Tenet Healthcare (THC) 10-K 23 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	TENET HEALTHCARE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	70318
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$3.90
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		98,494,212
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$193	$113
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($852 at December 31, 2014 and $589 at December 31, 2013)	2,404	1,890
Inventories of supplies, at cost	276	260
Income tax receivable	2
Current portion of deferred income taxes	747	692
Other current assets	1,095	737
Total current assets	4,717	3,692
Investments and other assets	384	357
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	116	148
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization ($4,478 at December 31, 2014 and $3,907 at December 31, 2013)	7,733	7,582
Goodwill	3,913	3,566
Other intangible assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization ($671 at December 30, 2014 and $516 at December 31, 2013)	1,278	1,105
Total assets	18,141	16,450
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	112	153
Accounts payable	1,179	1,085
Accrued compensation and benefits	852	622
Professional and general liability reserves	189	156
Accrued interest payable	194	198
Other current liabilities	1,051	879
Total current liabilities	3,577	3,093
Long-term debt, net of current portion	11,695	10,696
Professional and general liability reserves	492	555
Defined benefit plan obligations	633	398
Other long-term liabilities	558	490
Total liabilities	16,955	15,232
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	401	340
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.05 par value; authorized 262,500,000 shares; 145,578,735 shares issued at December 31, 2014 and 144,057,351 shares issued at December 31, 2013	7	7
Additional paid-in capital	4,614	4,572
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-182	-24
Accumulated deficit	-1,410	-1,422
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 47,196,902 shares at December 31, 2014 and 47,197,722 shares at December 31, 2013	-2,378	-2,378
Total shareholders' equity	651	755
Noncontrolling interests	134	123
Total equity	785	878
Total liabilities and equity	$18,141	$16,450

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)		$589
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization (in dollars)	4,478	3,907
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$671	$516
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.05
Common stock, authorized shares	262,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	145,578,735	144,057,351
Common stock in treasury, shares	47,196,902	47,197,722

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net operating revenues:
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$17,920	$12,074	$9,904
Less: Provision for doubtful accounts	1,305	972	785
Net operating revenues	16,615	11,102	9,119
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	8,023	5,371	4,257
Supplies	2,630	1,784	1,552
Other operating expenses, net	4,114	2,701	2,147
Electronic health record incentives	-104	-96	-40
Depreciation and amortization	849	545	430
Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs	153	103	19
Litigation and investigation costs	25	31	5
Operating income	925	663	749
Interest expense	-754	-474	-412
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	-24	-348	-4
Investment earnings		1	1
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	147	-158	334
Income tax benefit (expense)	-49	65	-125
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, before discontinued operations	98	-93	209
Discontinued operations:
Loss from operations	-17	-5	-2
Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill			-100
Litigation and investigation costs	-18	-2
Net gains on sale of facilities			1
Income tax benefit (expense)	13	-4	25
Net loss from discontinued operations	-22	-11	-76
Net income (loss)	76	-104	133
Less: Preferred stock dividends			11
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Continuing operations	64	30	13
Discontinued operations			-32
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	12	-134	141
Amounts attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	34	-123	185
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-22	-11	-44
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	$12	($134)	$141
Basic
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.35	($1.21)	$1.77
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.23)	($0.11)	($0.42)
Total loss per share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.12	($1.32)	$1.35
Diluted
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.34	($1.21)	$1.70
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.22)	($0.11)	($0.40)
Total loss per share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.12	($1.32)	$1.30
Weighted average shares and dilutive securities outstanding (in thousands):
Basic (in shares)	97,801	101,648	104,200
Diluted (in shares)	100,287	101,648	108,926

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income (loss)	$76	($104)	$133
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Adjustments for defined benefit plans	-258	68	-25
Amortization of prior-year service costs included in net periodic benefit costs	4	1
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities held as available-for-sale	3
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	-251	69	-25
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	93	-25	9
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-158	44	-16
Comprehensive net income (loss)	-82	-60	117
Less: Preferred stock dividends			11
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	64	30	-19
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	($146)	($90)	$125

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Deficit	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests	Total
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$334	$7	$4,427	($52)	($1,440)	($1,853)	$69	$1,492
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	345	103,756
Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)					152		-22	130
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests							-12	-12
Contributions from noncontrolling interests							3	3
Other comprehensive income (loss)				-16				-16
Purchases of businesses or joint venture interests							37	37
Preferred stock dividends			-11					-11
Repurchases of common stock						-126		-126
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)		-4,733
Repurchases of preferred stock	-289							-289
Repurchases of preferred stock (in shares)	-299
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock	-45		45
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in shares)	-46	1,979
Stock-based compensation expense and issuance of common stock			10					10
Stock-based compensation expense and issuance of common stock (in shares)		3,631
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012		7	4,471	-68	-1,288	-1,979	75	1,218
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		104,633
Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)					-134		21	-113
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests							-22	-22
Contributions from noncontrolling interests			56				49	105
Other comprehensive income (loss)				44				44
Repurchases of common stock						-400		-400
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)		-9,485
Stock-based compensation expense and issuance of common stock			45			1		46
Stock-based compensation expense and issuance of common stock (in shares)		1,712
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013		7	4,572	-24	-1,422	-2,378	123	878
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		96,860
Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)					12		31	43
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests							-37	-37
Contributions from noncontrolling interests							7	7
Other comprehensive income (loss)				-158				-158
Purchases (sales) of business or joint venture interests			-22				10	-12
Stock-based compensation expense and issuance of common stock			64					64
Stock-based compensation expense and issuance of common stock (in shares)		1,522
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014		$7	$4,614	($182)	($1,410)	($2,378)	$134	$785
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		98,382

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Net income (loss)	$76	($104)	$133
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provide by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	849	545	430
Provision for doubtful accounts	1,305	972	785
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	30	-67	92
Stock-based compensation expense	51	36	32
Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs	153	103	19
Litigation and investigation costs	25	31	5
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	24	348	4
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	28	19	22
Pre-tax loss from discontinued operations	35	7	101
Other items, net	-40	-33	-12
Changes in cash from operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-1,896	-987	-868
Inventories and other current assets	-314	-203	-59
Income taxes	3		-5
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	505	38	9
Other long-term liabilities	44	13	3
Payments for restructuring charges, acquisition-related costs, and litigation costs and settlements	-168	-114	-63
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations, excluding income taxes	-23	-15	-35
Net cash provided by operating activities	687	589	593
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment - continuing operations	-933	-691	-506
Purchases of property and equipment - discontinued operations			-2
Purchases of businesses or joint venture interests, net of cash acquired	-428	-1,515	-211
Proceeds from sales of facilities and other assets - discontinued operations	6	16	45
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities, long-term investments and other assets	31	15	17
Other long-term assets	1	8	-9
Other items, net	1	3	4
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,322	-2,164	-662
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of borrowings under credit facility	-2,430	-1,286	-1,773
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility	2,245	1,691	1,693
Repayments of other borrowings	-683	-5,133	-248
Proceeds from other borrowings	1,608	6,507	1,092
Repurchases of preferred stock			-292
Repurchases of common stock		-400	-126
Cash dividends on preferred stock			-14
Deferred debt issuance costs	-27	-154	-17
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	-45	-27	-15
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	18	99	3
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	26	22	11
Other items, net	3	5	6
Net cash provided by financing activities	715	1,324	320
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	80	-251	251
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	113	364	113
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	193	113	364
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	-726	-426	-376
Income tax payments, net	($8)	($6)	($13)

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of Business
	Tenet Healthcare Corporation (together with our subsidiaries, referred to herein as “Tenet,” “we” or “us”) is a national, diversified healthcare services company. As of December 31, 2014 we operated 80 hospitals, 210 outpatient centers, six health plans, and Conifer Health Solutions, LLC (“Conifer”), which provides healthcare business process services in the areas of revenue cycle management, value-based care and patient communications.
	Effective October 1, 2013, we acquired the common stock of Vanguard Health Systems, Inc. (“Vanguard”) for $21 per share in an all cash transaction. Vanguard owned and operated 28 hospitals (plus one more under construction, which was completed in June 2014), 39 outpatient centers and five health plans, serving communities in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and Texas. We paid approximately $4.3 billion to acquire Vanguard, including the assumption of $2.5 billion of Vanguard’s net debt.
	Basis of Presentation
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Tenet and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation, and we include the results of operations of businesses that are newly acquired in purchase transactions from their dates of acquisition. We account for significant investments in other affiliated companies using the equity method. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial and statistical data included in these notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements relate to our continuing operations, with dollar amounts expressed in millions (except per-share amounts). The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 has been revised to reflect the impact of completing the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Vanguard, as described in Note 19.  Furthermore, all amounts related to shares, share prices and earnings per share for periods ending prior to October 11, 2012 have been restated to give retrospective presentation for the reverse stock split described in Note 2.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and these accompanying notes. We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates we use. In general, we base the estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable given the particular circumstances in which we operate. Although we believe all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, actual results may vary from those estimates. Financial and statistical information we report to other regulatory agencies may be prepared on a basis other than GAAP or using different assumptions or reporting periods and, therefore, may vary from amounts presented herein. Although we make every effort to ensure that the information we report to those agencies is accurate, complete and consistent with applicable reporting guidelines, we cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the information they make available to the public.
	Net Operating Revenues Before Provision for Doubtful Accounts
	We recognize net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts in the period in which our services are performed. Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts primarily consist of net patient service revenues that are recorded based on established billing rates (i.e., gross charges), less estimated discounts for contractual and other allowances, principally for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, managed care and other health plans, as well as certain uninsured patients under our Compact with Uninsured Patients (“Compact”) and other uninsured discount and charity programs.
	Gross charges are retail charges. They are not the same as actual pricing, and they generally do not reflect what a hospital is ultimately paid and, therefore, are not displayed in our consolidated statements of operations. Hospitals are typically paid amounts that are negotiated with insurance companies or are set by the government. Gross charges are used to calculate Medicare outlier payments and to determine certain elements of payment under managed care contracts (such as stop-loss payments). Because Medicare requires that a hospital’s gross charges be the same for all patients (regardless of payer category), gross charges are also what hospitals charge all other patients prior to the application of discounts and allowances.
	Revenues under the traditional fee-for-service Medicare and Medicaid programs are based primarily on prospective payment systems. Retrospectively determined cost-based revenues under these programs, which were more prevalent in earlier periods, and certain other payments, such as Indirect Medical Education, Direct Graduate Medical Education, disproportionate share hospital and bad debt expense, which are based on our hospitals’ cost reports, are estimated using historical trends and current factors. Cost report settlements under these programs are subject to audit by Medicare and Medicaid auditors and administrative and judicial review, and it can take several years until final settlement of such matters is determined and completely resolved. Because the laws, regulations, instructions and rule interpretations governing Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement are complex and change frequently, the estimates recorded by us could change by material amounts.
	We have a system and estimation process for recording Medicare net patient revenue and estimated cost report settlements. This results in us recording accruals to reflect the expected final settlements on our cost reports. For filed cost reports, we record the accrual based on those cost reports and subsequent activity, and record a valuation allowance against those cost reports based on historical settlement trends. The accrual for periods for which a cost report is yet to be filed is recorded based on estimates of what we expect to report on the filed cost reports, and a corresponding valuation allowance is recorded as previously described. Cost reports generally must be filed within five months after the end of the annual cost reporting period. After the cost report is filed, the accrual and corresponding valuation allowance may need to be adjusted. Adjustments for prior-year cost reports and related valuation allowances, principally related to Medicare and Medicaid, increased revenues in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 by $20 million, $38 million, and $114 million (in 2012, $81 million related to the industry-wide Medicare Budget Neutrality settlement), respectively. Estimated cost report settlements and valuation allowances are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 3). We believe that we have made adequate provision for any adjustments that may result from final determination of amounts earned under all the above arrangements with Medicare and Medicaid.
	Revenues under managed care plans are based primarily on payment terms involving predetermined rates per diagnosis, per-diem rates, discounted fee-for-service rates and/or other similar contractual arrangements. These revenues are also subject to review and possible audit by the payers, which can take several years before they are completely resolved. The payers are billed for patient services on an individual patient basis. An individual patient’s bill is subject to adjustment on a patient-by-patient basis in the ordinary course of business by the payers following their review and adjudication of each particular bill. We estimate the discounts for contractual allowances at the individual hospital level utilizing billing data on an individual patient basis. At the end of each month, on an individual hospital basis, we estimate our expected reimbursement for patients of managed care plans based on the applicable contract terms. Contractual allowance estimates are periodically reviewed for accuracy by taking into consideration known contract terms as well as payment history. Although we do not separately accumulate and disclose the aggregate amount of adjustments to the estimated reimbursement for every patient bill, we believe our estimation and review process enables us to identify instances on a timely basis where such estimates need to be revised. We do not believe there were any adjustments to estimates of patient bills that were material to our revenues. In addition, on a corporate-wide basis, we do not record any general provision for adjustments to estimated contractual allowances for managed care plans. Managed care accounts, net of contractual allowances recorded, are further reduced to their net realizable value through provision for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends for these payers and other factors that affect the estimation process.
	We know of no material claims, disputes or unsettled matters with any payer that would affect our revenues for which we have not adequately provided for in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Under our Compact or other uninsured discount programs, the discount offered to certain uninsured patients is recognized as a contractual allowance, which reduces net operating revenues at the time the self-pay accounts are recorded. The uninsured patient accounts, net of contractual allowances recorded, are further reduced to their net realizable value through provision for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends for self-pay accounts and other factors that affect the estimation process.
	We also provide charity care to patients who are financially unable to pay for the healthcare services they receive. Most patients who qualify for charity care are charged a per-diem amount for services received, subject to a cap. Except for the per-diem amounts, our policy is not to pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care; therefore, we do not report these amounts in net operating revenues or in provision for doubtful accounts. Patient advocates from Conifer’s Medical Eligibility Program screen patients in the hospital to determine whether those patients meet eligibility requirements for financial assistance programs. They also expedite the process of applying for these government programs.
	The table below shows the sources of net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts from continuing operations:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	General Hospitals:
	Medicare		$	3,452	$	2,357	$	2,195
	Medicaid			1,485		975		783
	Managed care			9,250		6,277		5,382
	Indemnity, self-pay and other			1,602		1,201		1,007
	Acute care hospitals — other revenue			54		78		69
	Other:
	Other operations			2,077		1,186		468
	Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts		$	17,920	$	12,074	$	9,904
	Provision for Doubtful Accounts
	Although outcomes vary, our policy is to attempt to collect amounts due from patients, including co-pays and deductibles due from patients with insurance, at the time of service while complying with all federal and state laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (“EMTALA”). Generally, as required by EMTALA, patients may not be denied emergency treatment due to inability to pay. Therefore, services, including the legally required medical screening examination and stabilization of the patient, are performed without delaying to obtain insurance information. In non-emergency circumstances or for elective procedures and services, it is our policy to verify insurance prior to a patient being treated; however, there are various exceptions that can occur. Such exceptions can include, for example, instances where (1) we are unable to obtain verification because the patient’s insurance company was unable to be reached or contacted, (2) a determination is made that a patient may be eligible for benefits under various government programs, such as Medicaid or Victims of Crime, and it takes several days or weeks before qualification for such benefits is confirmed or denied, and (3) under physician orders we provide services to patients that require immediate treatment.
	We provide for an allowance against accounts receivable that could become uncollectible by establishing an allowance to reduce the carrying value of such receivables to their estimated net realizable value. Generally, we estimate this allowance based on the aging of our accounts receivable by hospital, our historical collection experience by hospital and for each type of payer over a look-back period, and other relevant factors. A significant portion of our provision for doubtful accounts relates to self-pay patients, as well as co-pays and deductibles owed to us by patients with insurance. Payment pressure from managed care payers also affects our provision for doubtful accounts. We typically experience ongoing managed care payment delays and disputes; however, we continue to work with these payers to obtain adequate and timely reimbursement for our services. There are various factors that can impact collection trends, such as changes in the economy, which in turn have an impact on unemployment rates and the number of uninsured and underinsured patients, the volume of patients through our emergency departments, the increased burden of co-pays and deductibles to be made by patients with insurance, and business practices related to collection efforts. These factors continuously change and can have an impact on collection trends and our estimation process.
	Electronic Health Record Incentives
	Under certain provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”), federal incentive payments are available to hospitals, physicians and certain other professionals when they adopt, implement or upgrade (“AIU”) certified electronic health record (“EHR”) technology or become “meaningful users,” as defined under ARRA, of EHR technology in ways that demonstrate improved quality, safety and effectiveness of care. Providers can become eligible for annual Medicare incentive payments by demonstrating meaningful use of EHR technology in each period over four periods. Medicaid providers can receive their initial incentive payment by satisfying AIU criteria, but must demonstrate meaningful use of EHR technology in subsequent years in order to qualify for additional payments. Hospitals may be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments; however, physicians and other professionals may be eligible for either Medicare or Medicaid incentive payments, but not both. Hospitals that are meaningful users under the Medicare EHR incentive payment program are deemed meaningful users under the Medicaid EHR incentive payment program and do not need to meet additional criteria imposed by a state. Medicaid EHR incentive payments to providers are 100% federally funded and administered by the states. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) established calendar year 2011 as the first year states could offer EHR incentive payments. Before a state may offer EHR incentive payments, the state must submit and CMS must approve the state’s incentive plan.
	We recognize Medicaid EHR incentive payments in our consolidated statements of operations for the first payment year when: (1) CMS approves a state’s EHR incentive plan; and (2) our hospital or employed physician acquires certified EHR technology (i.e., when AIU criteria are met). Medicaid EHR incentive payments for subsequent payment years are recognized in the period during which the specified meaningful use criteria are met. We recognize Medicare EHR incentive payments when: (1) the specified meaningful use criteria are met; and (2) contingencies in estimating the amount of the incentive payments to be received are resolved. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, certain of our hospitals and physicians satisfied the CMS AIU and/or meaningful use criteria. As a result, we recognized approximately $104 million, $96 million and $40 million of Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments as a reduction to expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We treat highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents were approximately $193 million and $113 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our book overdrafts were approximately $264 million and $245 million, respectively, which were classified as accounts payable.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $104 million and $62 million, respectively, of total cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were intended for the operations of our captive insurance subsidiaries.
	Also at December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $150 million and $193 million, respectively, of property and equipment purchases accrued for items received but not yet paid. Of these amounts, $112 million and $138 million, respectively, were included in accounts payable.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we entered into non-cancellable capital leases of approximately $173 million and $341 million, respectively, primarily for buildings and equipment.
	Investments in Debt and Equity Securities
	We classify investments in debt and equity securities as either available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or as part of a trading portfolio. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had no significant investments in securities classified as either held-to-maturity or trading. We carry securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value. We report their unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) unless we determine that a loss is other-than-temporary, at which point we would record a loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We include realized gains or losses in our consolidated statements of operations based on the specific identification method.
	Property and Equipment
	Additions and improvements to property and equipment exceeding established minimum amounts with a useful life greater than one year are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. We use the straight-line method of depreciation for buildings, building improvements and equipment. The estimated useful life for buildings and improvements is primarily 15 to 40 years, and for equipment three to 15 years. Newly constructed hospitals are usually depreciated over 50 years. We record capital leases at the beginning of the lease term as assets and liabilities. The value recorded is the lower of either the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the asset. Such assets, including improvements, are generally amortized over the shorter of either the lease term or their estimated useful life. Interest costs related to construction projects are capitalized. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, capitalized interest was $25 million, $14 million and $6 million, respectively.
	We evaluate our long-lived assets for possible impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset, or related group of assets, may not be recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, we calculate the amount of an impairment if the carrying value of the long-lived assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The fair value of the assets is estimated based on appraisals, established market values of comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows expected to result from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. The estimates of these future cash flows are based on assumptions and projections we believe to be reasonable and supportable. They require our subjective judgments and take into account assumptions about revenue and expense growth rates. These assumptions may vary by type of facility and presume stable, improving or, in some cases, declining results at our hospitals, depending on their circumstances.
	We report long-lived assets to be disposed of at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair values less costs to sell. In such circumstances, our estimates of fair value are based on appraisals, established market prices for comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in purchase business combinations and determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are subject to impairment tests performed at least annually. For goodwill, we perform the test at the reporting unit level when events occur that require an evaluation to be performed or at least annually. If we determine the carrying value of goodwill is impaired, or if the carrying value of a business that is to be sold or otherwise disposed of exceeds its fair value, we reduce the carrying value, including any allocated goodwill, to fair value. Estimates of fair value are based on appraisals, established market prices for comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows and presume stable, improving or, in some cases, declining results at our hospitals, depending on their circumstances.
	Other intangible assets primarily consist of capitalized software costs, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, which ranges from three to 15 years. Also included in intangible assets are costs associated with the issuance of our long-term debt, which are primarily being amortized under the effective interest method based on the terms of the specific notes, and miscellaneous intangible assets.
	Accruals for General and Professional Liability Risks
	We accrue for estimated professional and general liability claims, when they are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The accrual, which includes an estimate for incurred but not reported claims, is updated each quarter based on a model of projected payments using case-specific facts and circumstances and our historical loss reporting, development and settlement patterns and is discounted to its net present value using a risk-free discount rate (1.97% at December 31, 2014 and 2.45% at December 31, 2013). To the extent that subsequent claims information varies from our estimates, the liability is adjusted in the period such information becomes available. Malpractice expense is presented within other operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income tax receivables and liabilities and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the amounts that more likely than not will be sustained upon ultimate settlement with taxing authorities.
	Developing our provision for income taxes and analysis of uncertain tax positions requires significant judgment and knowledge of federal and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets.
	We assess the realization of our deferred tax assets to determine whether an income tax valuation allowance is required. Based on all available evidence, both positive and negative, and the weight of that evidence to the extent such evidence can be objectively verified, we determine whether it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The main factors that we consider include:
		·		Cumulative profits/losses in recent years, adjusted for certain nonrecurring items;
		·		Income/losses expected in future years;
		·		Unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect future operations and profit levels;
		·		The availability, or lack thereof, of taxable income in prior carryback periods that would limit realization of tax benefits; and
		·		The carryforward period associated with the deferred tax assets and liabilities.
	We consider many factors when evaluating our uncertain tax positions, and such judgments are subject to periodic review. Tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions are recognized in the period in which one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) the more likely than not recognition threshold is satisfied; (2) the position is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation; or (3) the statute of limitations for the taxing authority to examine and challenge the position has expired. Tax benefits associated with an uncertain tax position are derecognized in the period in which the more likely than not recognition threshold is no longer satisfied.
	Segment Reporting
	We primarily operate acute care hospitals and related healthcare facilities. Our general hospitals generated 88%,  90% and 95% of our net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Each of our operating regions and markets reports directly to our president of hospital operations. Major decisions, including capital resource allocations, are made at the consolidated level, not at the regional, market or hospital level.
	Historically, our business has consisted of one reportable segment, Hospital Operations and other. However, during 2012, our Hospital Operations and other segment and our Conifer subsidiary entered into formal agreements, pursuant to which it was agreed that services provided by both parties to each other would be billed based on estimated third-party pricing terms. As a result, we have presented Conifer as a separate reportable business segment for all periods presented. The factors for determining the reportable segments include the manner in which management evaluates operating performance combined with the nature of the individual business activities.
Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities
We recognize costs associated with exit (including restructuring) or disposal activities when they are incurred and can be measured at fair value, rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan.

