Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($352 at December 31, 2010 and $369 at December 31, 2009) Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($355 at September 30, 2010 and $369 at December 31, 2009) Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($377 at September 30, 2011 and $352 at December 31, 2010) and $369 at December 31, 2009) Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($0 at December 31, 2010 and $369 at December 31, 2009) Inventories of supplies, at cost Inventory, Net, Total Income tax receivable Current portion of deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Current, Total Other Assets Current Other current assets Total current assets Total current assets LongTermInvestmentsAndReceivablesNet Investments Long-term Investments and Receivables, Net, Total Investments and other assets Deferred income taxes, net of current portion Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent, Total Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization ($3,073 at September 30, 2010 and $2,970 at December 31, 2009) ($0 at December 31, 2010 and $2,970 at December 31, 2009) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization ($3,304 at September 30, 2011 and $3,100 at December 31, 2010) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization ($0 at December 31, 2010 and $2,970 at December 31, 2009) Goodwill Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Total Other intangible assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization ($298 at September 30, 2010 and $257 at December 31, 2009) Other intangible assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization ($0 at December 31, 2010 and $257 at December 31, 2009) Other intangible assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization ($351 at September 30, 2011 and $302 at December 31, 2010) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Total assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt Capital leases and mortgage notes Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current, Total Less: Current portion Accounts payable current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accrued property and equipment purchases included in accounts payable Accrued compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Self Insurance Reserve, Current Professional and general liability reserves Accrued interest payable Litigation Reserve, Current Accrued legal settlement costs Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current, Total Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt, net of current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Total Long-term debt, net of current portion Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Professional and general liability reserves Litigation Reserve, Noncurrent Accrued legal settlement costs Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Other long-term liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount, Total Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries Equity: Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.15 par value; authorized 2,500,000 shares; 345,000 of 7% mandatory convertible shares with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share issued at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, $0.15 par value; authorized 2,500,000 shares; 345,000 of 7% mandatory convertible shares with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share issued at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, $0.05 par value; authorized 1,050,000,000 shares; 550,710,050 shares issued at September 30, 2010 and 538,610,856 shares issued at December 31, 2009 Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock, $0.05 par value; authorized 1,050,000,000 shares; 551,251,384 shares issued at September 30, 2011 and 550,882,110 shares issued at December 31, 2010 0 27 Additional paid-in capital Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Less common stock in treasury, at cost, 0 shares at December 31, 2010 and 57,475,602 shares at December 31, 2009 Common stock in treasury, at cost, 96,253,367 shares at September 30, 2011 and 65,098,918 shares at December 31, 2010 Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Common stock in treasury, at cost, 0 shares at December 31, 2010 and 57,475,602 shares at December 31, 2009 Total shareholders' equity Ending Balance Beginning Balance Ending Balance Total shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Total equity Balances, end of period Balances, beginning of period Total equity Total equity Total liabilities and equity Total liabilities and equity Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Percentage of mandatory convertible shares. Percentage Of Mandatory Convertible Shares Percent of mandatory convertible shares Preferred Stock Seven Percent Mandatory Convertible Shares Issued Preferred Stock Seven Percent Mandatory Convertible Shares Issued 7% mandatory convertible preferred stock issued Preferred stock, liquidation preference Preferred stock, liquidation preference, per share Common stock, par value Common stock, authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock in treasury, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Net operating revenues Net revenues Health Care Organization, Revenue, Total Revenues payments Operating expenses: Salaries, wages and benefits Salaries, wages and benefits Labor and Related Expense, Total Supplies Supplies Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for doubtful accounts Other operating expenses, net Other operating expenses, net Other Cost and Expense, Operating, Total Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, and restructuring charges Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, and restructuring charges, net Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, and restructuring charges, net Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions, Total Net impairment and restructuring charges Litigation and investigation costs Litigation and investigation costs Litigation and investigation costs Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement, Total Operating income Operating income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Gain from early extinguishment of debt Loss from early extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total Loss from early extinguishment of debt Investment earnings Investment earnings Gain (Loss) on Investments, Total Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations, before income taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes Income tax benefit (expense) Income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Income from continuing operations, before discontinued operations Income from continuing operations, before discontinued operations Discontinued operations: Loss from operations Loss from operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax, Total Pretax aggregate amount provided for estimated restructuring charges, remediation costs, and asset impairment loss during an accounting period relating to a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity. Generally, these items are either unusual or infrequent, but not both (in which case they would be extraordinary items). Discontinued Operation Restructuring Settlement And Impairment Provisions Before Income Tax Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, and restructuring charges, net Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, and restructuring charges, net Net impairment and restructuring charges in discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income tax benefit Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation, Total Loss from discontinued operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations Profit Loss Net income Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net income Net income Less: Preferred stock dividends Preferred stock dividends Less: Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Dividends, Total Preferred stock dividend Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Net income Income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders Amounts attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders Income from continuing operations, net of tax Income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share, Income Income (loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent, Total Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Total Basic Basic Continuing Operations per Basic Share Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings, Per-Share Amount Discontinued Operations per Basic Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Share, Total Discontinued operations Earning Per Share, Basic, Total Total basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Diluted Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share Income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share, Per-Share