Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 3,311,750	$ 3,297,035
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	144,026	145,537
Hospital operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	3,265,340	3,250,604
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	201,382	199,803
Corporate and All Other Reporting Units [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	46,410	46,431
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$ (57,356)	$ (54,266)