Document And Entity Information | 9 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | Oct. 26, 2011 | |
| Document And Entity Information | ||
| Document Type | 10-Q | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2011 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2011 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
| Trading Symbol | lncr | |
| Entity Registrant Name | LINCARE HOLDINGS INC | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000882235 | |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 88,547,381 |

