Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Net Operating Revenues and Losses from Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract]
Net operating revenues	$ 47,855		$ 188,418
Gain (loss) from operations of entities sold before income taxes	(5,120)	(729)	(7,401)
Impairment of hospitals sold			(51,695)
Loss on sale, net	(337)		(5,398)
Loss from discontinued operations, before taxes	(5,457)	(729)	(64,494)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(2,288)	(263)	(8,718)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ (3,169)	$ (466)	$ (55,776)