Equity Investments (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 432,300,000		$ 432,300,000		$ 422,200,000
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	$ 13,181,000	$ 12,017,000	$ 25,194,000	$ 30,151,000
Four Hospitals in Las Vegas, Nevada [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	27.50%		27.50%
One Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	26.10%		26.10%
Three Hospitals in Macon Georgia, [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	38.00%		38.00%