REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Segment Details (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Hospital operations and other
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	$ 520	$ 463
Net income	31	31
Ambulatory Care
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	1,715	1,698
Net income	285	138
Conifer
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	158	105
Net income	52	49
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
Redeemable noncontrolling interests balances	2,393	2,266	$ 401
Net income	$ 230	$ 166