Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Agreement Phase	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Agreement Phase	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost		$ 1,549,751	$ 1,549,751	$ 1,603,653
Property Name, Patient Tower in Springfield, Oregon Hospital [Member] | Asset Under Construction [Member] | Construction and Capital Commitments [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost		27,600	27,600
Construction costs incurred during the period		10,300	17,200
Total estimated construction costs, including equipment costs		88,000	$ 88,000
Expected project to be completed period			Late 2017 or early 2018
Property Name, Corporate Office [Member] | Asset Under Construction [Member] | Construction and Capital Commitments [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Expected project to be completed period			third quarter of 2016
Cost recorded related to direct financing obligation		19,300	$ 19,300
Cost recorded during the period related to direct financing obligation		$ 2,900	$ 4,900
Number of separate lease agreements | Agreement		4	4
Number of project phases | Phase		3	3
Physician Recruiting Commitments, Income Guarantee [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Maximum potential amount of future payments in excess of liabilities recorded		$ 3,600	$ 3,600
Guarantee period			1 year
Commitment periods over which physician agrees to practice in designated community			3 years
Professional and General Liability Insurance [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Self-insured retention level		5,000	$ 5,000
Workers Compensation Liability Insurance [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Self-insured retention level		500	500
Quorum Health Resources [Member] | Professional and General Liability Insurance [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Self-insured retention level		$ 6,000	$ 6,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Quorum Health Resources [Member] | Hancock Medical Center [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Total litigation award payable	$ 9,400