Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,145	$ 4,389	$ 2,743
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Foreign currency translation	5	(71)	97
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	15	(7)	1
Realized gains included in other operating expenses	0	0	(2)
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	15	(7)	(1)
Defined benefit plans	(63)	44	(43)
Pension costs included in salaries and benefits	13	21	18
Total defined benefit plans	(50)	65	(25)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	(50)	23	11
Interest (benefits) costs included in interest expense	(17)	(10)	20
Total change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	(67)	13	31
Other comprehensive (loss) income before taxes	(97)	0	102
Income taxes (benefits) related to other comprehensive income items	(18)	8	42
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(79)	(8)	60
Comprehensive income	4,066	4,381	2,803
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	640	602	527
Comprehensive income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.	$ 3,426	$ 3,779	$ 2,276