Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 102,167	$ 53,547	$ 201,419	$ 131,872
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps	9,976	(8,969)	20,512	27,477
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	(527)	268	2,140	1,338
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components	1,140	807	2,281	1,579
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,589	(7,894)	24,933	30,394
Comprehensive income	112,756	45,653	226,352	162,266
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	18,808	18,158	42,586	35,159
Comprehensive income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc.	$ 93,948	$ 27,495	$ 183,766	$ 127,107

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