Equity Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 436,500,000		$ 436,500,000		$ 422,200,000
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	$ 7,419,000	$ 8,194,000	$ 32,613,000	$ 38,345,000
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%