Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2012 Acute Care Services		Dec. 31, 2010 Acute Care Services	Dec. 31, 2012 Behavioral Health Services		Dec. 31, 2011 Behavioral Health Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 2,627,602		$ 2,589,914		$ 389,484		$ 389,484	$ 2,238,118		$ 2,200,430
Goodwill acquired during the period	445,661				11,110			434,551
Goodwill divested during the period	(19,352)				(17,450)			(1,902)
Adjustments to goodwill	(17,146)	[1]	37,688	[2]	(448)	[1]		(16,698)	[1]	37,688	[2]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 3,036,765		$ 2,627,602		$ 382,696		$ 389,484	$ 2,654,069		$ 2,238,118

[1] The reduction to the Behavioral Health Services' goodwill consists primarily of a reclassification to "assets of facilities held for sale" and represents the goodwill attributable to Peak Behavioral Health Services which we agreed to divest pursuant to our agreement with the Federal Trade Commission in connection with our acquisition of Ascend Health Corporation in October, 2012. Adjustments to prior year purchase price allocations for Acute Care and Behavioral Health Services are also included.

[2] Consists of adjustments to prior year purchase price allocations.