value gain relates to gains on the assets in the deferred compensation trust. There is an offsetting expense in selling, general and administrative expense to reflect the corresponding increase in the liability.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

11.Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes comprises the following (in thousands):


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Current
U.S. federal	$	23,934	$	11,724	$	64,698
U.S. state and local		4,484		4,144		9,927
Foreign		452		465		393
Deferred
U.S. federal, state and local		5,185		2,402		(6,712)
Foreign		1		5		5
Total	$	34,056	$	18,740	$	68,311

A summary of the temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets/ (liabilities) follows (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2018		2017
Accrued liabilities	$	30,702	$	30,419
Stock compensation expense		5,894		6,282
State net operating loss carryforwards		2,422		2,243
Implicit price concessions		1,171		291
Other		626		565
Deferred income tax assets		40,815		39,800
Amortization of intangible assets		(38,346)		(36,882)
Accelerated tax depreciation		(19,685)		(14,057)
Market valuation of investments		(1,068)		(2,277)
State income taxes		(1,261)		(1,722)
Currents assets		(1,861)		(1,255)
Other		(192)		(247)
Deferred income tax liabilities		(62,413)		(56,440)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	(21,598)	$	(16,640)

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, state net operating loss carryforwards were $39.3 million and $36.5 million, respectively. These net operating losses will expire, in varying amounts, between 2024 and 2038. Based on our history of operating earnings, we have determined that our operating income will, more likely than not, be sufficient to ensure realization of our deferred income tax assets.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending of year amount of our unrecognized tax benefit is as follows (in thousands):


		2018		2017		2016
Balance at January 1,	$	1,123	$	1,069	$	1,052
Unrecognized tax benefits due to positions taken in current year		453		268		218
Decrease due to expiration of statute of limitations		(228)		(214)		(201)
Balance at December 31,	$	1,348	$	1,123	$	1,069

We file tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. The years ended December 31, 2015 and forward remain open for review for federal income tax purposes. The earliest open year relating to any of our major state jurisdictions is the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. During the next twelve months, we do not anticipate a material net change in unrecognized tax benefits.

We classify interest related to our accrual for uncertain tax positions in separate interest accounts. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we have approximately $136,000 and $134,000, respectively, accrued in interest payable related to uncertain tax positions. These accruals are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Net interest expense related to uncertain tax positions included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income is not material.

The difference between the actual income tax provision for continuing operations and the income tax provision calculated at the statutory U.S. federal tax rate is explained as follows (in thousands):


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018			2017			2016

Income tax provision calculated using the statutory rate of 21%	$	50,316		$	40,921		$	61,969
Stock compensation tax benefits		(22,862)			(18,932)			-
State and local income taxes, less federal income tax effect		7,150			4,600			6,044
Nondeductible expenses		2,280			1,041			881
Enactment of the tax reform act		-			(8,305)			-
Other--net		(2,828)			(585)			(583)
Income tax provision	$	34,056		$	18,740		$	68,311
Effective tax rate		14.2	%		16.0	%		38.6	%

Summarized below are the total amounts of income taxes paid during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


2018	$	9,749
2017		42,311
2016		60,905

Provision has not been made for additional taxes on $35.1 million of undistributed earnings of our domestic subsidiaries. Should we elect to sell our interest in these businesses rather than to affect a tax-free liquidation, additional taxes amounting to approximately $8.4 million would be incurred based on current income tax rates.

Properties And Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Properties And Equipment [Abstract]

Properties And Equipment

12.Properties and Equipment

A summary of properties and equipment follows (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2018		2017
Land	$	7,964	$	7,108
Buildings and building improvements		96,361		85,570
Transportation equipment		51,559		47,243
Machinery and equipment		111,183		99,234
Computer software		49,928		47,840
Furniture and fixtures		72,898		74,191
Projects under development		20,510		11,882
Total properties and equipment		410,403		373,068
Less accumulated depreciation		(248,370)		(230,034)
Net properties and equipment	$	162,033	$	143,034

The net book value of computer software at December 31, 2018 and 2017, was $6.6 million and $7.3 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for computer software was $5.4 million, $4.4 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively

Lease Arrangements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Lease Arrangements [Abstract]

Lease Arrangements

13.Lease Arrangements

We have operating leases that cover our corporate office headquarters, various warehouse and office facilities, office equipment and transportation equipment. The remaining terms of these leases range from monthly to nine years, and in most cases we expect that these leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of business. We have no significant capital leases as of December 31, 2018 or 2017.

The following is a summary of future minimum rental payments and sublease rentals to be received under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2018 (in thousands):


2019	$	26,791
2020		24,152
2021		19,669
2022		13,851
2023		8,179
Thereafter		10,974
Total minimum rental payments	$	103,616

Total rental expense incurred under operating leases for continuing operations follows (in thousands):


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016

Total rental expense	$	41,685	$	41,210	$	40,034

Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

14. Retirement Plans

Retirement obligations under various plans cover substantially all full-time employees who meet age and/or service eligibility requirements. All plans providing retirement benefits to our employees are defined contribution plans. Expenses for our retirement and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans are as follows (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2018		2017		2016

$	16,502	$	22,025	$	14,467

These expenses include the impact of market gains and losses on assets held in deferred compensation plans.

We have excess benefit plans for key employees whose participation in the qualified plans is limited by U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act requirements. Benefits are determined based on theoretical participation in the qualified plans. Benefits are only invested in mutual funds, and participants are not permitted to diversify accumulated benefits in shares of our capital stock. Trust assets invested in shares of our stock are included in treasury stock, and the corresponding liability is included in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2018, these trusts held 80,584 shares at historical average cost or $2.3 million of our stock (2017 – 83,125 shares or $2.2 million).

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share[Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

15.Earnings Per Share

The computation of earnings per share follows (in thousands, except per share data):


		Net Income
For the Years Ended December 31,		Net Income		Shares	Earnings per Share
2018
	Earnings	$	205,544	16,059	$	12.80
	Dilutive stock options		-	650
	Nonvested stock awards		-	94
	Diluted earnings	$	205,544	16,803	$	12.23

2017
	Earnings	$	98,177	16,057	$	6.11
	Dilutive stock options		-	596
	Nonvested stock awards		-	89
	Diluted earnings	$	98,177	16,742	$	5.86

2016
	Earnings	$	108,743	16,383	$	6.64
	Dilutive stock options		-	296
	Nonvested stock awards		-	110
	Diluted earnings	$	108,743	16,789	$	6.48

During 2018, 246,000 stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price during most of the year. During 2017, 328,000 stock options were also excluded. During 2016, 923,000 stock options were also excluded.

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

16.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.

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2018 (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)

Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	65,624	$	65,624	$	-	$	-
Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt		89,200		-		89,200		-

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 (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)

Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	62,067	$	62,067	$	-	$	-
Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt		101,200		-		101,200		-

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 3, 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.