EQUITY

EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EQUITY
EQUITY	NOTE 2. EQUITY
	Reverse Stock Split
	On October 11, 2012, our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on a split-adjusted basis following a one-for-four reverse stock split we announced on October 1, 2012. Every four shares of our issued and outstanding common stock were exchanged for one issued and outstanding share of common stock, without any change in the par value per share, and our authorized shares of common stock were proportionately decreased from 1,050,000,000 shares to 262,500,000 shares. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the stock split. All amounts in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and these notes related to shares, share prices and earnings per share for periods ending prior to October 11, 2012 have been restated to give retrospective presentation for this reverse stock split.
	Share Repurchase Programs
	In October 2012, we announced that our board of directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of our common stock through a share repurchase program that expired in December 2013. Under the program, shares could be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions in a manner consistent with applicable securities laws and regulations, including pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan we maintained. Shares were repurchased at times and in amounts based on market conditions and other factors. Pursuant to the share repurchase program, we paid approximately $500 million to repurchase a total of 12,891,298 shares during the period from the commencement of the program through December 31, 2013.
							Total Number of	Maximum Dollar Value
		Total Number of		Average Price			Shares Purchased as	of Shares That May Yet
		Shares		Paid Per			Part of Publicly	Be Purchased Under
	Period	Purchased		Share			Announced Program	the Program
		(In Thousands)					(In Thousands)	(In Millions)
	November 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012	3,406		$	29.36		3,406	$	400
	January 1, 2013 through January 31, 2013	531			37.13		531		380
	February 1, 2013 through February 28, 2013	914			39.30		914		344
	March 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013	1,010			43.95		1,010		300
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013	2,455			40.74		2,455		300
	May 1, 2013 through May 31, 2013	933			46.78		933		256
	June 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013	1,065			45.71		1,065		208
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013	1,998			46.21		1,998		208
	July 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013	166			46.08		166		200
	August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2013	1,045			40.43		1,045		158
	September 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013	1,431			40.35		1,431		100
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	2,642			40.75		2,642		100
	November 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013	796			42.28		796		66
	December 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013	1,594			41.62		1,594		—
	Three Months Ended December 31, 2013	2,390			41.84		2,390		—
	Total	12,891		$	38.79		12,891	$	—
	Repurchased shares are recorded based on settlement date and are held as treasury stock.
	Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiaries
	The following table shows the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balances at beginning of period	$	340		$	16
	Net income		33			9
	Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests		-8			-5
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests		11			—
	Sales of joint venture interests		—			52
	Purchases of businesses		25			268
	Balances at end of period	$	401		$	340
	As part of the acquisition of Vanguard, we obtained a 51% controlling interest in a limited liability company that held the assets and liabilities of Valley Baptist Health System (“Valley Baptist”), which consists of our hospitals in Brownsville and Harlingen, Texas. The remaining 49% non-controlling interest in the joint venture was held by the former owner of Valley Baptist (the “seller”). The joint venture operating agreement included a put option that would allow the seller to require us to purchase all or a portion of the seller’s remaining non-controlling interest in the limited liability company at certain specified time periods. In November 2014, the seller provided notice of its intent to exercise the put option for its entire 49% non-controlling interest, which is described in Note 22.

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_ALLOWA

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS	NOTE 3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
	The principal components of accounts receivable are shown in the table below:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Continuing operations:
	Patient accounts receivable	$	3,178	$	2,459
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		-851		-589
	Estimated future recoveries from accounts assigned to our Conifer subsidiary		125		92
	Net cost reports and settlements payable and valuation allowances		-51		-75
			2,401		1,887
	Discontinued Operations		3		3
	Accounts receivable, net	$	2,404	$	1,890
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our allowance for doubtful accounts was 26.8% and 24.0%, respectively, of our patient accounts receivable. The increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of patient accounts receivable related to the accounts receivable acquired from Vanguard as of October 1, 2013. Under the purchase price allocation rules, allowance for doubtful accounts as of the acquisition date are offset against the gross receivables. As of the acquisition date, the acquirer begins to disclose the net receivable amount with no disclosure of the former allowance for doubtful accounts amount. Accounts receivable generated after the acquisition are disclosed before the allowance for doubtful accounts and the associated allowance for doubtful accounts is also disclosed to arrive at net accounts receivable. The increase also related to the 120 basis point decrease in our self-pay collection rate for the 49 hospitals we operated throughout the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013,  as well as higher patient co–pays and deductibles, partially offset by a decline in uninsured revenues due to the expansion of insurance coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
	The increase in our total accounts receivable net of allowance for doubtful accounts from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 is primarily related to the growth in hospital patient volumes, our outpatient development initiatives, a temporary buildup in accounts receivable of certain hospitals we acquired from Vanguard due to the implementation of a new billing system, growth in physician practices, the acquisition of Texas Regional Medical Center at Sunnyvale, Emanuel Medical Center and the opening of Resolute Health Hospital.
	Accounts that are pursued for collection through Conifer’s regional business offices are maintained on our hospitals’ books and reflected in patient accounts receivable with an allowance for doubtful accounts established to reduce the carrying value of such receivables to their estimated net realizable value. Generally, we estimate this allowance based on the aging of our accounts receivable by hospital, our historical collection experience by hospital and for each type of payer, and other relevant factors. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our allowance for doubtful accounts for self-pay was 78.0% and 75.9%, respectively, of our self-pay patient accounts receivable, including co-pays and deductibles owed by patients with insurance. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our allowance for doubtful accounts for managed care was 6.5% and 5.9%, respectively, of our managed care patient accounts receivable.
	Accounts assigned to our Conifer subsidiary are written off and excluded from patient accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts; however, an estimate of future recoveries from all accounts at our Conifer subsidiary is determined based on historical experience and recorded on our hospitals’ books as a component of accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. At the present time, our new acquisitions have not yet been fully integrated into our Conifer collections processes.
	We also provide charity care to patients who are financially unable to pay for the healthcare services they receive. Most patients who qualify for charity care are charged a per-diem amount for services received, subject to a cap. Except for the per-diem amounts, our policy is not to pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care; therefore, we do not report these amounts in net operating revenues. Most states include an estimate of the cost of charity care in the determination of a hospital’s eligibility for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. These payments are intended to mitigate our cost of uncompensated care, as well as reduced Medicaid funding levels. Generally, our method of measuring the estimated costs uses adjusted self-pay/charity patient days multiplied by selected operating expenses (which include salaries, wages and benefits, supplies and other operating expenses) per adjusted patient day. The adjusted self-pay/charity patient days represents actual self-pay/charity patient days adjusted to include self-pay/charity outpatient services by multiplying actual self-pay/charity patient days by the sum of gross self-pay/charity inpatient revenues and gross self-pay/charity outpatient revenues and dividing the results by gross self-pay/charity inpatient revenues. The table below shows our estimated costs for charity care patients and self-pay patients, as well as DSH payments we received, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Estimated costs for:
	Charity care patients	$	180	$	158	$	136
	Self-pay patients	$	620	$	545	$	430
	DSH payments received	$	817	$	428	$	283
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had approximately $399 million and $64 million, respectively, of receivables recorded in other current assets and approximately $212 million and $32 million, respectively, of payables recorded in other current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets related to California’s provider fee program.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	NOTE 4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Net operating revenues and loss before income taxes reported in discontinued operations are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Net operating revenues	$	4	$	7	$	154
	Net loss before income taxes		-35		-7		-101
	Net loss before income taxes from discontinued operations in the year ended December 31, 2014 included approximately $18 million of expense recorded in litigation and investigation costs allocable to one of our previously divested hospitals related to a class action lawsuit discussed in Note 15. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized a  $12 million gain in discontinued operations related to the sale of land.
	In the three months ended June 30, 2012, our Creighton University Medical Center hospital (“CUMC”) in Nebraska was reclassified into discontinued operations based on the guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” as a result of our plan to sell CUMC. We recorded an impairment charge in discontinued operations of $100 million, consisting of $98 million for the write-down of CUMC’s long-lived assets to their estimated fair values, less estimated costs to sell, and a $2 million charge for the write-down of goodwill related to CUMC in the three months ended June 30, 2012. We completed the sale of CUMC on August 31, 2012 at a transaction price of $40 million, excluding working capital, and recognized a loss on sale of approximately $1 million in discontinued operations.
	In May 2012, we completed the sale of Diagnostic Imaging Services, Inc. (“DIS”), our former diagnostic imaging center business in Louisiana, for net proceeds of approximately $10 million. As a result of the sale, DIS was reclassified into discontinued operations in the three months ended June 30, 2012, and a gain on sale of approximately $2 million was recognized in discontinued operations.
	Should we dispose of additional hospitals or other assets in the future, we may incur additional asset impairment and restructuring charges in future periods.

IMPAIRMENT_AND_RESTRUCTURING_C

IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS
IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS	NOTE 5. IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS
	We recognized impairment charges on long-lived assets in 2014,  2013 and 2012 because the fair values of those assets or groups of assets indicated that the carrying amount was not recoverable. The fair value estimates were derived from appraisals, established market values of comparable assets, or internal estimates of future net cash flows. These fair value estimates can change by material amounts in subsequent periods. Many factors and assumptions can impact the estimates, including the future financial results of the hospitals, how the hospitals are operated in the future, changes in healthcare industry trends and regulations, and the nature of the ultimate disposition of the assets. In certain cases, these fair value estimates assume the highest and best use of hospital assets in the future to a market place participant is other than as a hospital. In these cases, the estimates are based on the fair value of the real property and equipment if utilized other than as a hospital. The impairment recognized does not include the costs of closing the hospitals or other future operating costs, which could be substantial. Accordingly, the ultimate net cash realized from the hospitals, should we choose to sell them, could be significantly less than their impaired value.
	Our impairment tests presume stable, improving or, in some cases, declining operating results in our hospitals, which are based on programs and initiatives being implemented that are designed to achieve the hospital’s most recent projections. If these projections are not met, or if in the future negative trends occur that impact our future outlook, impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill may occur, and we may incur additional restructuring charges, which could be material.
	As of December 31, 2014, our continuing operations consisted of two reportable segments, our Hospital Operations and other and Conifer. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we combined our California region and our Phoenix market to form our Western region. Our Hospital Operations and other segment is currently structured as follows:
		·	Our Central region includes all of our hospitals and other operations in Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas, except for those in the Resolute Health, San Antonio and South Texas markets;
		·	Our Florida region includes all of our hospitals and other operations in Florida;
		·	Our Northeast region includes all of our hospitals and other operations in Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania;
		·	Our Southern region includes all of our hospitals and other operations in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina;
		·	Our Western region includes all of our hospitals and other operations in Arizona and California;
		·	Our Detroit market includes all of our hospitals and other operations in the Detroit, Michigan area;
		·	Our Resolute Health market includes our hospital and other operations in the New Braunfels, Texas area;
		·	Our San Antonio market includes all of our hospitals and other operations in the San Antonio, Texas area; and
		·	Our South Texas market includes all of our hospitals and other operations in the Brownsville and Harlingen, Texas areas.
	These regions and markets are reporting units used to perform our goodwill impairment analysis and are one level below our hospital operations reportable business segment level.
	We periodically incur costs to implement restructuring efforts for specific operations, which are recorded in our statement of operations as they are incurred. Our restructuring plans focus on various aspects of operations, including aligning our operations in the most strategic and cost-effective structure. Certain restructuring and acquisition-related costs are based on estimates. Changes in estimates are recognized as they occur.
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded impairment and restructuring charges and acquisition-related costs of $153 million. This amount included a $20 million impairment charge for the write-down of buildings and equipment of one of our previously impaired hospitals to their estimated fair values, primarily due to a decline in the fair value of real estate in the market in which the hospital operates and a decline in the estimated fair value of equipment. Material adverse trends in our most recent estimates of future undiscounted cash flows of the hospital, consistent with our previous estimates in prior years when impairment charges were recorded at this hospital, indicated the carrying value of the hospital’s long-lived assets was not recoverable from the estimated future cash flows. We believe the most significant factors contributing to the adverse financial trends include reductions in volumes of insured patients, shifts in payer mix from commercial to governmental payers combined with reductions in reimbursement rates from governmental payers, and high levels of uninsured patients. As a result, we updated the estimate of the fair value of the hospital’s long-lived assets and compared the fair value estimate to the carrying value of the hospital’s long-lived assets. Because the fair value estimate was lower than the carrying value of the hospital’s long-lived assets, an impairment charge was recorded for the difference in the amounts. Unless the anticipated future financial trends of this hospital improve to the extent that the estimated future undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value of the long-lived assets, this hospital is at risk of future impairments, particularly if we spend significant amounts of capital at the hospital without generating a corresponding increase in the hospital’s fair value or if the fair value of the hospital’s real estate or equipment declines. The aggregate carrying value of assets held and used of the hospital for which an impairment charge was recorded was $23 million as of December 31, 2014 after recording the impairment charge. We also recorded $16 million of employee severance costs, $19 million of contract and lease termination fees, $3 million of restructuring costs, and $95 million in acquisition-related costs, which include $16 million of transaction costs and $79 million of acquisition integration charges.
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded impairment and restructuring charges and acquisition-related costs of $103 million. This amount included a $12 million impairment charge for the write-down of buildings and equipment and other long-lived assets, primarily capitalized software costs classified in other intangible assets, of one of our hospitals to their estimated fair values, primarily due to a decline in the fair value of real estate in the market in which the hospital operates and a decline in the estimated fair value of equipment. Material adverse trends in our estimates of future undiscounted cash flows of the hospital at that time indicated the carrying value of the hospital’s long-lived assets was not recoverable from the estimated future cash flows. We believed the most significant factors contributing to the adverse financial trends at that time included reductions in volumes of insured patients, shifts in payer mix from commercial to governmental payers combined with reductions in reimbursement rates from governmental payers, and high levels of uninsured patients. As a result, we updated the estimate of the fair value of the hospital’s long-lived assets and compared the fair value estimate to the carrying value of the hospital’s long-lived assets. Because the fair value estimate was lower than the carrying value of the hospital’s long-lived assets, an impairment charge was recorded for the difference in the amounts. We disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 that, unless the anticipated future financial trends of this hospital improved to the extent that the estimated future undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying value of the long-lived assets, this hospital was at risk of future impairments, which impairments occurred in 2014 as described above, particularly if we spent significant amounts of capital at the hospital without generating a corresponding increase in the hospital’s fair value or if the fair value of the hospital’s real estate or equipment declined. The aggregate carrying value of assets held and used of the hospital for which an impairment charge was recorded was $44 million as of December 31, 2013 after recording the impairment charge. We also recorded $16 million of restructuring costs, $14 million of employee severance costs, $2 million of lease termination fees, and $59 million in acquisition-related costs, which included both transaction costs and acquisition integration charges.
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded net impairment and restructuring charges of $19 million, consisting of $3 million relating to the impairment of obsolete assets, $2 million relating to other impairment charges, $8 million of employee severance costs and $6 million of other related costs.

