Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 48,029	$ 49,959	$ 137,745	$ 167,404
Components of other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes attributable to: Interest rate swap contract
Changes in fair value		7,323		27,553
Reclassification adjustments for amortization of expense into net income	19,404		59,937
Net activity attributable to the interest rate swap contract	19,404	7,323	59,937	27,553
Available-for-sale securities
Unrealized gains (losses), net	4,244	(5,485)	8,828	(4,313)
Adjustments for net (gains) losses reclassified into net income	(443)	(979)	(340)	(1,020)
Net activity attributable to available-for-sale securities	3,801	(6,464)	8,488	(5,333)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	23,205	859	68,425	22,220
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(8,863)	(2,897)	(26,240)	(7,963)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	14,342	(2,038)	42,185	14,257
Total consolidated comprehensive income	62,371	47,921	179,930	181,661
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,685)	(6,231)	(21,757)	(19,541)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Health Management Associates, Inc. common stockholders	$ 55,686	$ 41,690	$ 158,173	$ 162,120