Legal And Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
Legal And Regulatory Matters	Dec. 31, 2018
Legal And Regulatory Matters [Abstract]
Legal And Regulatory Matters	17.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 The Company and certain current and former directors and officers are defendants in a case captioned In re Chemed Corp. Shareholder Derivative Litigation, No. 13 Civ. 1854 (LPS) (CJB) (D. Del.), which was consolidated on February 2, 2015. 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 (i.e., by 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. On April 25, 2017, Magistrate Judge Burke issued a Report and Recommendation recommending that the Court permit Mr. Kvint to intervene as Lead Plaintiff and grant leave to amend the complaint to replead the duty of loyalty claim only. On May 16, 2017, Chief Judge Stark signed an Order adopting that Report and Recommendation. Plaintiff Kvint filed a Corrected Amended Complaint on May 30, 2017. On September 13, 2017, the Court entered an order dismissing with prejudice the claims against defendants Timothy S. O’Toole and Joel F. Gemunder and permitting Defendants to file a Motion to Dismiss the Corrected Amended Complaint. The matter has been fully briefed and argued. On February 26, 2019, Magistrate Judge Burke issued a Report and Recommendations recommending that Defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint be granted. Any objections to that Report are due March 12, 2019, and any responses thereto are due March 26, 2019. As the Company has previously disclosed, the legal fees and costs associated with defending against this lawsuit are presently being paid by insurance. For additional procedural history of this litigation, please refer to our prior quarterly and annual filings. On October 30, 2017, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) to resolve civil litigation under the False Claims Act brought by the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) on behalf of the OIG and various relators concerning VITAS, filed in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Missouri (the “2013 Action”). The Company denied any violation of law and agreed to settlement without admission of wrongdoing. In connection with the settlement VITAS and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a corporate integrity agreement (“CIA”) on October 30, 2017. The CIA formalizes various aspects of VITAS’ already existing Compliance Program and contains requirements designed to document compliance with federal healthcare program requirements. It has a term of five years during which it imposes monitoring, reporting, certification, oversight, screening and training obligations, certain of which had previously been implemented by VITAS. It also requires VITAS to engage an Independent Review Organization to perform audit and review functions and to prepare reports regarding compliance with federal healthcare programs. In the event of breach of the CIA, VITAS could become liable for payment of stipulated penalties or could be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs. Under the Settlement Agreement, the United States agreed to release the Company, VITAS, and its hospice operation subsidiaries from any civil or administrative monetary liability relating to any patients’ disputed terminal medical prognosis of six months or less; a lack of medical necessity for billed Continuous Home Care, General Inpatient Care, or Respite Care levels of hospice care; or that the claims for those levels of hospice care were not eligible for payment for any other reason. The OIG agreed, conditioned on the Company’s full payment and in consideration of VITAS’ obligations under the CIA, to release its permissive exclusion rights and refrain from instituting any administrative action seeking to exclude the Company, VITAS, and its affiliates from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal healthcare programs in this regard. Under the Settlement Agreement, the Company paid $75 million plus interest, plus certain attorney fees and expenses of qui tam relators. The Company made these payments during the fourth quarter of 2017. The Company previously recorded a $90 million loss reserve ($55.8 million after-tax) related to the Settlement Agreement, and associated costs in the second quarter of 2017. During the fourth quarter of 2017, approximately $5.5 million ($3.4 million after-tax) recorded as part of the $90 million was reversed as relator attorney' fees were less than originally estimated The costs incurred related to U.S. v. VITAS and related regulatory matters, exclusive of the settlement were $5.2 million and $5.3 million for 2017, and 2016 respectively. 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 (“Jordan Seper case”). 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 Complex Division accepted transfer of the case on December 6, 2016 and stayed the case. On December 16, 2016, VITAS CA filed its Answer and served written discovery on Seper. Jiwann 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 period, 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, Jiwan 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 (“Jiwann Chhina case”). On December 1, 2016, VITAS CA filed its Answer and served written discovery on Chhina. On May 19, 2017, Chere Phillips (a Home Health Aide in Sacramento) and Lady Moore (a former Social Worker in Sacramento) filed a lawsuit against VITAS CA in Sacramento County Superior Court, alleging claims for (1) failure to pay all wages due; (2) failure to authorize and permit rest periods; (3) failure to provide off-duty meal periods; (4) failure to furnish accurate wage statements; (5) unreimbursed business expenses; (6) waiting time penalties; (7) violations of unfair competition law; and (8) violation of the Private Attorneys General Act. The case is captioned: Chere Phillips and Lady Moore v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2017-0021-2755. Plaintiffs sought to pursue these claims in the form of a state-wide class action of current and former non-exempt employees employed with VITAS CA in California within the four years preceding the filing of the lawsuit. Plaintiffs served VITAS with the lawsuit on June 5, 2017. VITAS CA timely answered the Complaint generally denying the Plaintiffs’ allegations. The Court has stayed all class discovery in this case pending resolution of mediation in the Jordan Seper and Jiwann Chhina cases. There are currently three other lawsuits against VITAS pending in the superior courts of other California counties that contain claims and class periods that substantially overlap with Phillips’ and Moore’s claims: the Jordan Seper and Jiwann Chhina cases, and Williams v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, filed on May 22, 2017 in Alameda County Superior Court, RG 17853886. Jazzina Williams’ (a Home Health Aide in Sacramento) lawsuit alleges claims for (1) failure to pay all wages due; (2) failure to authorize and permit rest periods; (3) failure to provide off-duty meal periods; (4) failure to furnish accurate wage statements; (5) unreimbursed business expenses; (6) waiting time penalties; and (7) violations of the Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”). Williams seeks to pursue these claims both individually and as a representative action under the PAGA on behalf of current and former California non-exempt employees. Plaintiff served VITAS with the lawsuit on May 31, 2017. VITAS CA timely answered the Complaint generally denying Plaintiff’s allegations. Williams is pursing discovery of her individual claim and has agreed to a stay of class discovery pending possible resolution through ongoing mediation in the Jordan Seper and Jiwann Chhina cases. Defendant filed and served each of Plaintiffs Williams, Phillips, and Moore with a Notice of Related Cases on July 19, 2017. The Jordan Seper and Jiwann Chhina cases have been consolidated in Los Angeles County Superior court; Chhina was dismissed as a separate action and joined with Seper through the filing of an amended complaint in Seper in which Chhina is also identified as a named plaintiff, on August 28, 2018. Alfred Lax (“Lax”), a current employee of Roto-Rooter Services Company (“RRSC”), was hired in the RRSC’s Menlo Park branch in 2007. On November 30, 2018, Lax filed a class action lawsuit in Santa Clara County Superior Court alleging (1) failure to provide or compensate for required rest breaks; (2) failure to properly pay for all hours worked; (3) failure to provide accurate wage statements; (4) failure to reimburse for work-related expenses; and (5) unfair business practices. Lax has stated these claims as a representative of a class defined as all service technicians employed by RRSC in California during the four years preceding the filing of the complaint. He seeks a determination that the action may proceed and be maintained as a class action and for compensatory and statutory damages (premium payments for missed rest periods, uncompensated rest periods, wages for time allegedly not paid such as travel time, repair time, and vehicle maintenance time, and unreimbursed expenses), penalties and restitutions, pre- and post-judgement interest and attorneys’ fees and costs. The lawsuit, Alfred Lax, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Roto-Rooter Services Company, and Does 1 through 50 inclusive; Santa Clara County Superior Court Case Number 18CV338652, was received by RRSC on December 11, 2018 and RRSC timely filed its answer denying the claims. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability of loss or range of loss for any 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, 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	12 Months Ended
Concentration Of Risk	Dec. 31, 2018
Concentration Of Risk [Abstract]
Concentration Of Risk	18. Concentration of Risk During the year VITAS had pharmacy services agreements (“Agreements”) with one service provider to provide specified pharmacy services for VITAS and its hospice patients. VITAS made purchases from this provider of $31.4 million, $32.7 million and $35.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, purchases from this vendor represent approximately 99%, 85% and 90%, respectively of all pharmacy services used by VITAS. VITAS’ accounts payable for pharmacy services was $2.6 million at December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2017, VITAS’ accounts payable for pharmacy services was $2.0 million.

Capital Stock Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Capital Stock Transactions [Abstract]

Capital Stock Transactions

19. Capital Stock Transactions

We repurchased the following capital stock:


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands):	$	158,884	$	94,640	$	102,313
Shares repurchased		561,146		500,000		780,134
Weighted average price per share	$	283.14	$	189.28	$	131.15

In March 2018, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $150.0 million for stock repurchase under the February 2011 repurchase program. We currently have $46.6 million of authorization remaining under this share purchase plan.

