Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,432	$ 2,696	$ 2,373
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Foreign currency translation	(224)	(63)	(74)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(9)	1	9
Defined benefit plans	(35)	30	(158)
Pension costs included in salaries and benefits	18	32	21
Total defined benefit plans	(17)	62	(137)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	20	(36)	(36)
Interest costs included in interest expense	109	125	132
Total change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	129	89	96
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes	(121)	89	(106)
Income taxes (benefits) related to other comprehensive income items	(48)	31	(40)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(73)	58	(66)
Comprehensive income	3,359	2,754	2,307
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	542	567	498
Comprehensive income attributable to HCA Holdings, Inc.	$ 2,817	$ 2,187	$ 1,809