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_LEASE_OBLIGA

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS	NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
	The table below shows our long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Senior notes:
	97/8%, due 2014	$	—	$	60
	91/4%, due 2015		—		474
	5%, due 2019		1,100		—
	51/2%, due 2019		500		—
	63/4%, due 2020		300		300
	8%, due 2020		750		750
	81/8%, due 2022		2,800		2,800
	67/8%, due 2031		430		430
	Senior secured notes:
	61/4%, due 2018		1,041		1,041
	43/4%, due 2020		500		500
	6%, due 2020		1,800		1,800
	41/2%, due 2021		850		850
	43/8%, due 2021		1,050		1,050
	Credit facility due 2016		220		405
	Capital leases and mortgage notes		487		417
	Unamortized note discounts and premium		-21		-28
	Total long-term debt		11,807		10,849
	Less current portion		112		153
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	11,695	$	10,696
	Credit Agreement
	We have a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, “Credit Agreement”) that provides, subject to borrowing availability, for revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1 billion, with a $300 million subfacility for standby letters of credit. The Credit Agreement, which has a scheduled maturity date of November 29, 2016, is collateralized by patient accounts receivable of all of our wholly owned acute care and specialty hospitals. In addition, borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by our wholly owned hospital subsidiaries. Outstanding revolving loans accrue interest at a base rate plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.50% or the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin ranging from 2.00% to 2.50% per annum based on available credit. An unused commitment fee payable on the undrawn portion of the revolving loans ranges from 0.375% to 0.500% per annum based on available credit. Our borrowing availability is based on a specified percentage of eligible accounts receivable, including self-pay accounts. At December 31, 2014, we had $220 million of cash borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility subject to an interest rate of 2.38%, and we had approximately $4 million of standby letters of credit outstanding. Based on our eligible receivables, approximately $776 million was available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2014.
	Letter of Credit Facility
	On March 7, 2014, we entered into a new letter of credit facility agreement (“LC Facility”) that provides for the issuance of standby and documentary letters of credit (including certain letters of credit issued under our existing Credit Agreement, which we transferred to the LC Facility (the “Existing Letters of Credit”)), from time to time, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $180 million (subject to increase to up to $200 million). The LC Facility has a scheduled maturity date of March 7, 2017, and obligations thereunder are guaranteed by and secured by a first priority pledge of the capital stock and other ownership interests of certain of our hospital subsidiaries on an equal ranking basis with our existing senior secured notes.
	Drawings under any letter of credit issued under the LC Facility (including the Existing Letters of Credit) that we have not reimbursed within three business days after notice thereof will accrue interest at a base rate plus a margin equal to 0.875% per annum. An unused commitment fee is payable at an initial rate of 0.50% per annum with a step down to 0.375% per annum based on the secured debt to EBITDA ratio of 3.00 to 1.00. A per annum fee on the aggregate outstanding amount of issued but undrawn letters of credit (including Existing Letters of Credit) will accrue at a rate of 1.875% per annum. An issuance fee equal to 0.125% per annum of the aggregate face amount of each outstanding letter of credit is payable to the account of the issuer of the related letter of credit. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately $115 million of standby letters of credit outstanding under the LC Facility.
	Senior Notes and Senior Secured Notes
	In September 2014, we sold $500 million aggregate principal amount of 51/2% senior notes, which will mature on March 1, 2019. We will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing on March 1, 2015. The proceeds from the sale of the notes were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of indebtedness and drawings under our Credit Agreement, related transaction fees and expenses, and acquisitions.
	In June and March 2014, we sold $500 million and $600 million aggregate principal amount, respectively, of 5% senior notes, which will mature on March 1, 2019. We will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, which payments commenced on September 1, 2014. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes in June 2014 were used to redeem our 91/4% senior notes due 2015 in July 2014. In connection with the redemption, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $24 million, primarily related to the difference between the redemption price and the par value of the notes, as well as the write-off of associated unamortized note discounts and issuance costs. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes in March 2014 were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of borrowings under our Credit Agreement.
	In October 2013, we sold $2.8 billion aggregate principal amount of 81/8% senior notes, which will mature on April 1, 2022, and $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of 6% senior secured notes, which will mature on October 1, 2020. We will pay interest on the 81/8% senior notes and 6% senior secured notes semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on April 1, 2014. The proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to finance the acquisition of Vanguard.
	In May 2013, we sold $1.050 billion aggregate principal amount of 43/8% senior secured notes, which will mature on October 1, 2021. We will pay interest on the 43/8% senior secured notes semi-annually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, commencing on January 1, 2014. We used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to purchase approximately $767 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 87/8% senior secured notes due 2019 in a tender offer and to call approximately $158 million of the remaining aggregate principal amount outstanding of those notes. In connection with the purchase, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of $171 million, primarily related to the difference between the purchase prices and the par values of the purchased notes, as well as the write-off of unamortized note discounts and issuance costs.
	In February 2013, we sold $850 million aggregate principal amount of 41/2% senior secured notes, which will mature on April 1, 2021. We will pay interest on the  41/2% senior secured notes semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, which payments commenced on October 1, 2013. We used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to purchase approximately $645 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 10% senior secured notes due 2018 in a tender offer and to call approximately $69 million of the remaining aggregate principal amount outstanding of those notes. In connection with the purchase, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of $177 million, primarily related to the difference between the purchase prices and the par values of the purchased notes, as well as the write-off of unamortized note discounts and issuance costs. The remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility.
	In October 2012, we sold $500 million aggregate principal amount of 43/4% senior secured notes due 2020 and $300 million aggregate principal amount of 63/4% senior notes due 2020. The 43/4% senior secured notes will mature on June 1, 2020, and the 63/4% senior notes will mature on February 1, 2020. We will pay interest on the 43/4% senior secured notes semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on June 1, 2013. We will pay interest on the 63/4% senior notes semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year; payments commenced on February 1, 2013. We used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to purchase $161 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 73/8% senior notes due 2013 in a tender offer. In connection with the purchase, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $4 million primarily related to the difference between the purchase prices and the par values of the purchased notes.
	In April 2012, we issued an additional $141 million aggregate principal amount of our 61/4% senior secured notes due 2018 at a premium for $142 million of cash proceeds and an additional $150 million aggregate principal amount of our 8% senior notes due 2020 in a private financing related to our repurchase and subsequent retirement of 298,700 shares of our 7% mandatory convertible preferred stock.
	All of our senior notes are general unsecured senior debt obligations that rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness, but are effectively subordinated to our senior secured notes described below, the obligations of our subsidiaries and any obligations under our Credit Agreement to the extent of the collateral. We may redeem any series of our senior notes, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus a make-whole premium specified in the applicable indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
	All of our senior secured notes are guaranteed by certain of our hospital company subsidiaries and secured by a first-priority pledge of the capital stock and other ownership interests of those subsidiaries. All of our senior secured notes and the related subsidiary guarantees are our and the subsidiary guarantors’ senior secured obligations. All of our senior secured notes rank equally in right of payment with all of our other senior secured indebtedness. Our senior secured notes rank senior to any subordinated indebtedness that we or such subsidiary guarantors may incur; they are effectively senior to our and such subsidiary guarantors’ existing and future unsecured indebtedness and other liabilities to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the notes and the subsidiary guarantees; they are effectively subordinated to our and such subsidiary guarantors’ obligations under our Credit Agreement to the extent of the value of the collateral securing borrowings thereunder; and they are structurally subordinated to all obligations of our non-guarantor subsidiaries.
	The indentures setting forth the terms of our senior secured notes contain provisions governing our ability to redeem the notes and the terms by which we may do so. At our option, we may redeem our senior secured notes, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus the make-whole premium set forth in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date.
	In addition, we may be required to purchase for cash all or any part of each series of our senior secured notes upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the applicable indentures) for a cash purchase price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	Covenants
	Our Credit Agreement contains customary covenants for an asset-backed facility, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio to be met when the available credit under the revolving credit facility falls below $80 million, as well as limits on debt, asset sales and prepayments of senior debt. The Credit Agreement also includes a provision, which we believe is customary in receivables-backed credit facilities, that gives our banks the right to require that proceeds of collections of substantially all of our consolidated accounts receivable be applied directly to repay outstanding loans and other amounts that are due and payable under the Credit Agreement at any time that unused borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility is less than $100 million or if an event of default has occurred and is continuing thereunder. In that event, we would seek to re-borrow under the Credit Agreement to satisfy our operating cash requirements. Our ability to borrow under the Credit Agreement is subject to conditions that we believe are customary in revolving credit facilities, including that no events of default then exist.
	The indentures governing our senior notes contain covenants and conditions that have, among other requirements, limitations on (1) liens on principal properties and (2) sale and lease-back transactions with respect to principal properties. A principal property is defined in the indentures as a hospital that has an asset value on our books in excess of 5% of our consolidated net tangible assets, as defined. The above limitations do not apply, however, to (1) debt that is not secured by principal properties or (2) debt that is secured by principal properties if the aggregate of such secured debt does not exceed 15% of our consolidated net tangible assets, as further described in the indentures. The indentures also prohibit the consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all assets unless no event of default would result after giving effect to such transaction.
	The indentures governing our senior secured notes contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur liens, consummate asset sales, enter into sale and lease-back transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our or their assets, other than in certain transactions between one or more of our wholly owned subsidiaries. These restrictions, however, are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. In particular, there are no restrictions on our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments, pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock, purchase or redeem capital stock, enter into transactions with affiliates or make advances to, or invest in, other entities (including unaffiliated entities). In addition, the indentures governing our senior secured notes contain a covenant that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will incur secured debt, unless at the time of and after giving effect to the incurrence of such debt, the aggregate amount of all such secured debt (including the aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes outstanding at such time) does not exceed the greater of (i) $3.2 billion or (ii) the amount that would cause the secured debt ratio (as defined in the indentures) to exceed 4.0 to 1.0; provided that the aggregate amount of all such debt secured by a lien on par to the lien securing the senior secured notes may not exceed the greater of (a) $2.6 billion or (b) the amount that would cause the secured debt ratio to exceed 3.0 to 1.0.
	Future Maturities
	Future long-term debt maturities and minimum operating lease payments as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
				Years Ending December 31,										Later
		Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Years
	Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations	$	11,828	$	112	$	259	$	53	$	1,103	$	1,611	$	8,690
	Long-term non-cancelable operating leases	$	907	$	156	$	140	$	120	$	96	$	79	$	316
	Rental expense under operating leases, including short-term leases, was $242 million, $186 million and $156 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in rental expense for each of these periods was sublease income of $9 million, $8 million and $8 million, respectively, which were recorded as a reduction to rental expense.

GUARANTEES

GUARANTEES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
GUARANTEES
GUARANTEES	NOTE 7. GUARANTEES
	Consistent with our policy on physician relocation and recruitment, we provide income guarantee agreements to certain physicians who agree to relocate to fill a community need in the service area of one of our hospitals and commit to remain in practice in the area for a specified period of time. Under such agreements, we are required to make payments to the physicians in excess of the amounts they earn in their practices up to the amount of the income guarantee. The income guarantee periods are typically 12 months. If a physician does not fulfill his or her commitment period to the community, which is typically three years subsequent to the guarantee period, we seek recovery of the income guarantee payments from the physician on a prorated basis. We also provide revenue collection guarantees to hospital-based physician groups providing certain services at our hospitals with terms generally ranging from one to three years.
	At December 31, 2014, the maximum potential amount of future payments under our income guarantees to certain physicians who agree to relocate and revenue collection guarantees to hospital-based physician groups providing certain services at our hospitals was $97 million. We had a liability of $76 million recorded for these guarantees included in other current liabilities at December 31, 2014.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	NOTE 8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	We currently grant stock-based awards to our directors and key employees pursuant to our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, which was approved by our shareholders at their 2008 annual meeting. At December 31, 2014,  approximately 5.3 million shares of common stock were available under our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan for future stock option grants and other incentive awards, including restricted stock units. Options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant and generally expire 10 years from the date of grant. A restricted stock unit is a contractual right to receive one share of our common stock or the equivalent value in cash in the future. Options and restricted stock units typically vest one-third on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant; however, from time to time, we grant performance-based options and restricted stock units that vest subject to the achievement of specified performance goals within a specified timeframe.
	Our income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes $51 million, $39 million and $33 million, respectively, of pretax compensation costs related to our stock-based compensation arrangements  ($32 million, $24 million and $21 million, respectively, after-tax). The table below shows certain stock option and restricted stock unit grants and other awards that comprise the $51 million of stock-based compensation expense recorded in salaries, wages and benefits in the year ended December 31, 2014. Compensation cost is measured by the fair value of the awards on their grant dates and is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, whether or not the awards had any intrinsic value during the period.
												Stock-Based
								Fair Value				Compensation Expense
					Exercise Price			Per Share at				for Year Ended
	Grant Date		Awards		Per Share			Grant Date				December 31, 2014
			(In Thousands)									(In Millions)
	Stock Options:
	February 28, 2013		278		$	39.31		$	14.46			$	1
	February 29, 2012		356		$	22.60			11.96				2
	Restricted Stock Units:
	25-Aug-14		394						59.90				2
	9-May-14		32						44.36	(1)			1
	26-Feb-14		1,291						44.12				17
	June 13, 2013		318						47.13				3
	February 28, 2013		883						39.31				12
	February 29, 2012		946						22.60				7
	Other grants												6
												$	51
		-1		End of month fair market value was used for this grant to calculate compensation expense.
	Prior to our shareholders approving the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, we granted stock-based awards to our directors and employees pursuant to other plans. Stock options remain outstanding under those other plans, but no additional stock-based awards will be granted under them.
	Pursuant to the terms of our stock-based compensation plans, awards granted under the plans vest and may be exercised as determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors. In the event of a change in control, the compensation committee may, at its sole discretion without obtaining shareholder approval, accelerate the vesting or performance periods of the awards.
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
					Weighted Average
					Exercise Price			Aggregate			Weighted Average
			Options		Per Share			Intrinsic Value			Remaining Life
									(In Millions)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011		8,498,393			25.04
	Granted		477,500			22.79
	Exercised		-3,657,127			5.77
	Forfeited/Expired		-1,029,574			69.72
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012		4,289,192			30.49
	Granted		295,639			39.41
	Exercised		-946,086			23.34
	Forfeited/Expired		-330,634			55.79
	Outstanding as of  December 31, 2013		3,308,111		$	30.79
	Granted		—
	Exercised		-699,910			33.53
	Forfeited/Expired		-624,052			47.97
	Outstanding as of  December 31, 2014		1,984,149		$	24.42		$	52		3.7	years
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		1,907,464		$	24.35		$	50		3.6	years
	Exercisable as of  December 31, 2014		1,579,018		$	21.92		$	45		3.5	years
	There were 699,910 stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 with a $13 million aggregate intrinsic value, and 946,086 stock options exercised in 2013 with a $18 million aggregate intrinsic value.
	As of December 31, 2014, there were $2 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year.
	In the year ended December 31, 2014,  there were no stock options granted. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we granted an aggregate of 295,639 stock options under our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan to certain of our senior officers. These stock options will all vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the terms of the Plan, and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.
	The weighted average estimated fair value of stock options we granted in the year ended December 31, 2013  was $14.46 per share. These fair values were calculated based on each grant date, using a binomial lattice model with the following assumptions:
				Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Expected volatility			50%
	Expected dividend yield			0%
	Expected life			3.6 years
	Expected forfeiture rate			6%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.48%
	Early exercise threshold			100% gain
	Early exercise rate			50% per year
	The expected volatility used in the binomial lattice model incorporated historical and implied share-price volatility and was based on an analysis of historical prices of our stock and open-market exchanged options. The expected volatility reflects the historical volatility for a duration consistent with the contractual life of the options, and the volatility implied by the trading of options to purchase our stock on open-market exchanges. The historical share-price volatility excludes the movements in our stock price on two dates (one in 2010 and one in 2011) with unusual volatility due to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The expected life of options granted is derived from the output of the binomial lattice model and represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding. This model incorporates an early exercise assumption in the event of a significant increase in stock price. The risk-free interest rates are based on zero-coupon United States Treasury yields in effect at the date of grant consistent with the expected exercise timeframes.
	The following table summarizes information about our outstanding stock options at December 31, 2014:
			Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
					Weighted Average
			Number of		Remaining			Weighted Average			Number of		Weighted Average
	Range of Exercise Prices		Options		Contractual Life			Exercise Price			Options		Exercise Price
	$0.00 to $4.569		237,303		4.2	years		$	4.56		237,303		$	4.56
$4.57 to $25.089		957,583		5.0	years			20.96		830,903			20.67
$25.09 to $32.569		402,816		1.6	years			29.32		402,816			29.32
$32.57 to $42.089		386,447		2.3	years			40.08		107,996			42.08
		1,984,149		3.7	years		$	24.42		1,579,018		$	21.92
As of December 31, 2014,  all of our outstanding options were in-the-money, that is, they had exercise price less than the $50.67 market price of our common stock on December 31, 2014.
Restricted Stock Units
The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Restricted Stock		Weighted Average Grant
		Units		Date Fair Value Per Unit
Unvested as of December 31, 2011		1,927,307		$	24.52
Granted		1,654,337			22.18
Vested		-1,033,632			23.51
Forfeited		-252,070			23.39
Unvested as of December 31, 2012		2,295,942			23.40
Granted		1,564,224			41.20
Vested		-966,838			24.20
Forfeited		-186,106			29.69
Unvested as of December 31, 2013		2,707,222			33.34
Granted		1,772,276			48.42
Vested		-1,009,927			27.49
Forfeited		-169,851			36.64
Unvested as of December 31, 2014		3,299,720		$	40.99
In the year ended December 31, 2014,  we granted 1,046,910 restricted stock units subject to time-vesting of which 945,409 will vest and be settled ratably over a three-year period from the date of the grant, 23,435 will vest 100% on the tenth anniversary of the grant date, 63,623 will vest 100% on the fifth anniversary of the grant date and 14,443 will vest 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date. In addition, our newly appointed Board of Director member received an initial grant of 1,240 restricted stock units that immediately vested but will not settle until her separation from the board and an annual grant of 1,368 restricted stock units that immediately vested but will not settle until the earlier of three years or her separation from the board. Also, we granted 271,815 performance-based restricted stock units to certain of our senior officers; the vesting of these restricted stock units is contingent on our achievement of a specified one-year performance goal for the year ended December 31, 2014, which performance goal was achieved. The performance-based restricted stock units will vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date. If the performance goal had not been achieved, the restricted stock units would have been forfeited. The actual number of performance-based restricted stock units that could have vested ranged from 0% to 200% of the 271,815 units granted, depending on our level of achievement with respect to the performance goal. We also granted 450,943 special retention restricted stock units to a select group of officers; two-thirds of the award will vest contingent on our achievement of a performance goal of which one-half will vest based on performance over a one-year period ending in December 2015 and the remaining one-half will vest based on performance over a four-year period ending in December 2018.  The remaining one-third of this special retention award will vest in full on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.
In the year ended December 31, 2013,  we granted 1,122,811 restricted stock units subject to time-vesting, of which 1,023,112 will vest and be settled ratably over a three-year period from the grant date and 80,133 will vest 100% on the fifth anniversary of the grant date and 19,566 will vest 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date. In addition, we granted 206,058 performance-based restricted stock units to certain of our senior officers. Because the performance goal for the year ended December 31, 2013 was met at the target level, 100% of the performance-based restricted stock units will vest and be settled ratably over a three-year period from the grant date. We also awarded a grant of 23,175 performance-based restricted stock units to one of our senior executives. If target conditions are met, 100% of this grant will vest and be settled three years from the grant date. We also awarded a grant of 212,180 restricted stock units to our chief executive officer, of which 106,090 are subject to time-vesting and 106,090 are performance-based. If target conditions are met, 50% of this grant will vest three years from the grant date and the remaining 50% will vest six years from the grant date. The award also allows for an additional 106,090 shares to be issued if higher performance criteria are met.
As of December 31, 2014, there were $99 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We have an employee stock purchase plan under which we are currently authorized to issue up to 5,062,500 shares of common stock to our eligible employees. As of December 31, 2014, there were approximately 258,875 shares available for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan. Under the terms of the plan, eligible employees may elect to have between 1% and 10% of their base earnings withheld each quarter to purchase shares of our common stock. Shares are purchased at a price equal to 95% of the closing price on the last day of the quarter. The plan requires a one-year holding period for all shares issued. The holding period does not apply upon termination of employment. Under the plan, no individual may purchase, in any year, shares with a fair market value in excess of $25,000. The plan is currently not considered to be compensatory.
We sold the following numbers of shares under our employee stock purchase plan in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
Number of shares			162,128			100,217			144,021
Weighted average price		$	46.91		$	42.88		$	22.81
Employee Retirement Plans
Substantially all of our employees, upon qualification, are eligible to participate in one of our defined contribution 401(k) plans. Under the plans, employees may contribute a portion of their eligible compensation, and we match such contributions annually up to a maximum percentage for participants actively employed, as defined by the plan documents. Employer matching contributions will vary by plan. Plan expenses, primarily related to our contributions to the plan, were approximately $92 million, $35 million and $32 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such amounts are reflected in salaries, wages and benefits in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We maintain three frozen non-qualified defined benefit pension plans (“SERPs”) that provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain of our current and former executives. One of these SERPs was frozen during the year ended December 31, 2014. These plans are not funded, and plan obligations for these plans are paid from our working capital. Pension benefits are generally based on years of service and compensation. Upon completing the acquisition of Vanguard on October 1, 2013, we assumed a frozen qualified defined benefit plan (“DMC Pension Plan”) covering substantially all of the employees of our Detroit market that were hired prior to June 1, 2003. The benefits paid under the DMC Pension Plan are primarily based on years of service and final average earnings. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Society of Actuaries issued new mortality tables (RP-2014) and a mortality improvement scale (MP-2014), which we have incorporated into the estimates of our defined benefit plan obligations as of December 31, 2014. These changes to our mortality assumptions increased our projected benefit obligations by
approximately $87 million. The following tables summarize the balance sheet impact, as well as the benefit obligations, funded status and rate assumptions associated with the SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan based on actuarial valuations prepared as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
Reconciliation of funded status of plans and the amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Projected benefit obligations(1)
Beginning obligations		$	-1,303		$	-312
Assumed from acquisition			—			-1,037
Service cost			-3			-2
Interest cost			-66			-25
Actuarial gain(loss)			-268			44
Plan changes			—			-2
Benefits paid/employer contributions			81			31
Ending obligations			-1,559			-1,303
Fair value of plans assets
Beginning obligations			886			—
Assumed from acquisition			—			863
Gain on plan assets			70			34
Employer contribution			3			—
Benefits paid			-61			-11
Ending plan assets			898			886
Funded status of plans		$	-661		$	-417
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other current liability		$	-28		$	-19
Other long-term liability			-633			-398
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			276			22
		$	-385		$	-395
SERP Assumptions:
Discount rate			4.25	%		5.00	%
Compensation increase rate			3.00	%		3.00	%
Measurement date			December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
DMC Pension Plan Assumptions:
Discount rate			4.16	%		5.18
Compensation increase rate			Frozen			Frozen
Measurement date			December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	-1		The accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1.544 billion and $1.297 billion, respectively.
The components of net periodic benefit costs and related assumptions are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
Service costs		$	3		$	2		$	2
Interest costs			66			25			14
Expected return on plan assets			-60			-15			—
Amortization of prior-year service costs			—			—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss			4			7			5
Net periodic benefit cost		$	13		$	19		$	21
SERP Assumptions:
Discount rate			5.00	%		4.00	%		5.00	%
Long-term rate of return on assets			n/a			n/a			n/a
Compensation increase rate			3.00	%		3.00	%		3.00	%
Measurement date			January 1, 2014			January 1, 2013			January 1, 2012
Census date			January 1, 2014			January 1, 2013			January 1, 2012
DMC Pension Plan Assumptions:
Discount rate			5.18	%		5.01	%		n/a
Long-term rate of return on assets			7.00	%		7.00	%		n/a
Compensation increase rate			Frozen			Frozen			n/a
Measurement date			January 1, 2014			October 1, 2013			n/a
Census date			January 1, 2014			January 1, 2013			n/a
Net periodic benefit costs for the current year are based on assumptions determined at the valuation date of the prior year for the SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan.
We recorded gain/(loss) adjustments of ($254) million, $69 million and ($25) million in other comprehensive income (loss) in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to recognize changes in the funded status of our SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan. Changes in the funded status are recorded as a direct increase or decrease to shareholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive loss. Net actuarial gains/(losses) of ($258) million, $63 million and ($30) million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the amortization of net actuarial loss of $4 million, $7 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Cumulative net actuarial losses of $276 million, $22 million and $90 million as of December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively, and unrecognized prior service costs of less than $1 million as of each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs.
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption, the DMC Pension Plan considers the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns on each asset class. The expected return for each asset class is then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the portfolio. The weighted-average asset allocations by asset category as of December 31, 2014, were as follows:
Asset Category		Target		Actual
Cash and cash equivalents		6	%	6	%
United States government obligations		1	%	1	%
Equity securities		50	%	50	%
Debt Securities		43	%	43	%
The DMC Pension Plan assets are invested in separately managed portfolios using investment management firms. The objective for all asset categories is to maximize total return without assuming undue risk exposure. The DMC Pension Plan maintains a well-diversified asset allocation that best meets these objectives. The DMC Pension Plan assets are largely comprised of equity securities, which include companies with various market capitalization sizes in addition to international and convertible securities. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds. Debt securities include domestic and foreign government obligations, corporate bonds, and mortgage-backed securities. Under the investment policy of the DMC Pension Plan, investments in derivative securities are not permitted for the sole purpose of speculating on the direction of market interest rates. Included in this prohibition are leveraging, shorting, swaps, futures, options, forwards, and similar strategies.
In each investment account, the DMC Pension Plan investment managers are responsible to monitor and react to economic indicators, such as gross domestic product, consumer price index and U.S. monetary policy that may affect the performance of their account. The performance of all managers and the aggregate asset allocation are formally reviewed on a quarterly basis, with a rebalancing of the asset allocation occurring at least once a year. The current asset allocation objective is to maintain a certain percentage with each class allowing for a 10% deviation from the target.
The following tables summarize the DMC Pension Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements are determined. Fair value methodologies for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 are consistent with the inputs described in Note 18.
		December 31, 2014			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	55		$	55		$	—		$	—
United States government obligations			5			5			—			—
Corporate bonds			391			391			—			—
Equity securities			447			447			—			—
		$	898		$	898		$	—		$	—
The following table presents the estimated future benefit payments to be made from the SERPs and the DMC Pension Plan, a portion of which will be funded from plan assets, for the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter:
					Years Ending December 31, 2014													Five Years
		Total			2015			2016			2017			2018		2019		Thereafter
Estimated benefit payments		$	896		$	84		$	80		$	83		$	86	$	89	$	474
The SERP and DMC Pension Plan obligations of $661 million at December 31, 2014 are classified in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as an other current liability  ($28 million) and defined benefit plan obligations  ($633 million) based on an estimate of the expected payment patterns. We expect to make total contributions to the plans of approximately $28 million for the year ending December 31, 2015.

