| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 22, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000860730 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 22, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HCA HEALTHCARE, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11239 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-3865930 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | One Park Plaza |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Nashville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 37203 |
| City Area Code | (615) |
| Local Phone Number | 344-9551 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | HCA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
