CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net operating revenues:
Net operating revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$ 21,070	$ 20,111	$ 17,908
Less: Provision for doubtful accounts	1,449	1,477	1,305
Net operating revenues	19,621	18,634	16,603
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	131	99	12
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	9,356	9,011	8,023
Supplies	3,124	2,963	2,630
Other operating expenses, net	4,891	4,555	4,114
Electronic health record incentives	(32)	(72)	(104)
Depreciation and amortization	850	797	849
Impairment and restructuring charges, and acquisition-related costs	202	318	153
Litigation and investigation (costs) benefit	293	291	25
Gains on sales, consolidation and deconsolidation of facilities	(151)	(186)
Operating income	1,219	1,056	925
Interest expense	(979)	(912)	(754)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt		(1)	(24)
Investment earnings	8	1
Net income from continuing operations, before income taxes	248	144	147
Income tax expense	(67)	(68)	(49)
Net income from continuing operations, before discontinued operations	181	76	98
Discontinued operations:
Net loss from operations	(6)	(5)	(17)
Litigation and investigation (costs) benefit		8	(18)
Income tax benefit (expense)	1	(1)	13
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	(5)	2	(22)
Net income	176	78	76
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	368	218	64
Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	(192)	(140)	12
Amounts available (attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders
Net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	(187)	(142)	34
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(5)	2	(22)
Net income available (loss attributable) to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders	$ (192)	$ (140)	$ 12
Basic
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (1.88)	$ (1.43)	$ 0.35
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.05)	0.02	(0.23)
Total loss per share, Basic (in dollars per share)	(1.93)	(1.41)	0.12
Diluted
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(1.88)	(1.43)	0.34
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.05)	0.02	(0.22)
Total loss per share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.93)	$ (1.41)	$ 0.12
Weighted average shares and dilutive securities outstanding (in thousands):
Basic (in shares)	99,321	99,167	97,801
Diluted (in shares)	99,321	99,167	100,287