CAPITAL_COMMITMENTS

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS	NOTE 9. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
	In connection with Vanguard’s acquisition of Detroit Medical Center, certain capital commitments were agreed to be satisfied at particular dates. If these commitments are not met by these required dates, we are required to escrow cash for the purpose of funding certain capital projects. There was no required escrow balance as of December 31, 2014.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	NOTE 10. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	The principal components of property and equipment are shown in the table below:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	650	$	660
	Buildings and improvements		7,013		6,166
	Construction in progress		161		593
	Equipment		4,387		4,070
			12,211		11,489
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-4,478		-3,907
	Net property and equipment	$	7,733	$	7,582
	Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization and impairment write-downs related to assets held and used.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE 11. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The following table provides information on changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, which is included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Hospital Operations and other
	As of January 1:
	Goodwill	$	5,584	$	3,268
	Accumulated impairment losses		-2,430		-2,430
	Total		3,154		838
	Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments		153		2,316
	Goodwill allocated to hospital sold		—		—
	Impairment of goodwill		—		—
	Total	$	3,307	$	3,154
	As of December 31:
	Goodwill	$	5,737	$	5,584
	Accumulated impairment losses		-2,430		-2,430
	Total	$	3,307	$	3,154
		2014		2013
	Conifer
	As of January 1:
	Goodwill	$	412	$	78
	Accumulated impairment losses		—		—
	Total		412		78
	Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments		194		334
	Total	$	606	$	412
	As of December 31:
	Goodwill	$	606	$	412
	Accumulated impairment losses		—		—
	Total	$	606	$	412
	The following table provides information regarding other intangible assets, which are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Gross
		Carrying		Accumulated		Net Book
		Amount		Amortization		Value
	As of December 31, 2014:
	Capitalized software costs	$	1,412	$	-586	$	826
	Long-term debt issuance costs		245		-49		196
	Trade names		106		—		106
	Contracts		57		-6		51
	Other		129		-30		99
	Total	$	1,949	$	-671	$	1,278
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Capitalized software costs	$	1,148	$	-468	$	680
	Long-term debt issuance costs		230		-31		199
	Trade Names		106		—		106
	Contracts		57		-2		55
	Other		80		-15		65
	Total	$	1,621	$	-516	$	1,105
	Estimated future amortization of intangibles with finite useful lives as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
				Years Ending December 31,										Later
		Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Years
	Amortization of intangible assets	$	1,166	$	218	$	208	$	151	$	141	$	102	$	346

INVESTMENTS_AND_OTHER_ASSETS

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS	NOTE 12. INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
	The principal components of investments and other assets in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
	Marketable debt securities		$	77	$	16
	Equity investments in unconsolidated healthcare entities(1)			56		56
	Total investments			133		72
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies			27		25
	Long-term deposits			36		35
	Land held for expansion, long-term receivables and other assets			188		225
	Investments and other assets		$	384	$	357
		-1		Equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates are included in net operating revenues in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and were $12 million and $15 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Our policy is to classify investments that may be needed for cash requirements as “available-for-sale.” In doing so, the carrying values of the shares and debt instruments are adjusted at the end of each accounting period to their market values through a credit or charge to other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes. At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were less than $1 million of accumulated unrealized gains on these investments.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	NOTE 13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	Our accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Adjustments for defined benefit plans	$	-182	$	-24
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	-182	$	-24
	There was a tax effect allocated to the adjustments for our defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $93 million and $(25) million, respectively.

PROPERTY_AND_PROFESSIONAL_AND_

PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE	NOTE 14. PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
	Property Insurance
	We have property, business interruption and related insurance coverage to mitigate the financial impact of catastrophic events or perils that is subject to deductible provisions based on the terms of the policies. These policies are on an occurrence basis.
	Professional and General Liability Insurance
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate current and long-term professional and general liability reserves in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were approximately $681 million and $711 million, respectively. These reserves include the reserves recorded by our captive insurance subsidiaries and our self-insured retention reserves recorded based on modeled estimates for the portion of our professional and general liability risks, including incurred but not reported claims, for which we do not have insurance coverage. We estimated the reserves for losses and related expenses using expected loss-reporting patterns discounted to their present value under a risk-free rate approach using a Federal Reserve seven-year maturity rate of 1.97%,  2.45% and 1.18% at December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.
	If the aggregate limit of any of our professional and general liability policies is exhausted, in whole or in part, it could deplete or reduce the limits available to pay any other material claims applicable to that policy period.
	Included in other operating expenses, net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations is malpractice expense of $232 million, $112 million and $92 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

CLAIMS_AND_LAWSUITS

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS
CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS	NOTE 15. CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS
	We operate in a highly regulated and litigious industry. As a result, we commonly become involved in disputes, litigation and regulatory matters incidental to our operations, including governmental investigations, personal injury lawsuits, employment claims and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of our business.
	We record accruals for estimated losses relating to claims and lawsuits when available information indicates that a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss or a range of loss. If a loss on a material matter is reasonably possible and estimable, we disclose an estimate of the loss or a range of loss. In cases where we have not disclosed an estimate, we have concluded that the loss is either not reasonably possible or the loss, or a range of loss, is not reasonably estimable, based on available information.
	Governmental Reviews
	Healthcare companies are subject to numerous investigations by various governmental agencies. Further, private parties have the right to bring qui tam or “whistleblower” lawsuits against companies that allegedly submit false claims for payments to, or improperly retain overpayments from, the government and, in some states, private payers. Certain of our individual facilities and Conifer have received inquiries from government agencies, and our hospitals and other healthcare-related businesses may receive such inquiries in future periods. The following material governmental reviews, which have been previously reported, are currently pending.
	•Review of Conifer’s Debt Collection Activities—As previously reported, Syndicated Office Systems, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Conifer doing business under the name Central Financial Control (“CFC”), received a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) in August 2013 from the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) and, in July 2014, CFC received a second CID from the CFPB requesting additional information. In November 2014, the CFPB informed CFC’s external counsel that, based on its investigation, the CFPB believes CFC has not complied in limited instances with certain notification and other requirements under federal consumer financial laws with respect to credit reporting and debt collection. In January 2015, CFC commenced informal discussions with the CFPB to resolve the agency’s investigation. Based on CFC’s initial settlement proposal, management established a reserve of $1.7 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014 to reflect its current estimate of CFC’s potential liability in connection with this matter. However, because the discussions are still in their early stages, it is not possible at this time to predict a possible range of loss with respect to the investigation. Although there can be no assurance that CFC and the CFPB will reach an agreement, the Company believes, based on current information, that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries.
	•Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (“ICDs”)—We are engaged in potential settlement discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to resolve an investigation to determine whether ICD procedures performed at 56 of our hospitals from 2002 to 2010 complied with Medicare coverage requirements. It is impossible at this time to predict with any certainty the outcome of those discussions or the amount of any potential resolution. However, based on current discussions, we believe the amount of the reserve management has established for this matter, as described below, continues to reflect our current estimate of probable liability for all of the hospitals under review as part of the government’s examination, which commenced in March 2010.
	•Clinica de la Mama Investigations and Qui Tam Action—As previously reported, we received a subpoena in May 2012 from the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Atlanta seeking documents from January 2004 through May 2012 related to the relationship that certain of our Georgia and South Carolina hospitals had with Hispanic Medical Management, Inc. (“HMM”). HMM was an unaffiliated entity that owned and operated clinics that provided, among other things, prenatal care predominantly to uninsured patients. The hospitals contracted with HMM for translation, marketing, management and Medicaid eligibility determination services. The civil investigation is being conducted by the Civil Division of the DOJ, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, while a parallel criminal investigation is being conducted by the Criminal Division of the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
	The investigations arose out of a qui tam action captioned United States of America, ex. rel. Ralph D. Williams v. Health Management Associates, Inc., et al. filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. We and four of our hospital subsidiaries are defendants in the qui tam action, which alleges that the arrangements the hospitals had with HMM violated the federal and state anti-kickback statutes and false claims acts. Both the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of the State of Georgia, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, on behalf of the United States, have intervened in the qui tam action. We submitted answers to the complaints filed by the relator, the State of Georgia and the United States on July 15, 2014 following the court’s denial of our motions to dismiss in June 2014. The parties have agreed to stay discovery in the case until March 31, 2015.
	If we or our subsidiaries were determined to have violated the anti-kickback statutes, the government could require us to reimburse related government program payments received during the subject period, assess civil monetary penalties including treble damages, exclude individuals or subsidiaries from participation in federal healthcare programs, or seek criminal sanctions against current or former employees of our hospital subsidiary companies or the hospital companies themselves. In a Bill of Information filed on July 23, 2014 with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, the U.S. Attorney for that District asserted charges of one count of criminal conspiracy against a former owner of HMM (a non-employee of Tenet) related to the agreements between HMM and the Tenet hospitals described above. In a separate Bill of Information also filed with the court on July 23, 2014, the U.S. Attorney asserted charges of one count of criminal conspiracy against a former employee of a Tenet hospital, but such charges relate to an unaffiliated entity. It is impossible at this time to predict with any certainty the amount and terms of any potential resolution of these matters; however, we believe the amount of the reserve established, as described below, continues to reflect our current estimate of probable liability. We will continue to vigorously defend against the government’s allegations.
	Our analysis of each of these pending reviews is still ongoing, and we are unable to predict with any certainty the progress or final outcome of any discussions with government agencies at this time. Management has established reserves of approximately $38 million in the aggregate for our potential obligations with respect to the CFPB investigation, all of the hospitals under review for their billing practices for cardiac defibrillator implantation procedures, and the Clinica de la Mama matters. Changes in the reserves may be required in the future as additional information becomes available. We cannot predict the ultimate resolution of any governmental review, and the final amounts paid in settlement or otherwise, if any, could differ materially from our currently recorded reserves.
	The following previously reported governmental review was recently resolved:
	•Kyphoplasty—From March 2009 through July 2010, seven of our hospitals became the subject of a review by the DOJ and certain other federal agencies regarding the appropriateness of inpatient treatment for Medicare patients receiving kyphoplasty, which is a surgical procedure used to treat certain spinal conditions. In January 2013, we paid $900,000 to settle claims against one of our hospitals subject to this review, and, in April 2014, we confirmed that another hospital is no longer the subject of investigation. In January 2015, we reached final agreement with the government to settle this matter with respect to the remaining five hospitals for approximately $2 million, which was fully reserved as of December 31, 2014.
	Ordinary Course Matters
	We are also subject to other claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including potential claims related to, among other things, the care and treatment provided at our hospitals and outpatient facilities, the application of various federal and state labor laws, tax audits and other matters. Although the results of these claims and lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these ordinary course claims and lawsuits will not have a material effect on our business or financial condition.
	In addition, in October 2014, we received court approval of a final agreement to settle a previously disclosed class action lawsuit captioned Doe, et al. v. Jo Ellen Smith Medical Foundation, which was filed in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans in Louisiana in March 1997. The plaintiffs pursued a claim for tortious invasion of privacy due to the fact that in April 1996 patient identifying records from a psychiatric hospital we closed in 1995 were temporarily placed in an unsecure location while the hospital was undergoing renovations. The court certified a class of over 5,000 persons; however, only eight individuals (in addition to the two plaintiffs) have been identified to date in the class certification process. The plaintiffs have asserted each member of the class is entitled to common damages under a theory of presumed “common damage” regardless of whether or not any members of the class were actually harmed or even aware of the incident. In an effort to avoid protracted litigation, the parties settled this matter in June 2014 for a maximum potential payment of $32.5 million, subject to the number and type of claims asserted by the class members between January 15 and March 31, 2015. We made an initial deposit of $5.5 million into an escrow account in late November 2014. The settlement will be funded in amounts and on a schedule to be agreed to by the parties. Management has established a reserve of $11.5 million, recorded in discontinued operations, to reflect our current estimate of probable liability for this matter based on anticipated levels of class member participation.
	New claims or inquiries may be initiated against us from time to time. These matters could (1) require us to pay substantial damages or amounts in judgments or settlements, which, individually or in the aggregate, could exceed amounts, if any, that may be recovered under our insurance policies where coverage applies and is available, (2) cause us to incur substantial expenses, (3) require significant time and attention from our management, and (4) cause us to close or sell hospitals or otherwise modify the way we conduct business.
	The table below presents reconciliations of the beginning and ending liability balances in connection with legal settlements and related costs recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Balances at		Litigation and						Balances at
		Beginning		Investigation		Cash				End of
		of Period		Costs		Payments		Other		Period
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Continuing operations	$	64	$	25	$	-16	$	—	$	73
	Discontinued operations		6		18		-14		—		10
		$	70	$	43	$	-30	$	—	$	83
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Continuing operations	$	5	$	31	$	-10	$	38	$	64
	Discontinued operations		5		2		-1		—		6
		$	10	$	33	$	-11	$	38	$	70
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Continuing operations	$	49	$	5	$	-49	$	—	$	5
	Discontinued operations		17		—		-12		—		5
		$	66	$	5	$	-61	$	—	$	10
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded net costs of $43 million,  $33 million and $5 million, respectively, in connection with significant legal proceedings and governmental reviews. The amount for 2013 in the column entitled “Other” above relates to reserves assumed as part of our acquisition of Vanguard in October 2013.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 16. INCOME TAXES
	The provision for income taxes for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	-12	$	2	$	-3
	State		18		4		11
			6		6		8
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal		46		-56		117
	State		-3		-15		—
			43		-71		117
		$	49	$	-65	$	125
	A reconciliation between the amount of reported income tax expense (benefit) and the amount computed by multiplying income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes by the statutory federal income tax rate is shown below. State income tax for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes $34 million of expense related to the write off of expired unutilized state net operating loss carryforwards for which a full valuation allowance had been provided in prior years. A corresponding tax benefit of $34 million is included for the year ended December 31, 2014 to reflect the reduction in the valuation allowance.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	$	52	$	-55	$	117
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		5		1		13
	Expired state net operating losses, net of federal income tax benefit		34		—		—
	Tax attributable to noncontrolling interests		-23		-10		-4
	Nondeductible acquisition costs		2		6		—
	Nondeductible health insurance provider fee		3		—		—
	Changes in valuation allowance		-20		-2		-5
	Change in tax contingency reserves, including interest		-2		-7		-1
	Prior-year provision to return adjustment and other changes in deferred taxes		-5		3		3
	Other items		3		-1		2
		$	49	$	-65	$	125
	Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for income tax purposes. The following table discloses those significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, including any valuation allowance:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	Depreciation and fixed-asset differences	$	—	$	847	$	—	$	681
	Reserves related to discontinued operations and restructuring charges		28		—		20		—
	Receivables (doubtful accounts and adjustments)		173		—		252		—
	Deferred gain on debt exchanges		—		42		—		53
	Accruals for retained insurance risks		329		—		335		—
	Intangible assets		—		157		—		147
	Other long-term liabilities		166		—		81		—
	Benefit plans		451		—		294		—
	Other accrued liabilities		83		—		97		—
	Investments and other assets		—		4		—		27
	Net operating loss carryforwards		659		—		708		—
	Stock-based compensation		31		—		31		—
	Other items		80		—		37		—
			2,000		1,050		1,855		908
	Valuation allowance		-87		—		-107		—
		$	1,913	$	1,050	$	1,748	$	908
	Below is a reconciliation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities and the corresponding amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Current portion of deferred income tax asset	$	747	$	692
	Deferred income tax asset, net of current portion		116		148
	Net deferred tax asset	$	863	$	840
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the valuation allowance decreased by $20 million primarily due to the expiration of unutilized state net operating loss carryforwards.  The remaining balance in the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014 is $87 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the valuation allowance increased by $51 million, $34 million due to the acquisition of Vanguard and $17 million primarily due to the adjustment of deferred tax assets for state net operating loss carryforwards that have a full valuation allowance. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we reduced the valuation allowance by an additional $5 million based on 2012 profits and projected profits for 2013.
	We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740-10-25, which prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The table below summarizes the total changes in unrecognized tax benefits during the year ended December 31, 2014. The additions and reductions for tax positions include the impact of items for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions. Such amounts include unrecognized tax benefits that have impacted deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012.
		Continuing		Discontinued
		Operations		Operations		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	34		1	$	35
	Additions for prior-year tax positions		—		—		—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-2		—		-2
	Additions for current-year tax positions		2		—		2
	Reductions for current-year tax positions		—		—		—
	Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		-3		—		-3
	Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations		—		—		—
	Balance at December 31, 2012		31		1		32
Additions for prior-year tax positions		15		—		15
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		—		—		—
Additions for current-year tax positions		3		—		3
Reductions for current-year tax positions		—		—		—
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		—		—		—
Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations		-6		-1		-7
Balance at December 31, 2013		43	$	—		43
Additions for prior-year tax positions		—		—		—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-1		—		-1
Additions for current-year tax positions		1		—		1
Reductions for current-year tax positions		—		—		—
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		—		—		—
Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations		-5		—		-5
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	38	$	—	$	38
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 was $38 million, of which $31 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate and income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations. Income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2014 includes a benefit of $6 million in continuing operations attributable to a decrease in our estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions, net of related deferred tax effects. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013 was $43 million, of which $34 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate and income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations. Income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2013 includes a benefit of $1 million in continuing operations attributable to a decrease in our estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions, net of related deferred tax effects. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 was $32 million which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate and income tax expense (benefit) from continuing and discontinued operations. Income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2012 includes expense of $3 million in continuing operations attributable to an increase in our estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions, net of related deferred tax effects.
Our practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Approximately $1 million of interest and penalties related to accrued liabilities for uncertain tax positions related to continuing operations are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. Total accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 were $4 million, all of which related to continuing operations.
The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed audits of our tax returns for all tax years ending on or before December 31, 2007, and of Vanguard’s tax returns for fiscal years ending on or before June 30, 2004. All disputed issues with respect to these audits have been resolved and all related tax assessments (including interest) have been paid. Our tax returns for years ended after December 31, 2007, and Vanguard’s tax returns for fiscal years ended after June 30, 2004 remain subject to examination by the IRS.
As of December 31, 2014, approximately $2 million of unrecognized federal and state tax benefits, as well as reserves for interest and penalties, may decrease in the next 12 months as a result of the settlement of audits, the filing of amended tax returns or the expiration of statutes of limitations.
At December 31, 2014, our carryforwards available to offset future taxable income consisted of (1) federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $1.6 billion pretax expiring in 2024 to 2033, (2) approximately $28 million in alternative minimum tax credits with no expiration, (3) general business credit carryforwards of approximately $19 million expiring in 2023 through 2034, and (4) state NOL carryforwards of $3.3 billion expiring in 2014 through 2033 for which the associated deferred tax benefit, net of valuation allowance and federal tax impact, is $18 million. Our ability to utilize NOL carryforwards to reduce future taxable income may be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code if certain ownership changes in our company occur during a rolling three-year period. These ownership changes include purchases of common stock under share repurchase programs (see Note 2), the offering of stock by us, the purchase or sale of our stock by 5% shareholders, as defined in the Treasury regulations, or the issuance or exercise of rights to acquire our stock. If such ownership changes by 5% shareholders result in aggregate increases that exceed 50 percentage points during the three-year period, then Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of our taxable income that may be offset by the NOL carryforwards or tax credit carryforwards at the time of ownership change.

