Condensed Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 779	$ 764	$ 2,693	$ 2,872
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Foreign currency translation	42	(30)	(39)	(48)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	1	2	13	16
Defined benefit plans	0	0	0	0
Pension costs included in salaries and benefits	4	3	12	10
Total defined benefit plans	4	3	12	10
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	0	(7)	(66)	(59)
Interest expense (benefits) included in interest expense	9	(4)	15	(15)
Total change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	9	(11)	(51)	(74)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes	56	(36)	(65)	(96)
Income taxes (benefits) related to other comprehensive income items	9	(6)	(10)	(16)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	47	(30)	(55)	(80)
Comprehensive income	826	734	2,638	2,792
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	111	152	365	438
Comprehensive income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.	$ 715	$ 582	$ 2,273	$ 2,354