Contingencies (Contingencies Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Contingent Value Right, Amount Per Share	$ 1.00
Deductible related to litigation and contingent value right	$ 18
Maximum payment to holders of CVRs	265
Number of contingent value rights outstanding	264,544,053
Contingent value right, percentage multiplier	90.00%
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	169	119
CVR Related Liability at Fair Value [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	42
Pending Litigation [Member] | Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Government settlement and related costs	3
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	127	119
Legal Fees	3	1
Pending Litigation [Member] | CVR Related Liability at Fair Value [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	42
U.S. ex re. Baker vs. Community Health Systems, Inc. [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member] | Litigation Matters Where Negative Outcome Is Reasonably Possible [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of hospitals involved in litigation	3
Department of Justice Investigations of Medicare Short-Stay Admissions from Emergency Departments [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member] | Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Government settlement and related costs	$ 102
Class Action Shareholder Federal Securities Cases [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member] | Litigation Matters For Which An Outcome Cannot Be Assessed [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of legal cases filed	3
Shareholder Derivative Actions [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member] | Litigation Matters For Which An Outcome Cannot Be Assessed [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of legal cases filed	3