Other Operating Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Other Operating Expenses [Abstract]

Other Operating Expenses

20. Other Operating Expenses


		December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Litigation settlement	$	796	$	84,476	$	-
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		504		5,266		-
Program closure expenses		-		1,138		-
Retirement expenses		-		-		4,491
Total other operating expenses	$	1,300	$	90,880	$	4,491

During 2017, the Company recorded $84.5 million related to the Settlement Agreement and a related qui tam case. See footnote 17 for further discussion. The company recorded $5.3 million related to the loss on the sale of transportation equipment. Also during 2017, the Company recorded $1.1 million related to the closure of three Alabama programs at VITAS.

During 2016, the Company recorded early retirement related costs and accelerated stock-based compensation expense of approximately $4.5 million related to the early retirement of VITAS’ former Chief Executive Officer. The costs were calculated in accordance with the terms of this employment agreement.

Recent Accounting Statements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Recent Accounting Statements [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Statements

21. Recent Accounting Statements

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 plan to elect the new transition method approved by the FASB on July 30, 2018, which allows companies to apply the provisions of the new leasing standard as of January 1, 2019, without adjusting comparative periods presented by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We do not expect the cumulative-effect adjustment to be material.

We have contracted with a software vendor for the technology to support compliance with the ASU. We currently have all real estate and equipment leases identified and populated into the software. We are in the process of completing testing of the data in the software for completeness and accuracy. We have implemented controls over the implementation and are also in the process of developing and testing controls once the new standard takes effect.

While we continue to evaluate the effect of the standard on our consolidated financial statements, the adoption of the ASU will result in the recognition of a right of use asset and related liability in the range of approximately $100 million to $120 million. This estimate is developed based partially on our anticipated utilization of the allowable practical expedients, as follows:

We will utilize the “package” of practical expedients related to the ASU’s adoption. As such, we will not re-assess our historical conclusions related to capital versus operating lease classification, the existence of embedded leases in service contracts and indirect initial costs for existing leases.

We will combine the lease and non-lease components of our building/space leases for purposes of calculating our right of use asset and related lease liability. We do not have material non-lease components in our existing equipment leases.

We will not capitalize leases with less than a 12-month expiration without a purchase option that is reasonably certain to be exercised.

While we intend to utilize the practical expedients as outlined above, we continue to analyze their impact and the final conclusions may change upon adoption. Any change to the practical expedients could cause a significant change to the estimated right-of-use asset and associated lease liability. The remaining practical expedients are either not applicable or are not anticipated to have a significant impact. We do not anticipate a material impact to overall net income or cash flows as a result of the adoption of the ASU.

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.

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2018-07 – Compensation – Stock Compensation”. The ASU expands the scope of current guidance to include all share-based payment arrangements related to the acquisition of goods and services from both non-employees and employees. The guidance in the ASU is effective for the Company in all fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Adoption of this standard will have no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2018-15” to provide guidance on implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This ASU aligns the accounting for such costs with the guidance on capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal use software. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts



					SCHEDULE II

CHEMED CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
DR/(CR)

		ADDITIONS
		(CHARGED)
		CREDITED	(CHARGED)
	BALANCE AT	TO COSTS	CREDITED		BALANCE
	BEGINNING	AND	TO OTHER	DEDUCTIONS	AT END
DESCRIPTION	OF PERIOD	EXPENSES	ACCOUNTS	(a)	OF PERIOD
Allowances for doubtful
accounts (b)

For the year 2018	$ (15,175)	$ (247)	$ (1,436)	$ 16,605	$ (253)

For the year 2017	$ (14,236)	$ (17,376)	$ (1,360)	$ 17,797	$ (15,175)

For the year 2016	$ (13,244)	$ (16,420)	$ (1,518)	$ 16,946	$ (14,236)


(a) With respect to allowances for doubtful accounts, deductions include accounts considered uncollectible or
written off, payments, companies divested, etc.

(b) Classified in consolidated balance sheets as a reduction of accounts receivable.

		S-3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature Of Operations

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Principles Of Accounting

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to current presentation.

Cash Equivalents

CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash equivalents comprise short-term, highly liquid investments, including money market funds that have original maturities of three months or less.

Concentration Of Risk

CONCENTRATION OF RISK

Inventories

INVENTORIES

Depreciation And Properties And Equipment

DEPRECIATION AND PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

The weighted average lives of our property and equipment at December 31, 2018, were:


Buildings and building improvements	32.8	yrs.
Transportation equipment	10.5
Machinery and equipment	5.1
Computer software	4.6
Furniture and fixtures	4.8

Goodwill And Intangible Assets

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The table below shows a rollforward of Goodwill (in thousands):


			Roto-
	Vitas		Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	328,301	$	144,065	$	472,366
Business combinations		-		4,396		4,396
Foreign currency adjustments		-		125		125
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	328,301	$	148,586	$	476,887
Business combinations		5,030		28,780		33,810
Foreign currency adjustments		-		(127)		(127)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	333,331	$	177,239	$	510,570


Covenants not to compete	6.5	yrs.
Reacquired franchise rights	7.9
Referral networks	10.0
Customer lists	12.0

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

OTHER ASSETS

SALES TAX

OPERATING EXPENSES

ADVERTISING

Computation Of Earnings Per Share

COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

Other Current Liabilities

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

There are no amounts included in other current liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total current liabilities.

Other Liabilities (Non-Current)

OTHER LIABILITIES (NON-CURRENT)

There are no amounts included in other liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total liabilities.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

INSURANCE ACCRUALS

TAXES ON INCOME

CONTINGENCIES

ESTIMATES

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule Of Weighted Average Lives Of Property And Equipment


Buildings and building improvements	32.8	yrs.
Transportation equipment	10.5
Machinery and equipment	5.1
Computer software	4.6
Furniture and fixtures	4.8

Schedule of movement in Goodwill


			Roto-
	Vitas		Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	328,301	$	144,065	$	472,366
Business combinations		-		4,396		4,396
Foreign currency adjustments		-		125		125
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	328,301	$	148,586	$	476,887
Business combinations		5,030		28,780		33,810
Foreign currency adjustments		-		(127)		(127)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	333,331	$	177,239	$	510,570

Weighted Average Lives Of Identifiable, Definite-Lived Intangible Assets


Covenants not to compete	6.5	yrs.
Reacquired franchise rights	7.9
Referral networks	10.0
Customer lists	12.0

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Schedule Of Patient Care Service Revenue


	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	939,951	$	47,609	$	22,958	$	1,010,518
Continuous care		110,596		6,126		5,776		122,498
Inpatient care		69,354		8,156		5,167		82,677
	$	1,119,901	$	61,891	$	33,901	$	1,215,693

All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								7,831
Subtotal							$	1,223,524
Medicare cap adjustment								(4,123)
Implicit price concessions								(11,785)
Room and board, net								(10,054)
Net revenue							$	1,197,562

Schedule of Disaggregated Revenue


Short-term core service jobs	$	421,790
Water restoration		101,784
Contractor revenue		50,093
Franchise fees		6,382
All other		11,958
Subtotal	$	592,007
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(6,921)
Net revenue	$	585,086

Change to Prior Revenue Guidance Related to Classification in The Statements of Income


	Impact for the year ended December 31, 2018
	ASC 605		Adjustment		ASC 606
Service revenue and sales	$	1,811,408	$	(28,760)	$	1,782,648
Cost of services provided and goods sold		1,238,698		(10,054)		1,228,644
Selling, general and administrative expenses		288,915		(18,706)		270,209

Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]

Debt Outstanding


		December 31,
		2018		2017
Revolver	$	89,200	$	26,200
Term loan		-		75,000
Total		89,200		101,200
Current portion of term loan		-		(10,000)
Long-term debt	$	89,200	$	91,200

Interest Paid During Period


2018	$	4,178
2017		3,626
2016		3,047

Financial Debt Covenants


Description	Requirement	Chemed


Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA)	< 3.50 to 1.00	0.41 to 1.00

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated
Fixed Charges)	> 1.50 to 1.00	7.61 to 1.00

