Contingencies (Contingencies Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Contingent Value Right, Amount Per Share	$ 1.00		$ 1.00
Deductible related to litigation and contingent value right			$ 18
Maximum payment to holders of CVRs	265		265
Number of contingent value rights outstanding			264,544,053
Contingent value right, period payable after final resolution			60 days
Contingent value right, percentage multiplier			90.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent	284		284
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current	42		42
Pending Litigation [Member] | Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Government settlement and related costs			4
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	122		122	119
Legal Fees	9	1	13	1
Pending Litigation [Member] | CVR Related Liability at Fair Value [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	284		284
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		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