Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 96,323	$ 99,252
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps	15,770	10,536
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	1,809	2,667
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components	733	1,140
Other comprehensive income (loss)	18,312	14,343
Comprehensive income	114,635	113,595
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	17,149	23,778
Comprehensive income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. shockholders	$ 97,486	$ 89,817

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