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
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Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
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-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Schedule Of Comparative Date For Performance Stock Units



	2018 Awards	2017 Awards	2016 Awards
TSR Awards
Shares of stock granted	7,523	7,304	9,541
Per-share fair value	$ 341.20	$ 226.95	$ 150.74
Volatility	22.9%	21.8%	26.7%
Risk-free interest rate	2.34%	1.44%	0.89%

EPS Awards
Shares of stock granted	7,523	7,304	9,541
Per-share fair value	$ 256.29	$ 172.60	$ 126.37

Common Assumptions
Service period (years)	2.9	2.9	2.9
Three-year measurement period ends December 31,	2020	2019	2018

Schedule Of Total Stock Option And PSU Award Activity


	Stock Options						Stock Awards			Performance Units (PSUs)
			Weighted Average			Aggregate			Weighted			Weighted
				Remaining		Intrinsic			Average	Number of		Average
	Number of		Exercise	Contractual		Value	Number of		Grant-Date	Target		Grant-Date
	Options		Price	Life (Years)		(thousands)	Awards		Price	Units		Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2018	1,698,458	$	141.62				9,706	$	121.75	53,732	$	151.09
Granted	246,350		306.70				2,295		333.75	32,255		209.49
Exercised/Vested	(539,104)		112.79				(12,001)		162.29	(37,827)		129.48
Canceled/ Forfeited	(10,670)		153.31				-		-	-		-
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	1,395,034	$	181.82	3.6	$	144,271	-	$	-	48,160	$	207.17

Vested and expected to vest
at December 31, 2018	1,395,034	$	181.82	3.6	$	144,271	-	$	-	83,250	*$	202.10
Exercisable at December 31, 2018	770,385		137.48	3.3		110,291	n.a.		n.a.	n.a.		n.a.
* Amount includes 32,134 share units which vested and were converted to shares of stock and distributed in the first quarter of 2019.

Schedule Of Comparative Data For Stocks Option, Stock Awards And PSUs


		Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Total compensation expense of stock-based compensation
plans charged against income	$	19,229	$	16,256	$	13,773
Total income tax benefit recognized in income for stock
based compensation expense charged against income		4,788		5,690		5,062
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised		102,144		50,192		17,635
Total intrinsic value of stock awards vested during the period		4,003		6,983		7,429
Per-share weighted average grant-date fair value of
stock awards granted		333.75		203.52		126.53

Schedule Of Valuation Assumptions


	2018	2017	2016
Stock price on date of issuance	$306.70	$231.91	$135.85
Grant date fair value per share	$67.16	$46.27	$22.74
Number of options granted	246,350	330,550	505,775
Expected term (years)	4.0	4.0	4.0
Risk free rate of return	2.99%	1.86%	1.09%
Volatility	22.42%	22.80%	21.10%
Dividend yield	0.4%	0.5%	0.8%
Forfeiture rate	-	-	-

Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Options, Stock Awards And PSUs


		Stock		Stock
		Options		Awards		PSUs

Total unrecognized compensation at the end of the year	$	27,556	$	-	$	5,925
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation to be recognized (years)		2.3		-		1.8
Actual income tax benefit realized	$	24,075	$	944	$	2,086
Aggregate intrinsic value vested and expected to vest	$	144,271	$	-	$	23,363

Segments And Nature Of The Business (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Segments And Nature Of The Business [Abstract]

Service Revenues And Sales And After-Tax Earnings By Business Segment


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Revenues by Type of Service
VITAS
Routine homecare	$	1,010,518	$	935,913	$	887,940
Continuous care		122,498		124,557		138,025
General inpatient		82,677		90,472		97,580
Other		7,831		-		-
Subtotal revenue		1,223,524		1,150,942		1,123,545
Room and board, net	$	(10,054)	$	-	$	-
Implicit price concessions		(11,785)		-		.
Medicare cap adjustment		(4,123)		(2,682)		(228)
Total segment		1,197,562		1,148,260		1,123,317
Roto-Rooter
Short-term core service jobs		421,790		373,579		345,638
Water restoration		101,784		82,272		50,229
Contractor revenue		50,093		43,770		40,097
Franchise fees		6,382		6,130		5,090
Other		11,958		12,713		12,510
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(6,921)		-		-
Total segment		585,086		518,464		453,564
Total service revenues and sales	$	1,782,648	$	1,666,724	$	1,576,881
After-tax Segment Earnings/(Loss)
VITAS	$	138,846	$	57,645	$	84,961
Roto-Rooter		98,711		73,299		52,893
Total		237,557		130,944		137,854
Corporate		(32,013)		(32,767)		(29,111)
Net income	$	205,544	$	98,177	$	108,743
Interest Income
VITAS	$	13,412	$	12,044	$	8,294
Roto-Rooter		7,000		5,635		3,653
Total		20,412		17,679		11,947
Intercompany eliminations		(19,741)		(17,252)		(11,564)
Total interest income	$	671	$	427	$	383
Interest Expense
VITAS	$	175	$	188	$	211
Roto-Rooter		319		323		332
Total		494		511		543
Corporate		4,496		3,761		3,172
Total interest expense	$	4,990	$	4,272	$	3,715

Income Tax Provision
VITAS	$	40,847	$	16,436	$	51,910
Roto-Rooter		28,850		32,782		32,719
Total		69,697		49,218		84,629
Corporate		(35,641)		(30,478)		(16,318)
Total income tax provision	$	34,056	$	18,740	$	68,311
Identifiable Assets
VITAS	$	553,949	$	545,304	$	542,142
Roto-Rooter		351,030		294,663		261,641
Total		904,979		839,967		803,783
Corporate		70,550		80,059		76,276
Total identifiable assets	$	975,529	$	920,026	$	880,059


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Additions to Long-Lived Assets
VITAS	$	36,969	$	23,469	$	22,000
Roto-Rooter		68,786		45,386		17,709
Total		105,755		68,855		39,709
Corporate		128		483		63
Total additions to long-lived assets	$	105,883	$	69,338	$	39,772
Depreciation and Amortization
VITAS	$	19,700	$	18,630	$	19,090
Roto-Rooter		19,016		16,790		15,002
Total		38,716		35,420		34,092
Corporate		147		205		546
Total depreciation and amortization	$	38,863	$	35,625	$	34,638

Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule By Year Of Projected Amortization Expense For Definite-Lived Intangible Assets


2019	$	1,628
2020		1,624
2021		1,620
2022		1,611
2023		1,590
Thereafter		8,880

Schedule Of Intangible Assets


		Gross		Accumulated		Net Book
		Asset		Amortization		Value
December 31, 2018
Referral networks	$	21,850	$	(21,152)	$	698
Covenants not to compete		9,796		(9,367)		429
Customer lists		2,025		(1,235)		790
Reacquired franchise rights		12,447		(1,529)		10,918
Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles		46,118		(33,283)		12,835
VITAS trade name		51,300		-		51,300
Roto-Rooter trade name		150		-		150
Operating licenses		3,968		-		3,968
Total	$	101,536	$	(33,283)	$	68,253

December 31, 2017
Referral networks	$	21,140	$	(21,140)	$	-
Covenants not to compete		9,519		(9,291)		228
Customer lists		1,217		(1,217)		-
Reacquired franchise rights		1,298		(1,239)		59
Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles		33,174		(32,887)		287
VITAS trade name		51,300		-		51,300
Roto-Rooter trade name		150		-		150
Operating licenses		3,128		-		3,128
Total	$	87,752	$	(32,887)	$	54,865

Business Combinations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule Of Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Of Operations


	For the Years Ended
	December 31,
	2018		2017
Service revenues and sales	$	1,811,532	$	1,705,747
Net income	$	209,891	$	103,920
Earnings per share	$	13.07	$	6.47
Diluted earnings per share	$	12.49	$	6.21

Roto-Rooter And Vitas [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule Of Business Acquisitions