Amount Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share, Total Discontinued operations Earnings Per Share, Diluted Total diluted Weighted average shares and dilutive securities outstanding (in thousands): Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share, Weighted Average Shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted, Shares Income available to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share, Weighted Average Shares Diluted Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation, Total Fair market value adjustments related to interest rate swap and LIBOR cap agreements Fair market value adjustments related to interest rate swap and LIBOR cap agreements Fair market value adjustments related to LIBOR cap agreement Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts, Total Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs Pre-tax loss from discontinued operations Pre-tax loss from discontinued operations Loss before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Income (loss) before income taxes Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Other Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Other items, net Changes in cash from operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable Accounts receivable The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity and other current assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Increase Decrease In Inventories And Other Assets Current Inventories and other current assets Inventories and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Income taxes Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities, Total Other long-term liabilities Payments against reserves for restructuring charges and litigation costs, which may include attorneys' fees and other litigation costs. Payments For Restructuring And Litigation Costs Payments against reserves for restructuring charges and litigation costs Payments against reserves for restructuring charges and litigation costs Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations, excluding income taxes Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations, excluding income taxes Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services for continuing operations and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets except for new and replacement hospitals. Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment For Continuing Operations Purchases of property and equipment - continuing operations The cash outflow from construction costs to date on new and replacement hospitals. Construction Of New And Replacement Hospitals Construction of new and replacement hospitals PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipmentForDiscontinuedOperations Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment For Discontinued Operations Purchase of property and equipment - discontinued operations Purchases of property and equipment - discontinued operations Purchases of businesses or joint venture interest Purchases of businesses or joint venture interests Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from sales of facilities and other assets - discontinued operations The cash inflow associated with the aggregate amount received by the entity through sale or maturity of marketable securities (trading, held-to-maturity, or available-for-sale) during the period. Sale of long term investments and the sale of other assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Proceeds From Sale Of Marketable Securities Long Term Investments And Other Assets Proceeds from sales of marketable securities, long-term investments and other assets Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other items, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Repayments of borrowings Repayments of borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities, Total Proceeds from borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt and Capital Securities, Net, Total Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Deferred debt issuance costs Deferred debt issuance costs Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchases of common stock Repurchases of common stock Cash dividends on preferred stock Cash dividends on preferred stock Payments Of Dividends Minority Interest Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other items, net Net cash used in financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental disclosures: Interest paid, net of capitalized interest Interest paid, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Net, Total Income tax refunds, net Income tax refunds, net Income Taxes Paid, Net, Total Basis Of Presentation [Abstract] Basis Of Presentation [Abstract] OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock Basis Of Presentation Accounts Receivable And Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Abstract] Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable Text Block Accounts Receivable And Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Impairment And Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Impairment And Restructuring Charges Long-Term Debt And Lease Obligations [Abstract] Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Long-Term Debt And Lease Obligations Guarantees [Abstract] Schedule Of Guarantee Obligations Text Block Guarantees Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Equity [Abstract] StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock Equity Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Note TextBlock Other Comprehensive Income Property And Professional and General Liability Insurance. Property And Professional And General Liability Insurance [Abstract] Description of insurance coverage used by the entity to manage the financial risk of malpractice claims (including general and professional liability) and property, business interruption and related insurance coverage . Disclosure may include a discussion of the entity's risk management policies, a description of the insurance arrangements (including type, coverage, coverage limits, and deductible), description of the insurer, and whether the entity is self insured or retains significant self-insurance risk. Property Professional And General Liability Insurance Disclosure Text Block Property And Professional And General Liability Insurance Claims And Lawsuits [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Claims And Lawsuits Income Taxes [Abstract] ncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock Income Taxes Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract] EarningsPerShareTextBlock Earnings Per Common Share Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock Fair Value Measurements Acquisitions [Abstract] BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock Acquisitions Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract] ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock Recent Accounting Standards Nature of Operations [Text Block] Description Of Business Basis of Accounting Basis Of Presentation Operating revenue policy, which relates to revenue from providing services to in-patients, outpatients, residents in facilities owned or operated by the entity, from insurance premiums, or from goods provided or services performed. Net Operating Revenues Policy [Policy Text Block] Net Operating Revenues Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Text Block] Cash Equivalent Cash And Cash Equivalents Schedule Of Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable Text Block Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Schedule Of Components Of Accounts Receivable Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule Of Net Operating Revenues Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Reported In Discontinued Operations Schedule Of Net Operating Revenues And Loss Before Income Taxes Reported In Discontinued Operations Schedule Of Reconciliations Of Beginning And Ending Liability Balances In Connection With Restructuring Charges [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Reconciliations Of Beginning And Ending Liability Balances In Connection With Restructuring Charges [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Reconciliations Of Beginning And Ending Liability Balances In Connection With Restructuring Charges Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Summary Of Long-Term Debt Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Text Block] Summary Of Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Text Block] Summary Of Outstanding Stock Options Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Restricted Stock Units Schedule of Repurchase of Common Stock [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Repurchase Of Common Stock [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Repurchase Of Common Stock Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Changes In Consolidated Equity Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Component Of Other Comprehensive Income