Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 4,397,473	$ 4,264,845
Hospital Operations Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	4,300,000
Home Care Agency Operations Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	40,500
Hospital Management Services Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 33,300