Reacquired franchise rights	$	11,161
All other identifiable intangible assets		2,500
Goodwill		33,828
Other assets and liabilities - net		5,688
	$	53,177

Roto-Rooter [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule Of Business Acquisitions


Identifiable intangible assets	$	98
Goodwill		4,396
Other assets and liabilities - net		231
	$	4,725

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Schedule Of Estimated Timing Of Payments Of Liabilities


2019	$	826
2020		300
Thereafter		601
	$	1,727

Other Income-Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Other Income-Net [Abstract]

Schedule Of Other Income -Net


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017			2016

Interest income	$	671	$	427	$		383
Market value gains related to deferred
compensation trusts		287		8,430			2,061
Other--net		-		(703)			(424)
Total other income	$	958	$	8,154		$	2,020

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Current
U.S. federal	$	23,934	$	11,724	$	64,698
U.S. state and local		4,484		4,144		9,927
Foreign		452		465		393
Deferred
U.S. federal, state and local		5,185		2,402		(6,712)
Foreign		1		5		5
Total	$	34,056	$	18,740	$	68,311

Schedule Of Temporary Differences That Give Rise To Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)


		December 31,
		2018		2017
Accrued liabilities	$	30,702	$	30,419
Stock compensation expense		5,894		6,282
State net operating loss carryforwards		2,422		2,243
Implicit price concessions		1,171		291
Other		626		565
Deferred income tax assets		40,815		39,800
Amortization of intangible assets		(38,346)		(36,882)
Accelerated tax depreciation		(19,685)		(14,057)
Market valuation of investments		(1,068)		(2,277)
State income taxes		(1,261)		(1,722)
Currents assets		(1,861)		(1,255)
Other		(192)		(247)
Deferred income tax liabilities		(62,413)		(56,440)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	(21,598)	$	(16,640)

Schedule Of Significant Changes To Unrecognized Tax Benefits


		2018		2017		2016
Balance at January 1,	$	1,123	$	1,069	$	1,052
Unrecognized tax benefits due to positions taken in current year		453		268		218
Decrease due to expiration of statute of limitations		(228)		(214)		(201)
Balance at December 31,	$	1,348	$	1,123	$	1,069

Schedule Of Difference Between Actual Income Tax Provision For Continuing Operations And Income Tax Provision Calculated At Statutory U.S. Federal Tax Rate


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018			2017			2016

Income tax provision calculated using the statutory rate of 21%	$	50,316		$	40,921		$	61,969
Stock compensation tax benefits		(22,862)			(18,932)			-
State and local income taxes, less federal income tax effect		7,150			4,600			6,044
Nondeductible expenses		2,280			1,041			881
Enactment of the tax reform act		-			(8,305)			-
Other--net		(2,828)			(585)			(583)
Income tax provision	$	34,056		$	18,740		$	68,311
Effective tax rate		14.2	%		16.0	%		38.6	%

Schedule Of Income Taxes Paid


2018	$	9,749
2017		42,311
2016		60,905

Properties And Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Properties And Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Properties and Equipment


		December 31,
		2018		2017
Land	$	7,964	$	7,108
Buildings and building improvements		96,361		85,570
Transportation equipment		51,559		47,243
Machinery and equipment		111,183		99,234
Computer software		49,928		47,840
Furniture and fixtures		72,898		74,191
Projects under development		20,510		11,882
Total properties and equipment		410,403		373,068
Less accumulated depreciation		(248,370)		(230,034)
Net properties and equipment	$	162,033	$	143,034

Lease Arrangements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Lease Arrangements [Abstract]

Summary Of Future Minimum Rental Payments And Sublease Rentals To Be Received Under Operating Leases


2019	$	26,791
2020		24,152
2021		19,669
2022		13,851
2023		8,179
Thereafter		10,974
Total minimum rental payments	$	103,616

Schedule Of Total Rental Expense Incurred Under Operating Leases For Continuing Operations


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016

Total rental expense	$	41,685	$	41,210	$	40,034

Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2018		2017		2016

$	16,502	$	22,025	$	14,467

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share[Abstract]

Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share


		Net Income
For the Years Ended December 31,		Net Income		Shares	Earnings per Share
2018
	Earnings	$	205,544	16,059	$	12.80
	Dilutive stock options		-	650
	Nonvested stock awards		-	94
	Diluted earnings	$	205,544	16,803	$	12.23

2017
	Earnings	$	98,177	16,057	$	6.11
	Dilutive stock options		-	596
	Nonvested stock awards		-	89
	Diluted earnings	$	98,177	16,742	$	5.86

2016
	Earnings	$	108,743	16,383	$	6.64
	Dilutive stock options		-	296
	Nonvested stock awards		-	110
	Diluted earnings	$	108,743	16,789	$	6.48

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

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 December 31, 2018 (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)

Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	65,624	$	65,624	$	-	$	-
Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt		89,200		-		89,200		-

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 (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)

Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$	62,067	$	62,067	$	-	$	-
Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt		101,200		-		101,200		-

Capital Stock Transactions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Capital Stock Transactions [Abstract]

Schedule Of Capital Stock Repurchases


		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands):	$	158,884	$	94,640	$	102,313
Shares repurchased		561,146		500,000		780,134
Weighted average price per share	$	283.14	$	189.28	$	131.15

Other Operating Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Other Operating Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule Of Other Operating Expenses


		December 31,
		2018		2017		2016
Litigation settlement	$	796	$	84,476	$	-
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		504		5,266		-
Program closure expenses		-		1,138		-
Retirement expenses		-		-		4,491
Total other operating expenses	$	1,300	$	90,880	$	4,491

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) entity item $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries \| entity	2
Advertising expense in continuing operations	$ 47,000,000	$ 40,900,000	$ 37,200,000
Decrease income taxes	$ 34,056,000	$ 18,740,000	$ 68,311,000
Increase to basic earnings per share \| $ / shares	$ 12.80	$ 6.11	$ 6.64
Increase to diluted earnings per share \| $ / shares	$ 12.23	$ 5.86	$ 6.48
Adjustments to casualty and workers compensation accrual, net pretax debits/(credits)	$ (3,437,000)	$ (1,800,000)	$ 1,147,000
Historical claims data, period of time	10 years
Net tax benefit		$ (8,305,000)
The Act [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Bonus depreciation on personal tangible property expenditures, percentage	100.00%
Total Assets [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	5.00%
Total Current Liabilities [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	5.00%
Total Liabilities [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	5.00%
Puchases From Vendor [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	99.00%	85.00%	90.00%
Roto Rooter And Corporate Office [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Exposure on single claim	$ 750,000
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments \| item	1
Percent of population serviced	90.00%
Decrease income taxes	$ 28,850,000	$ 32,782,000	$ 32,719,000
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Sales Revenue [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	33.00%	31.00%	31.00%
VITAS [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Decrease income taxes	$ 40,847,000	$ 16,436,000	$ 51,910,000
Exposure on single claim	1,000,000
Professional liability and other risks, insurance deductible	$ 750,000
VITAS [Member] \| Sales Revenue [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	67.00%	69.00%	69.00%
Medicare [Member] \| Accounts Receivable [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	68.00%	59.00%
Medicaid [Member] \| Accounts Receivable [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	26.00%	32.00%
Medicare And Medicaid [Member] \| Accounts Receivable [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	75.00%
ASU No. 2016-09 [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Decrease income taxes	$ 22,900,000	$ 18,900,000
Increase to basic earnings per share \| $ / shares	$ 1.42	$ 1.18
Increase to diluted earnings per share \| $ / shares	$ 1.27	$ 1.08

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Weighted Average Lives Of Property And Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Building And Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	32 years 9 months 18 days
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	10 years 6 months
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	5 years 1 month 6 days
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	4 years 7 months 6 days
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of property and equipment	4 years 9 months 18 days