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	NOTE 17. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
	The table below is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of our basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share calculations for income (loss) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Income (loss) is expressed in millions and weighted average shares are expressed in thousands.
				Weighted
		Net Income		Average
		(Loss)		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share	$	34	97,801	$	0.35
	Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units		—	2,486		-0.01
	Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share	$	34	100,287	$	0.34
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share	$	-123	101,648	$	-1.21
	Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units		—	—		—
	Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share	$	-123	101,648	$	-1.21
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share	$	185	104,200	$	1.77
	Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units		—	4,726		-0.07
	Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share	$	185	108,926	$	1.70
	All potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the year ended December 31, 2013 because we did not report income from continuing operations in the period. In circumstances where we do not have income from continuing operations, the effect of stock options and other potentially dilutive securities is anti-dilutive, that is, a loss from continuing operations has the effect of making the diluted loss per share less than the basic loss per share. Had we generated income from continuing operations in that period, the effect (in thousands) of employee stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units on the diluted shares calculation would have been an increase in shares of 2,310. Stock options (in thousands) whose exercise price exceeded the average market price of our common stock and, therefore, were not included in the computation of diluted shares for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were 755 and 2,876 shares, respectively.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	NOTE 18. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Our financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis primarily relate to investments in available-for-sale securities held by our captive insurance subsidiaries. The following tables present information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The following tables also indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair values. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We consider a security that trades at least weekly to have an active market. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
				Quoted Prices
				in Active				Significant
				Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
	Investments	December 31, 2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Marketable securities — current	$	2	$	2	$	—	$	—
	Investments in Reserve Yield Plus Fund		2		—		2		—
	Marketable debt securities — noncurrent		60		54		5		1
		$	64	$	56	$	7	$	1
				Quoted Prices
				in Active				Significant
				Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
	Investments:	December 31, 2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Marketable securities — current	$	1	$	1	$	—	$	—
	Investments in Reserve Yield Plus Fund		2		—		2		—
	Marketable debt securities — noncurrent		62		23		38		1
		$	65	$	24	$	40	$	1
	Our non-financial assets and liabilities not permitted or required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis typically relate to long-lived assets held and used, long-lived assets held for sale and goodwill. We are required to provide additional disclosures about fair value measurements as part of our financial statements for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The following table presents this information and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair values. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, which generally are not applicable to non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as definitive sales agreements, appraisals or established market values of comparable assets. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability, such as internal estimates of future cash flows.
				Quoted Prices
				in Active				Significant
				Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
		December 31, 2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	23	$	—	$	23	$	—
				Quoted Prices
				in Active				Significant
				Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
		December 31, 2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	44	$	—	$	44	$	—
	As described in Note 5, we recorded impairment charge in continuing operations of $20 million and $12 million in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for the write-down of buildings, equipment and other long-lived assets of one of our hospitals to their estimated fair values primarily due to a decline in the fair value of real estate in the market in which the hospital operates and a decline in the estimated fair value of equipment.
	The fair value of our long-term debt is based on quoted market prices (Level 1). At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt was approximately  105.0% and  103.5%, respectively, of the carrying value of the debt.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACQUISITIONS
ACQUISITIONS	NOTE 19. ACQUISITIONS
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we acquired a majority interest in Texas Regional Medical Center at Sunnyvale, a 70-bed hospital in Sunnyvale, Texas, a suburban community east of Dallas, and completed our acquisition of Emanuel Medical Center, a 209-bed hospital in Turlock, California, located approximately 100 miles southeast of San Francisco. We also acquired five ambulatory surgery centers, three urgent care centers, one diagnostic imaging center, SPi Healthcare, a provider of revenue cycles management, health information management and software solutions, and various physician practice entities in the same period. The fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisitions (the “purchase price”) was $428 million.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired 28 hospitals (plus one more under construction), 39 outpatient centers and five health plans, serving communities in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and Texas, through our acquisition of Vanguard. We also purchased the following businesses: (1) 11 ambulatory surgery centers (in one of which we had previously held a noncontrolling interest); (2) an urgent care center; (3) a provider network based in Southern California that includes contracted independent physicians, ancillary providers and hospitals; (4) a medical office building; and (5) various physician practice entities. The fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisitions (the “purchase price”) was $1.515 billion.
	We are required to allocate the purchase prices of the acquired businesses to assets acquired or liabilities assumed and, if applicable, noncontrolling interests based on their fair values. The excess of the purchase price allocation over those fair values is recorded as goodwill. We are in process of finalizing the purchase price allocations, including valuations of the acquired property and equipment, primarily for several recent acquisitions; therefore, those purchase price allocations are subject to adjustment once the valuations are completed. During the year ended December 31, 2014,  we completed the analysis required to finalize the purchase price allocation for our acquisition of Vanguard. We have revised our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 and the related footnote disclosures to reflect the impact of these adjustments. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we made adjustments to purchase price allocations for businesses acquired in 2013 and 2012 (other than Vanguard) that increased goodwill by approximately $7 million and $5 million, respectively.
	Preliminary or final purchase price allocations for all the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	34	$	980
	Property and equipment		113		2,890
	Other intangible assets		46		213
	Goodwill		340		2,645
	Other long-term assets		2		160
	Current liabilities		-30		-1,205
	Deferred tax liabilities		-18		-116
	Long-term liabilities		-23		-3,725
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		-21		-268
	Noncontrolling interests		-15		-49
	Net cash paid	$	428	$	1,515
	Gain on business combination	$	—	$	10
	The goodwill generated from these transactions, the majority of which will not be deductible for income tax purposes, can be attributed to the benefits that we expect to realize from operating efficiencies and increased reimbursement. Approximately $16 million in transaction costs related to prospective and closed acquisitions were expensed during the year ended December 31, 2014, and are included in impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Included in equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2013 is $10 million of earnings associated with stepping up our basis in a previously held investment in an ambulatory surgery center in which we acquired a controlling interest and are now consolidating.
	Pro Forma Information - Unaudited
	The following table provides certain pro forma financial information for Tenet as if the Vanguard Health Systems acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2012.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Net operating revenues	$	15,459	$	15,140
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	$	-433	$	294

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION
SEGMENT INFORMATION	NOTE 20. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	In the three months ended June 30, 2012, we began reporting Conifer as a separate reportable business segment. Our other segment is Hospital Operations and other. Historically, our business has consisted of one reportable segment. However, during the three months ended June 30, 2012, our Hospital Operations and other segment and our Conifer subsidiary entered into formal agreements, pursuant to which it was agreed that services provided by both parties to each other would be billed based on estimated third-party pricing terms. The factors for determining the reportable segments include the manner in which management evaluates operating performance combined with the nature of the individual business activities.
	Our core business is Hospital Operations and other, which is focused on operating acute care hospitals and outpatient facilities. We also own various related healthcare businesses. At December 31, 2014, our subsidiaries operated 80 hospitals with a total of 20,814 licensed beds, primarily serving urban and suburban communities in 14 states, as well as 210 outpatient centers and six health plans.
	We operate revenue cycle management and patient communications and engagement services businesses under our Conifer subsidiary. In addition, Conifer operates a management services business that supports value-based performance through clinical integration, financial risk management and population health management. At December 31, 2014, Conifer provided services to approximately 800 Tenet and non-Tenet hospitals and other clients nationwide.
	As mentioned above, in 2012, our Conifer subsidiary and our Hospital Operations and other segment entered into formal agreements documenting terms and conditions of various services provided by Conifer to Tenet hospitals, as well as certain administrative services provided by our Hospital Operations and other segment to Conifer. The services provided by both parties under these agreements are charged to the other party based on estimated third-party pricing terms.
	The following table includes amounts for each of our reportable segments and the reconciling items necessary to agree to amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations:
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Assets:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	17,212	$	15,865	$	8,825
	Conifer		929		585		219
	Total	$	18,141	$	16,450	$	9,044
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Capital expenditures:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	908	$	670	$	495
	Conifer		25		21		13
	Total	$	933	$	691	$	508
	Net operating revenues:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	16,013	$	10,587	$	9,002
	Conifer
	Tenet		591		404		371
	Other customers		602		515		117
			17,206		11,506		9,490
	Intercompany eliminations		-591		-404		-371
	Total	$	16,615	$	11,102	$	9,119
	Adjusted EBITDA:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	1,749	$	1,210	$	1,098
	Conifer		203		132		105
	Total	$	1,952	$	1,342	$	1,203
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	824	$	526	$	420
	Conifer		25		19		10
	Total	$	849	$	545	$	430
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,952	$	1,342	$	1,203
	Depreciation and amortization		-849		-545		-430
	Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs		-153		-103		-19
	Litigation and investigation costs		-25		-31		-5
	Interest expense		-754		-474		-412
	Loss from early extinguishment of debt		-24		-348		-4
	Investment earnings		—		1		1
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	147	$	-158	$	334

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_STANDARDS

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	NOTE 21. RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 205-20, such that a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 requires an entity to present, for each comparative period, the assets and liabilities of a disposal group that includes a discontinued operation separately in the asset and liability sections, respectively, of the statement of financial position, as well as additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires disclosures about a disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements and expands the disclosures about an entity’s significant continuing involvement with a discontinued operation. This guidance will be effective for us beginning in 2015.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. The core principle of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance, which will be effective for us beginning in 2017.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	NOTE 22.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	In January 2015, Conifer announced a 10-year extension and expansion of its agreement with Catholic Health Initiatives (“CHI”) to provide patient access, revenue integrity and patient financial services to 92 CHI hospitals through 2032. At that time and as a result of CHI’s relationship with Tenet, CHI received an increase in its minority ownership position in Conifer to approximately 23.8%.  CHI’s ownership percentage in Conifer may experience a future one-time additional positive or negative adjustment after December 31, 2019 (to no more than 25% and no less than 20%)  as a result of significant changes in Tenet’s and CHI’s relative relationship with Conifer at such time. CHI’s ownership percentage was scheduled to increase to 9.03% on January 1, 2015 under the terms of our original agreement with CHI.
	In connection with the settlement of the Valley Baptist put option, we acquired the remaining 49% non-controlling interest from the seller on February 11, 2015 in exchange for approximately $254 million in cash, which was applied to redeemable non-controlling interest with the difference between the payment and the carrying value of approximately $270 million recorded as additional paid-in capital. The redemption value of the put option was calculated pursuant to the terms of the operating agreement based on the operating results and the debt of the joint venture. As a result, we now own 100% of Valley Baptist as of February 11, 2015.

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(In Millions)
					Additions Charged To:
			Balance at										Balance at
			Beginning		Costs and		Other				Other		End of
			of Period		Expenses(1)(2)		Accounts		Deductions(3)		Items(4)		Period
	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	Year ended December 31, 2014		$	589	$	1,305	$	—	$	-1,042	$	—	$	852
	Year ended December 31, 2013		$	401	$	975	$	—	$	-787	$	—	$	589
	Year ended December 31, 2012		$	397	$	789	$	—	$	-785	$	—	$	401
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
	Year ended December 31, 2014		$	107	$	-20	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	87
	Year ended December 31, 2013		$	56	$	23	$	-1	$	—	$	29	$	107
	Year ended December 31, 2012		$	61	$	-5	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	56
		-1		Includes amounts recorded in discontinued operations.
		-2		Before considering recoveries on accounts or notes previously written off.
		-3		Accounts written off.
		-4		Vanguard acquisition.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE1

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Tenet and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation, and we include the results of operations of businesses that are newly acquired in purchase transactions from their dates of acquisition. We account for significant investments in other affiliated companies using the equity method. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial and statistical data included in these notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements relate to our continuing operations, with dollar amounts expressed in millions (except per-share amounts). The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 has been revised to reflect the impact of completing the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Vanguard, as described in Note 19.  Furthermore, all amounts related to shares, share prices and earnings per share for periods ending prior to October 11, 2012 have been restated to give retrospective presentation for the reverse stock split described in Note 2.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and these accompanying notes. We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates we use. In general, we base the estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable given the particular circumstances in which we operate. Although we believe all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, actual results may vary from those estimates. Financial and statistical information we report to other regulatory agencies may be prepared on a basis other than GAAP or using different assumptions or reporting periods and, therefore, may vary from amounts presented herein. Although we make every effort to ensure that the information we report to those agencies is accurate, complete and consistent with applicable reporting guidelines, we cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the information they make available to the public.
Net Operating Revenues before Provision for Doubtful Accounts	Net Operating Revenues Before Provision for Doubtful Accounts
	We recognize net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts in the period in which our services are performed. Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts primarily consist of net patient service revenues that are recorded based on established billing rates (i.e., gross charges), less estimated discounts for contractual and other allowances, principally for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, managed care and other health plans, as well as certain uninsured patients under our Compact with Uninsured Patients (“Compact”) and other uninsured discount and charity programs.
	Gross charges are retail charges. They are not the same as actual pricing, and they generally do not reflect what a hospital is ultimately paid and, therefore, are not displayed in our consolidated statements of operations. Hospitals are typically paid amounts that are negotiated with insurance companies or are set by the government. Gross charges are used to calculate Medicare outlier payments and to determine certain elements of payment under managed care contracts (such as stop-loss payments). Because Medicare requires that a hospital’s gross charges be the same for all patients (regardless of payer category), gross charges are also what hospitals charge all other patients prior to the application of discounts and allowances.
	Revenues under the traditional fee-for-service Medicare and Medicaid programs are based primarily on prospective payment systems. Retrospectively determined cost-based revenues under these programs, which were more prevalent in earlier periods, and certain other payments, such as Indirect Medical Education, Direct Graduate Medical Education, disproportionate share hospital and bad debt expense, which are based on our hospitals’ cost reports, are estimated using historical trends and current factors. Cost report settlements under these programs are subject to audit by Medicare and Medicaid auditors and administrative and judicial review, and it can take several years until final settlement of such matters is determined and completely resolved. Because the laws, regulations, instructions and rule interpretations governing Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement are complex and change frequently, the estimates recorded by us could change by material amounts.
	We have a system and estimation process for recording Medicare net patient revenue and estimated cost report settlements. This results in us recording accruals to reflect the expected final settlements on our cost reports. For filed cost reports, we record the accrual based on those cost reports and subsequent activity, and record a valuation allowance against those cost reports based on historical settlement trends. The accrual for periods for which a cost report is yet to be filed is recorded based on estimates of what we expect to report on the filed cost reports, and a corresponding valuation allowance is recorded as previously described. Cost reports generally must be filed within five months after the end of the annual cost reporting period. After the cost report is filed, the accrual and corresponding valuation allowance may need to be adjusted. Adjustments for prior-year cost reports and related valuation allowances, principally related to Medicare and Medicaid, increased revenues in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 by $20 million, $38 million, and $114 million (in 2012, $81 million related to the industry-wide Medicare Budget Neutrality settlement), respectively. Estimated cost report settlements and valuation allowances are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 3). We believe that we have made adequate provision for any adjustments that may result from final determination of amounts earned under all the above arrangements with Medicare and Medicaid.
	Revenues under managed care plans are based primarily on payment terms involving predetermined rates per diagnosis, per-diem rates, discounted fee-for-service rates and/or other similar contractual arrangements. These revenues are also subject to review and possible audit by the payers, which can take several years before they are completely resolved. The payers are billed for patient services on an individual patient basis. An individual patient’s bill is subject to adjustment on a patient-by-patient basis in the ordinary course of business by the payers following their review and adjudication of each particular bill. We estimate the discounts for contractual allowances at the individual hospital level utilizing billing data on an individual patient basis. At the end of each month, on an individual hospital basis, we estimate our expected reimbursement for patients of managed care plans based on the applicable contract terms. Contractual allowance estimates are periodically reviewed for accuracy by taking into consideration known contract terms as well as payment history. Although we do not separately accumulate and disclose the aggregate amount of adjustments to the estimated reimbursement for every patient bill, we believe our estimation and review process enables us to identify instances on a timely basis where such estimates need to be revised. We do not believe there were any adjustments to estimates of patient bills that were material to our revenues. In addition, on a corporate-wide basis, we do not record any general provision for adjustments to estimated contractual allowances for managed care plans. Managed care accounts, net of contractual allowances recorded, are further reduced to their net realizable value through provision for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends for these payers and other factors that affect the estimation process.
	We know of no material claims, disputes or unsettled matters with any payer that would affect our revenues for which we have not adequately provided for in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Under our Compact or other uninsured discount programs, the discount offered to certain uninsured patients is recognized as a contractual allowance, which reduces net operating revenues at the time the self-pay accounts are recorded. The uninsured patient accounts, net of contractual allowances recorded, are further reduced to their net realizable value through provision for doubtful accounts based on historical collection trends for self-pay accounts and other factors that affect the estimation process.
	We also provide charity care to patients who are financially unable to pay for the healthcare services they receive. Most patients who qualify for charity care are charged a per-diem amount for services received, subject to a cap. Except for the per-diem amounts, our policy is not to pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care; therefore, we do not report these amounts in net operating revenues or in provision for doubtful accounts. Patient advocates from Conifer’s Medical Eligibility Program screen patients in the hospital to determine whether those patients meet eligibility requirements for financial assistance programs. They also expedite the process of applying for these government programs.
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	Provision for Doubtful Accounts
	Although outcomes vary, our policy is to attempt to collect amounts due from patients, including co-pays and deductibles due from patients with insurance, at the time of service while complying with all federal and state laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (“EMTALA”). Generally, as required by EMTALA, patients may not be denied emergency treatment due to inability to pay. Therefore, services, including the legally required medical screening examination and stabilization of the patient, are performed without delaying to obtain insurance information. In non-emergency circumstances or for elective procedures and services, it is our policy to verify insurance prior to a patient being treated; however, there are various exceptions that can occur. Such exceptions can include, for example, instances where (1) we are unable to obtain verification because the patient’s insurance company was unable to be reached or contacted, (2) a determination is made that a patient may be eligible for benefits under various government programs, such as Medicaid or Victims of Crime, and it takes several days or weeks before qualification for such benefits is confirmed or denied, and (3) under physician orders we provide services to patients that require immediate treatment.
	We provide for an allowance against accounts receivable that could become uncollectible by establishing an allowance to reduce the carrying value of such receivables to their estimated net realizable value. Generally, we estimate this allowance based on the aging of our accounts receivable by hospital, our historical collection experience by hospital and for each type of payer over a look-back period, and other relevant factors. A significant portion of our provision for doubtful accounts relates to self-pay patients, as well as co-pays and deductibles owed to us by patients with insurance. Payment pressure from managed care payers also affects our provision for doubtful accounts. We typically experience ongoing managed care payment delays and disputes; however, we continue to work with these payers to obtain adequate and timely reimbursement for our services. There are various factors that can impact collection trends, such as changes in the economy, which in turn have an impact on unemployment rates and the number of uninsured and underinsured patients, the volume of patients through our emergency departments, the increased burden of co-pays and deductibles to be made by patients with insurance, and business practices related to collection efforts. These factors continuously change and can have an impact on collection trends and our estimation process.
Electronic Health Record Incentives	Electronic Health Record Incentives
	Under certain provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”), federal incentive payments are available to hospitals, physicians and certain other professionals when they adopt, implement or upgrade (“AIU”) certified electronic health record (“EHR”) technology or become “meaningful users,” as defined under ARRA, of EHR technology in ways that demonstrate improved quality, safety and effectiveness of care. Providers can become eligible for annual Medicare incentive payments by demonstrating meaningful use of EHR technology in each period over four periods. Medicaid providers can receive their initial incentive payment by satisfying AIU criteria, but must demonstrate meaningful use of EHR technology in subsequent years in order to qualify for additional payments. Hospitals may be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments; however, physicians and other professionals may be eligible for either Medicare or Medicaid incentive payments, but not both. Hospitals that are meaningful users under the Medicare EHR incentive payment program are deemed meaningful users under the Medicaid EHR incentive payment program and do not need to meet additional criteria imposed by a state. Medicaid EHR incentive payments to providers are 100% federally funded and administered by the states. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) established calendar year 2011 as the first year states could offer EHR incentive payments. Before a state may offer EHR incentive payments, the state must submit and CMS must approve the state’s incentive plan.
	We recognize Medicaid EHR incentive payments in our consolidated statements of operations for the first payment year when: (1) CMS approves a state’s EHR incentive plan; and (2) our hospital or employed physician acquires certified EHR technology (i.e., when AIU criteria are met). Medicaid EHR incentive payments for subsequent payment years are recognized in the period during which the specified meaningful use criteria are met. We recognize Medicare EHR incentive payments when: (1) the specified meaningful use criteria are met; and (2) contingencies in estimating the amount of the incentive payments to be received are resolved. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, certain of our hospitals and physicians satisfied the CMS AIU and/or meaningful use criteria. As a result, we recognized approximately $104 million, $96 million and $40 million of Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments as a reduction to expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We treat highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents were approximately $193 million and $113 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our book overdrafts were approximately $264 million and $245 million, respectively, which were classified as accounts payable.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $104 million and $62 million, respectively, of total cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were intended for the operations of our captive insurance subsidiaries.
	Also at December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $150 million and $193 million, respectively, of property and equipment purchases accrued for items received but not yet paid. Of these amounts, $112 million and $138 million, respectively, were included in accounts payable.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we entered into non-cancellable capital leases of approximately $173 million and $341 million, respectively, primarily for buildings and equipment.
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities	Investments in Debt and Equity Securities
	We classify investments in debt and equity securities as either available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or as part of a trading portfolio. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had no significant investments in securities classified as either held-to-maturity or trading. We carry securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value. We report their unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) unless we determine that a loss is other-than-temporary, at which point we would record a loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We include realized gains or losses in our consolidated statements of operations based on the specific identification method.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Additions and improvements to property and equipment exceeding established minimum amounts with a useful life greater than one year are capitalized at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. We use the straight-line method of depreciation for buildings, building improvements and equipment. The estimated useful life for buildings and improvements is primarily 15 to 40 years, and for equipment three to 15 years. Newly constructed hospitals are usually depreciated over 50 years. We record capital leases at the beginning of the lease term as assets and liabilities. The value recorded is the lower of either the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the asset. Such assets, including improvements, are generally amortized over the shorter of either the lease term or their estimated useful life. Interest costs related to construction projects are capitalized. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, capitalized interest was $25 million, $14 million and $6 million, respectively.
	We evaluate our long-lived assets for possible impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset, or related group of assets, may not be recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, we calculate the amount of an impairment if the carrying value of the long-lived assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The fair value of the assets is estimated based on appraisals, established market values of comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows expected to result from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. The estimates of these future cash flows are based on assumptions and projections we believe to be reasonable and supportable. They require our subjective judgments and take into account assumptions about revenue and expense growth rates. These assumptions may vary by type of facility and presume stable, improving or, in some cases, declining results at our hospitals, depending on their circumstances.
	We report long-lived assets to be disposed of at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair values less costs to sell. In such circumstances, our estimates of fair value are based on appraisals, established market prices for comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in purchase business combinations and determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are subject to impairment tests performed at least annually. For goodwill, we perform the test at the reporting unit level when events occur that require an evaluation to be performed or at least annually. If we determine the carrying value of goodwill is impaired, or if the carrying value of a business that is to be sold or otherwise disposed of exceeds its fair value, we reduce the carrying value, including any allocated goodwill, to fair value. Estimates of fair value are based on appraisals, established market prices for comparable assets or internal estimates of future net cash flows and presume stable, improving or, in some cases, declining results at our hospitals, depending on their circumstances.
	Other intangible assets primarily consist of capitalized software costs, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, which ranges from three to 15 years. Also included in intangible assets are costs associated with the issuance of our long-term debt, which are primarily being amortized under the effective interest method based on the terms of the specific notes, and miscellaneous intangible assets.
Accruals for General and Professional Liability Risks	Accruals for General and Professional Liability Risks
	We accrue for estimated professional and general liability claims, when they are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The accrual, which includes an estimate for incurred but not reported claims, is updated each quarter based on a model of projected payments using case-specific facts and circumstances and our historical loss reporting, development and settlement patterns and is discounted to its net present value using a risk-free discount rate (1.97% at December 31, 2014 and 2.45% at December 31, 2013). To the extent that subsequent claims information varies from our estimates, the liability is adjusted in the period such information becomes available. Malpractice expense is presented within other operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income tax receivables and liabilities and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the amounts that more likely than not will be sustained upon ultimate settlement with taxing authorities.
	Developing our provision for income taxes and analysis of uncertain tax positions requires significant judgment and knowledge of federal and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets.
	We assess the realization of our deferred tax assets to determine whether an income tax valuation allowance is required. Based on all available evidence, both positive and negative, and the weight of that evidence to the extent such evidence can be objectively verified, we determine whether it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The main factors that we consider include:
		·	Cumulative profits/losses in recent years, adjusted for certain nonrecurring items;
		·	Income/losses expected in future years;
		·	Unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect future operations and profit levels;
		·	The availability, or lack thereof, of taxable income in prior carryback periods that would limit realization of tax benefits; and
		·	The carryforward period associated with the deferred tax assets and liabilities.
	We consider many factors when evaluating our uncertain tax positions, and such judgments are subject to periodic review. Tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions are recognized in the period in which one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) the more likely than not recognition threshold is satisfied; (2) the position is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation; or (3) the statute of limitations for the taxing authority to examine and challenge the position has expired. Tax benefits associated with an uncertain tax position are derecognized in the period in which the more likely than not recognition threshold is no longer satisfied.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	We primarily operate acute care hospitals and related healthcare facilities. Our general hospitals generated 88%,  90% and 95% of our net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Each of our operating regions and markets reports directly to our president of hospital operations. Major decisions, including capital resource allocations, are made at the consolidated level, not at the regional, market or hospital level.
	Historically, our business has consisted of one reportable segment, Hospital Operations and other. However, during 2012, our Hospital Operations and other segment and our Conifer subsidiary entered into formal agreements, pursuant to which it was agreed that services provided by both parties to each other would be billed based on estimated third-party pricing terms. As a result, we have presented Conifer as a separate reportable business segment for all periods presented. The factors for determining the reportable segments include the manner in which management evaluates operating performance combined with the nature of the individual business activities.
Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities	Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities
	We recognize costs associated with exit (including restructuring) or disposal activities when they are incurred and can be measured at fair value, rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Schedule of Revenue Sources, Health Care Organization [Table Text Block]
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	General Hospitals:
	Medicare	$	3,452	$	2,357	$	2,195
	Medicaid		1,485		975		783
	Managed care		9,250		6,277		5,382
	Indemnity, self-pay and other		1,602		1,201		1,007
	Acute care hospitals — other revenue		54		78		69
	Other:
	Other operations		2,077		1,186		468
	Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$	17,920	$	12,074	$	9,904

