Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting for Revenue and Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 3,212,030	$ 2,945,477	$ 9,752,039	$ 8,900,387
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	84,458	132,517	381,681	405,909
Hospital Operations Reporting Unit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	3,142,837	2,885,306	9,544,163	8,698,673
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	142,336	176,903	562,886	539,442
Corporate and All Other Reporting Unit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	69,193	60,171	207,876	201,714
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$ (57,878)	$ (44,386)	$ (181,205)	$ (133,533)