EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Income Available (Loss Attributable) to Common Shareholders (Numerator)
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (187)	$ (142)	$ 34
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (187)	$ (142)	$ 34
Weighted Average Shares (Denominator)
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings (loss) per share	99,321	99,167	97,801
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and deferred compensation units (in weighted average shares)			2,486
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings (loss) per share	99,321	99,167	100,287
Per-Share Amount
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (1.88)	$ (1.43)	$ 0.35
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation units (Per-Share)			(0.01)
Net income (loss) attributable to Tenet Healthcare Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (1.88)	$ (1.43)	$ 0.34