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EQUITY
Schedule of Repurchases of Common Stock
							Total Number of	Maximum Dollar Value
		Total Number of		Average Price			Shares Purchased as	of Shares That May Yet
		Shares		Paid Per			Part of Publicly	Be Purchased Under
	Period	Purchased		Share			Announced Program	the Program
		(In Thousands)					(In Thousands)	(In Millions)
	November 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012	3,406		$	29.36		3,406	$	400
	January 1, 2013 through January 31, 2013	531			37.13		531		380
	February 1, 2013 through February 28, 2013	914			39.30		914		344
	March 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013	1,010			43.95		1,010		300
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013	2,455			40.74		2,455		300
	May 1, 2013 through May 31, 2013	933			46.78		933		256
	June 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013	1,065			45.71		1,065		208
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013	1,998			46.21		1,998		208
	July 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013	166			46.08		166		200
	August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2013	1,045			40.43		1,045		158
	September 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013	1,431			40.35		1,431		100
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	2,642			40.75		2,642		100
	November 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013	796			42.28		796		66
	December 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013	1,594			41.62		1,594		—
	Three Months Ended December 31, 2013	2,390			41.84		2,390		—
	Total	12,891		$	38.79		12,891	$	—
Schedule of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balances at beginning of period	$	340		$	16
	Net income		33			9
	Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests		-8			-5
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests		11			—
	Sales of joint venture interests		—			52
	Purchases of businesses		25			268
	Balances at end of period	$	401		$	340

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_ALLOWA1

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Schedule Of Components Of Accounts Receivable
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Continuing operations:
	Patient accounts receivable	$	3,178	$	2,459
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		-851		-589
	Estimated future recoveries from accounts assigned to our Conifer subsidiary		125		92
	Net cost reports and settlements payable and valuation allowances		-51		-75
			2,401		1,887
	Discontinued Operations		3		3
	Accounts receivable, net	$	2,404	$	1,890
Schedule of estimated costs for charity care and self-pay patients
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Estimated costs for:
	Charity care patients	$	180	$	158	$	136
	Self-pay patients	$	620	$	545	$	430
	DSH payments received	$	817	$	428	$	283

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of net operating revenues and net loss before income taxes
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Net operating revenues	$	4	$	7	$	154
	Net loss before income taxes		-35		-7		-101

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_LEASE_OBLIGA1

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Summary of long-term debt
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Senior notes:
	97/8%, due 2014	$	—	$	60
	91/4%, due 2015		—		474
	5%, due 2019		1,100		—
	51/2%, due 2019		500		—
	63/4%, due 2020		300		300
	8%, due 2020		750		750
	81/8%, due 2022		2,800		2,800
	67/8%, due 2031		430		430
	Senior secured notes:
	61/4%, due 2018		1,041		1,041
	43/4%, due 2020		500		500
	6%, due 2020		1,800		1,800
	41/2%, due 2021		850		850
	43/8%, due 2021		1,050		1,050
	Credit facility due 2016		220		405
	Capital leases and mortgage notes		487		417
	Unamortized note discounts and premium		-21		-28
	Total long-term debt		11,807		10,849
	Less current portion		112		153
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	11,695	$	10,696
Schedule of future long-term debt maturities and minimum operating lease payments
				Years Ending December 31,										Later
		Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Years
	Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations	$	11,828	$	112	$	259	$	53	$	1,103	$	1,611	$	8,690
	Long-term non-cancelable operating leases	$	907	$	156	$	140	$	120	$	96	$	79	$	316

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Schedule of information related to stock-based awards by grant date
												Stock-Based
								Fair Value				Compensation Expense
					Exercise Price			Per Share at				for Year Ended
	Grant Date		Awards		Per Share			Grant Date				December 31, 2014
			(In Thousands)									(In Millions)
	Stock Options:
	February 28, 2013		278		$	39.31		$	14.46			$	1
	February 29, 2012		356		$	22.60			11.96				2
	Restricted Stock Units:
	25-Aug-14		394						59.90				2
	9-May-14		32						44.36	(1)			1
	26-Feb-14		1,291						44.12				17
	June 13, 2013		318						47.13				3
	February 28, 2013		883						39.31				12
	February 29, 2012		946						22.60				7
	Other grants												6
												$	51
		-1		End of month fair market value was used for this grant to calculate compensation expense.
Summary of stock option activity
					Weighted Average
					Exercise Price			Aggregate			Weighted Average
			Options		Per Share			Intrinsic Value			Remaining Life
									(In Millions)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011		8,498,393			25.04
	Granted		477,500			22.79
	Exercised		-3,657,127			5.77
	Forfeited/Expired		-1,029,574			69.72
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012		4,289,192			30.49
	Granted		295,639			39.41
	Exercised		-946,086			23.34
	Forfeited/Expired		-330,634			55.79
	Outstanding as of  December 31, 2013		3,308,111		$	30.79
	Granted		—
	Exercised		-699,910			33.53
	Forfeited/Expired		-624,052			47.97
	Outstanding as of  December 31, 2014		1,984,149		$	24.42		$	52		3.7	years
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		1,907,464		$	24.35		$	50		3.6	years
	Exercisable as of  December 31, 2014		1,579,018		$	21.92		$	45		3.5	years
Schedule of assumptions used to determine fair value of stock options
				Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Expected volatility			50%
	Expected dividend yield			0%
	Expected life			3.6 years
	Expected forfeiture rate			6%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.48%
	Early exercise threshold			100% gain
	Early exercise rate			50% per year
Summary of information about stock options by range of exercise prices
			Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
					Weighted Average
			Number of		Remaining			Weighted Average			Number of		Weighted Average
	Range of Exercise Prices		Options		Contractual Life			Exercise Price			Options		Exercise Price
	$0.00 to $4.569		237,303		4.2	years		$	4.56		237,303		$	4.56
	$4.57 to $25.089		957,583		5.0	years			20.96		830,903			20.67
	$25.09 to $32.569		402,816		1.6	years			29.32		402,816			29.32
	$32.57 to $42.089		386,447		2.3	years			40.08		107,996			42.08
			1,984,149		3.7	years		$	24.42		1,579,018		$	21.92
Summary of restricted stock unit activity
			Restricted Stock		Weighted Average Grant
			Units		Date Fair Value Per Unit
	Unvested as of December 31, 2011		1,927,307		$	24.52
	Granted		1,654,337			22.18
	Vested		-1,033,632			23.51
	Forfeited		-252,070			23.39
	Unvested as of December 31, 2012		2,295,942			23.40
	Granted		1,564,224			41.20
	Vested		-966,838			24.20
	Forfeited		-186,106			29.69
	Unvested as of December 31, 2013		2,707,222			33.34
	Granted		1,772,276			48.42
	Vested		-1,009,927			27.49
	Forfeited		-169,851			36.64
	Unvested as of December 31, 2014		3,299,720		$	40.99
Schedule of employee stock purchase plan activity
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Number of shares			162,128			100,217			144,021
	Weighted average price		$	46.91		$	42.88		$	22.81
Schedule of Reconciliation of funded status of plans, the amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and assumptions used for projected benefit obligations
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Reconciliation of funded status of plans and the amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
	Projected benefit obligations(1)
	Beginning obligations		$	-1,303		$	-312
	Assumed from acquisition			—			-1,037
	Service cost			-3			-2
	Interest cost			-66			-25
	Actuarial gain(loss)			-268			44
	Plan changes			—			-2
	Benefits paid/employer contributions			81			31
	Ending obligations			-1,559			-1,303
	Fair value of plans assets
	Beginning obligations			886			—
	Assumed from acquisition			—			863
	Gain on plan assets			70			34
	Employer contribution			3			—
	Benefits paid			-61			-11
	Ending plan assets			898			886
	Funded status of plans		$	-661		$	-417
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
	Other current liability		$	-28		$	-19
	Other long-term liability			-633			-398
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			276			22
			$	-385		$	-395
	SERP Assumptions:
	Discount rate			4.25	%		5.00	%
	Compensation increase rate			3.00	%		3.00	%
	Measurement date			December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	DMC Pension Plan Assumptions:
	Discount rate			4.16	%		5.18
	Compensation increase rate			Frozen			Frozen
	Measurement date			December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		-1		The accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1.544 billion and $1.297 billion, respectively.
Schedule of components of net benefit costs and assumptions used for net periodic benefit costs
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Service costs		$	3		$	2		$	2
	Interest costs			66			25			14
	Expected return on plan assets			-60			-15			—
	Amortization of prior-year service costs			—			—			—
	Amortization of net actuarial loss			4			7			5
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	13		$	19		$	21
	SERP Assumptions:
	Discount rate			5.00	%		4.00	%		5.00	%
	Long-term rate of return on assets			n/a			n/a			n/a
	Compensation increase rate			3.00	%		3.00	%		3.00	%
	Measurement date			January 1, 2014			January 1, 2013			January 1, 2012
	Census date			January 1, 2014			January 1, 2013			January 1, 2012
	DMC Pension Plan Assumptions:
	Discount rate			5.18	%		5.01	%		n/a
	Long-term rate of return on assets			7.00	%		7.00	%		n/a
	Compensation increase rate			Frozen			Frozen			n/a
	Measurement date			January 1, 2014			October 1, 2013			n/a
	Census date			January 1, 2014			January 1, 2013			n/a
Schedule of weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
	Asset Category		Target		Actual
	Cash and cash equivalents		6	%	6	%
	United States government obligations		1	%	1	%
	Equity securities		50	%	50	%
	Debt Securities		43	%	43	%
Summary of DMC Pension Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy
			December 31, 2014			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	55		$	55		$	—		$	—
	United States government obligations			5			5			—			—
	Corporate bonds			391			391			—			—
	Equity securities			447			447			—			—
			$	898		$	898		$	—		$	—
Schedule of estimated future benefits payments
						Years Ending December 31, 2014													Five Years
			Total			2015			2016			2017			2018		2019		Thereafter
	Estimated benefit payments		$	896		$	84		$	80		$	83		$	86	$	89	$	474

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Schedule of components of property and equipment
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	650	$	660
	Buildings and improvements		7,013		6,166
	Construction in progress		161		593
	Equipment		4,387		4,070
			12,211		11,489
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-4,478		-3,907
	Net property and equipment	$	7,733	$	7,582

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Schedule of other intangible assets
		Gross
		Carrying		Accumulated		Net Book
		Amount		Amortization		Value
	As of December 31, 2014:
	Capitalized software costs	$	1,412	$	-586	$	826
	Long-term debt issuance costs		245		-49		196
	Trade names		106		—		106
	Contracts		57		-6		51
	Other		129		-30		99
	Total	$	1,949	$	-671	$	1,278
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Capitalized software costs	$	1,148	$	-468	$	680
	Long-term debt issuance costs		230		-31		199
	Trade Names		106		—		106
	Contracts		57		-2		55
	Other		80		-15		65
	Total	$	1,621	$	-516	$	1,105
Schedule of estimated future amortization of intangibles with finite useful lives
				Years Ending December 31,										Later
		Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Years
	Amortization of intangible assets	$	1,166	$	218	$	208	$	151	$	141	$	102	$	346
Hospital operations and other
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
		2014		2013
	Hospital Operations and other
	As of January 1:
	Goodwill	$	5,584	$	3,268
	Accumulated impairment losses		-2,430		-2,430
	Total		3,154		838
	Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments		153		2,316
	Goodwill allocated to hospital sold		—		—
	Impairment of goodwill		—		—
	Total	$	3,307	$	3,154
	As of December 31:
	Goodwill	$	5,737	$	5,584
	Accumulated impairment losses		-2,430		-2,430
	Total	$	3,307	$	3,154
Conifer
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
		2014		2013
	Conifer
	As of January 1:
	Goodwill	$	412	$	78
	Accumulated impairment losses		—		—
	Total		412		78
	Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price allocation adjustments		194		334
	Total	$	606	$	412
	As of December 31:
	Goodwill	$	606	$	412
	Accumulated impairment losses		—		—
	Total	$	606	$	412

INVESTMENTS_AND_OTHER_ASSETS_T

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
Schedule of investments and other assets
			December 31,
			2014		2013
	Marketable debt securities		$	77	$	16
	Equity investments in unconsolidated healthcare entities(1)			56		56
	Total investments			133		72
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies			27		25
	Long-term deposits			36		35
	Land held for expansion, long-term receivables and other assets			188		225
	Investments and other assets		$	384	$	357
		-1		Equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates are included in net operating revenues in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and were $12 million and $15 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS.
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Adjustments for defined benefit plans	$	-182	$	-24
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	-182	$	-24

CLAIMS_AND_LAWSUITS_Tables

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS
Reconciliations Of Legal Settlements And Related Costs
		Balances at		Litigation and						Balances at
		Beginning		Investigation		Cash				End of
		of Period		Costs		Payments		Other		Period
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Continuing operations	$	64	$	25	$	-16	$	—	$	73
	Discontinued operations		6		18		-14		—		10
		$	70	$	43	$	-30	$	—	$	83
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Continuing operations	$	5	$	31	$	-10	$	38	$	64
	Discontinued operations		5		2		-1		—		6
		$	10	$	33	$	-11	$	38	$	70
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Continuing operations	$	49	$	5	$	-49	$	—	$	5
	Discontinued operations		17		—		-12		—		5
		$	66	$	5	$	-61	$	—	$	10

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES
Schedule of provision for income taxes for continuing operations
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	-12	$	2	$	-3
	State		18		4		11
			6		6		8
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal		46		-56		117
	State		-3		-15		—
			43		-71		117
		$	49	$	-65	$	125
Schedule of reconciliation between reported income tax expense (benefit) and income taxes calculated by the statutory federal income tax rate
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	$	52	$	-55	$	117
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		5		1		13
	Expired state net operating losses, net of federal income tax benefit		34		—		—
	Tax attributable to noncontrolling interests		-23		-10		-4
	Nondeductible acquisition costs		2		6		—
	Nondeductible health insurance provider fee		3		—		—
	Changes in valuation allowance		-20		-2		-5
	Change in tax contingency reserves, including interest		-2		-7		-1
	Prior-year provision to return adjustment and other changes in deferred taxes		-5		3		3
	Other items		3		-1		2
		$	49	$	-65	$	125
Schedule of components of deferred tax assets and liabilities, including any valuation allowance
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	Depreciation and fixed-asset differences	$	—	$	847	$	—	$	681
	Reserves related to discontinued operations and restructuring charges		28		—		20		—
	Receivables (doubtful accounts and adjustments)		173		—		252		—
	Deferred gain on debt exchanges		—		42		—		53
	Accruals for retained insurance risks		329		—		335		—
	Intangible assets		—		157		—		147
	Other long-term liabilities		166		—		81		—
	Benefit plans		451		—		294		—
	Other accrued liabilities		83		—		97		—
	Investments and other assets		—		4		—		27
	Net operating loss carryforwards		659		—		708		—
	Stock-based compensation		31		—		31		—
	Other items		80		—		37		—
			2,000		1,050		1,855		908
	Valuation allowance		-87		—		-107		—
		$	1,913	$	1,050	$	1,748	$	908
Reconciliation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities and the corresponding amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Current portion of deferred income tax asset	$	747	$	692
	Deferred income tax asset, net of current portion		116		148
	Net deferred tax asset	$	863	$	840
Schedule of changes in unrecognized tax benefits that have impacted deferred tax assets and liabilities
		Continuing		Discontinued
		Operations		Operations		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	34		1	$	35
	Additions for prior-year tax positions		—		—		—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-2		—		-2
	Additions for current-year tax positions		2		—		2
	Reductions for current-year tax positions		—		—		—
	Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		-3		—		-3
	Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations		—		—		—
	Balance at December 31, 2012		31		1		32
	Additions for prior-year tax positions		15		—		15
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		—		—		—
	Additions for current-year tax positions		3		—		3
	Reductions for current-year tax positions		—		—		—
	Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		—		—		—
	Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations		-6		-1		-7
	Balance at December 31, 2013		43	$	—		43
	Additions for prior-year tax positions		—		—		—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-1		—		-1
	Additions for current-year tax positions		1		—		1
	Reductions for current-year tax positions		—		—		—
	Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		—		—		—
	Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations		-5		—		-5
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	38	$	—	$	38

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE1

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Schedule of reconciliation of numerators and denominators of our basic and diluted loss per common share
				Weighted
		Net Income		Average
		(Loss)		Shares	Per-Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share	$	34	97,801	$	0.35
	Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units		—	2,486		-0.01
	Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share	$	34	100,287	$	0.34
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share	$	-123	101,648	$	-1.21
	Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units		—	—		—
	Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share	$	-123	101,648	$	-1.21
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share	$	185	104,200	$	1.77
	Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units		—	4,726		-0.07
	Net income attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share	$	185	108,926	$	1.70

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
				Quoted Prices
				in Active				Significant
				Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
	Investments	December 31, 2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Marketable securities — current	$	2	$	2	$	—	$	—
	Investments in Reserve Yield Plus Fund		2		—		2		—
	Marketable debt securities — noncurrent		60		54		5		1
		$	64	$	56	$	7	$	1
				Quoted Prices
				in Active				Significant
				Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
	Investments:	December 31, 2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Marketable securities — current	$	1	$	1	$	—	$	—
	Investments in Reserve Yield Plus Fund		2		—		2		—
	Marketable debt securities — noncurrent		62		23		38		1
		$	65	$	24	$	40	$	1
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
				Quoted Prices
				in Active				Significant
				Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
		December 31, 2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	23	$	—	$	23	$	—
				Quoted Prices
				in Active				Significant
				Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
		December 31, 2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	44	$	—	$	44	$	—

