Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Pre tax charges in connection with lawsuits
Professional fees and other related costs	$ 1,903

Professional fees and other related costs incurred in connection with the Tenet acquisition lawsuit, government investigations and shareholder lawsuits of possible improper claims submitted to Medicare and Medicaid.

No definition available.

Name:	cyh_ProfessionalFeesAndOtherRelatedCosts
Namespace Prefix:	cyh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration