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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations, net of taxes	$ 75	$ 53		$ 152
Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	28	17	43	34
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted	47	36	(43)	118
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(5)	(6)	(27)	(9)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted	$ (5)	$ (6)	$ (27)	$ (9)
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	112,598,899	92,866,370	109,617,014	91,939,641
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock awards	267,529	413,785		312,323
Employee stock options	596,766	811,858		759,890
Other equity-based awards	10,975	17,355		13,548
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	113,474,169	94,109,368	109,617,014	93,025,402