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Vanguard
Business Acquisition
Schedule of pro forma financial information as if the Vanguard Health Systems acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the year
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Net operating revenues	$	15,459	$	15,140
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	$	-433	$	294
Series of individual business acquisitions
Business Acquisition
Schedule of Preliminary purchase price allocation
		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	34	$	980
	Property and equipment		113		2,890
	Other intangible assets		46		213
	Goodwill		340		2,645
	Other long-term assets		2		160
	Current liabilities		-30		-1,205
	Deferred tax liabilities		-18		-116
	Long-term liabilities		-23		-3,725
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		-21		-268
	Noncontrolling interests		-15		-49
	Net cash paid	$	428	$	1,515
	Gain on business combination	$	—	$	10

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Reconciliation of assets by reportable segment to consolidated assets
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Assets:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	17,212	$	15,865	$	8,825
	Conifer		929		585		219
	Total	$	18,141	$	16,450	$	9,044
Reconciliation of other significant reconciling items from segments to consolidated
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Capital expenditures:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	908	$	670	$	495
	Conifer		25		21		13
	Total	$	933	$	691	$	508
	Net operating revenues:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	16,013	$	10,587	$	9,002
	Conifer
	Tenet		591		404		371
	Other customers		602		515		117
			17,206		11,506		9,490
	Intercompany eliminations		-591		-404		-371
	Total	$	16,615	$	11,102	$	9,119
	Adjusted EBITDA:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	1,749	$	1,210	$	1,098
	Conifer		203		132		105
	Total	$	1,952	$	1,342	$	1,203
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Hospital Operations and other	$	824	$	526	$	420
	Conifer		25		19		10
	Total	$	849	$	545	$	430
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,952	$	1,342	$	1,203
	Depreciation and amortization		-849		-545		-430
	Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs		-153		-103		-19
	Litigation and investigation costs		-25		-31		-5
	Interest expense		-754		-474		-412
	Loss from early extinguishment of debt		-24		-348		-4
	Investment earnings		—		1		1
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	147	$	-158	$	334

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE3

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Description of Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Institution
Description of Business
Number of acute care hospitals operated by subsidiaries	80
Number of outpatient centers	210

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE4

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Basis of Presentation (Details) (Vanguard, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013
	plan	item
	Institution
Vanguard
Business Acquisition
Business acquisition share price (in dollars per share)	$21		$21
Number of hospitals	28	28
Number of hospitals under construction	1	1
Number of outpatient centers acquired	39	39
Number of health plans	5	5
Amount paid for acquisition, including assumed debt	$4.30
Assumed debt	$2.50

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE5

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Net Operating Revenues (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$17,920	$12,074	$9,904
Electronic Health Record Incentives
Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for technology certification	104	96	40
Continuing operations
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	17,920	12,074	9,904
Medicare
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Cost report filing period after end of annual cost reporting period	5 months
Increase in revenue due to adjustments for prior-year cost reports and related valuation allowances	20	38	114
Increase in revenue due to adjustments for prior-year cost reports and related valuation allowances related to the industry-wide Medicare Budget Neutrality Settlement			81
Electronic Health Record Incentives
Period for use of EHR technology to become eligible for annual Medicare incentive payments	4 years
Medicare | Continuing operations
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	3,452	2,357	2,195
Medicaid
Electronic Health Record Incentives
Percentage of Medicaid incentive payments federally funded	100.00%
Medicaid | Continuing operations
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	1,485	975	783
Managed care | Continuing operations
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	9,250	6,277	5,382
Indemnity, self-pay and other | Continuing operations
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	1,602	1,201	1,007
Acute care hospitals - other revenue | Continuing operations
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	54	78	69
Other operations | Continuing operations
Medicare and Medicaid net patient revenue
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$2,077	$1,186	$468

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE6

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	$193	$113	$364	$113
Accrued property and equipment purchases for items received but not yet paid	150	193
Non-cancellable capital leases primarily for buildings and equipment	173	341
Accounts payable
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Book overdrafts classified as accounts payable	264	245
Accrued property and equipment purchases for items received but not yet paid	112	138
Captive insurance subsidiaries
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	$104	$62

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE7

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property and equipment
Useful life	15 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property and equipment
Useful life	40 years
Equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Useful life	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Useful life	15 years
Newly constructed hospitals
Property and equipment
Useful life	50 years
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Interest costs capitalized related to construction projects	$25	$14	$6

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE8

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (Capitalized software costs)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life	3 years
Maximum
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life	15 years

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE9

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Insurance and Segments (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	segment
Accruals for General and Professional Liability Risks
Risk-free discount rate (as a percent)	1.97%	2.45%
Segment reporting
Percentage of net operating revenues generated by general hospitals		90.00%	95.00%
Number of reportable segments	1

EQUITY_Reverse_Stock_Split_and

EQUITY - Reverse Stock Split and Share Repurchase Programs (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended										2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				14 Months Ended	13 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 11, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	31-May-13	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 20, 2012
Reverse Stock Split and Share Repurchase Programs
Reverse stock split, ratio	0.25
Common stock, authorized shares before reverse stock split	1,050,000,000
Common stock, authorized shares	262,500,000																				262,500,000
Number of fractional shares issued in connection with the stock split	0
Amount paid for repurchase		$400	$126
Common
Reverse Stock Split and Share Repurchase Programs
Shares repurchased				1,594,000	796,000	1,431,000	1,045,000	166,000	1,065,000	933,000	1,010,000	914,000	531,000	3,406,000	2,390,000	2,642,000	1,998,000	2,455,000	12,891,000
Average Price Paid Per Share				$41.62	$42.28	$40.35	$40.43	$46.08	$45.71	$46.78	$43.95	$39.30	$37.13	$29.36	$41.84	$40.75	$46.21	$40.74	$38.79
Common | Share Repurchase Program
Reverse Stock Split and Share Repurchase Programs
Amount paid for repurchase																				500
Shares repurchased				1,594,000	796,000	1,431,000	1,045,000	166,000	1,065,000	933,000	1,010,000	914,000	531,000	3,406,000	2,390,000	2,642,000	1,998,000	2,455,000	12,891,000	12,891,298
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program			400		66	100	158	200	208	256	300	344	380	400		100	208	300
Common | Share Repurchase Program | Maximum
Reverse Stock Split and Share Repurchase Programs
Amount of common stock authorized to be repurchased																						$500

EQUITY_Changes_in_Redeemable_N

EQUITY - Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2014
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	($37)	($22)	($12)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	7	105	3
Valley Baptist Health System
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Controlling interest acquired (as a percent)	51.00%
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Balances at beginning of period	340	16
Net income	33	9
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	-8	-5
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	11
Sales of joint venture interests		52
Purchases of businesses	25	268
Balances at end of period	$401	$340
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | Seller
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Ownership percentage upon which put option may be exercised				49.00%
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | Valley Baptist Health System | Seller
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Non-controlling interest (as a percent)	49.00%

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_ALLOWA2

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS - Components (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts receivable, net	$2,404	$1,890
Continuing operations
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Patient accounts receivable	3,178	2,459
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-851	-589
Estimated future recoveries from accounts assigned to our collection agency subsidiary	125	92
Net cost reports and settlements receivable (payable) and valuation allowances	-51	-75
Accounts receivable, net	2,401	1,887
Discontinued operations
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Accounts receivable, net	$3	$3

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_ALLOWA3

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS - Allowance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts as a percent of patients accounts receivable	26.80%	24.00%
Total	$17,920	$12,074	$9,904
Self-Pay Patients
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts as a percent of patients accounts receivable	78.00%	75.90%
Estimated costs of caring	620	545	430
Managed Care Patients
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts as a percent of patients accounts receivable	6.50%	5.90%
Charity Care Patients
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Estimated costs of caring	180	158	136
Disproportionate Share Hospital
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Total	$817	$428	$283

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_ALLOWA4

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS - Other Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Receivables	$2,404	$1,890
Payables	1,179	1,085
California's Provider Fee Program | Other current assets
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Receivables	399	64
California's Provider Fee Program | Other current liabilities
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable
Payables	$212	$32

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	31-May-12
Discontinued operations
Litigation and investigation costs allocable to the previously divested hospitals related to a class action suit	$18
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations			1
Proceeds from sales of facilities and other assets - discontinued operations	6	16	45
Net receivables	2,404	1,890
Net operating revenues and income (loss) before income taxes
Net operating revenues	4	7	154
Net loss before income taxes	-35	-7	-101
Land
Discontinued operations
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations		12
Creighton University Medical Center (CUMC)
Discontinued operations
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations				1
Impairment charge					100
Write-down of long-lived assets					98
Write-down of goodwill					2
Proceeds from sales of facilities and other assets - discontinued operations				40
Diagnostic Imaging Services, Inc. (DIS)
Discontinued operations
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations					2
Proceeds from sales of facilities and other assets - discontinued operations						$10

IMPAIRMENT_AND_RESTRUCTURING_C1

IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	segment
IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS
Number of continuing operating segments	2
Net impairment and restructuring charges and acquisition-related costs	$153	$103	$19
Impairment of property	20	12	3
Employee severance costs	16	14	8
Lease termination costs	19	2
Restructuring costs	3	16
Acquisition costs	95	59
Acquisition-related transaction costs	16
Acquisition integration charges	79
Other exit costs			6
Other impairment charges			2
Aggregate carrying value of assets held and used for hospital	$23	$44

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_LEASE_OBLIGA2

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Schedule of Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Capital leases and mortgage notes	$487	$417
Unamortized note discounts and premium	-21	-28
Total long-term debt	11,807	10,849
Less current portion	112	153
Long-term debt, net of current portion	11,695	10,696
9 7/8%, due 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	9.88%
Carrying amount		60
9 1/4%, due 2015
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	9.25%
Carrying amount		474
5%, due 2019
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.00%
Carrying amount	1,100
5 1/2%, due 2019
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.50%
Carrying amount	500
6 3/4%, due 2020
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.75%
Carrying amount	300	300
8%, due 2020
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	8.00%
Carrying amount	750	750
8 1/8%, due 2022
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	8.13%
Carrying amount	2,800	2,800
6 7/8%, due 2031
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.88%
Carrying amount	430	430
6 1/4%, due 2018
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Carrying amount	1,041	1,041
4 3/4%, due 2020
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.38%
Carrying amount	500	500
6%, due 2020
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.50%
Carrying amount	1,800	1,800
4 1/2%, due 2021
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.00%
Carrying amount	850	850
4 3/8%, due 2021
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.75%
Carrying amount	1,050	1,050
Credit Facility due 2016
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.25%
Carrying amount	$220	$405

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_LEASE_OBLIGA3

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Credit Agreement (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 07, 2014
Credit Agreement
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$1,000
Carrying amount	220
Interest rate on borrowings (as a percent)	2.38%
Standby letters of credit outstanding	4
Amount available for borrowing under revolving credit facility	776
Credit Agreement | Minimum
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Unused commitment fee (as a percent)	0.38%
Credit Agreement | Maximum
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Unused commitment fee (as a percent)	0.50%
Credit Agreement | Base rate | Minimum
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Margin on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Credit Agreement | Base rate | Maximum
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Margin on variable rate (as a percent)	1.50%
Credit Agreement | LIBOR | Minimum
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Margin on variable rate (as a percent)	2.00%
Credit Agreement | LIBOR | Maximum
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Margin on variable rate (as a percent)	2.50%
Letter of Credit Facility
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		180
Line of credit facility, subfacility maximum available capacity	300
Unused commitment fee (as a percent)	0.50%
Standby letters of credit outstanding	115
Borrowing capacity after increase subject to certain conditions		$200
Secured debt to EBITDA ratio	3
Issuance fee (percentage)	1.88%
Issuance fee, based on face amount (percentage)	0.13%
Letter of Credit Facility | Maximum
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Number of business days after notice, for reimbursement of amount drawn.	3 days
Unused commitment fee after step down	0.38%
Letter of Credit Facility | Base rate
LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Margin on variable rate (as a percent)	0.88%

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_LEASE_OBLIGA4

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2014

31-May-13

Feb. 28, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

$24,000,000

$348,000,000

$4,000,000

7% Mandatory convertible preferred stock

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Shares repurchased and retired

298,700

Preferred stock, dividend rate percentage

7.00%

Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Redemption price as a percentage of principal

100.00%

Senior Secured Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Percentage of principal amount at which the notes are redeemable due to a change of control

101.00%

5 1/2%, due 2019

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

5.50%

5 1/2%, due 2019 | Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

500,000,000

5%, due 2019

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

5.00%

5%, due 2019 | Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

500,000,000

600,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

5.00%

5.00%

9 1/4%, due 2015

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

9.25%

9 1/4%, due 2015 | Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

9.25%

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

24,000,000

8 1/8%, due 2022

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

8.13%

8 1/8%, due 2022 | Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

2,800,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

8.13%

6%, due 2020

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

4.50%

6%, due 2020 | Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

1,800,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

6.00%

4 3/8%, due 2021

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

4.75%

4 3/8%, due 2021 | Senior Secured Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

1,050,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

4.38%

8 7/8% senior notes due 2019 | Senior Secured Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

8.88%

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

171,000,000

Debt repurchased, aggregate principal amount

767,000,000

Principal amount called

158,000,000

4 1/2%, due 2021

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

6.00%

4 1/2%, due 2021 | Senior Secured Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

850,000,000

10% senior notes due 2018 | Senior Secured Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

10.00%

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

177,000,000

Debt repurchased, aggregate principal amount

645,000,000

Principal amount called

69,000,000

4 3/4%, due 2020

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

4.38%

4 3/4%, due 2020 | Senior Secured Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

500,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

4.75%

Redemption price as a percentage of principal

100.00%

6 3/4%, due 2020

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

6.75%

6 3/4%, due 2020 | Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

300,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

6.75%

7 3/8%, due 2013 | Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

7.38%

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

4,000,000

Debt repurchased, aggregate principal amount

161,000,000

6 1/4%, due 2018 | Senior Secured Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

141,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

6.25%

Cash proceeds

142,000,000

8%, due 2020

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Interest rate, stated percentage

8.00%

8%, due 2020 | Senior Notes

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Aggregate principal amount of notes sold

150,000,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

8.00%

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_LEASE_OBLIGA5

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Covenants (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Agreement
Covenants
Threshold limit of revolving credit facility	$80,000,000
Threshold limit of unused borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility	100,000,000
Senior Secured Notes
Covenants
Threshold limit for secured debt	3,200,000,000
Threshold limit for debt secured by a lien on par to the lien securing senior secured notes	$2,600,000,000
Minimum | Senior Notes
Covenants
Asset value as a percentage of consolidated net tangible assets for properties to be defined as principal property	5.00%
Maximum | Senior Notes
Covenants
Secured debt by principal properties as a percentage of consolidated net tangible assets	15.00%
Maximum | Senior Secured Notes
Covenants
Secured debt ratio	4
Secured debt ratio for debt secured by a lien on par to the lien securing senior secured notes	3

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_LEASE_OBLIGA6

LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations
Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations		$11,828
2015		112
2016		259
2017		53
2018		1,103
2019		1,611
Later Years		8,690
Long-term non-cancelable operating leases
Total		907
2015		156
2016		140
2017		120
2018		96
2019		79
Later Years		316
Rental expense
Rental expense under operating leases	156	242	186
Sublease income	$8	$9	$8

GUARANTEES_Details

GUARANTEES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Guarantee
GUARANTEES
Guarantee obligation period	12 months
Commitment period	3 years
Revenue Collection Guarantees | Minimum
GUARANTEES
Guarantee obligation period	1 year
Revenue Collection Guarantees | Maximum
GUARANTEES
Guarantee obligation period	3 years
Income and Revenue Collection Guarantee
GUARANTEES
Maximum potential amount of future payments under guarantees	97
Liability for the fair value of guarantees	76

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Continuing operations
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	$51	$39	$33
Stock-based compensation costs, after tax	32	24	21
Other information
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	51	39	33
Stock Options
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Expiration period from the date of grant	10 years
Portion of awards vesting on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant (as a percent)	33.00%
Vesting period	3 years
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	0	295,639	477,500
Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)		$39.41	$22.79
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)		$14.46
Stock Options | Grant Date, February 28, 2013
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	1
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	278,000
Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$39.31
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$14.46
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	1
Stock Options | Grant Date, February 29, 2012
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	2
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	356,000
Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$22.60
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$11.96
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	2
Restricted Stock Units
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Contractual right to receive shares of common stock for a stock based award	1
Portion of awards vesting on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant (as a percent)	33.00%
Vesting period	3 years
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	51
Other information
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	51
Awards granted (in shares)	1,772,276	1,564,224	1,654,337
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$48.42	$41.20	$22.18
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date, August 25, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	2
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	394,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$59.90
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	2
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date, May 9, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	1
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	32,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$44.36
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	1
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date, February 26, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	17
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	1,291,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$44.12
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	17
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date, June 13, 2013
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	3
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	318,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$47.13
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	3
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date, February 28, 2013
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	12
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	883,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$39.31
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	12
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date, February 29, 2012
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	7
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)	946,000
Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date (in dollars per share)	$22.60
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	7
Restricted Stock Units | Grant Date, Other grants
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	6
Other information
Stock-based compensation costs, pretax	$6
2008 Stock Incentive Plan
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Shares available for issuance under the plan	5,300,000
2008 Stock Incentive Plan | Stock Options
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Vesting period	3 years
Other information
Awards granted (in shares)		295,639
Other plans
Other information
Stock based awards granted	0

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Stock_O

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Stock Options (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	item
Stock option activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	3,308,111	4,289,192	8,498,393
Granted (in shares)	0	295,639	477,500
Exercised (in shares)	-699,910	-946,086	-3,657,127
Forfeited/Expired (in shares)	-624,052	-330,634	-1,029,574
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,984,149	3,308,111	4,289,192
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)	1,907,464
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	1,579,018
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$30.79	$30.49	$25.04
Granted (in dollars per share)		$39.41	$22.79
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$33.53	$23.34	$5.77
Forfeited/Expired (in dollars per share)	$47.97	$55.79	$69.72
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$24.42	$30.79	$30.49
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$24.35
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$21.92
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the end of the period	$52
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	50
Exercisable at the end of the period	45
Weighted Average Remaining Life
Outstanding at the end of the period	3 years 8 months 12 days
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	3 years 7 months 6 days
Exercisable at the end of the period	3 years 6 months
Other Disclosures
Aggregate Intrinsic value of awards exercised	13	18
Unrecognized compensation costs	$2
Vesting period	3 years
Expiration period	10 years
Weighted average estimated fair value of awards granted (in dollars per share)		$14.46
Assumptions used to calculate fair value of awards granted to top eleven employees
Expected volatility (as a percent)		50.00%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)		0.00%
Expected life		3 years 7 months 6 days
Expected forfeiture rate (as a percent)		6.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)		0.48%
Early exercise threshold gain (as a percent)		100.00%
Early exercise rate, gain (as a percent)		50.00%
Number of dates excluded from historical share-price volatility	2
2008 Stock Incentive Plan
Stock option activity
Granted (in shares)		295,639
Other Disclosures
Vesting period	3 years

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Range_o

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Range of Exercise Prices (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Options Exercisable
Market price of the entity's common stock (in dollars per share)	$50.67
Stock Options
Options Exercisable
Number of Options Outstanding (in shares)	1,984,149
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	1,579,018
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual life	3 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$24.42
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$21.92
Stock Options | Range of Exercise Prices, $0.00 to $4.569
Summary information about outstanding stock options
Exercise price per share, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$0
Exercise price per share, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$4.57
Options Exercisable
Number of Options Outstanding (in shares)	237,303
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	237,303
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual life	4 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$4.56
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.56
Stock Options | Range of Exercise Prices, $4.57 to $25.089
Summary information about outstanding stock options
Exercise price per share, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$4.57
Exercise price per share, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$25.09
Options Exercisable
Number of Options Outstanding (in shares)	957,583
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	830,903
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual life	5 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$20.96
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$20.67
Stock Options | Range of Exercise Prices, $25.09 to $32.569
Summary information about outstanding stock options
Exercise price per share, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$25.09
Exercise price per share, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$32.57
Options Exercisable
Number of Options Outstanding (in shares)	402,816
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	402,816
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual life	1 year 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$29.32
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$29.32
Stock Options | Range of Exercise Prices, $32.57 to $42.089
Summary information about outstanding stock options
Exercise price per share, low end of the range (in dollars per share)	$32.57
Exercise price per share, high end of the range (in dollars per share)	$42.09
Options Exercisable
Number of Options Outstanding (in shares)	386,447
Number of Options Exercisable (in shares)	107,996
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual life	2 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$40.08
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$42.08

