CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (152)	$ 65	$ 25	$ 364
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in other non-operating expense, net	3	3	9	11
Sale of foreign subsidiary	0	37	0	37
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	(3)
Other comprehensive income before income taxes	3	40	9	45
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	0	1	(2)	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	3	41	7	45
Comprehensive net income (loss)	(149)	106	32	409
Less: Comprehensive income available to noncontrolling interests	80	74	259	248
Comprehensive income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	$ (229)	$ 32	$ (227)	$ 161