Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 345,803	$ 277,623	$ 348,441
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax of $26,219, $31,154 and $(8,818) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively	46,409	55,145	(15,676)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	3,012	(960)	3,716
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax of $(3,310), $(4,754) and $1,142 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively	(10,252)	(7,737)	2,418
Other comprehensive income (loss)	39,169	46,448	(9,542)
Comprehensive income	384,972	324,071	338,899
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	80,163	75,675	68,458
Comprehensive income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. shockholders	$ 304,809	$ 248,396	$ 270,441