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of movement in Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 476,887	$ 472,366
Business combinations	33,810	4,396
Foreign currency adjustments	(127)	125
Ending balance	510,570	476,887
VITAS [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	328,301	328,301
Business combinations	5,030
Foreign currency adjustments
Ending balance	333,331	328,301
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	148,586	144,065
Business combinations	28,780	4,396
Foreign currency adjustments	(127)	125
Ending balance	$ 177,239	$ 148,586

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Weighted Average Lives Of Identifiable, Definite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Covenants Not To Compete [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets	6 years 6 months
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets	7 years 10 months 24 days
Referral Networks [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets	10 years
Customer Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average lives of identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets	12 years

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Reclassification of expenses in SG&A	$ 270,209	$ 276,652	$ 243,572
Reclassification of expenses in Cost of services provided and goods sold	$ 1,228,644	1,150,532	1,115,431
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Credit payment terms	30 days
Duration of advance notice of cancellation without penalty for both parties	90 days
Term of contract	10 years
Duration of advance notice of cancelation without penatly	60 days
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Adoption of ASC 606 [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Reclassification of expenses in SG&A	$ 6,900
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Duration of services provided	5 days
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Duration of services provided	3 days
VITAS [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Period of tier one care rate	60 days
Period of tier two care rate	61 days
Period of services provided after discharge	12 months
Period of service intensity add-on payment	7 days
Reimbursement period per day	4 hours
Reimbursement increments	15 minutes
Minimum amount of care per 24-hr period	8 hours
Charity care cost	$ 8,200	7,700	7,000
Percentage of automatic budget reductions				2.00%
Additional Amount Owed For Medicar Cap				$ 3,600
Percentage of medicaid reimbursement	95.00%
Percentage of expenses	5.00%
VITAS [Member] \| Adoption of ASC 606 [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Percentage of expenses	5.00%
Reclassification of expenses in SG&A	$ 11,800
Reclassification of expenses in Cost of services provided and goods sold	10,100
VITAS [Member] \| Two Program Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Medicare cap adjustment	$ 4,100	$ 2,400	247
VITAS [Member] \| One Program Projected Measurment Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Medicare cap adjustment			$ 228

Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Patient Care Service Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	$ 1,223,524
Room and board, net	(1,228,644)	$ (1,150,532)	$ (1,115,431)
Net revenue	1,197,562
All Other Revenue- Self-pay, Respite Care, Etc. [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	7,831
Medicare Cap [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Medicare cap adjustment	(4,123)
Implicit Price Concessions [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Implicit price concessions	(11,785)
Room And Board [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Room and board, net	(10,054)
VITAS [Member] \| Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	1,010,518
VITAS [Member] \| Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	122,498
VITAS [Member] \| Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	82,677
VITAS [Member] \| Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	1,215,693
VITAS [Member] \| Medicare [Member] \| Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	939,951
VITAS [Member] \| Medicare [Member] \| Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	110,596
VITAS [Member] \| Medicare [Member] \| Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	69,354
VITAS [Member] \| Medicare [Member] \| Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	1,119,901
VITAS [Member] \| Medicaid [Member] \| Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	47,609
VITAS [Member] \| Medicaid [Member] \| Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	6,126
VITAS [Member] \| Medicaid [Member] \| Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	8,156
VITAS [Member] \| Medicaid [Member] \| Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	61,891
VITAS [Member] \| Commercial [Member] \| Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	22,958
VITAS [Member] \| Commercial [Member] \| Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	5,776
VITAS [Member] \| Commercial [Member] \| Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	5,167
VITAS [Member] \| Commercial [Member] \| Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	$ 33,901

Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Disaggregated Revenue) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Disaggregated revenue	$ 1,223,524
Net revenue	1,197,562
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Disaggregated revenue	592,007
Net revenue	585,086
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Short-Term Core Service Jobs [Member]
Disaggregated revenue	421,790
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Water Restoration [Member]
Disaggregated revenue	101,784
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Contractor Revenue [Member]
Disaggregated revenue	50,093
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Franchise Fees [Member]
Disaggregated revenue	6,382
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Other [Member]
Disaggregated revenue	11,958
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Implicit Price Concessions And Credit Memos [Member]
Disaggregated revenue	$ (6,921)

Revenue Recognition (Change to Prior Revenue Guidance Related to Classification in The Statements of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Service revenue and sales	$ 1,782,648	$ 1,666,724	$ 1,576,881
Cost of services provided and goods sold	1,228,644	1,150,532	1,115,431
Selling, general and administrative expenses	270,209	$ 276,652	$ 243,572
ASC 605 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Service revenue and sales	1,811,408
Cost of services provided and goods sold	1,238,698
Selling, general and administrative expenses	288,915
Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Service revenue and sales	(28,760)
Cost of services provided and goods sold	(10,054)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(18,706)
ASC 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Service revenue and sales	1,782,648
Cost of services provided and goods sold	1,228,644
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 270,209

Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Narrative) (Details) - 2018 Credit Agreement [Member] - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 20, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility period, years	5 years
Standby letters of credit issued		$ 36,400,000
LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		1.00%	1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 450,000,000
Unused lines of credit		$ 324,400,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 150,000,000

Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Debt Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 89,200	$ 101,200
Current portion of term loan		(10,000)
Long-term debt	89,200	91,200
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 89,200	26,200
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total		$ 75,000

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit (Interest Paid During Period) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 4,178	$ 3,626	$ 3,047

Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Financial Debt Covenants) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	1.00
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Chemed	0.41
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1.00
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Chemed	1.00
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	3.50
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Chemed	1.00
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1.50
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Chemed	7.61

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details)	May 31, 2018 shares	Dec. 31, 2018 item shares	Dec. 31, 2017 shares	Dec. 31, 2016 shares	Mar. 31, 2019 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock incentive plans \| item		3
Number of shares authorized		5,100,000
Options granted		246,350	330,550	505,775
Perfromance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Perfromance Stock Units [Member] \| Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested share units that will be converted					32,134
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Shares contractual life		5 years
Stock Options [Member] \| Prior to Year 2014 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares contractual life		10 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Outside Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted	2,295

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule of Comparative Date for Performance Stock Units) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Per-share fair value	$ 333.75	$ 203.52	$ 126.53
Volatility	22.42%	22.80%	21.10%
Risk-free interest rate	2.99%	1.86%	1.09%
Service period (years)	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days
Three-year measurement period ends December 31,	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of stock granted	7,523	7,304	9,541
Per-share fair value	$ 341.20	$ 226.95	$ 150.74
Volatility	22.90%	21.80%	26.70%
Risk-free interest rate	2.34%	1.44%	0.89%
Performance Based EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of stock granted	7,523	7,304	9,541
Per-share fair value	$ 256.29	$ 172.60	$ 126.37

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Total Stock Option And PSU Award Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Outstanding at January 1, 2018	1,698,458
Number of Options, Granted	246,350	330,550	505,775
Number of Options, Exercised/Vested	(539,104)
Number of Options, Canceled/Forfeited	(10,670)
Number of Options, Outstanding at December 31, 2018	1,395,034	1,698,458
Number of Options, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018	1,395,034
Number of Options, Exercisable at December 31, 2018	770,385
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2018	$ 141.62
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	306.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised/Vested	112.79
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled/Forfeited	153.31
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2018	181.82	$ 141.62
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018	181.82
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at December 31, 2018	$ 137.48
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Outstanding at December 31, 2018	3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018	3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable at December 31, 2018	3 years 3 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2018	$ 144,271
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and dxpected to vest at December 31, 2018	144,271
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2018	$ 110,291
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Granted	$ 333.75	$ 203.52	$ 126.53
Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Awards, Outstanding at January 1, 2018	9,706
Number of Awards, Granted	2,295
Number of Awards, Exercised/Vested	(12,001)
Number of Awards, Canceled/ Forfeited
Number of Awards, Outstanding at December 31, 2018		9,706
Number of Awards, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2018	$ 121.75
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Granted	333.75
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Exercised/Vested	162.29
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Canceled/Forfeited
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2018		$ 121.75
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018
Perfromance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Outstanding at January 1, 2018	53,732
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Granted	32,255
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Exercised/Vested	(37,827)
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Canceled/Forfeited
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Outstanding at December 31, 2018	48,160	53,732
Number of Nonvested Target Units, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018	83,250
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2018	$ 151.09
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Granted	209.49
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Exercised/Vested	129.48
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Canceled/Forfeited
Weighted Average Grant-Date Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2018	207.17	$ 151.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2018	$ 202.10

