Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 6,521	$ 8,965	$ 8,951
Health Management Associates, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	$ 2,778
Shares issued	736
Contingent value right	17
Total consideration	3,531
Current assets	1,519
Property and equipment	2,895
Goodwill	4,494			4,500
Intangible assets	112
Other long-term assets	508
Liabilities	(5,662)
Noncontrolling interests	(335)
Total identifiable net assets	$ 3,531
Hospitals and Significant Practices Acquired [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		7		29
Property and equipment		69		257
Goodwill		57		19
Intangible assets		10
Other long-term assets		3		28
Liabilities		(10)		(46)
Noncontrolling interests		(28)		(10)
Total identifiable net assets		$ 108		$ 277