Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 47,085	$ 102,167	$ 143,408	$ 201,419
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps	21,139	9,976	36,909	20,512
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	(139)	(527)	1,670	2,140
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components	731	1,140	1,464	2,281
Other comprehensive income (loss)	21,731	10,589	40,043	24,933
Comprehensive income	68,816	112,756	183,451	226,352
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	17,332	18,808	34,481	42,586
Comprehensive income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. shockholders	$ 51,484	$ 93,948	$ 148,970	$ 183,766