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Comparative Data For Stocks Option, Stock Awards And PSUs) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Total compensation expense of stock-based compensation plans charged against income	$ 19,229	$ 16,256	$ 13,773
Total income tax benefit recognized in income for stock based compensation expense charged against income	4,788	5,690	5,062
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	102,144	50,192	17,635
Total intrinsic value of stock awards vested during the period	$ 4,003	$ 6,983	$ 7,429
Per-share weighted average grant-date fair value of stock awards granted	$ 333.75	$ 203.52	$ 126.53

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Valuation Assumptions) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock price on date of issuance	$ 306.70	$ 231.91	$ 135.85
Grant date fair value per share	$ 67.16	$ 46.27	$ 22.74
Number of options granted	246,350	330,550	505,775
Expected term (years)	4 years	4 years	4 years
Risk free rate of return	2.99%	1.86%	1.09%
Volatility	22.42%	22.80%	21.10%
Dividend yield	0.40%	0.50%	0.80%
Forfeiture rate

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Other Data For Stock Options, Stock Awards And PSUs) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation at the end of the year	$ 27,556
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation to be recognized (years)	2 years 3 months 18 days
Actual income tax benefit realized	$ 24,075
Aggregate intrinsic value vested and expected to vest	144,271
Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation at the end of the year
Actual income tax benefit realized	944
Aggregate intrinsic value vested and expected to vest
Perfromance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation at the end of the year	$ 5,925
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation to be recognized (years)	1 year 9 months 18 days
Actual income tax benefit realized	$ 2,086
Aggregate intrinsic value vested and expected to vest	$ 23,363

Segments And Nature Of The Business (Service Revenues And Sales And After-Tax Earnings By Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	$ 1,782,648	$ 1,666,724	$ 1,576,881
Net income	205,544	98,177	108,743
Total interest income	671	427	383
Total interest expense	4,990	4,272	3,715
Total income tax provision	34,056	18,740	68,311
Total identifiable assets	975,529	920,026	880,059
Total additions to long-lived assets	105,883	69,338	39,772
Total depreciation and amortization	38,863	35,625	34,638
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	237,557	130,944	137,854
Total interest income	20,412	17,679	11,947
Total interest expense	494	511	543
Total income tax provision	69,697	49,218	84,629
Total identifiable assets	904,979	839,967	803,783
Total additions to long-lived assets	105,755	68,855	39,709
Total depreciation and amortization	38,716	35,420	34,092
Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total interest income	(19,741)	(17,252)	(11,564)
VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	1,197,562	1,148,260	1,123,317
Net income	138,846	57,645	84,961
Total interest income	13,412	12,044	8,294
Total interest expense	175	188	211
Total income tax provision	40,847	16,436	51,910
Total identifiable assets	553,949	545,304	542,142
Total additions to long-lived assets	36,969	23,469	22,000
Total depreciation and amortization	19,700	18,630	19,090
VITAS [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	1,223,524	1,150,942	1,123,545
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	585,086	518,464	453,564
Net income	98,711	73,299	52,893
Total interest income	7,000	5,635	3,653
Total interest expense	319	323	332
Total income tax provision	28,850	32,782	32,719
Total identifiable assets	351,030	294,663	261,641
Total additions to long-lived assets	68,786	45,386	17,709
Total depreciation and amortization	19,016	16,790	15,002
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	(32,013)	(32,767)	(29,111)
Total interest expense	4,496	3,761	3,172
Total income tax provision	(35,641)	(30,478)	(16,318)
Total identifiable assets	70,550	80,059	76,276
Total additions to long-lived assets	128	483	63
Total depreciation and amortization	147	205	546
Routine Homecare [Member] \| VITAS [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	1,010,518	935,913	887,940
Continuous Care [Member] \| VITAS [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	122,498	124,557	138,025
General Inpatient [Member] \| VITAS [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	82,677	90,472	97,580
Other [Member] \| VITAS [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	7,831
Room And Board [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	(10,054)
Implicit Price Concessions [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	(11,785)
Medicare Cap [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	(4,123)	(2,682)	(228)
Short-Term Core Service Jobs [Member] \| Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	421,790	373,579	345,638
Water Restoration [Member] \| Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	101,784	82,272	50,229
Contractor Revenue [Member] \| Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	50,093	43,770	40,097
Franchise Fees [Member] \| Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	6,382	6,130	5,090
Other [Member] \| Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	11,958	$ 12,713	$ 12,510
Implicit Price Concessions And Credit Memos [Member] \| Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total service revenues and sales	$ (6,921)
Sales Revenue [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	67.00%	69.00%	69.00%
Sales Revenue [Member] \| Roto-Rooter [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	33.00%	31.00%	31.00%

Intangible Assets (Schedule By Year Of Projected Amortization Expense For Definite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
2019	$ 1,628
2020	1,624
2021	1,620
2022	1,611
2023	1,590
Thereafter	8,880
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	$ 399	$ 137	$ 359

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	$ 46,118	$ 33,174
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(33,283)	(32,887)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	12,835	287
Intangible assets, Gross Asset	101,536	87,752
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	68,253	54,865
VITAS Trade Name [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Asset	51,300	51,300
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	51,300	51,300
Roto-Rooter Trade Name [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Asset	150	150
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	150	150
Operating Licenses [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Asset	3,968	3,128
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	3,968	3,128
Referral Networks [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	21,850	21,140
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(21,152)	(21,140)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	698
Covenants Not To Compete [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	9,796	9,519
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(9,367)	(9,291)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	429	228
Customer Lists [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	2,025	1,217
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(1,235)	(1,217)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	790
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Definite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	12,447	1,298
Accumulated Amortization, Subtotal- definite-lived intangibles	(1,529)	(1,239)
Net Book Value, Subtotal - definite-lived intangibles	$ 10,918	$ 59

Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) item
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combinations	$ 53,177	$ 4,725
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired \| item	4	2
Business combinations	$ 42,200	$ 4,700
VITAS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired \| item	1
Business combinations	$ 11,000

Business Combinations (Schedule Of Business Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 510,570	$ 476,887	$ 472,366
Roto-Rooter And Vitas [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reacquired franchise rights	11,161
All other identifiable intangible assets	2,500
Goodwill	33,828
Other assets and liabilities - net	5,688
Assets total	53,177
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
All other identifiable intangible assets	98
Goodwill	4,396
Other assets and liabilities - net	231
Assets total	$ 4,725

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) - DuBois [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Estimated liability for potential environmental cleanup and related costs from the sale	$ 1,700	$ 1,700
Discontinued operations, amount included in other current liabilities	826
Discontinued operations, amount included in other liabilities (long-term)	901
Maximum [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Contingent liability for incurring additional environmental cleanup and related costs	$ 14,900

Discontinued Operations (Schedule Of Estimated Timing Of Payments Of Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
2019	$ 826
2020	300
Thereafter	601
Total estimated timing of payments of liabilities related to discontinued operations	$ 1,727

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash overdrafts included in accounts payable	$ 13,800	$ 15,300
Amount invested	$ 100	$ 100

Other Income-Net (Schedule Of Other Income--Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income-Net [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 671	$ 427	$ 383
Market value gains related to deferred compensation trusts	287	8,430	2,061
Other--net		(703)	(424)
Total other income	$ 958	$ 8,154	$ 2,020

