LOSS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders (Numerator)
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic loss per share	$ (9)	$ (28)	$ (108)	$ (42)
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation units
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted loss per share	$ (9)	$ (28)	$ (108)	$ (42)
Weighted Average Shares (Denominator)
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic loss per share	99,523	99,537	99,210	99,160
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units (in weighted average shares)
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted loss per share	99,523	99,537	99,210	99,160
Per-Share Amount
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic loss per share	$ (0.09)	$ (0.28)	$ (1.09)	$ (0.42)
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation units (Per-Share)
Net loss attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted loss per share	$ (0.09)	$ (0.28)	$ (1.09)	$ (0.42)