REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Segment Details (Details) - Redeemable noncontrolling interests - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	$ 2,307	$ 1,682	$ 2,266	$ 401
Net income	170	86
Hospital operations and other
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	526	142
Net income	16	8
Ambulatory Care
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	1,637	1,446
Net income	116	40
Conifer
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	144	94
Net income	$ 38	$ 38