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 39,300	$ 36,500
Accrued interest payable related to uncertain tax positions	136	$ 134
Undistributed earnings of domestic subsidiaries	35,100
Additional taxes if interest in all businesses is sold rather than to effect a tax-free liquidation	$ 8,400
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating losses expiration date	Jan. 01, 2038
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating losses expiration date	Jan. 01, 2024

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current, U.S. federal	$ 23,934	$ 11,724	$ 64,698
Current, U.S. state and local	4,484	4,144	9,927
Current, Foreign	452	465	393
Deferred, U.S. federal, state and local	5,185	2,402	(6,712)
Deferred, Foreign	1	5	5
Total income tax provision	$ 34,056	$ 18,740	$ 68,311

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Temporary Differences That Give Rise To Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities	$ 30,702	$ 30,419
Stock compensation expense	5,894	6,282
State net operating loss carryforwards	2,422	2,243
Implicit price concessions	1,171	291
Other	626	565
Deferred income tax assets	40,815	39,800
Amortization of intangible assets	(38,346)	(36,882)
Accelerated tax depreciation	(19,685)	(14,057)
Market valuation of investments	(1,068)	(2,277)
State income taxes	(1,261)	(1,722)
Current assets	(1,861)	(1,255)
Other	(192)	(247)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(62,413)	(56,440)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$ (21,598)	$ (16,640)

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Significant Changes To Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Balance at January 1,	$ 1,123	$ 1,069	$ 1,052
Unrecognized tax benefits due to positions taken in current year	453	268	218
Decrease due to expiration of statute of limitations	(228)	(214)	(201)
Balance at December 31,	$ 1,348	$ 1,123	$ 1,069

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Difference Between Actual Income Tax Provision For Continuing Operations And Income Tax Provision Calculated At Statutory U.S. Federal Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax provision calculated using the statutory rate of 21%	$ 50,316	$ 40,921	$ 61,969
Stock compensation tax benefits	(22,862)	(18,932)
State and local income taxes, less federal income tax effect	7,150	4,600	6,044
Nondeductible expenses	2,280	1,041	881
Enactment of the tax reform act		(8,305)
Other --net	(2,828)	(585)	(583)
Total income tax provision	$ 34,056	$ 18,740	$ 68,311
Effective tax rate	14.20%	16.00%	38.60%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Taxes Paid) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income taxes paid	$ 9,749	$ 42,311	$ 60,905

Properties And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Properties And Equipment [Abstract]
Net book value of computer software	$ 6.6	$ 7.3
Depreciation expense for computer software	$ 5.4	$ 4.4	$ 4.0

Properties And Equipment (Schedule Of Properties And Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	$ 410,403	$ 373,068
Less accumulated depreciation	(248,370)	(230,034)
Net properties and equipment	162,033	143,034
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	7,964	7,108
Buildings and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	96,361	85,570
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	51,559	47,243
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	111,183	99,234
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	49,928	47,840
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	72,898	74,191
Projects Under Development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total properties and equipment	$ 20,510	$ 11,882

Lease Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Capital Lease Obligations	$ 0	$ 0

Lease Arrangements (Summary Of Future Minimum Rental Payments And Sublease Rentals To Be Received Under Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
2019	$ 26,791
2020	24,152
2021	19,669
2022	13,851
2023	8,179
Thereafter	10,974
Total minimum rental payments	$ 103,616

Lease Arrangements (Schedule Of Total Rental Expense Incurred Under Operating Leases For Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Total rental expense	$ 41,685	$ 41,210	$ 40,034

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Number of treasury stock shares held	80,584	83,125
Treasury stock held value	$ 2.3	$ 2.2

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans expense	$ 16,502	$ 22,025	$ 14,467

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share[Abstract]
Excluded stock options	246,000	328,000	923,000

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share[Abstract]
Earnings	$ 205,544	$ 98,177	$ 108,743
Dilutive stock options, Income
Nonvested stock awards, Income
Diluted Earnings	$ 205,544	$ 98,177	$ 108,743
Earnings, Shares	16,059	16,057	16,383
Dilutive stock options, Shares	650	596	296
Nonvested stock awards, Shares	94	89	110
Diluted Earnings, Shares	16,803	16,742	16,789
Earnings per Share, Earnings	$ 12.80	$ 6.11	$ 6.64
Earnings per Share, Diluted earnings	$ 12.23	$ 5.86	$ 6.48

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018
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

Financial Instruments (Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$ 65,624	$ 62,067
Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	89,200	101,200
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	65,624	62,067
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$ 89,200	$ 101,200

Legal And Regulatory Matters (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions										3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2018	Oct. 30, 2017	May 22, 2017 item	May 19, 2017	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 26, 2016	Jun. 13, 2016	May 12, 2016	Feb. 02, 2015 item	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of other lawsuits \| item			3
In re Chemed Corp. Shareholder Derivative Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of defendants named \| item									14
Number of days given to file amended complaint								30 days
Extension period							14 days
Settlement Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Term to impose monitoring, reporting, certification, oversight, screening, and training		5 years
Litigation expenses										$ 75.0
U.S. v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation expenses											$ 90.0
Litigation expenses, after tax											$ 55.8
Loss Contingency Accrual										5.2		$ 5.3
Attorney Fees U.S. v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation expenses										5.5
Litigation expenses, after tax										$ 3.4
Seper v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of preceding the filing of the lawsuit						4 years
Chhina v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of preceding the filing of the lawsuit					4 years
Chere Phillips And Lady Moore v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of preceding the filing of the lawsuit				4 years
Lax v. Roto-Rooter [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of preceding the filing of the lawsuit	4 years

Concentration Of Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Concentration Of Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of service providers \| item	1
Accounts payable	$ 50,150	$ 48,372
VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
VITAS made purchases from provider	$ 31,400	$ 32,700	$ 35,200
Puchases From Vendor [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of concentration risk services represent from vendor	99.00%	85.00%	90.00%
Accounts Payable [Member] \| Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts payable	$ 2,600	$ 2,000

Capital Stock Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Capital Stock Transactions [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, amount authorized		$ 150.0
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 46.6

Capital Stock Transactions (Schedule Of Capital Stock Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Stock Transactions [Abstract]
Total cost of repurchased shares	$ 158,884	$ 94,640	$ 102,313
Shares repurchased	561,146	500,000	780,134
Weighted average price per share	$ 283.14	$ 189.28	$ 131.15

Other Operating Expenses (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses (Note 20)	$ 1,300	$ 90,880	$ 4,491
VITAS [Member] \| Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses (Note 20)			$ 4,500
Litigation Settlement [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses (Note 20)	$ 796	84,476
Loss On Sale Of Transportation Equipment [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses (Note 20)		5,300
Program Closure Expenses [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Other operating expenses (Note 20)		$ 1,138
Program Closure Expenses [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Number of programs closed \| item		3

Other Operating Expenses (Schedule Of Other Operating Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Total other operating expenses	$ 1,300	$ 90,880	$ 4,491
Litigation Settlement [Member]
Total other operating expenses	796	84,476
Loss On Disposal Of Property And Equipment [Member]
Total other operating expenses	$ 504	5,266
Program Closure Expenses [Member]
Total other operating expenses		$ 1,138
Retirement Expense [Member]
Total other operating expenses			$ 4,491

Recent Accounting Statements (Narrative) (Details) - Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Minimum [Member]
Lease, right of use asset	$ 100
Lease, related liability	100
Maximum [Member]
Lease, right of use asset	120
Lease, related liability	$ 120

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	$ (15,175)	$ (14,236)	$ (13,244)
(CHARGED) CREDITED TO COSTS AND EXPENSES	(247)	(17,376)	(16,420)
(CHARGED) CREDITED TO OTHER ACCOUNTS	(1,436)	(1,360)	(1,518)
DEDUCTIONS	16,605	17,797	16,946
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD	$ (253)	$ (15,175)	$ (14,236)