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Restric

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Restricted Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock unit activity
Unvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	2,707,222	2,295,942	1,927,307
Granted (in shares)	1,772,276	1,564,224	1,654,337
Vested (in shares)	-1,009,927	-966,838	-1,033,632
Forfeited (in shares)	-169,851	-186,106	-252,070
Unvested at the end of the period (in shares)	3,299,720	2,707,222	2,295,942
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit
Unvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$33.34	$23.40	$24.52
Granted (in dollars per share)	$48.42	$41.20	$22.18
Vested (in dollars per share)	$27.49	$24.20	$23.51
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$36.64	$29.69	$23.39
Unvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$40.99	$33.34	$23.40
Other Disclosures
Vesting period	3 years
Awards vesting (as a percent)	33.00%
Unrecognized compensation costs	$99,000,000
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation costs	2 years 9 months 18 days
Restricted Stock Units | Chief executive officer
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)		212,180
Restricted Stock Units | Time-vesting
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	1,046,910	1,122,811
Other Disclosures
Restricted stock that will vest and be settled over a three-year period from the grant date (in shares)	945,409	1,023,112
Restricted stock that will vest and be settled on the tenth anniversary of the grant date (in shares)	23,435
Percentage of restricted stock units which will vest on the tenth anniversary of the grant date	100.00%
Restricted stock that will vest and be settled on the fifth anniversary of the grant date (in shares)	63,623	80,133
Percentage of restricted stock units, which will vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date	100.00%	100.00%
Restricted stock that will vest and be settled on the third anniversary of the grant date (in shares)	14,443	19,566
Percentage of restricted stock units, which will vest three years from the grant date		100.00%
Vesting period	3 years	3 years
Percentage of restricted stock units, which will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date	100.00%
Restricted Stock Units | Time-vesting | Board of Director
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	1,368
Other Disclosures
Initial grant received	1,240
Number of years that immediately vested but not settled earlier	3 years
Restricted Stock Units | Time-vesting | Chief executive officer
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)		106,090
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	271,815	206,058
Other Disclosures
Term for achievement of specified performance goal	1 year
Vesting period	3 years	3 years
Awards vesting (as a percent)		100.00%
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting | Minimum
Other Disclosures
Awards vesting (as a percent)	0.00%
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting | Maximum
Other Disclosures
Awards vesting (as a percent)	200.00%
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting | Chief executive officer
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)		106,090
Other Disclosures
Additional award to be granted (in shares)		106,090
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based - 3 year vesting | Chief executive officer
Other Disclosures
Percentage of restricted stock units, which will vest three years from the grant date		50.00%
Vesting period		3 years
Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based - 6 year vesting | Chief executive officer
Other Disclosures
Vesting period		6 years
Awards vesting (as a percent)		50.00%
Special Retention Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based vesting
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	450,943
Other Disclosures
Awards vesting (as a percent)	66.70%
Special Retention Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based - 1 year vesting
Other Disclosures
Vesting period	1 year
Awards vesting (as a percent)	50.00%
Special Retention Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based - 4 year vesting
Other Disclosures
Vesting period	4 years
Awards vesting (as a percent)	50.00%
Special Retention Restricted Stock Units | Performance-based - 5 year vesting
Other Disclosures
Awards vesting (as a percent)	33.30%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Number of shares authorized to be issued under the plan	5,062,500
Shares available for issuance under the plan	258,875
Percentage of closing price at which shares are purchased by participant	95.00%
Requisite holding period for shares issued under the plan	1 year
Fair market value per employee per year	$25,000
Employee stock purchase plan activity
Number of shares	162,128	100,217	144,021
Weighted average price (in dollars per share)	$46.91	$42.88	$22.81
Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Minimum
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Base earnings elected to be withheld each quarter by eligible employees to purchase shares of the entity's common stock (as a percent)	1.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Maximum
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Base earnings elected to be withheld each quarter by eligible employees to purchase shares of the entity's common stock (as a percent)	10.00%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Employe

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Employee Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
401(k) plan
Contribution expense	$92	$35	$32
Projected benefit obligations
Beginning obligations	-1,303	-312
Assumed from acquisition		-1,037
Service cost	-3	-2	-2
Interest cost	-66	-25	-14
Actuarial gain(loss)	-268	44
Plan changes		-2
Benefits paid/employer contributions	81	31
Ending obligations	-1,559	-1,303	-312
Fair value of plans assets
Beginning obligations	886
Assumed from acquisition		863
Gain on plan assets	70	34
Employer contribution	3
Benefits paid	-61	-11
Ending plan assets	898	886
Funded status of plans	-661	-417
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other current liability	-28	-19
Other long-term liability	633	398
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	276	22
Total	-385	-395
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,544	1,297
Components of net periodic benefit costs
Service costs	3	2	2
Interest costs	66	25	14
Expected return on plan assets	-60	-15
Amortization of net actuarial loss	4	7	5
Net periodic benefit cost	13	19	21
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
Gain (loss) adjustments recorded in other comprehensive income (loss)	-254	69	-25
Net actuarial gains/(losses)	-258	63	-30
Amounts that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs
Cumulative net actuarial losses	276	22	90
SERP
Accumulated Benefit Obligations Assumptions
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.25%	5.00%
Compensation increase rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%
Net Periodic Benefit Costs Assumptions:
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.00%	4.00%	5.00%
Compensation increase rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
DMC Pension Plan
Fair value of plans assets
Ending plan assets	898
Accumulated Benefit Obligations Assumptions
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.16%	5.18%
Net Periodic Benefit Costs Assumptions:
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.18%	5.01%
Long-term rate of return on assets (as a percent)	7.00%	7.00%
Maximum
Amounts that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs
Unrecognized prior service costs	$1	$1	$1

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Asset_A

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Asset Allocations (Details) (DMC Pension Plan)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Allowable deviation percentage from target	10.00%
Cash and cash equivalents
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target	6.00%
Actual	6.00%
United States government obligations
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target	1.00%
Actual	1.00%
Equity securities
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target	50.00%
Actual	50.00%
Debt securities
Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category
Target	43.00%
Actual	43.00%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_SERP_an

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS SERP and DMC (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	$898	$886
SERP and DMC Pension Plan
Total	896
2015	84
2016	80
2017	83
2018	86
2019	89
Five Years Thereafter	474
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other current liability	28	19
Defined benefit plan obligations	633	398
Total	-385	-395
Expected contribution to the plan for 2014	28
DMC Pension Plan
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	898
DMC Pension Plan | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	55
DMC Pension Plan | United States government obligations
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	5
DMC Pension Plan | Equity securities
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	447
DMC Pension Plan | Debt securities
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	391
DMC Pension Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	898
DMC Pension Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	55
DMC Pension Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | United States government obligations
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	5
DMC Pension Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Equity securities
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	447
DMC Pension Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Debt securities
Employee Retirement Plans
Fair value of DMC Pension Plan assets	$391

CAPITAL_COMMITMENTS_Details

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS (Details) (Vanguard, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Vanguard
Acquisition commitments
Required escrow balance	$0

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Compone

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Components (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	$12,211	$11,489
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-4,478	-3,907
Net property and equipment	7,733	7,582
Land
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	650	660
Buildings and improvements
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	7,013	6,166
Construction in progress
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	161	593
Equipment
Components of property and equipment
Gross property and equipment	$4,387	$4,070

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Total			$3,913
Total	3,913	3,566	3,913
Hospital operations and other
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill	5,584	3,268	5,737
Accumulated impairment losses	-2,430		-2,430
Total	3,154	838
Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price adjustments	153	2,316
Total	3,307	3,154
Conifer
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill	412	78	606
Total	412	78
Goodwill acquired during the year and purchase price adjustments	194	334
Total	$606	$412

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Other intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$1,949	$1,621
Accumulated Amortization	-671	-516
Net Book Value	1,278	1,105
Capitalized software costs
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	1,412	1,148
Accumulated Amortization	-586	-468
Net Book Value	826	680
Long-term debt issuance costs
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	245	230
Accumulated Amortization	-49	-31
Net Book Value	196	199
Trade names
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	106	106
Net Book Value	106	106
Contracts
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	57	57
Accumulated Amortization	-6	-2
Net Book Value	51	55
Other
Information regarding other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	129	80
Accumulated Amortization	-30	-15
Net Book Value	$99	$65

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Future Amortization (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Estimated future amortization of intangibles with finite useful lives
Total	$1,166
2015	218
2016	208
2017	151
2018	141
2019	102
Later Years	$346

INVESTMENTS_AND_OTHER_ASSETS_C

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS - Components (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments and other assets
Marketable debt securities	$77	$16
Equity investments in unconsolidated health care entities	56	56
Total investments	133	72
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	27	25
Long-term deposits	36	35
Land held for expansion, long-term receivables and other assets	188	225
Investments and other assets	384	357
Equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	12	15
Accumulated unrealized gains on investments, maximum	$1	$1

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS.
Adjustments for defined benefit plans	($182)	($24)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-182	-24
Tax effect allocated to adjustments for defined benefit plans	$93	($25)

PROPERTY_AND_PROFESSIONAL_AND_1

PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance coverage
Risk-free discount rate (as a percent)	1.97%	2.45%
Professional and General Liability Insurance
Insurance coverage
Self insurance reserve	$681	$711
Loss contingency discount rate, maturity rate period	7 years	7 years	7 years
Risk-free discount rate (as a percent)	1.97%	2.45%	1.18%
Professional and General Liability Insurance | Other operating expense, net
Insurance coverage
Malpractice expense	$232	$112	92

CLAIMS_AND_LAWSUITS_Details

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	17 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2010	Nov. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
	item		item		plaintiff
					person
Governmental Reviews
Loss Contingencies
Number of defendants	4
Litigation reserve	$38,000,000
Kyphoplasty
Loss Contingencies
Number of hospitals under governmental review			7
Litigation reserve	2,000,000
Settlement amount		900,000
Number of hospitals for which settlement discussions to resolve matter is engaged	5
ICDs
Loss Contingencies
Number of hospitals under governmental review	56
Ordinary Course Matters
Loss Contingencies
Litigation reserve						11,500,000
Number of persons in class action lawsuits					5,000
Number of persons identified in class certification process					8
Number of plaintiffs identified in class certification process					2
Maximum potential payment						32,500,000
Escrow deposits				$5,500,000

CLAIMS_AND_LAWSUITS_Reconcilia

CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS - Reconciliations (Details) (Claims, lawsuits, and regulatory proceedings, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies
Litigation reserve, Balances at Beginning of Period	$70	$10	$66
Litigation and Investigation costs	43	33	5
Cash Payments	-30	-11	-61
Other		38
Litigation reserve, Balances at End of Period	83	70	10
Continuing operations
Loss Contingencies
Litigation reserve, Balances at Beginning of Period	64	5	49
Litigation and Investigation costs	25	31	5
Cash Payments	-16	-10	-49
Other		38
Litigation reserve, Balances at End of Period	73	64	5
Discontinued operations
Loss Contingencies
Litigation reserve, Balances at Beginning of Period	6	5	17
Litigation and Investigation costs	18	2
Cash Payments	-14	-1	-12
Litigation reserve, Balances at End of Period	$10	$6	$5

INCOME_TAXES_Provision_and_Def

INCOME TAXES - Provision and Deferred Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal	($12)	$2	($3)
State	18	4	11
Total	6	6	8
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal	46	-56	117
State	-3	-15
Total	43	-71	117
Income tax expense (benefit)	49	-65	125
Reconciliation between reported income tax expense (benefit) and income taxes calculated by the statutory federal income tax rate
Tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	52	-55	117
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	5	1	13
Expired state net operating losses, net of federal income tax benefit	34
Tax attributable to noncontrolling interests	-23	-10	-4
Nondeductible acquisition costs	2	6
Nondeducible health insurance provider fee	3
Other changes in valuation allowance	-20	-2	-5
Change in tax contingency reserves, including interest	-2	-7	-1
Prior-year provision to return adjustment and other changes in deferred taxes, net of valuation allowance	-5	3	3
Other items	3	-1	2
Income tax expense (benefit)	$49	($65)	$125
Statutory federal rate (as a percent)				35.00%

INCOME_TAXES_Components_of_Def

INCOME TAXES - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Reserves related to discontinued operations and restructuring charges	$28	$20
Receivables (doubtful accounts and adjustments)	173	252
Accruals for retained insurance risks	329	335
Other long-term liabilities	166	81
Benefit plans	451	294
Other accrued liabilities	83	97
Net operating loss carryforwards	659	708
Stock-based compensation	31	31
Other items	80	37
Deferred tax assets, gross	2,000	1,855
Valuation allowance	-87	-107
Deferred tax assets, net	1,913	1,748
Liabilities
Depreciation and fixed-asset differences	847	681
Deferred gain on debt exchanges	42	53
Intangible assets	157	147
Investments and other assets	4	27
Deferred tax liabilities, total	1,050	908
Reconciliation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities
Current portion of deferred income tax asset	747	692
Deferred income tax asset, net of current portion	116	148
Net deferred tax asset	$863	$840

INCOME_TAXES_Valuation_Allowan

INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowances and Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
INCOME TAXES
Change in valuation allowance against deferred tax assets	$20	$51	$5
Change in valuation allowance against deferred tax assets due to acquisition of Vanguard		34
Change in valuation allowance against deferred tax assets due to state net operating loss carryforwards		17
Valuation allowance attributable to certain state net operating loss carryovers	87	107
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	43	32	35
Additions for prior-year tax positions		15
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-1		-2
Additions for current-year tax positions	1	3	2
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities			-3
Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations	-5	-7
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	38	43	32
Unrecognized tax benefits which, if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	31	34	32
Current tax expense due to increase in liabilities for uncertain tax positions			3
Current tax benefit due to reduction of liabilities for uncertain tax positions, continuing operations	6	1
Uncertain tax positions, interest and penalties related to continuing operations	1
Total accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	4
Continuing operations
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	43	31	34
Additions for prior-year tax positions		15
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-1		-2
Additions for current-year tax positions	1	3	2
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities			-3
Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations	-5	-6
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	38	43	31
Discontinued operations
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance		1		1
Reductions due to a lapse of statute of limitations		-1
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance				$1

INCOME_TAXES_Reconciliation_De

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes
Income tax benefit (expense)	($49)	$65	($125)
Tax benefit, other adjustments	-3	1	-2
Unrecognized tax benefits	38	43	32	35
Unrecognized tax benefits which, if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	31	34	32
Total accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	4
Unrecognized federal and state tax benefits and reserves for interest and penalties, which may decrease in the next 12 months	2
Continuing operations
Income Taxes
Unrecognized tax benefits	38	43	31	34
Discontinued operations
Income Taxes
Unrecognized tax benefits			$1	$1

INCOME_TAXES_NOL_Details

INCOME TAXES - NOL (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating loss carryforwards
Deferred tax benefit, net of valuation allowance and federal tax impact, associated with NOL carryforwards	$659,000,000	$708,000,000
Federal
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration	1,600,000,000
State
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards subject to expiration	3,300,000,000
Deferred tax benefit, net of valuation allowance and federal tax impact, associated with NOL carryforwards	$18,000,000

INCOME_TAXES_Tax_Credit_Carryf

INCOME TAXES - Tax Credit Carryforwards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Tax credits
Rolling period during which certain ownership changes limit ability of the entity for utilization of NOL carryforwards	3 years
Percentage of shareholders, purchase or sale of stock by them is considered as ownership change	5.00%
Maximum increase in percentage points of the ownership of the 5% shareholders in a given period to enable the full use of NOL carryfowards	50.00%
Alternative minimum tax credits
Tax credits
Tax credits carryforwards	28
General business
Tax credits
Tax credits carryforwards	19

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE2

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Income (Loss) (Numerator)
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share	$34	($123)	$185
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share	$34	($123)	$185
Weighted Average Shares (Denominator)
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share (in Weighted Average Shares)	97,801,000	101,648,000	104,200,000
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units on the diluted shares (in weighted average shares)	2,486,000		4,726,000
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share (in Weighted Average Shares)	100,287,000	101,648,000	108,926,000
Per-Share Amount
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings, Per-Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$0.35	($1.21)	$1.77
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units (Per-Share)	($0.01)		($0.07)
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share, Per-Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$0.34	($1.21)	$1.70
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units (in Weighted Average Shares)	2,310

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_COMMON_SHARE3

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - Antidilutive securities (Details) (Employee stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units
Antidilutive securities
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	755	2,876

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Estimated fair value of the long-term debt instrument as a percentage of carrying value	105.00%	103.50%
Impairment charges related to write-down of buildings, equipment and other long-lived assets	$20	$12	$3
Long-lived assets held and used	23	44
Recurring basis | Total
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Marketable securities-current	2	1
Investments in Reserve Yield Plus Fund	2	2
Marketable debt securities-noncurrent	60	62
Investments	64	65
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Marketable securities-current	2	1
Marketable debt securities-noncurrent	54	23
Investments	56	24
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Investments in Reserve Yield Plus Fund	2	2
Marketable debt securities-noncurrent	5	38
Investments	7	40
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Marketable debt securities-noncurrent	1	1
Investments	1	1
Non-recurring basis | Total
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Long-lived assets held and used	23	44
Non-recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis
Long-lived assets held and used	$23	$44

ACQUISITIONS_Details

ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	item	item	plan
			Institution
Preliminary purchase price allocations
Goodwill	3,913,000,000	3,566,000,000
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Business Acquisition
Number of business acquisitions	5	11
Urgent care centers
Business Acquisition
Number of business acquisitions	3
Other diagnostic imaging center
Business Acquisition
Number of business acquisitions	1
Other ambulatory Surgery Centers
Business Acquisition
Number of business acquisitions		1
Series of individual business acquisitions
Business Acquisition
Increase in goodwill due to reallocation	7,000,000	5,000,000
Preliminary purchase price allocations
Current assets	34,000,000	980,000,000
Property and equipment	113,000,000	2,890,000,000
Other intangible assets	46,000,000	213,000,000
Goodwill	340,000,000	2,645,000,000
Other long-term assets	2,000,000	160,000,000
Current liabilities	-30,000,000	-1,205,000,000
Deferred taxes - long term	-18,000,000	-116,000,000
Long-term liabilities	-23,000,000	-3,725,000,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	-21,000,000	-268,000,000
Noncontrolling interests	-15,000,000	-49,000,000
Net cash paid	428,000,000	1,515,000,000
Gain on business combination		10,000,000
Transaction costs related to prospective and closed acquisitions	16,000,000
Series of individual business acquisitions | Texas Regional Medical Center
Business Acquisition
Number of licensed beds	70
Series of individual business acquisitions | Emanuel Medical Center
Business Acquisition
Number of licensed beds	209
Vanguard
Business Acquisition
Number of hospitals		28	28
Number of hospitals under construction		1	1
Number of outpatient centers acquired		39	39
Number of health plans		5	5
Amount paid for acquisition, including assumed debt			4,300,000,000
Assumed debt			2,500,000,000
Pro Forma Information - Unaudited
Net operating revenues		15,459,000		15,140,000
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes		-433,000		$294,000

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_General_In

SEGMENT INFORMATION - General Information and Customer Concentration (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	item
	plan
	segment
	Institution
	state
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Number of reportable segments	1
Number of hospitals owned by subsidiaries	80
Number of licensed beds in hospitals operated by subsidiaries	20,814
Number of states where subsidiaries had operations	14
Number of provider-based outpatient centers operated by subsidiaries	210
Number of health plans	6
Conifer
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Number of Tenet and non-Tenet Hospitals and other health care organizations to which Conifer provided revenue cycle services	800

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Reconcilin

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciling Items (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	segment
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Assets	$18,141	$16,450
Net operating revenues	16,615	11,102	9,119
Adjusted EBITDA	1,952	1,342	1,203
Depreciation and amortization	849	545	430
Adjusted EBITDA and other reconciling items
Adjusted EBITDA	1,952	1,342	1,203
Depreciation and amortization	-849	-545	-430
Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs	-153	-103	-19
Litigation and investigation costs	-25	-31	-5
Interest expense	-754	-474	-412
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	-24	-348	-4
Investment earnings		1	1
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	147	-158	334
Number of reportable segments	1
Operating segments
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Assets	18,141	16,450	9,044
Capital expenditures:	933	691	508
Net operating revenues	17,206	11,506	9,490
Adjusted EBITDA	1,952	1,342	1,203
Depreciation and amortization	849	545	430
Adjusted EBITDA and other reconciling items
Adjusted EBITDA	1,952	1,342	1,203
Depreciation and amortization	-849	-545	-430
Operating segments | Tenet
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Net operating revenues	591	404	371
Operating segments | Other customers
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Net operating revenues	602	515	117
Operating segments | Hospital operations and other
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Assets	17,212	15,865	8,825
Capital expenditures:	908	670	495
Net operating revenues	16,013	10,587	9,002
Adjusted EBITDA	1,749	1,210	1,098
Depreciation and amortization	824	526	420
Adjusted EBITDA and other reconciling items
Adjusted EBITDA	1,749	1,210	1,098
Depreciation and amortization	-824	-526	-420
Operating segments | Conifer
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Assets	929	585	219
Capital expenditures:	25	21	13
Adjusted EBITDA	203	132	105
Depreciation and amortization	25	19	10
Adjusted EBITDA and other reconciling items
Adjusted EBITDA	203	132	105
Depreciation and amortization	-25	-19	-10
Intercompany eliminations
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Net operating revenues	($591)	($404)	($371)

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 11, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
	Institution
Subsequent events
Number of Hospitals Operated by Subsidiaries	80
Valley Baptist Health System
Subsequent events
Controlling interest acquired (as a percent)	51.00%
Subsequent event | Catholic Health Initiatives
Subsequent events
Non-controlling interest (as a percent)			23.80%
Subsequent event | Valley Baptist Health System
Subsequent events
Controlling interest acquired (as a percent)		49.00%
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		$254
Additional paid-in capital recorded		$270
Ownership interest after acquisition (as a percent)		100.00%
Conifer | Subsequent event | Minimum
Subsequent events
Ownership interest adjustment (as a percent)			20.00%
Conifer | Subsequent event | Maximum
Subsequent events
Ownership interest adjustment (as a percent)			25.00%
Conifer | Subsequent event | Catholic Health Initiatives
Subsequent events
Agreement Term Entered Into By Subsidiary			10 years
Number of Hospitals Operated by Subsidiaries			92

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI1

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period	$589	$401	$397
Costs and Expenses	1,305	975	789
Deductions	-1,042	-787	-785
Balance at End of Period	852	589	401
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period	107	56	61
Costs and Expenses	-20	23	-5
Other Accounts		-1
Other Items		29
Balance at End of Period	$87	$107	$56