| Document and Entity Information Document | Jun. 16, 2021 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 16, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | TENET HEALTHCARE CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NV |
| Entity File Number | 1-7293 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-2557091 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 14201 Dallas Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dallas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75254 |
| City Area Code | 469 |
| Local Phone Number | 893-2200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000070318 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| New York Stock Exchange | Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.05 par value |
| Trading Symbol | THC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| New York Stock Exchange | 6.875% Senior Notes due 2031 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.875% Senior Notes due 2031 |
| Trading Symbol | THC31 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
