Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Numerator:
(Loss) income from continuing operations, net of taxes	$ (78)	$ 98
Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	14	17
(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted	(92)	81
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(20)	(2)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted	$ (20)	$ (2)
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	106,601,997	91,002,615
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock awards	103,368	281,447
Employee stock options	470,133	705,189
Other equity-based awards	5,086	9,742
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	107,180,584	91,998,993