<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.8.0.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>359</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>415</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>126</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>11</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AccountsReceivable</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - CONTRACT BALANCES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ContractBalances</Role>
      <ShortName>CONTRACT BALANCES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSale</Role>
      <ShortName>ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ImpairmentAndRestructuringChargesAndAcquisitionRelatedCosts</Role>
      <ShortName>IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseObligations</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - GUARANTEES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/Guarantees</Role>
      <ShortName>GUARANTEES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/Equity</Role>
      <ShortName>EQUITY</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - NET OPERATING REVENUES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/NetOperatingRevenues</Role>
      <ShortName>NET OPERATING REVENUES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/PropertyAndProfessionalAndGeneralLiabilityInsurance</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ClaimsAndLawsuits</Role>
      <ShortName>CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsInEquityOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries</Role>
      <ShortName>REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAXES</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EarningsLossPerCommonShare</Role>
      <ShortName>EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/Acquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2118100 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/SegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Disclosure - RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/RecentAccountingStandards</Role>
      <ShortName>RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>SUBSEQUENT EVENTS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentation</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302301 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AccountsReceivableTables</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AccountsReceivable</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - CONTRACT BALANCES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ContractBalancesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>CONTRACT BALANCES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ContractBalances</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTables</Role>
      <ShortName>ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseObligationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseObligations</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - EQUITY (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>EQUITY (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/Equity</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310301 - Disclosure - NET OPERATING REVENUES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/NetOperatingRevenuesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>NET OPERATING REVENUES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/NetOperatingRevenues</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ClaimsAndLawsuitsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ClaimsAndLawsuits</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsInEquityOfConsolidatedSubsidiariesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsInEquityOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2314301 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAXES (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EarningsLossPerCommonShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EarningsLossPerCommonShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AcquisitionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/Acquisitions</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318301 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/SegmentInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401404 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION - ASU Adoption (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAsuAdoptionDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION - ASU Adoption (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401405 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401406 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Intangible Assets Summary (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationIntangibleAssetsSummaryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Intangible Assets Summary (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401407 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401408 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/BasisOfPresentationInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedAffiliatesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402402 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Components (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AccountsReceivableComponentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Components (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402403 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Allowance (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AccountsReceivableAllowanceDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Allowance (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402404 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Other Receivables (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AccountsReceivableOtherReceivablesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - Other Receivables (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - CONTRACT BALANCES - Hospital Operations and Other Segment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ContractBalancesHospitalOperationsAndOtherSegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CONTRACT BALANCES - Hospital Operations and Other Segment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403403 - Disclosure - CONTRACT BALANCES - Conifer Segment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ContractBalancesConiferSegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CONTRACT BALANCES - Conifer Segment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403404 - Disclosure - CONTRACT BALANCES - Contract Costs (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ContractBalancesContractCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CONTRACT BALANCES - Contract Costs (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404403 - Disclosure - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE - Net Assets Held For Sale (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleNetAssetsHeldForSaleDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE - Net Assets Held For Sale (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404404 - Disclosure - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE - Significant Disposals (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleSignificantDisposalsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE - Significant Disposals (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405401 - Disclosure - IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ImpairmentAndRestructuringChargesAndAcquisitionRelatedCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ImpairmentAndRestructuringChargesAndAcquisitionRelatedCosts</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Schedule of Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseObligationsScheduleOfDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Schedule of Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Senior Secured and Senior Secured Notes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseObligationsSeniorSecuredAndSeniorSecuredNotesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Senior Secured and Senior Secured Notes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Credit Agreement and Letter of Credit Facility (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/LongTermDebtAndLeaseObligationsCreditAgreementAndLetterOfCreditFacilityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS - Credit Agreement and Letter of Credit Facility (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407401 - Disclosure - GUARANTEES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/GuaranteesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GUARANTEES (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/Guarantees</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Stock Options (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansStockOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Stock Options (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Range of Exercise Prices (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansRangeOfExercisePricesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Range of Exercise Prices (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408405 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Restricted Stock Units (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansRestrictedStockUnitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Restricted Stock Units (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408406 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Employee Retirement Plans (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansEmployeeRetirementPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Employee Retirement Plans (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - EQUITY - Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EquityChangesInShareholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EQUITY - Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - EQUITY - Changes in Shareholders' Equity - Noncontrolling interests (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EquityChangesInShareholdersEquityNoncontrollingInterestsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EQUITY - Changes in Shareholders' Equity - Noncontrolling interests (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410402 - Disclosure - NET OPERATING REVENUES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/NetOperatingRevenuesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>NET OPERATING REVENUES (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/NetOperatingRevenuesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410403 - Disclosure - NET OPERATING REVENUES - Ambulatory Care (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/NetOperatingRevenuesAmbulatoryCareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>NET OPERATING REVENUES - Ambulatory Care (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410404 - Disclosure - NET OPERATING REVENUES - Conifer (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/NetOperatingRevenuesConiferDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>NET OPERATING REVENUES - Conifer (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410405 - Disclosure - NET OPERATING REVENUES - Performance Obligations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/NetOperatingRevenuesPerformanceObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>NET OPERATING REVENUES - Performance Obligations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411401 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/PropertyAndProfessionalAndGeneralLiabilityInsuranceDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/PropertyAndProfessionalAndGeneralLiabilityInsurance</ParentRole>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411402 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE - Professional and General Liability Reserves (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/PropertyAndProfessionalAndGeneralLiabilityInsuranceProfessionalAndGeneralLiabilityReservesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>PROPERTY AND PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE - Professional and General Liability Reserves (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ClaimsAndLawsuitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ClaimsAndLawsuitsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412403 - Disclosure - CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS - Reconciliations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/ClaimsAndLawsuitsReconciliationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS - Reconciliations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Ownership percentage (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsInEquityOfConsolidatedSubsidiariesOwnershipPercentageDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Ownership percentage (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413403 - Disclosure - REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsInEquityOfConsolidatedSubsidiariesChangesInRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413404 - Disclosure - REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Segment Details (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsInEquityOfConsolidatedSubsidiariesSegmentDetailsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EQUITY OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES - Segment Details (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsInEquityOfConsolidatedSubsidiariesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAXES (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414403 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Reconciliation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/IncomeTaxesFederalTaxReconciliationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Reconciliation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EarningsLossPerCommonShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EarningsLossPerCommonShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415403 - Disclosure - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - Antidilutive securities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EarningsLossPerCommonShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - Antidilutive securities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/EarningsLossPerCommonShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - ACQUISITIONS - Purchase Price Allocation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/AcquisitionsPurchasePriceAllocationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>ACQUISITIONS - Purchase Price Allocation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418402 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION - General Information and Customer Concentration (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/SegmentInformationGeneralInformationAndCustomerConcentrationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION - General Information and Customer Concentration (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418403 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciling Items (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/SegmentInformationReconcilingItemsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciling Items (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="thc-20180331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420401 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.tenethealth.com/role/SubsequentEvents</ParentRole>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>thc-20180331.xml</File>
    <File>thc-20180331.xsd</File>
    <File>thc-20180331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>thc-20180331_def.xml</File>
    <File>thc-20180331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>thc-20180331_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
