Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net operating revenues and loss from discontinued operations
Net operating revenues		$ 59,126
Loss from operations of entities sold before income taxes	(729)	(2,673)
Impairment of hospitals sold		(13,095)
Loss on sale, net		(5,061)
Loss from discontinued operations, before taxes	(729)	(20,829)
Income tax benefit	263	7,549
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ (466)	$ (13,280)